St. Regis bar hosts eleventh annual tricycle race

ST. REGIS - The tricycles were at the start of the finish line, lined neatly in a row, empty and wanting its competitors for another race.

Employees of the Talking Bird Saloon were putting the finishing touches on the racetrack minutes before hundreds lined the deck area behind the bar.

A bartender was spraying down the dirt area with a hose, shortly the tiny square area would be a racetrack. He was making mud puddles to intimidate the tricycle racers at the thought of tipping over on the tiny bike made for children. 

Minutes later, rain fell which cooled the air making another obstacle for the racers.

This would be the eleventh year adults big and small would try to take a ride back to their childhood.

It’s 2 p.m. and the announcers voice boomed over the microphone directing everyone to make their way over to the track as the race was about to start.

Suddenly, people fought their way in to get a spot like a mouse fighting for a tiny crumb. Those who desired to remain dry pushed to claim a spot under the awning as the rain tried to ruin a fun time.

The event went off without a hitch. Riders had to drink a beer, be pushed out enough to get peddling, and make it to one of their teammates on the other side who went through the same process. All competitors were wet after the races, as those who struggled to stay dry were claimed by the puddles on the track.

The April 12 race featured 13 four person teams, all of the participants are 18 and over and pay an entry fee of $50, said Janet Burnham of the Talking Bird Saloon.

“The money we raise goes toward shirts and buying new tricycles each year,” Burnham said.

Other events offered included music, karaoke, a raffle for the tricycle riders and a barbeque.

“Usually 100-150 people attend the event,” Burnham said. “There is always plenty of people stopping by on the freeway.”

Burnham noted that the tricycle event is growing each year, especially the spectator base.

“It’s fairly exhausting to ride a tricycle,” she said. “We have a champion at the end, and the winner gets their name on a plaque which is displayed in the bar until next year.”

A plaque that taunts the losing team. It’s new etching shines over the walls like a beam of sun, drawing attention to itself asking its jealous viewers if 365 days is too far away. 

But for now, the excitement draws to a close and the Talking Bird Saloon goes back to business as usual. An ordinary bar, in a town off a freeway, next to a truck stop. 

The once full parking lot empties, and a Saturday event morphs back into a weekend afternoon. 

Although in a few hours, the bartenders must prep for a likely busy Saturday night where the atmosphere turns to excitement once more.