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Friday, August 22, 2025

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Dirt bikes and camaraderie will be key components of this weekend’s Rivers Dirt Rodeo.

The third year of the event, put on by the Manitoba Dirt Riders, runs Aug. 23-24. The Rivers Dirt Rodeo takes place at property owned by Ryan Toews, who is also a rider. Paul Swiscoski, the race coordinator, praised the Rivers track for its beautiful scenery. He also said its setup makes it a spectator friendly race.

At the Rivers event, riders will attempt to complete as many laps of their course in an allotted time. There are four track options for this weekend depending on a rider’s class. The “peewee” course is four kilometres, while beginners will race on a five-kilometre layout. The “intermediate” course is about 12-13 kilometres long. The pros will race a 24-kilometre circuit. Swiscoski said one lap of the longest course is expected to take about 45 minutes with the pros racing for two hours.

On Saturday, there will be fun races. They are half the time length of Sunday’s points races. The Saturday races are for enjoyment, but also to give riders a lay of the land for the next day. The courses often change from year to year.

After the races, results will be announced and there will be bike entertainment. Swiscoski said in the past this has included contests such as longest wheelies and a tug of war.

On Sunday, riders will compete for points for the season-long championships. Swiscoski said the club averages about 200 riders for each of its races. They, of course, bring others with them. This adds to the family feel of the events. Swiscoski said the races, which are open to male

and female riders, has classes for every age and experience level.

One draw of the Manitoba Dirt Riders’ events might be the long courses and non-repetitive riding. A factor that likely keeps people coming back is the community. When Swiscoski, who has been part of the club since 2019 and had won championships, was asked about what people enjoy about it, he said, “I don’t think it’s the competition. I think it is more the camaraderie.”

He explained that a rider could be competing in a points chase, but if they see a competitor down on the track they will stop to help. Swiscoski said it is “one big family.”

“Whether it’s your first race or 12th year competing, everyone gets treated like family,” he said.

“Throttle therapy” is also an important aspect of the sport. Swiscoski said you can “let the world go away and just ride dirt bikes for the weekend.”

Sunday will be the third points race of the Manitoba Dirt Riders’ season. The Oak Lake Dirt Drag and the Miniota Devil’s Drop were held earlier this summer. The Cypress River Snakes and Ladders River Run will come after the Rivers Dirt Rodeo. The Fisher Branch Rocks and Logs, which was postponed earlier this year, will cap the season.

The Manitoba Dirt Riders is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit dirt bike off-road racing association. It has existed since 2008. On the organization’s Facebook page, its mission statement reads it is “to promote and facilitate off-road motorcycle riding and competition.” The Manitoba Dirt Riders’ objectives include grassroots entry into off-road competitive riding, emphasizing safe and respectful riding, minimizing environmental impact, and creating a positive, cooperative relationship with the community.