For whatever reason, Americans are obsessed with watching people kick their own hineys. Ever seen an episode of "Wipeout" on TV and laughed hysterically? Case and point. Still, how many of us have thought of countless ways we would dominate over some dimwit contestant in an immunity idol challenge?

Well, now's your chance. Have a bike? Grab it, a water bottle, and your best game face and head out to Genesee Valley Park on Saturday, August 8, for the inaugural Monroe Family YMCA Youth Bike Race and Family Fun Ride. Game on.

"The idea was to combine bike riding with an element of strategy in a scavenger-hunt type event," says race organizer Dan Hoock, YMCA Sports/Teen Staff associate. "I plan on making it a very active day for all those involved."

Hoock, who has been planning bike races with his friends since about 2004, devised a combination obstacle course/bike race that looks to be both fun and full of opportunities for hilarity. Participants will complete challenges throughout the course, divided into sections spelling "YMCA." Each letter represents a different skill set-themed group of challenges: "Y" is for physical, "M" for accuracy, "C" for agility, and "A" for mind. (No idea where the organizers learned to spell, but that's another story).

Challenges include searching for "buried treasure," targeted Frisbee throws, "Double Dare"-style games such as filling up jugs of water with leaky cups, and more. Fans of "Survivor" will recognize the inspiration behind some of the games, including the memory challenges, and kids can even get hip to what clowns were all about before Krusty came along - there will be a Bozo-inspired grand prize game. Points will be awarded based on performance at each section, with a total of 36 available.

Participants will be able to complete the course anytime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Registration is on-site the day of the race at the Roundhouse Pavilion. In addition to a bike, participants are required to have helmets and sneakers, and water bottles are recommended. Prizes will be awarded for top finishers.

Cost for a family (up to six riders) is $40, adults single are $20, and children (12 and under; must ride with an adult) are $10. Perks also include water bottles donated by Park Ave Bike Shop, and free t-shirts for the first 50 registrants provided by Jeremiah's Tavern, which will also host a complimentary buffet following the race. For more information, call Hoock at 271-5320.