LAKEHURST – Last summer, the annual Lakehurst Bicycle Rodeo did not come to Lake Horicon due to pandemic-related restrictions. It was a breaking of tradition for Detective Madelyn Waltz and Lt. Iain James.
One year ago, Waltz missed out on what she enjoys most about the Bicycle Rodeo: talking to the children and seeing smiles on their faces. Which, according to Waltz, “makes the sweat all worth it.”
Despite an overcast weather forecast, the sun shined over the Bicycle Rodeo and blue waters of Lake Horicon.
James said they hoped to see a large turnout at this year’s event.
“We did what we could,” James said. According to Waltz, local donors supplied four bicycles to be raffled off to attendees, and the Lakehurst Police Department purchased six more to bring their total up to ten bicycles. Two bicycles would be raffled to each age group.
Wawa donated refreshments and the Dollar General donated toys. All attendees were welcome to enjoy free drinks and food under the early summer sun.
“It’s good for the community,” Kristin Butts, a Lakehurst resident, said. Butts brought her four children to the event. “They’re very excited.”
This year’s event was Butts’ second time attending the Bicycle Rodeo with her family. Two of her children won the races in their age groups and one of her children won a bicycle at a previous year’s event.
The event, according to Councilman Brian DiMeo, is “an opportunity for the kids to get out.” DiMeo is the head of Lakehurst Youth and Recreation, the co-hosts of the Bicycle Rodeo alongside the Lakehurst Police Department.
“It’s special to me because it’s community driven,” said Michele DiMeo, a committee member of Lakehurst Youth and Recreation.
In addition to enjoying and practicing safety on bicycles and enjoying refreshments and toys, attendees may also develop connections or become familiar with the Lakehurst Police Department. They may, according to James, recognize members of the police department and say “hi” after attending the Bicycle Rodeo.
Before attendees – who are aged pre-k to grade eight – participate in races within their age groups, they park their bicycles under a tent for a safety inspection. By going through a checklist of safety measures that ensures the entire bicycle is safe, tires are inspected and supplied air if they are too low, and brakes are examined. The inspectors will even notify parents if their child’s bicycle is too large or small for their child. Helmets, which are required to be worn by all riders, are also evaluated for fit.
Following safety inspections, riders participate in an agility course. As James explained, riders will demonstrate at multiple stations their ability to maneuver their bicycles. For example, they will ride in a straight line, turn in tight areas, and use or learn how to use turn signals.
Afterwards, riders will race one another within their age groups. Winners are awarded medals.
The return of the annual Bicycle Rodeo indicates that summer has officially begun. The community of Lakehurst is already making up for lost time.
