MINNESOTA, USA — Next week, dozens of Metro Transit bus drivers will take part in an annual competition.
Dubbed the bus roadeo, the long-running obstacle course comes with big bragging rights.
It started here nearly 50 years ago before going international - and for the first time last year, the first woman from the organization took home the top prize.
Jeanne O. is planning on participating again and started practicing on Wednesday.
"It’s a very tight course and a lot of competition," said Jeanne. "I mean, even against yourself."
The roadeo is not only a skills competition, but also a training exercise for the drivers who volunteer to participate. It involves a written and behind-the-wheel test in which drivers execute maneuvers such as the “Serpentine,” “Offset Street” and “Rear Dual Clearance.”
"If I’m successful, it makes it harder for them, too," said Jeanne about the other participants. "I like to beat myself and if I can do better than I did before, I’m happy and doing that means they’re getting more competition."
Jeanne first finished the course in 2006. Eight years later she advanced to the state contest and was the organization's first woman to place. In 2023, she then became the first woman to win it, as well as becoming the first woman from the organization to then compete in the international competition last April in Portland, Oregon.
"I always say, I like to be first at something because nobody can take that from you, so being the first at anything is a good thing," said Jeanne.
Drivers have seven minutes to complete the entire course and earn points along the way.
There could be as many as 100 drivers competing locally next week. Practice goes through Saturday and the competition begins at 9 a.m. on Tuesday and runs for four days. If any of them secure an international invite like Jeanne did, the competition is next spring in Austin, Texas.
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