St Peters MO

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Bike Safety Rodeo, St. Peters, MO

		At the Derby, parents were helped to establish these safe patterns of behavior by making sure that children age 15 and under understood what is involved in riding safely in the community. Rick Oloteo, St. Peters director of Recreation and Ranger Division Operations, was quoted as saying "The annual bike Derby is a day where youth learn their limitations." If you missed it this year, we'll see you next September. (All of the photos below may be enlarged by clicking on the image for a larger view.)
If there can be motorcycle hawgs, why can't there be bicycle hawgs too? Lots of eager young ones would have LOVED to ride this one.	This little female rider, complete with long golden curls, was quite an outstanding rider. Here she is, poised and ready to go at the starting line.	Here's our young lady friend flying high and leaving all the guys eating her dust. Who says blondes don't have more fun? Start 'em young, I say! It ain't just a boys sport anymore.	Two year old BMX "rider in training." (Includes cookie!)	Arriving at the end of the race track without scrape, injury or damage to yourself or your bike was the goal of every rider.
Miss Hicks was just one of several young ladies at the bike Derby who regularly race at competitions AND it's not at all unusual to see her beating the guys!	Hosing down the track with water regularly is needed to not only keep down the dust, but keep the track safer for the riders.	Everybody had fun at Saturday's Derby, but not everyone chose to race on bikes. These youngsters preferred to see how many of them they could fit on a seesaw.	City of St. Peters, Director of Recreation, Rick Oloteo makes sure every bike has a proper safety inspection before riders are allowed to be on the track.	Michael Hicks was without doubt the youngest rider at this event. He turned 4 years old in April of 2004. The youngest of 5 children, all of whom compete, he's had several great examples to learn the art & sport of BMX riding from. He is so good, he leaves much older riders in the dust --- LITERALLY!
At this bike Derby, riders learn that pedestrians have rights too. Safety is an all-inclusive part of their exposure.	Pointers from dad.	Not all families will take the leap into bicycle racing as the Hicks family from Fenton, Missouri has. But they regularly attend bike Derbies as a family, with all five of their children ages 4 to 13, consisting of 2 boys and 3 girls. BMX bicycle events such as the St. Peters annual Derby promotes wholesome family togetherness and works to unite families of all types.	On your mark --- Get set --- GO!
Break time between heats.	Riding high.		There's always going to be a few spills here and there. It's part of the focus of the Derby to "learn your limitations." Thankfully, this rider had nothing more than a few aches and pains to show for his tumble, along with a bruised ego.	Everybody's got to eat, including riders and their families. Our friends from the Order of the Squirrels are there to show their support and also raise a few funds for their own local charity projects. (Food's pretty good too! We HIGHLY recommend them.)
And they're off!	Waiting your turn at the starting line to go can be the most difficult part on the track.	Sometimes the helmets can be more intimidating than the riders!