Harley Heads to Iraq for Bikes Over Baghdad 4
Photo courtesy of Harley Davidson’s Facebook Page
Harley Davidson is a proud supporter of the United States military, and the Harley Bikes Over Baghdad (or BOB) program is one of the most prominent and visible ways that the company interacts with members of the military.
Going on four years in a row now, the company has helped to sponsor a special event in which professional action sports athletes from the United States spend a few days in Iraq visiting troops stationed in the area. The days are full of exciting athletic demonstrations, interaction, and many other activities to provide the stationed troops with a bit of relaxation and entertainment. The event also serves to give troops a continued connection to home.
Bikes Over Baghdad Overview
Bikes Over Baghdad takes a team of professional BMX riders to various military stations in Iraq and Kuwait. These BMX professionals perform a stunt show and engage in interactive activities with the troops. This year, the program takes place June 7 through June 19 and will visit several different military bases throughout Iraq and Kuwait.
Members of the BMX team, including professional riders Chady Kagy, Jeremiah Smith, Mike “Rooftop” Escamilla, Anthony Napolitan, Drew Bezanson, Zack Yankush, Mykel Larrin, Ron Kimler and Nate Wessel, will be accompanied by a full team of announcers, ramp builders and assistants.
Specific Activities
There are a huge number of different activities packed into each Bikes Over Baghdad trip. The most prominent of these activities is the stunt demonstration and BMX show. There are also interactive activities with each of the athletes. These include visits with troops and interactive time one on one with the athletes. The ramp builders invite troops to help them prepare the area for the demonstration, and troops can get involved in other unique ways as well.
The Harley Davidson Connection
Harley Davidson got involved in the Bikes Over Baghdad program for the first time in 2010, for BOB3. Due to the fact that word of the program spread throughout the military stations in the Middle East quickly, the demand for this program is at height. Harley Davidson has committed to supporting the program at various military bases, and it will also sponsor a version of the program at home in the United States. Called Bikes Over Baghdad Stateside, this replica of the original show will feature the same BMX team in Chicago and Milwaukee throughout the month of August.
Members of the Harley Davidson team will also attend the program in Iraq, helping to provide a connection to Harley Davidson directly to the troops. The excitement and inspiration that the program brings about goes both ways, as members of the BMX team and the Harley Davidson group leave each event feeling honored to be among the troops and to be able to help provide entertainment and much needed morale boosts to those stationed abroad during times of war.
