Grace UMC hosts first-ever bicycle event for kids and families
Directions are delivered to the bike rodeo participants at Grace UMC in Piedmont. Photos from Grace UMC's Facebook page.
PIEDMONT, S.D. – It was nothing but friendly competition and fun on wheels in Piedmont Sunday afternoon, as kids strolled through the church parking lot on two wheels. The Grace United Methodist Church held its first-ever bike rodeo for kids and families in the community.
Bike rodeos are fun clinics where kids can learn proper riding instruction and skills to keep safe while riding by themselves or with friends.
After a lunch for everyone in attendance, kids got on their bikes and enjoyed a variety of activities, including an off-road obstacle course.
"We did some research and found some different games and skill events that we thought we could put on here at the church,” Grace United Methodist Church Pastor John Britt said. “And found some volunteers to help do the different events. Just pulled it together, did some setup yesterday and some early this morning. And here we are with a really great crowd and lots of kids and families here.”
Bikers navigating the course at Grace UMC.
This event proved both fun and educational for kids and their families in attendance. Once the activities wrapped up, everyone was treated to a performance by the Black Hills Unicycle Club. Wheelies, hops and other tricks were demonstrated to the delight of the crowd.
After the promising turnout that showed up Sunday, Pastor John is hopeful to host another event next year and is looking for more sponsors to help out.
According to Pastor John, the event was chosen based on the season and timing. With school back in session, and the weather becoming colder, the window for kids to enjoy riding their bikes in pleasant weather is shrinking.
Sunday’s warm weather only added to the fun had by all.
“It was an event that kind of ties in to the start of school,” Pastor John said. “Kids ride their bikes to school and fall is the end of that time of the year for those kind of activities. So, it seemed to fit.”
