text: There are also events based on messenger racing, such as Mixpression, which has been held nine times in Tokyo. Trick demonstrations have been held since the late 1800s in the U.S. and Europe; while they continued into a competitive form in Europe (artistic cycling), subsequent to the recent widespread popularity of fixed gear bikes, trick competitions have expanded to the U.S. and Asia. European competitions include solo and team balletic movements on a controlled, flat surface; US and Asian competitions often include "park" and "flatland" styles and venues, a la BMX. Other competitions include games of "foot down" and bike polo.
  In 2006, Adventures for the Cure made a documentary film about riding across the United States on fixed gears; they repeated this feat as a 4-man team at the 2008 Race Across America.
  Fixed-gear riders sharing the specific philosophy are also seen at the Single Speed World Championships.
  Maintenance and upkeep
  Maintaining a fixed gear is relatively easy because it has fewer parts than a geared bicycle. The sprocket should be checked regularly to make sure there is no damage to any teeth and that no object is grinding it as it turns with the rear wheel. The chainring should be checked similarly for any damage.