comfortable with what they could do on a bike ,” said Tucker . “ From there we started doing regular rides once a month .”
4-H is synonymous with animal showing during the county fair . The concept behind the bicycle rodeo focuses on bringing bicycling into the county fair universe . “ We wanted to bring the rodeo , bicycling , into the fair as a ‘ show ’ group . So instead of showing cattle or pigs , we ’ re showing bikes and skills ,” said Tucker .
Skills have included short-distance racing , but future programs could include the fastest flat tire replacement or quickest chain changeout .
Judges for the event make an effort to mirror judging for traditional 4-H animal programs .
“ We want the judging to be similar to other 4-H projects so the organization can use it like other contests ,” said Tucker .
4-H participants receive points for their involvement in various competitions during the fair and now entrants into the bicycle rodeo can receive points as well .
“ The points will be important in helping encourage additional participation in this event ,” he said .
The 2023 bicycle rodeo was modest with short-notice information shared with participants and judges . In addition , it was held during the animal judging competition during the day . The 2024 effort promises to be a larger event with advance publicity and an effort to include new participants from outside the current 4-H group . The event location on the fairgrounds is near the music stage .
“ Our plan is to grow the bike club . I got involved with a robotics competition in Bentonville and I found out there ’ s a 4-H robotics group . And I ’ ve learned that a lot of those kids are interested in the bike club as well ,” said Tucker . “ I ’ ve reached out to that robotics group and now I ’ m reaching out to other interest groups in an effort to grow our club . There are a lot of interest groups in 4-H that no one knew existed .”
Add bicycling to the vast array of programs sponsored by 4-H . Kids who are interested in learning about bicycling and who may have a competitive drive of the two-wheel variety can pursue yet another interest at the fair . Prepare to cheer , and revel in the fact that this cycling tour doesn ’ t require a ticket to France .
Bike Rodeo will be held Sat . Sept . 28 at noon at the outdoor music stage .
120 Years - 1904-2024 21 2024 Benton County Fair