Bike-A-Palooza, Long Version

Last Saturday I was at Monk’s early for set up. It was already hot and the air was thick. Slight movements produced sweat.

Set up began with hanging banners. Joel swept the concrete while tables and chairs were assembled. At approximately noon the stage showed up. It was time for a shower.

I zipped home, showered, changed clothes, and was back down to Monk’s in time to move the give-away bikes out and prepare for the bike parade. I guess I should mention I made my way back to Monk’s riding the chariot pulling bike and did pull the chariot. It pulled like a plow.

Kids and adults started rolling in. The cops showed up, not for arresting, but for escorting us for the parade. At about 2:05 PM we rolled the parade.

Once back we started right in with the kid’s games. I took an old wheel and put a pretty good weight on one (1) side. Kids rolled the wheel toward a target. The closest one (1) won the contest.

The second (2nd) game up was the ride the plank contest. I took a sixteen (16) foot 2 x 6 (actual dimensions 1 ½” x 5 ½”) put it flat side down, marked out the foot intervals, and had the kids ride it to see who could ride it the farthest before plummeting the 1 ½ inches to the ground.

We completed the kid’s events with the ever popular slalom race. Many entered, few won. The kid’s events were topped off by giving away certificates of participation and sparklers.

In the midst of all this the first band, Wanderlust, had fired up and was playing. Kids who were nominated by the Volunteers of America came randomly to get their new bikes. The bikes were bought from all four (4) local bike shops. Thanks to Prairie Cycles, Harlan’s Bike and Tour, Spoke-n-Sport, and Two Wheeler Dealer for selling these bikes at their cost. In addition to bikes with pedals, Strider Sports of Rapid City donated two Striders and sold two more at cost. The kids left with quality rides and not the crap that can be found at the Big Box stores. It’s pretty amazing to see a kid’s face grin bigger than a person might think possible or see a kid so happy the kid cried.

Once the kid’s games were complete we had an intermission. Beers were consumed and calories taken in.

Late afternoon we fired up the adult games. With the plethora of BMX types in attendance we started with a bunny hop competition. My PVC rack went to three (3) feet high. This was not going to be enough. We place the racks on milk crates. I didn’t get the final measurement but it was closer to four (4) feet than three (3).

The hopping was followed by riding the skinnier plank. This time a 2 x 4 put down flat. The 3 ½ inch wide board proved to be a challenge for some. Those making it a full length roll moved to the money round. In addition to length we added a premium on how slowly you could roll the plank.

A storm was fast approaching. We opted for a foot down contest (derby) next. After careful instructions we practiced. After the “game on” call, we needed to stop and explain more. Geesh. “Game on” again and this time for keeps.

No sooner had we finished with the derby when the rain started. It started slowly but picked up fast. The winds blew at nearly sixty miles per hour (60 MPH) and we received two (2) inches of rain in about forty-five (45) minutes. Most all went inside for beverages while others tried to keep stuff from blowing away.

While inside we gave away the New Belgium Brewing donated cruiser bike. Many tickets were sold. The crowd did not thin. The rain finally stopped. I gave the “ten minutes to bike joust” call and cheers erupted. The main event was to start.

The joust was similar to last year. We made participants were protection, and I’m not talking condoms here, and ride designed BMX sized bikes. The lances were ten (10) foot long lengths of three (3) inch diameter PVC with a boxing glove on the end. The tournament consisted of the best two (2) out of three (3) jousts and single elimination. The tournament moved along pretty well as the sun went down.

Immediately after the joust the chariot race began. I had my rig there and only one (1) other dared the event. We rode freely over the area banging bikes, chariots, and (non lethal) weapons. I had the fast rig. I maneuvered my chariot and rider for hit and run tactics. The competitor moved a bit too far onto the gravel, capsized, and damaged the chariot beyond repair. I was victorious!

Despite the hot, humid weather and the storm, we had a very good turnout. We didn’t have as many kids attend as last year but I’m pretty sure we had more adults. A great time was had and I am not aware of any serious injuries. The pictures from this event can be seen HERE.

That’s the long(er) version of what went down. I’m sure there are a few inaccuracies but not anything that misrepresented “the facts.” The pictures might tell a better story. See and judge for yourself.

Next up, bike camping this coming Saturday and Sunday. A seventy (70) mile roll on what’s supposed to be a quite windy day. Oh boy.

Ride On.