DODGE CITY, Kan.-Employees of the Credit Union of Dodge City have a new and novel claim to fame: championship trike racers. A team from the credit union recently won a race of oversized trikes at Wright Park here as part of a community event. The credit union was up against some stiff competition, including teams from a local casino, the Miss Kansas Rodeo girls, and three-time champion Stewart Plumbing. Below, Senior VP Tom Armstrong, a participant in the race, offers some insights into trike racing.
CUJ: How did you come to be involved in the trike race?
Armstrong: It is something the credit union has been involved with for several years. As a new employee, it looked like fun so I gave it a try.
CUJ: What kind of practice, if any, did you do? Or was it simply all about the mental preparation?
Armstrong: We wanted to practice, but no one owns an adult size tricycle so we showed up totally unprepared.
CUJ: What was the event itself like?
Armstrong: It was fun. Something I had never done before. And no, it's not just like riding a bike.
CUJ: Describe some of the other teams you were up against? How seriously were they taking it?
Armstrong: The team to beat was going for their fourth title in a row. We were all out there for fun to represent our businesses, but that competitive side came out in several teams.
CUJ: Share your perspective from what it was like in the heat of the race?
Armstrong: You feel anxiety right before it's your turn to go because no one on the team wanted to be the reason for a loss. So we made a plan and all concentrated on making smooth turns and quick rider switches. It was also 102 degrees, which did not help in the heat of the race.
CUJ: What tips, strategies and advice do you have for another credit union were it to be involved in a similar race?
Armstrong: Just go out and represent your credit union and have a good time.
