by Curtis D. Tucker
Posted: 03/14/16
-
G- Force Riders - Garcia Motorcycle Troupe - Globe of Death
-
Carden International Circus presents the Super Spectacular Circus coming to Enid, OK, Wednesday, April 6, for two performances, one day only. Along with all of the other amazing acts there will be a troupe of daredevils! I was able to speak with the leader of this dare devil group on the phone and here's what you can expect.
-
The Garcia G-Force Riders is the first globe troupe comprised of two men and two women, troupe leader Saturn Garcia, his wife Kelsie Garcia, Daniel Rodriguez, and newest member Daniela Prieto.
-
The four riders zoom around performing complicated configurations using only hand signals and a whistle to cue each other to change patterns. The riders must be completely in tune with the others’ movements and energy in order to successfully demonstrate this death-defying act.
-
Saturn, his real name by the way, gave me an interview and answered some questions about the show. Saturn is a sixth generation circus performer and started his career at the ripe old age of four. He grew up on the road traveling with the circus and was home schooled along the way.
-
The Garcia family now travels 10 to 11 months out of the year. They love motorcycle riding and spend free time riding the trails. In a bit of irony, Saturn told me that he never competed in Motocross because it was too dangerous.
-
Inside the Globe of Death, the riders travel between 45 and 55 mph. Saturn is the leader and each rider relies on his signals to keep everyone safe. So far they've never had any major injuries but they have had a few hiccups due to the fact that it is a live show.
-
Saturn is the daredevil that takes on the Space Wheel. At its peak, the wheel is 35 feet off the ground. Saturn uses his movement to spin the entire wheel and performs stunts as it glides through the air. Saturn performs this stunt alone and says the force of the spinning causes him to be weightless.
-
Many people will be looking forward to the human cannonball stunt where Saturn is launched 55 feet off the ground to a waiting net 130 feet across the venue. Saturn first attempted the stunt at age 12 after bugging his father to let him try. His first shot only launched him 20 feet but it was enough to get him hooked.
-
This is one show you'll want to see and you are warned to expect the unexpected! Saturn explained that fear is an illusion and he chooses not to fear the stunt but rather the danger. Due to the physical and mental training they do the Garcia's are able to conquer their fears.
-
Tickets
-
Shows start at 5pm and 7:30pm. Tickets range from $19 – $35 and can be purchased at EnidEventCenter.com, by calling 855.TIX.ENID or at the 2nd floor of Convention Hall.
-
Saturn Garcia
-
Saturn Garcia is a sixth generation circus performer following in the footsteps of his own father, a globe rider himself. While Saturn considers Dallas home, he grew up traveling across the nation performing for the last 18 years.
-
Saturn honed additional trade skills including the Wheel of Death, a double sided “hamster wheel,” propelled only by the strength of the performers as they flip, jump, and perform feats of bravery on the twirling and spinning apparatus. Additionally, Saturn performs as the human cannonball launching from the circus cannon across the three rings with grace and ease landing only on a net or airbag.
-
Kelsie Garcia
-
Kelsie and Saturn met touring seven years ago and have been at each other’s side ever since. Kelsie, a multi-generational circus performer as well, grew up on the road watching her father perform as an acclaimed contortionist. She’s been traveling with the circus her whole life and enjoys visiting cities across the country.
-
Kelsie is a proficient aerialist on silks, lyra, and single trapeze performing with a polished elegance. Another amazing talent is her ability to Hula Hoop up to 50 hoops with ease while seemingly barely moving to keep the hoops orbiting her body.
-
Daniel Rodriguez
-
Daniel always loved the circus and wanted to follow his parents in to the life. His family ranged from the dangers of animal training to the hilarity of the clowns. Daniel comes by his wit naturally and enjoys making people laugh. But like his family, he’s very serious when it comes to riding in the globe and the risks it presents. Daniel is third generation performer, but the first in his family to ride.
-
Daniela Prieto
-
The newest member of the troupe, Daniela Prieto is not only troupe leader’s Saturn Garcia’s niece, but she too is a 7th generation performer. Little Daniela started out young as a clown alongside her uncle and continues entertaining at his side as the fourth Garcia G-Force rider. You will also find her high above the ring performing on the lyra and Spanish web.
-
-
-
