Kids race for the finish.

After a two-year absence, the kids’ bike race at the Shorewood Criterium Cycling Classic returned on June 25, bringing a lot of fun and excitement with it.

Universal banker Micki Usama works the decoration station.

“It was FANTASTIC,” Shorewood branch manager Shannon Weber said. “The last bike race in 2019 was rained out, and the skies were questionable for a moment this year. But the weather held out for us, and close to 300 kids were able to attend the race.”

Along with helping kids get registered for what were actually four separate races, bank employees ran a bike-decorating station for the young riders. There were also activities like coloring and games, as well as some fun swag, and custard from Culver’s for each racer at the end.

Shorewood teller Kevin Pereira, Micki, Shannon, and teller Audrey Elliott.

“One little boy ran up to me and said, ‘Did you see I finished in fourth?!?’ He was SO excited,” Shannon said. “I’m glad we were able to be a part of the first event in the community and able to see so many come out for it.”