"My goal is to have kids on bikes with smiles on their faces in a safe environment, introducing them to the fun sport of biking," said John Spahr, one of coaches of the Twin Valley Mountain Biking Team (TVMBT), which will present the Twin Valley Bike Rodeo on Saturday, May 20. The event, which is open to youths ages 4 to 12, will take place from 10 a.m. to noon at Moving Communities to Christ (MCC) Church, 4221 Main St., Elverson.

The bike rodeo is free to attend; however, donations will be accepted to support the TVMBT. Participants are asked to bring their own bikes and helmets. The rain date for the bike rodeo is Sunday, May 21, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Featured during the bike rodeo will be bike skill stations, a bike and helmet safety check, free prize giveaways and an "All Things Bike" swap shop. Activities will take place in the church parking lot. "We will have more than 10 stations with different obstacles (for youths) to practice their on-the-bike skills," Spahr explained.

Obstacles will include "The Lava Bridge," "Circle of Doom," "Mountain Top," "Mine Field" and "Newspaper Toss." "There is also a teeter totter station," Spahr noted. "You have to ride up a teeter totter to the fulcrum and then come down. It's about 14 inches off the ground."

Bike and helmet safety checks will also be offered. Part of the bike wellness check will include the ABCs - air in the tires, brakes and the chain. Youths will also learn how to put on and properly wear their helmets.

Volunteers from the TVMBT will be on hand to help run the event and guide attendees along the obstacle course. "It is supported by the student-athletes on the mountain biking team, parents and coaches," said Spahr.

The TVMBT is a nonprofit organization that formed in 2016. It is part of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League (PICL). During competitions, youths ride off-road and on local trails. "We start practice in July, and the season goes until October," Spahr said. "Sixth- through 12th-graders are welcome to join. We are expecting 50 riders this year and about 25 coaches. It's a good-sized team."

While most team members own mountain bikes, the team has several bikes that students may borrow to see if they like the sport. Information about joining the TVMBT will be available during the bike rodeo. "It often attracts new members," said Spahr. "Every year we get a handful of student athletes that wind up joining the team."

Spahr noted that TVMBT provides an opportunity for youths to compete in a fun and exciting sport. The team's goal is to promote a strong body, strong mind and strong character for student-athletes that encourages outdoor activities versus time spent on their devices. "It's hard to be on the phone when you're riding a bike," Spahr said.

For more information about the bike rodeo and the team, visit http://www.tvmtb.com or http://www.facebook.com/twinvalleymtb.