"Never forget this': Motocross star Ricky Carmichael wows White House
· Yahoo Sports
"Honored, Humbled and Thankful."
That's how Tallahassee resident and motocross legend Ricky Carmichael described his appearance Saturday, June 14, at the UFC Freedom 250 weekend celebrating America’s 250th anniversary and President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday.
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Carmichael joined five other motocross stars on the South Lawn of the White House as the group performed high-altitude, daring freestyle tricks off launch and landing ramps.
"Nitro Circus" star Travis Pastrana recently extended the invitation to Carmichael, who quickly accepted the invitation and shared his excitement and patriotism on social media.
"Thankful to Travis for a once in a lifetime phone call and opportunity to jump my motorcycle on the lawn of the White House," Carmichael posted on his Facebook page late Saturday night, June 14.
"Also, to the whole crew at Nitro Circus. Humbled to have the opportunity to honor our country and 250 Years of Freedom. Never in my lifetime would I have thought I would have had this kind of opportunity from riding a dirt bike. What a hell of experience that will most likely never happen again.
"To the rest of the legends, The King, Twitch, The General, and Keith, thanks for making it so much fun as well gents, it was great to experience this with you guys as well. To all the opps crew, hell of a job!! What I experienced today was something that will live with me until I leave this earth and I will never ever forget this."
Ricky Carmichael lands motocross stunts at White House
The group landed a combined total of 18 jumps across the 10-minute event. Carmichael and the riders hit the launch ramps at precise speeds — typically between 30 to 40 miles per hour.
The team used specialized steel ramps that were wheeled into position on the South Lawn. Instead of landing on dirt or the grass, the riders landed on massive, heavy-duty freestyle airbag landing ramps that also protected the grounds.
Carmichael stressed the event was not about politics but about patriotism and celebrating living in a country that allowed them the freedom to do what they loved and make a living.
“I think the biggest thing is what this thing is about and celebrating 250 years of freedom and celebrating the United States," Carmichael told racexonline.com.
"If you’ve followed my career, I have always been a massive supporter of this country and racing for this country. I have a ton of pride in it. That was a big reason as well, a lot of pride and honor to be here. I think that’s the same sentiment everyone else has, I would assume. And then of course all of the other great legends here. It just makes it so special as well. So, it's hard to believe. I know it's going to hit harder, if I live 20 more years, hopefully I will, to see these pictures and what took place, it's something that will be very, very special down the road as well.”
Carmichael, 46, was born in Havana, outside of Tallahassee, and resides in Tallahassee.
Jim Henry is Tallahassee Democrat sports editor. Email him at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: See the motorcycle stunts before White House UFC fight