Bicycle Stunt Team Pedals Anti-Drug Message to Students

Look, mom, no hands.

No feet, either.

And 20 feet in the air.

As Dave Voelker hurtles through space, his bicycle follows him, inches below.

He lands on the concrete, hands now firmly gripping the handlebars, feet on the pedals. He raises his hand in victory, a sheepish smile glowing under his motorcycle helmet.

About 500 Los Altos Intermediate School students cheer wildly. This is one cool assembly.

Voelker, 29, is one of three freestyle riders on the GT Bicycles Air Show team who performed at the Camarillo school Wednesday. Decked out in protective gear, they took off on 6-foot ramps and 12-foot ramps. High in the air, they did back flips, spins and gyrations.

The three are among the best. Ruben Castillo, 23, is master of the flatland--an event involving dance-like routines on the bike--having just snatched first place in an ESPN-sponsored competition. Kevin Gutierrez, 26, and Voelker excel on the ramps. The team has performed at major sporting events nationwide, including NFL games and the NBA finals, and has traveled to England, Germany, Switzerland and Brazil.

“We try to tell kids to stay out of drugs and alcohol,” Gutierrez said. The show gives kids an idea of how far they can go if they focus on an activity, he said.

Language arts teacher Rochelle DeMassebeau agreed.

“It’s a great anti-drug message that these kids promote,” she said.

And don’t try this at home. These guys are pros who have been doing this for years, said Robert Castillo, Ruben Castillo’s older brother and the event’s emcee.

“We emphasize safety and tell kids to wear helmets,” he said.

The stunts go on.

Gutierrez lies on the ground. Next to him: his bike, Castillo’s bike, seventh-grader Joe Anaforian and Castillo--in that order.

Voelker rides toward them at full speed. Just before hitting Gutierrez, he yanks on the handlebars and flies over the 12-foot span, landing on the far side of Castillo.

Joe said he opened his eyes just when Voelker was overhead.

“It’s not really scary,” he said.

Sure, Joe.