Amazing Animal Actors stars of show at 20th Bike Rodeo
by Lenny Roberts

Some suggest that learning bicycle safety at an early age can set the stage for becoming better automobile drivers. More importantly, awareness and adherence to safety rules can save children's lives.
The Ojai Police Department staged its 20th annual Bike Rodeo Saturday at the Nordhoff High School parking lot, where 176 children from 5 to 15 earned mostly high marks in the competition that awarded trophies to first-, second- and third-place winners in each of four age groups.
For experienced riders, the rodeo provided an opportunity to brush up on vehicle code laws that affect everyone who uses public roads, streets and highways.
Organizer and Sheriff's Deputy Kim Larson, who also oversees activities at the valley's Police Activities League, ensured a strong turnout by inviting members of the Sheriff's K-9 Unit, Search and Rescue Team, Bomb and S.W.A.T. team, the California Highway Patrol, a county fire engine with crew, and representatives from the District Attorney's Victim Services, United States Forest Service Ojai Ranger Station and paramedics from Ojai Lifeline Ambulance.
"The turnout was really wonderful, and everyone seemed very excited," Larson said. "I was approached by numerous parents who told me that this was the best bike rodeo ever."
Larson added that the children seemed to understand the importance of the rodeo, especially wearing helmets.
"There was no excuse for not wearing them because each child was given a Bell bicycle helmet just for attending. And in each event, the kids really concentrated on what they were told to do. If they understand the rules and laws at this age, when they get older, it will be fixed in their minds how important they are."
The sleeper of the event may have been the first-ever rodeo appearance of live exotic animals from Amazing Animal Actors, a Malibu-based operation that trains and supplies wild animals for television and film productions and nonprofit events.
Trainers John and Paul Ortbals and Claire Doré brought two baby chimpanzees, a 3-week-old Bengal tiger and a 3-month- old lion cub in an effort to acquaint children with touchable wild animals. Young and old alike swarmed each animal as they were brought out by handlers to be touched and petted.
Sponsors of the rodeo were Zee Medical, Bonnie Lu's, Ojai Café Emporium, Rock Long Chevron, Oak View Shell, Bronk Vreeland Ojai Ford, Bicycle World of Santa Paula, Answer Racing Products, Bell Helmets, Safe Moves and the Ventura County Sheriff's Department.

The first-, second- and third-place winners in each age group at Saturday's Bike rodeo are as follows:
· Boys 5 to 7: Edaan Byle, Nicholas Connor, Travis Larson.
· Girls 5 to 7: Chelsey Cross, Maddie Whitman, Nyomi Byle.
· Boys 8 to 10: Christopher Tinky, Grant Whitman, David del Toro.
· Girls 8 to 10: Jena Cook, Holly Johnson, Kiana Jenkins.
· Boys 11 to 12: Johnny Loest, Jason McCoy, Jacob McCoy.
· Girls 11 to 12: Katie Kube, Nici Cook, Rebecca Orosco.
· Boys 13 to 15: Blake Heath, Noah del Toro, Robert Barnett.
· Girls 13 to 15: Caitlin Praetorius.

© 2002 The Ojai Valley News

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