Fifth Annual Edgewood Bicycle Rodeo Brings Western Action, Safety Skills to Town Hall

EDGEWOOD — Trading saddles and stirrups for handlebars and two wheels, the Edgewood Lions Club will bring its signature youth event back to town next month for a milestone fifth anniversary.

The 5th Annual Bicycle Rodeo is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Edgewood Town Hall parking lot, located at 171A State Highway 344.

Presented in partnership with the Edgewood Police Department and Boy Scout Troop 640, the free community gathering invites youth ages 3 to 18 from across the East Mountains, Torrance County, and the Estancia Valley for a full day of friendly competition, skills development, and outdoor fellowship.

Event chairman Debbie Bryan founded the rodeo half a decade ago as a constructive way to help local youngsters heal in the wake of a community tragedy. Looking for positive outdoor activities that could bring families together, Bryan researched cycling programs and drew inspiration from an annual bike ride organized by a Lions Club in Tucson, Arizona.

Recognizing that a standard road ride was ill-suited for rural terrain, Bryan adapted the concept to match the region’s heritage.

“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 quickly granted use of the municipal lot, and the Edgewood Police Department stepped in to help design and oversee the safety and obstacle courses.

Competitors will race within age brackets through courses inspired by traditional Western rodeo events. The top finisher in each division will win a brand-new bicycle, and gold, silver, and bronze medals will be awarded to the top three riders in every class. Every participating child will take home a gift bag.

Participants must supply their own bicycles.

Beyond the races, the Edgewood Police Department will conduct on-site bicycle safety clinics. Courtesy tune-ups and minor mechanical adjustments will be provided through a joint effort by the Sandia Mountain Lions Club and the New Braunfels, Texas, Lions Club, with riders from Duke City BMX lending hands-on support throughout the day.

Foundational backing and division-winner bicycles are provided by corporate sponsors EPCOR Water, Rich Ford, and Tillery Chevrolet GMC.

Organizers will also host their annual raffle during the rodeo, with all proceeds dedicated directly to youth outreach programs serving Torrance County and the East Mountain corridor.

“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 further details are available by contacting Bryan at 505-922-5782 or by email at Debryannm4@gmail.com.