Two-wheeling toddlers — some still in diapers — stand over Strider bikes at the starting line. Lined up and leaning forward, their colorful helmets shimmer with the glint of streetlights and glow sticks.
Cowbells jangle. Crowds cheer. Feet stomp the ground. Hundreds of families roar for their racers. Ready… set… go. The 24-foot-wide starting gate drops, and the race is on at the Strider Cup!
Read on to discover tons of tips to help you pack and prepare for this fantastic community event.
Who is Coming and When is the Event?
The 2025 Strider Cup - Rapid City will take place on Saturday, June 28th in Downtown Rapid City, South Dakota. Let the countdown begin!
As for who’s coming? Everyone! The guest list includes all current and future members of the always-amazing Strider Community, and we’re inviting you to help us celebrate new milestones, awesome kids, and unforgettable memories.
Children are encouraged to register now for Strider Cup sprint races for ages 2 — 4. Just a heads up: only Genuine Strider Balance Bikes are permitted to race.
From our friendly Strider Bikes staff members coordinating the day and setting up the races, to family and friends making the journey to join the fun, it’s all about coming together and having a great time.
Why Attend?
Some clubs have a secret handshake or password — but all you need to join our club is a Strider Bike and the spirit of adventure! Strider Cup events connect riders from around the world and offer members of our community a time and place to celebrate life on two wheels together. Most importantly though? These events are a whole lotta fun.
We should probably also mention Strider Cup races are top-tier national events where young kids showcase their Strider Bike skills across the USA and worldwide. These exciting races give your kiddo the chance to experience the exhilarating thrill of competition no matter their skill level.
But wait — there's more! All racers will receive either a trophy or a medal depending on their finishing place, along with a custom souvenir number plate, and a bunch of rad items in their registration bag. Everyone deserves some swag to take home and celebrate their accomplishments and passion for riding Strider bikes.
What Should We Bring?
As is the case in preparing for any big trip, something is bound to get left behind. Here are some items you’ll want to pack ahead of time for a fun-filled race day experience!
- Protective Gear:
This year’s race will take place in the evening, so be prepared for day and night! Bring layers for your family so you can stay warm when the sun goes down and pack bug repellant to keep any eager mosquitoes away. If you’re exploring the Black Hills during the day or catching the Mt. Rushmore Nationals BMX event, bring hats, sunglasses, and sunblock. Make sure you also pack your racer’s Helmet and closed toe shoes — these items are required to compete at the Strider Cup. Lastly, we recommend a pad set and racing gloves just in case it gets rowdy on the racetrack!
- Electronic Accessories:
Don’t forget chargers, cords, and batteries for your phones and cameras so you can capture your kiddo’s “Look what I can do” race face, or that proud “I did it! I did it!” victory stride!
- Fuel & Hydration:
Load up on snacks and plenty of water. Providing sustenance can keep everyone (grown-ups included) content throughout all the Strider Cup excitement. Your racer’s registration bag will have a few tasty and healthy snacks from our sponsors.
- Cheerleading Supplies:
Prepare for the fanfare of the day. Cram in cowbells, posters, pompoms, glow-in-the-dark items, and anything else you need to properly cheer on everyone all the way to the finish line! Out of space in your suitcase? Visit our on-site Strider Cheer Station. This special booth will be fully stocked with supplies so you can create your own sign and make some noise clanging cowbells — it's all part of the excitement!
- Festive Attire:
The Strider Cup is a great opportunity for your family to rock their best Strider apparel. This event will be in the evening, so we encourage you and your rider to deck out in glow necklaces, light up shoes, and more to have fun as the sun goes down. We also have colorful Strider jerseys available for purchase so you can show up dressed for the occasion.
Where Are We Going
Strider Cup events are held all over the world, but this year is close to our headquarters — and our hearts — in Rapid City, South Dakota! We can’t wait to host you in our hometown for an unforgettable event.
In addition to joining our incredible biking bash, make time to check out some local spots that are sure to be a thrill for the whole family:
- Robbinsdale Bicycle Playground
Make this stop and catch the very first Mt. Rushmore Nationals BMX event with your family! Located just next door to Rapid City BMX, Robbinsdale Bicycle Playground will let your little thrill seeker catch all the exciting action and take on a track that’s made for their size and skill level afterwards. Once they watch the pros face off against each other, your kiddo will be ripping and raring to go and give it their all at the Strider Cup! This one-of-a-kind play area was made possible thanks to a donation from Strider Bikes and features a concrete pump track, a natural-surface trail with tunnels, bike ramps, ladders, and cones for some radical practice sessions.
- World’s Largest Reptile Zoo
Visit one of the top 10 zoos in the United States and the world’s largest reptile zoo — Reptile Gardens. Home to gators, lizards, snakes, birds, and over 40,000 flowers in its botanical gardens, this popular attraction can be a place to relax, learn, or enjoy on the edge of your seat excitement.
- Museum of Geology
Located on the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology’s campus, this fascinating and free museum displays specimens from dinosaurs, mammals, marine reptile fish, and even rare fossils from the White River Badlands. Explore exhibits of fossils, meteorites, and minerals (the fluorescent mineral room is a must-see for the whole family) and make a stop at the gift shop on the way out to encourage your family’s little rockhounds. As an added bonus, this remarkable museum has the honor of being one of the Top 10 museums and galleries in Rapid City
- Storybook Island
This free attraction is a great stop to make when you’re out and about in Rapid City. Stretch your legs, get some sun, and let the kids work out their wiggles to see some of their favorite storybook characters, zip down slides, and play on over 50 playsets. There’s also picnic tables and abundant shade nearby for a relaxing outdoor lunch.
Join Us
Strider Cup events are held all over the world, but this year is close to our headquarters — and our hearts — in Rapid City, South Dakota! We can’t wait to host you in our hometown for an unforgettable event.
We hope you will join us in honoring our Strider riders at the races. We’re eager to see you meet great people from all walks of life and discover all that our remarkable hometown has to offer.
