From training wheels to trophies: Students set to defend School Duel streak

REDLANDS, Calif. – For nearly a decade, one elementary school in Redlands has dominated the Redlands Bicycle Classic's School Duel—a friendly competition among local schools to see which can get the most students to participate in the annual race.

Judson and Brown Elementary has held the top spot for eight consecutive years, and with their continued enthusiasm, they’re on track to make it nine.

Winning the School Duel isn’t about individual victories—it’s about numbers. The trophy goes to the school that has the highest number of student participants. Last year, 124 students from Judson and Brown showed up on race day.

Second and third place went to Kingsbury Elementary with 33 participants and Arroyo Verde with 26 participants.

At the heart of the school’s success is Camille Dahnke, the teacher who has coordinated Judson and Brown’s participation in the duel since the beginning. Dahnke, who once competed in the race as an elementary school student herself, understands firsthand the impact this event can have on young riders.

Dahnke says for many students, the School Duel provides an opportunity to engage in an athletic activity they may not have otherwise considered. Dahnke appreciates how the event is inclusive and accessible—entry is free after completing a bike safety quiz.

“It’s a competition where you can be in the front and train for it, or you can just show up and be a part of something bigger," she said. "Everyone gets a medal, and that makes it feel really welcoming."

K-5 Racers Share Their Bike Classic Excitement

From Kindergarten to Fifth Grade, students at Judson and Brown were eager to share their experiences and excitement for the upcoming race.

Ella Bernstein, a 5th-grade student at Judson and Brown, has participated in the School Duel every year since preschool.

She said she likes helping her school get the trophy each year and said she's working on speed to prepare for the race next month.

"I usually ride my bike around the neighborhood and try to get faster and faster," Ella said.

It will be the third race for 2nd grader, Ryker Dawes. He said his favorite part about the Bike Classic is that each year brings a new challenge.

"It just gets harder as you go through the grade levels because you're becoming stronger and taller," Ryker said.

The Redlands Bicycle Classic's School Duel, hosted by Stater Bros Charities, takes place on a closed street course in Downtown Redlands. The riders are divided by age, starting with three-year-olds riding their trikes and striders down a straightaway to older students taking 1 to 4 laps around downtown.

Brothers Wooden and Parker Saunders both agree the Redlands Bike Classic is fun and everyone should try it out.

Wooden said his favorite part of the race is winning, and when he crosses the finish line, he feels a sense of accomplishment.

“I feel like I worked hard and I knew I could do it,” Wooden said.

Little brother Parker said crossing the finish line makes him feel “glad.”

For many of Dahnke's kindergarten students this will be their very first race.

One of those students is Ryder Roque. When asked about the upcoming race he said he's not nervous and the thought of racing makes him "happy."

The key to success

So how has Judson and Brown managed to keep their participation numbers so high year after year? According to Dahnke, the school’s “Golden Ticket” promotion, which starts in early March, plays a major role.

Inspired by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, every student at the school receives a Golden Ticket, which serves as both a sign-up reminder and an incentive. Once a student registers, they turn in their ticket, which enters them into an opportunity drawing for prizes donated by the community.

“The Golden Ticket is something that every student at our school gets,” Dahnke said. “It’s something that staff and students talk about on campus, so it keeps the excitement going.”

Fifth grader Connor Mean said he's participated every year since Kindergarten "because Mrs. Dahnke would say, 'Where's your golden ticket?'"

Connor also said his dad, Redlands Police Cpl. Chris Mead, has been a big influence. Mead organizes the school's bike safety rally the week of the race.

The outdoor assembly teach students the essentials of bike safety, like following the rules of the road and wearing a helmet. Connor said one of his favorite parts of the bike safety rally is the demonstration of a watermelon splitting into two when it falls, illustrating the importance of wearing a helmet.

"And then, my dad actually eats it. So, it's funny," said Connor.

When Connor moves onto middle school next year, Aubrey and Kennedy Howard's dad, RPD Officer Howard, will be taking over the safety rally. The 3rd-grade twins have also been racing since kindergarten.

The girls say they enjoy riding together and usually tie. During their first year participating, their mom was in the hospital and unable to watch, but they recalled how teachers at Judson and Brown ensured she felt included by sending her plenty of photos and videos.

Teachers cheer on students

Beyond the students, Judson and Brown’s staff also plays a big role in the event. Each year, at least 10 staff members volunteer to help with the race—not just for their own students, but for all children participating in the School Duel. Teachers and staff assist with coordinating, directing kids, and ensuring safety throughout the event.

“For some of our staff, this is their favorite day of the year,” Dahnke said. “It’s such a positive experience, seeing the students challenge themselves, have fun, and feel like they’re part of something special.”

With another race day approaching, Judson and Brown Elementary is ready to defend its title once again. And for Dahnke, the event is more than just about winning a trophy—it’s about giving students the chance to discover the thrill of competition, the joy of being active and the pride of community participation.

“I still have the medals I won when I was in elementary school,” Dahnke said. “For some of these kids, this race might be the first time they see themselves as athletes. That’s something really powerful.”

Each of the students we talked to were asked how they prepare for the bike classic. The students said they check their bikes and helmets before the race, ride around their neighborhoods, and follow one important tip: “Make sure you go to the bathroom first.”

We also asked what advice they would give someone who might be nervous about signing up. Here’s what they had to say:

“I'll tell them 'don’t be scared to do it. It's actually pretty easy. Even if you don't get third, second or first, you still get a medal,'” said Connor.

“Just do it. Just do what you always do on your bike,” said Ryker.

“You don't need to worry about it,” said Parker.

“You got it,” said Wooden.

How to sign up

The School Duel will take Saturday, April 12. Online registration is now open and closes on Tuesday, April 8 at 11:59pm. Same-day registration and check-in begins at 7am in Downtown parking structure off of 6th Street and Citrus Avenue.

For more information visit the Redlands Bicycle Classic.

Community Forward Redlands is providing special coverage of the Redlands Bicycle Classic as an in-kind Gold Pedal media sponsor.