Christian and his brother Zachary came up with the idea for Bikes Over Baghdad after traveling numerous times to Iraq with their band, Catchpenny, who were named “Armed Forces Entertainers of the Year” for their work overseas. A Marketer, entrepreneur, and musician, Christian added “Adult daycare specialist” to his resume after guiding this team of BMX riders through a war zone time and time again.
Arguably the most well known ramp builder the world has ever seen and father of 2, Nate was first a professional BMX rider and even appeared as a video game character in Matt Hoffman’s BMX. Known for his long dreadlocks and never ending work ethic, Nate worked with Christian early on to make this tour a reality.
As Rooftop put it, “Chad is probably one of the best bike riders the planet has ever seen.” A legend that still competes and still wins, his resume reads like a novel. Unassuming, and down to earth, a troop once asked Chad if he was “THE” Chad Kagy, because he simply couldn’t believe he was meeting him.
Ron Kimler was once a camp counselor for many of the guys he now rides with. Endless energy, and a quiet confidence make Ron a vital part of the Bikes Over Baghdad team. This warrior and father of 3 will build all day and night, take an IV and then ride with the best of them a few hours later.
Quite possibly one of the brightest, most colorful, and tattoo covered humans to ever hold a microphone, Catfish served as the voice of Bikes Over Baghdad for several tours. Team manager, announcer, conspiracy theorist, and now television star, Catfish can hold a crowd with the very best of them.
Son of a Colonel, and college graduate, BK, as he’s known is one of the most respected street riders in the world. With a signature shoe and bike frame, BK’s influencing an entirely new generation of riders. The world is his playground and he wears countless scars across his elbows and knees like war medals.
The consummate prankster, and now known better for his roles on LA Ink, Paul Blart: Mall Cop, and Strangers in Danger, Rooftop is actually an amazingly skilled rider who got his start in BMX. Always a crowd favorite, Rooftop continues to push the envelope as a rider and stuntman.
Except for the times he was fighting back the morning’s lunch on a C-130 ride, Micah was the voice of several Bikes Over Baghdad tours. Larger than life, and even sweatier than that, Micah kept the crowd entertained and laughing show after show. When he’s home, he’s the proprietor of Division BMX, traveling North America with his brand of BMX stunt shows.
Jeremiah’s red mane often led people to confuse him with one Shaun White. But Shaun can’t hold a candle to Jeremiah when it comes to BMX. Jeremiah, always the technician, consistently led the way with his hard-charging style and endless energy. Until, that is, he broke his foot…
Voted by his peers as Ramp Rider of the Year, Drew is nothing short of a prodigy. Endless energy and even more creativity, Drew left the crowd’s jaws dropped night after night.
Though he was one of the younger guys on the tour, Mykel more than held his own against the All-Star Bikes Over Baghdad cast. Always a high-flyer, and always wearing a huge smile, Mykel often took the show to new heights with huge airs, technical variations and tight pants.
While most at home on dirt jumps, Anthony is no stranger to ramps, landing the first ever double front flip in competition. A repeat X Games competitor and Red Bull team rider, Anthony always lights it up whether on course and off.
One of the best flat landers in the world, Scott added an entirely different element to the Bikes Over Baghdad shows. His flexibility also allow shows to be performed when ramps couldn’t be built. Back home, Scott owns Chenga skateparks and is a great ambassador for the sport.
Keith is the editor of Transworld BMX, team photographer and all around encyclopedia of BMX information. Responsible for so many of the beautiful pictures gathered from the Bikes Over Baghdad tours, Keith was a huge part of the tours, even though he was behind the lens and not in front.
