5th Annual Bicycle Rodeo Returns to Edgewood Town Hall Oct. 3

EDGEWOOD, N.M. — What began five years ago as a community effort to help local children heal from tragedy will return to the East Mountains next month, trading stirrups and horses for handlebars and two wheels.

The Edgewood Lions Club, in partnership with the Edgewood Police Department and Boy Scout Troop 640, will host the 5th Annual Bicycle Rodeo on Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Edgewood Town Hall parking lot.

The free community event, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 171A State Highway 344, offers youngsters ages 3 to 18 a day of Western-style competition designed to teach bike safety, sportsmanship and leadership.

Event Chairman Debbie Bryan founded the rodeo after local youth were impacted by tragedy half a decade ago. Looking for ways to bring area children together outdoors, Bryan researched cycling events and discovered a program organized by a Lions Club in Arizona.

“The club decided we needed to get the kids out in the fresh air, playing and having fun,” Bryan said. “I contacted the Tucson Lions and they hold a big bike ride. Well, that wouldn’t work in Edgewood. So I started thinking rodeo — pole bending, barrel racing, and so on. When I took my idea back to the Edgewood Lions, they said, ‘Let’s give it a try.'”

The Town of Edgewood approved the use of the municipal lot, and the Edgewood Police Department stepped up immediately to help direct and run the obstacle and safety courses.

The competition is open to youth across the East Mountains, Torrance County and Estancia Valley. Participants must provide their own bicycles.

Riders will compete across age brackets, with the top performer in each division winning a new bicycle. Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in every group, and all participating riders will receive a gift bag.

Alongside the races, the Edgewood Police Department will provide bicycle safety clinics. Minor bike tune-ups and mechanical repairs will be available courtesy of the Sandia Mountain Lions Club and the New Braunfels, Texas, Lions Club, with riders from Duke City BMX on site to assist throughout the day.

Corporate sponsors EPCOR Water, Rich Ford and Tillery Chevrolet GMC provide foundational support, including bike donations for division winners.

Organizers will also conduct an annual raffle during the event, with all proceeds earmarked for youth outreach programs across Torrance County and the East Mountain area.

“This is a free event for the kids,” Bryan said. “This event helps teach sportsmanship, fellowship, friendship and leadership, but fun is still the main thing.”

Registration forms and additional information are available by contacting Bryan at 505-922-5782 or via email at Debryannm4@gmail.com.