Bike rodeo returns; organizers seek donations
Moses Lake’s Bike Rodeo is returning this year, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Sept. 25, at Paul Lauzier Athletic Complex, 933 Central Drive, and organizers are looking for bicycle donations and volunteers.
The 2021 rodeo will feature an obstacle course with signaling lessons, “Race against Time” and “Newspaper Delivery” competitions by age groups, bicycle decorating, bicycle crafts, bicycle safety presentations, flat tire and other repairs, bicycle registration, a bicycle parade and giveaways of helmets, bookmarks, trail maps, posters and, of course, bicycles.
Training wheels, tricycles and scooters are all welcome to take part in the festivities, said Moses Lake Trails Planning Team chair Louis Logan.
Bike rodeos have occurred sporadically through the years in Moses Lake, put on by a number of organizations, such as Safe Kids Grant County Coalition, the Moses Lake School District and others. This will be the third rodeo put on by the Kiwanis Club of Moses Lake and the Moses Lake Trails Planning Team. This year, the Moses Lake Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department also took part in organization and sponsorship.
The Bike Rodeo was canceled last year, Logan said, but bicycles were still donated to the Moses Lake Police Department for children in need.
In the winter months, when business is slow, The Bicycle Shop at 516 W. Broadway Ave. in Moses Lake is able to accept used bicycles to repair and donate to the Bike Rodeo to be given away. Because the rodeo is next month, Logan will accept the used bicycles in the meantime for the rodeo — even if minor repairs are needed.
The Bike Rodeo also needs about 20 volunteers to run the welcome and craft tables, read bicycle stories, decorate bicycles, repair bicycles and run miscellaneous activities.
“Come to the Bike Rodeo for fun, cycling skill-building and whatever you need to cycle,” Logan wrote in an email.
If able to volunteer time or donate a bicycle to the rodeo, call 509-765-7305 or email louflowa@gmail.com by Aug. 31.
