Harley-Davidson Brings Bikes Over Baghdad to Warrior Zone Grand Opening

BMX team makes first U.S. base visit after four tours to Iraq and Kuwait

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Aug 24, 2011, 02:38 ET

MILWAUKEE, Aug. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The athletes who make up the Bikes Over Baghdad (BOB) BMX team are used to traveling into war zones to perform on military bases for thousands of U.S. troops. This Friday, the BOB team will travel to Fort Riley in Kansas to entertain troops at the grand opening of the base's Warrior Zone entertainment facility. While it's a shorter trip than they're used to, the team, and its tour sponsor, Harley-Davidson, will deliver the same amount of action, thrill and excitement as when they perform overseas.

Fort Riley is celebrating the grand opening of the 25,000-square-foot Warrior Zone – a facility featuring TVs, computers, Xboxes, PlayStations, pool and poker tables, a full bar, patio, theatre and more – on Friday, August 26. Harley-Davidson is the presenting sponsor of the event, and a major highlight will be two BOB BMX shows at 6:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Friday evening on the base.

The BMX team, made up of Brian Kachinsky, Mykel Larrin, Nate Wessel, Scott Powell, Micah Kranz, Ron Kimler, Dan Norvell, and Kevin Porter, will deliver the unbelievable technical tricks and jumps they perform for audiences worldwide and, for some of them, most recently in the ESPN X Games. The athletes will greet the troops and sign autographs following both shows.

In addition to the BMX shows, Harley-Davidson will host a variety of activities and giveaways throughout the day. The first 100 people to try the H-D Jumpstart motorcycle experience will receive a $25 H-D gift card.

New 2012 H-D models will be on display, and all attendees will be able to enter a sweepstakes for a 2012 H-D Blackline motorcycle, the winner of which will be announced at the end of August. Two hundred lucky guests will also take home a limited edition Captain America movie poster. Harley-Davidson designed and manufactured five replica 1942 WLA Army motorcycles for the film.

About Bikes Over Baghdad

Following four successful tours to Iraq and Kuwait, BOB has quickly become the most in-demand entertainment for U.S. troops stationed in the Middle East. Military men and women get a temporary escape and enjoyment, and the athletes are able to show their gratitude for those serving our country.

"I traveled to Iraq with this team of athletes last winter, and it's humbling to see how much of an impact these shows and these tours have on both the troops and the athletes," said Mike McCann, director of core customer and military marketing for Harley-Davidson. "Harley-Davidson is proud to be able to help bring this team to a group of our country's finest here in the U.S. at Fort Riley."

Harley-Davidson has a long and rich history of supporting the U.S. military, and its sponsorship of BOB is an example of the Company finding new and unique ways to lend support and gratitude to the troops.

For more information about Harley-Davidson's commitment to, and long-standing relationship with, the U.S. Military, please visit www.harley-davidson.com/military.

About Harley-Davidson Motor Company

Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight custom, cruiser and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, riding gear and apparel, and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson's website at www.harley-davidson.com.

SOURCE Harley-Davidson Motor Company