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“Bikes over Baghdad” rolls through Southwest Asia

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Eric Summers Jr.
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Crowds clapped and cheered as extreme sports stars flew from ramps and performed mid-air stunts during "Bikes over Baghdad," Sept. 24-25, at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.

For more than an hour at each performance eight of the best bicycle motocross or BMX athletes in the world amazed deployed servicemembers of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing and partner units by performing various stunts -- to include back flips, ice picks and 720s.

"I think it was pretty good -- it takes a lot of talent to do what they do," said Army Spc. Michael Faulkner, Charlie Company 2-43 Air Defense Artillery Battalion. The San Diego, Calif., native, deployed from Fort Bliss, Texas, said he came out to relax and wind down. "It's nice to get away from work and see something different.

The crowd even got a chance to be part of the show when eight volunteers were asked to lie on the ground as a cyclist "bunny-hopped" over them. The "bunny hop" is a bicycle trick that allows a rider to launch their bike into the air as if jumping off a ramp. The pedals on the bicycle seem to stick to the rider's feet as the bike becomes airborne.

"It was a little bit scary, but I trust that these guys know what they're doing," said Airman 1st Class Amber Biscotti, 379th Civil Engineer Squadron civil engineer escort, deployed from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., and volunteer for the trick.

The Visalia, Calif., native said the best part of the show was watching her best friend risk her life as Mykel Larrin, professional BMX performer, did a back flip over her head on a box-jump.

"It felt amazing, a little scary, but amazing," said Airman 1st Class Christy Mote, 379th Civil Engineer Squadron civil engineer escort, also deployed from Seymour Johnson AFB. "I was thinking, I really hope he doesn't hit me -- it felt like my life was flashing before my eyes, but I knew he was a professional and he was really chill so I trusted him. "

After the show the performers met with audience members, signed autographs and had their pictures taken.

"The best part is just meeting the troops and talking to them after the show," said Mike 'Rooftop' Escamilla, professional BMX performer. "Originally when we started it sounded like such a wild opportunity, but once I did it, it meant more to me than anything I've ever been a part of."

"It's awesome that they could take their time to come out here where it's like 1 million degrees so we can see them," said Biscotti.

Escamilla has performed at more than 10 bases across the Area of Responsibility.

"We're here for you guys, to get your mind to stop being focused on where you're at and make you happy," said Jeremiah Smith, professional BMX performer. "When there is a crowd and people are cheering we will ride till we literally can't ride anymore."

"I look at you guys as warriors and its cool to relate to you guys and have you relate back to us," Escamilla added.