Manitouwadge OPP Bike Rodeo

Written by admin on 14 June 2012

Participants and volunteers at the 2012 Manitouwadge OPP Bike Rodeo. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com

One of the youngest bikers makes his way through every station, WOW! Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com

MANITOUWADGE, ON – Saturday, June 9th more than 30 kids attended the Ontario Provincial Police Manitouwadge Detachment’s Bike Rodeo & BBQ at the Recreation Centre Arena which was also a pit-stop for the Amazing ~~Race~~ Walk. Among those who volunteered for this worthwhile safety event were Officers from the Manitouwadge OPP Detachment, Town Councillor and Bus Driver Donna Jaunzarins (it is in the latter role that kids know her best),.

Participants could enter the arena from the rear, zamboni exit to MNR Conservation Officer Robin Thompson, Superior North EMS Emergency Response Personel, Superior North Victim Services Representative Melanie Madetsky, and Crimestoppers Volunteer Gerry Courtemanche facilitate doing so with their bikes, this was also where officers worked the bbq to offer free hot dogs, and refreshments, to all who attended. Inside the arena was set up in stations; riders signed in, received a checklist to carry with them from station to station which they could keep afterwards to follow-up on any recommendations whether in regards to their helmets, which were checked for fit or wear (cracks in a helmet render it non-compliant with any CSA approval it has) or their bikes which were given a quick once over in regards to tires, necessary safety accessories like reflectors, lights or horns, or in regards to their skill levels which were tested at various stops replicating a number of road-riding scenarios they could encounter in Manitouwadge. Among the road and riding scenarios set up were intersection and stop sign manoeuvring, obstacle avoidance, turning accuracy, ect. Much like a basic driver’s test though scaled down in size and difficulty to relate to bicycling.

Bikers enjoy the free BBQ offered throughout the 2012 Manitouwadge OPP Bike Rodeo. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com

Participants sign in and receive advice on the fit and condition of their helmets. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.comn

A successful participant pleased to have completed all stations of the 2012 Manitouwadge OPP Bike Rodeo. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com

Having travelled through all of the stations, and carrying with them knowledge and advice acquired along the way, the children were presented with certificates of completion and invited to stay for presentation of prizes – many used this time to enjoy the barbecue, having been too eager to do so when arriving because of the fun and challenge of the course that awaited them. Thanks to the collaboration of Crimestoppers and the Ontario Provincial Police there were plenty of very cool prizes for everyone who participated!