Minnesota bus operators to compete in annual statewide Roadeo

ST. CLOUD, Minn. -- Engines will be roaring in St. Cloud this weekend, but the noise won't be coming from race cars.

Instead, the sounds of motors and cheers will be coming from the 28th Annual Minnesota Statewide Bus Roadeo, a competition for public transit professionals from across the state.

According to a release from the Minnesota Public Transit Association, 37 public transit bus operators representing more than 20 agencies are registered for Saturday's event. The competition provides an opportunity to showcase their driving skills and be recognized for the jobs they do daily around the state.

"There are some who have been there for years who just whiz through it, but some of the contestants are a little nervous at first," said LuAnn Bleiler, operations manager at Paul Bunyan Transit, one of the judges for Saturday's events.

"Once things get started, though, there's a lot of support and networking. People cheer each other on and enjoy it."

Bleiler, who has been involved with the event for 11 years, said all the drivers will be using the same class of bus for an equal playing field.

Don Burd, who has been with Paul Bunyan Transit for 10 years, will be competing in his third competition, according to Bleiler.

"He's placed in the top three in the state before," Bleiler said. "He has been driving for us for years and has won eight of the last 10 safety awards."

The Roadeo isn't just for the competition itself, though, Red Lake Transit Director Mike Ness said.

"It's more than just driving. We go down there Friday night and there's a party during registration where people can socialize," Ness said. "Then we have a dinner Saturday night where the winners are notified and awarded."

Red Lake Transit's most experienced competitor is Jeffrey Iceman. Ness said the bus operator has won the state award a few times and has went to the national competition six of the last seven years. John Kingbird from Red Lake Transit will also compete.

The Roadeo will take place at the Minnesota Department of Transportation Training Facility at 3752 12th St. N. The competition will start with an opening ceremony at 7 a.m. and is expected to finish by 3 p.m.