AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar --
Under the canopy of Memorial Plaza, professional BMX riders with Bikes Over Baghdad performed aerial maneuvers for base personnel April 20.
For at least one hour of their day more than 300 service members and civilians at Al Udeid AB were able to enjoy the experience with friends and witness a showcase of high jumps and tricks.
“We just want to bring a little bit of home to them,” said Mike “Rooftop” Escamilla, a BMX rider with Bikes Over Baghdad. “We want them to forget where they are at and want them to enjoy the show.”
Throughout the showcase, the team displayed their signature moves, starting off with simple maneuvers and building to complex moves. Half way through the showcase, Bikes Over Baghdad executed tricks that involved audience participation.
“You can tell by watching them, they enjoy every second of it,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kara Greene, chief of wing plans and programs with the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing. “Being selected for the demonstration allowed me the opportunity to view their skills first hand and realize what true professionals they are. It was a great experience,”
After the showcase was done, all riders from Bikes Over Baghdad stayed around as long as needed to make certain that everyone received a hand shake, got a signed autograph and had the chance to talk to the team.
“I feel honored and lucky to be picked for this opportunity. It is an amazing thing to do,” said Mike Parenti, a BMX rider with Bikes Over Baghdad.