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	<title>true fit - The One-Step Adjustment Helmet for Kids &#187; bicycle events</title>
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		<title>Did You Know? Fast Facts Friday: Bike Camp Success</title>
		<link>http://belltruefit.com/community/2010/08/did-you-know-fast-facts-friday-bike-camp-success/</link>
		<comments>http://belltruefit.com/community/2010/08/did-you-know-fast-facts-friday-bike-camp-success/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 28 Aug 2010 00:07:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bell Sports</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[Summer brings out the outdoor adventurer in all of us, especially bicycle riders. There are a host of camps taking place all summer long across the country. While most of them are  dedicated to mountain biking there are some other interesting camps to consider.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>What better time of year than summer to get out on two wheels and get some exercise?</p>
<p>Summer brings out the outdoor adventurer in all of us, especially bicycle riders. There are a host of camps taking place all summer long across the country. While most of them are  dedicated to mountain biking there are some other interesting camps to consider.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.bikecamp.com/">Carpenter/Phinney Bike Camp</a> is the ultimate cycling vacation. <a href="http://www.teentreks.com/">Teen Treks</a> is an adventure travel camp for people age 12-18. They offer 1 – 8 week trips in Europe, Canada, and the U.S., where they ride all day and stay at hostels, hotels, and campgrounds overnight. Of course the well known <a href="http://www.campwoodward.com/index.php">Camp Woodward</a> has been offering extreme sports camps for skiers, snowboarders, skateboarders, BMXers and more for 15+ years.</p>
<p>Participating in a bike camp can be a fun, invigorating, and educational experience for adults, and especially for kids. And to those that like to be outdoors and adventurous, bike camp sure sounds like a lot more fun than a traditional arts and crafts type summer camp. The simple act of enjoying a bicycle cruise on a clear day is a wonderful experience. Sadly, many children never learn to ride a bike and miss out on one of the basic activities that children enjoy.</p>
<p>For children with cerebral palsy, riding a bike can especially be a daunting challenge. Fortunately groups like the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/United-Cerebral-Palsy-of-Orange-County/40306459081?v=wall#!">United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County</a> are helping more and more children and youth learn how to ride bikes. The Orange County Bike Camp, a joint effort of UCP of Orange County and the Down Syndrome Association of Orange County, is a week-long activity where children and young adults with disabilities can learn to ride a bike independently. With the help of a dedicated team of volunteers, the &#8220;campers&#8221; start with specialized training bikes that are adjusted as they progress in their balance and control. Eventually, some move on to solo riding on two free wheels!</p>
<p>Bell is a proud supporter of the camp and participated in the event as well, donating 22 <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Bell-Sports-Bell-Blade-Youth-Helmet-Blue-Twist/14036372?sourceid=1500000000000003260420&amp;ci_src=14110944&amp;ci_sku=14036372" target="_blank">Blade </a>helmets, 14 <a href="http://www.target.com/Adult-Bell-Adrenaline-Helmet-Tru-fit/dp/B001FCHHR6" target="_blank">Adrenaline </a>helmets, and 7 <a href="http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&amp;q=bell+Universal+XL+helmets&amp;um=1&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;ei=_VF4TJeaFsSBlAfzu5HsCw&amp;sa=X&amp;oi=product_result_group&amp;ct=image&amp;resnum=1&amp;ved=0CDcQzAMwAA" target="_blank">Universal XL </a>helmets for the bike campers to use while they learned to ride, and of course the riders got to keep their helmets!</p>
<p>Here’s a testimonial from one mother about the event:<strong> </strong></p>
<p>“Bike camp was fabulous.  My daughter Delaney did learn to ride a two wheel bike without training wheels.  She is really proud of herself.  She has challenged family members to ‘a race’ and is saying ‘follow me’ as she leads our bike ride.”</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Orange County Bike Camp by belltruefit, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/belltruefit/4911024143/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4911024143_751811bd00.jpg" alt="Orange County Bike Camp" width="480" height="360" /></a></p>
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		<title>Did You Know? Fast Facts Friday: Back to School</title>
		<link>http://belltruefit.com/community/2010/08/did-you-know-fast-facts-friday-back-to-school/</link>
		<comments>http://belltruefit.com/community/2010/08/did-you-know-fast-facts-friday-back-to-school/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 20 Aug 2010 22:18:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bell Sports</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bell Sports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bicycle News]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[back-to-school]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Some children dread it, some children love it, some children just like getting a new backpack, clothes, and shoes! For many of our readers, back to school is synonymous with bike to school! For today’s Fast Fact’s Friday we’re going to take a look at some stats around going back to school and biking your way there!]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Some children dread it, some children love it, some children just like getting a new backpack, clothes, and shoes! For many of our readers, back to school is synonymous with bike to school! For today’s Fast Fact’s Friday we’re going to take a look at some stats around going back to school and biking your way there!</p>
<ul>
<li>The first thing that many parents think of as their little learner gets ready to ride off to school for the day is safety. And good for them. We could go into a list of the basic safety and helmet tips to keep your child safest, but we did that last year in a <a href="http://belltruefit.com/community/2009/08/did-you-know-bell%e2%80%99s-fast-facts-fridays-5/">Fast Facts Friday post</a> around the same time. For some updated and current information on safety tips for biking to school check out the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s <a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/america.html">America Goes Back to School Program</a>. Or check out the Family Corner’s <a href="http://www.familycorner.com/parenting/safety/bicycles.shtml">Back to School Bicycle Safety Tips</a>. The Creston News Advertiser (Iowa) is offering up some useful back-to-school <a href="http://www.crestonnewsadvertiser.com/articles/ara/2010/08/19/8047512690/index.xml">road safety tips</a> for children and parents. Similarly, WAHM.com has <a href="http://www.wahm.com/articles/6-back-to-school-bicycle-safety-tips.html">6 Back to School Bicycle Safety Tips</a> &#8230; #2 on their list: Insist on a Helmet!</li>
<li>Over at the <a href="http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20100809/COLUMNISTS117/8090303/Program-aims-to-teach-children-how-to-safely-bike-back-to-school">Coloradoan.com</a>, Rick Price, Ph.D., League of American Bicyclist cycling instructor and safe cycling coordinator for the <a href="http://fcbikecoop.org/">Fort Collins Bike Co-op</a>, offers some insight on the Safe Routes to School program. The bike-friendly city of Fort Collins, CO<strong> </strong>has received a Safe Routes to School grant for 2010- 11 to teach kindergartners through eighth-graders how to walk and bike to school safely. The grant will pay the Bike Co-op to teach every P.E. teacher in those grades the basics of bicycle and pedestrian safety.</li>
<p><a title="Bell Helmets by belltruefit, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/belltruefit/4911024121/"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4911024121_d6cc6515cb.jpg" alt="Bell Helmets" width="500" height="364" /></a></p>
<li>Over at the Huffington Post, they’re offering the Best Bike-to-School Tips To Teach Your Kids. In a nutshell, they say: 1) Stock up on bike-safety essentials, 2) Arrange a Ride-Pool, 3) Practice traffic skills, 4) Let your kids goof off … safely, 5) Make a route map, and 6) Ride with your kids. (<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/18/bike-to-school-best-tips-_n_685352.html#s127759">Bike To School: Best Tips To Teach Your Kids</a>, <em>HuffingtonPost.com)</em></li>
<li>Looking for some fun bike-related, back to school events? Start with a bike giveaway! Little Caesars, in cooperation with Pepsi, is giving away a new bicycle and helmet to one lucky person on September 8, 2010. Each time you purchase a Hot-N-Ready or other specialty pizza in our Castle Hayne (Wilmington, NC) store you will be eligible to register and win a bicycle and helmet. (<a href="http://events.starnewsonline.com/wilmington-nc/venues/show/953014-back-to-school-bicycle-giveaway-sponsored-by-little-caesars">StarNewsOnline.com</a>)</li>
<li><a href="http://alexbicycles.com/">Alex’s Pro Bicycle Shop</a>, in partnership with a host of other groups, his hosting a Back to School Charity Ride where they will be collecting school supplies to benefit the children of the <a href="http://www.childrensdiagnostic.org/">Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center</a>. The center provides healthcare to thousands of needy children in the Davie, FL community, and are also one of the sole providers of specialized care for many illnesses, (i.e. hearing loss, autism, asthma, HIV, etc…) The ride will be split into two: one fast group and one moderate group, each with its own SAG support. There will be one stop where riders will receive refreshments and school supplies will be presented to the Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center representatives. (<a href="http://miamibikescene.blogspot.com/2010/08/back-to-school-charity-ride.html">MiamiBikeScene.Blogspot.com</a>)</li>
</ul>
<p>Do you have any bike-related, back to school tips that we might have left off this list? If so let us know by leaving a comment, or tweet us @<a href="http://twitter.com/belltruefit">BellTrueFit</a>.</p>
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		<title>Did You Know? Fast Facts Friday: Party Time!</title>
		<link>http://belltruefit.com/community/2010/07/did-you-know-fast-facts-friday-party-time/</link>
		<comments>http://belltruefit.com/community/2010/07/did-you-know-fast-facts-friday-party-time/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:15:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bell Sports</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[San Jose Bike Party, East Bay Bike Party, Bicycle Music Festival, and tips on throwing your own birthday (or otherwise) bike party!]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Some friends of the <a href="http://belltruefit.com/">Bell True Fit</a> blog recently told us of how much fun they had on a Friday night bike party. Yes, a bike party. Now, are you wondering “what is a bike party, exactly”? So were some of us when we first heard of it. Basically, it’s a group of bicycle riding enthusiasts who get together once a month for a themed bicycle ride. Simple as that. What makes a “bike party” different from a bike ride? For starters, anyone and everyone is welcome. There are no age limits, no timed qualifications, and no expectations. Well, the only expectations are that all participants obey traffic laws and look out for one another. Interestingly enough, based on some quick and dirty research, it seems that these “bike parties” mostly take place in the San Francisco Bay Area. While there are some smaller, more intimate events in cities and towns across the U.S., based on our research it’s San Jose, CA, that takes the cake.</p>
<ul>
<li>One-half political party, one-half street party, <a href="http://www.sjbikeparty.org/">San Jose Bike Party</a> is all about building community through bicycling. Made up of all types of bicyclists and human-powered transportation advocates, San Jose Bike Party rides include 2,000 – 4,000 riders on a given night! They ride anywhere from 15-30 miles throughout the South Bay from 8pm – midnight on the third Friday of every month. Follow them on twitter @<a href="http://twitter.com/SJBikeParty">SJBikeParty</a> and find out how to get involved at <a href="http://www.sjbikeparty.org/who-we-are">SJBikeParty.org</a>.</li>
<li>Just a few miles north-east of San Jose, the <a href="http://eastbaybikeparty.wordpress.com/">East Bay Bike Party</a> is a mobile party for riders of all ages, experience levels, and bike types, to meet, ride, and play together in the streets on the second Friday of the month. “Inspired by the massive number of people who go to the San Jose Bike Party every month, we decided that it was high time the East Bay (the best part of the San Francisco Bay, in our humble opinion) had its own bike part,” their website says.  In July the theme was <em>Space Party</em>, where they encouraged people to come dressed as an alien or an astronaut, sci fi character or planetary body, constellation or Tribble infestation…”  For August the theme is <em>Superhero Ride</em>, and they are expecting to see, “a lot of capes, masks and tights.” We, of course, like their enthusiasm for helmets: “And don’t forget, a truly <em>super</em> hero always wears a helmet and rides with bike lights.” Follow them on twitter @<a href="http://twitter.com/ebbikeparty">ebbikeparty</a> and stay in the loop at <a href="http://eastbaybikeparty.wordpress.com/about/">EastBayBikeParty.wordpress.com</a></li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="East Bay Bike Party - superhero ride  by belltruefit, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/belltruefit/4844087984/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/4844087984_80792075c9.jpg" alt="East Bay Bike Party - superhero ride " width="500" height="375" /></a> </p>
<ul>
<li>The <a href="http://www.midnightridazz.com/">Midnight Ridazz</a> is a group of bicycle enthusiasts who have been riding together on the second Friday of every month since February of 2004. The rides quickly grew from 8 people to current ride counts of 1300+ “Ridazz,” and they’ve gone nationwide! Their website, <a href="http://www.midnightridazz.com/">MidnightRidazz.com</a> was created to help empower <strong>YOU</strong> to create your own rides, routes and “good timezz.” Start yourself on a recurring ride or throw a one timer in the daylight &#8230; it&#8217;s your ride. They offer a five step outline of how to create a ride, as well as some basic “rulezz” that will help anyone organize their own bike party. To find out more about routes, rules, and already scheduled upcoming rides, check out <a href="http://www.midnightridazz.com/">MidnightRidazz.com</a>.</li>
<li>Want to spice up your kid’s upcoming birthday party? Consider throwing your own bike party! Over at Disney’s <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/parties/the-ultimate-bike-birthday-704722/">Family Fun</a> website, they offer some great suggestions for throwing a fun birthday bike party. “Invite a bunch of pals to bring their cycles, then turn your driveway (or perhaps a nearby school blacktop) into party central. Set up a station where kids can soup up their rides with homemade number plates, noisemakers, and handle-bar decorations. Next, turn them loose on an <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/parties/obstacle-course-704720/">obstacle course</a> that tests their skills &#8212; and lets them be silly too. Add a <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/i-like-my-bike-cake-687417/">spoke-tacular cake</a>, prize ribbons, and take-home goody bags that make everyone feel like a champ, and you&#8217;ve got the coolest party on two wheels.” (<a href="http://familyfun.go.com/parties/the-ultimate-bike-birthday-704722/">FamilyFun.Go.com</a>)</li>
<li>The <a href="http://bicyclemusicfestival.com/">Bicycle Music Festival</a> is an all day, mobile, community music festival – completely bike-powered<em>! </em>A 501(c)3 project of the San Francisco Parks Trust <a href="http://www.sfpt.org/" target="_blank">www.sfpt.org</a>, part of the mission of the Bicycle Music Festival is to<em>, “</em>promote sustainable culture in general by physically engaging and immersing our community in the magic of bike culture, and cultivating and nurturing a network of local sustainable musicians, through our free, community participatory, bicycle-based music events.” The Bicycle Music Festival features a 2000 watt pedal-powered PA system, as many as 15 bands, multiple festival stops, outrageous Critical Mass-style bicycle party caravans between festival stops, and zero use of cars or trucks. This year’s event takes place from Noon – 10pm PT on July 31 in San Francisco.  Follow them on twitter @<a href="http://twitter.com/bikemusicfest">bikemusicfest</a> and visit <a href="http://bicyclemusicfestival.com/get-involved/">BicycleMusicFestival.com</a> for more information or to get involved.</li>
</ul>
<p>As far as we could tell, there aren’t any “bike party” events outside of California … but we could be totally wrong! Do you know of a bike party that we left off today’s <a href="http://belltruefit.com/community/archive/">Fast Facts Friday</a> list? Are you planning a bike party in your community? If so, leave a comment below or let us know on twitter @<a href="http://twitter.com/belltruefit">BellTrueFit</a>.</p>
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		<title>Did You Know? Fast Facts Friday: Bike News – That’s A Wrap</title>
		<link>http://belltruefit.com/community/2010/07/did-you-know-fast-facts-friday-bike-news-%e2%80%93-that%e2%80%99s-a-wrap/</link>
		<comments>http://belltruefit.com/community/2010/07/did-you-know-fast-facts-friday-bike-news-%e2%80%93-that%e2%80%99s-a-wrap/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Jul 2010 23:18:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bell Sports</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bell Sports]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Bike cafés, bike programs, breakthrough technology with the “Bendy Bike”, an attempt to break a bike-related Guiness World Record, and Bell rider Fabian Cancellara featured in today's Fast Facts Friday!]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>From Europe to California this week’s Fast Facts Friday takes a look at some of the most compelling bicycle stories and developments from around the world.</p>
<ul>
<li>Bike cafés have become that latest hip hang out in London. Whether you’re looking for morning coffee, scrumptious lunch or tall pint  – there are some intriguing bike-friendly locales in London. Check out the <a href="http://www.theviewtube.co.uk/">Container Café</a>, <a href="http://www.lock-7.com/">Lock 7</a>, and <a href="http://www.rapha.cc/">Rapha Cycle Club</a>. <a href="http://www.lookmumnohands.com/">Look Mum No Hands</a> is a bar, café, and workshop – all bundled together in a lofty garage space. They offer free Wi-Fi and have weekly cycling events. (<a href="http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/08/now-rolling-london-bike-cafes/">NYTimes.com</a>)</li>
<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 241px"><a title="Bell rider Fabian Cancellara  by belltruefit, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/belltruefit/4778590508/"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4778590508_9d117dbc17.jpg" alt="Bell rider Fabian Cancellara " width="231" height="500" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Bell rider Fabian Cancellara is currently leading the pack at the 2010 Tour de France.</p></div>
<li>We’ve covered bicycle laws and programs from <a href="http://belltruefit.com/community/2010/06/did-you-know-fast-facts-friday-%e2%80%93-bikes-government/">time</a> to <a href="http://belltruefit.com/community/2010/05/did-you-know-bell%e2%80%99s-fast-facts-friday-%e2%80%93-recognizing-standout-bike-commuterscommunities/">time</a> here, and we were enthused on Thursday to see that the federal government awarded $3 million to Boston’s planned bike sharing program. The injection of federal funds allows the city to purchase roughly 500 bicycles for use at about 50 rental stations. The bike share program is scheduled to launch next spring. (<a href="http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/07/09/bike_sharing_in_boston_gets_3m_federal_grant/">Boston.com</a>)</li>
<li>A young designer from Britain has invented a revolutionary folding bicycle: 21-year old Kevin Scott’s “Bendy Bike” uses a ratchet system built into the frame of the bike to allow it to wrap around a pole, enabling the lock to be wrapped through both wheels and the frame. You have to see the <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1292986/Young-designer-puts-new-twist-folding-bicycle-idea.html">pictures</a> to believe it. (<a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1292986/Young-designer-puts-new-twist-folding-bicycle-idea.html">DailyMail.co.uk</a>)</li>
<li>In Woodland, CA bicycle enthusiasts and community leaders are preparing for “The World’s Greatest Bicycle Parade. &#8220;On Sunday, October 3, we hope more than 4,000 bike riders from Davis and the surrounding communities will help break the Guinness world&#8217;s record for largest parade of bicycles,&#8221; Bicycle Parade Committee Chairman Frank Giustino said. So if you live in Northern California, or are planning a trip that way this fall, be a part of history and help them go into the record books! (<a href="http://www.dailydemocrat.com/news/ci_15475679">DailyDemocrat.com</a>)</li>
<li>Of course, we can’t forget about <a href="http://www.letour.fr/indexus.html">Le Tour de France</a> which kicked off this week. World time trial champion and Bell rider <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fabian_Cancellara">Fabian Cancellara</a> won the prologue to the 2010 Tour on July 3, and he has been able to keep hold of the race-leading (first place) yellow jersey through today! Keep it up Fabian! For full coverage check out <a href="http://www.versus.com/shows/tour-de-france/">Versus.com</a>. (<a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-09/cavendish-wins-second-straight-tour-de-france-stage-cancellara-keeps-lead.html">Bloomberg.com</a>)</li>
</ul>
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		<title>Did you know? Fast Facts Friday – Bike Giveaways!</title>
		<link>http://belltruefit.com/community/2010/06/did-you-know-fast-facts-friday-%e2%80%93-bike-giveaways/</link>
		<comments>http://belltruefit.com/community/2010/06/did-you-know-fast-facts-friday-%e2%80%93-bike-giveaways/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 11 Jun 2010 20:24:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bell Sports</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bell Sports]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[At any given time businesses, media, and bloggers are posting ripe bike and bike helmet giveaways for the picking. So on this Fast Fact’s Friday we’d like to highlight some cool opportunities currently taking place and help you find free stuff!]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The bicycle community really is a giving place. As you might have seen on this blog from <a href="http://belltruefit.com/community/?s=giveaway">time to time</a>, we’re pretty fond of giving back to the people who support Bell Sports. And we’re not alone. The fact of the matter is: there are a ton of bike-related online contests and giveaways taking place today and every day. At any given time businesses, media, and bloggers are posting ripe bike and bike helmet giveaways for the picking. So on this Fast Fact’s Friday we’d like to highlight some cool opportunities currently taking place and help you find free stuff:</p>
<p>1) At <a href="http://frugalfamilyfunspot.blogspot.com/">Frugal Family Fun</a>, mother of three and college student Lisa Moore Gee is reviewing and giving away a <a href="http://belltruefit.com/community">Bell True Fit</a> helmet! To enter the contest, simply leave a comment on her blog <a href="http://frugalfamilyfunspot.blogspot.com/2010/06/bell-true-fit-helmet-review-and.html">here</a>. But don’t stop there, Lisa offers multiple ways to enter: a) Follow @<a href="http://twitter.com/frugalfamilyfun">FrugalFamilyFun</a>  or @<a href="http://twitter.com/BellTrueFit">BellTrueFit</a> on Twitter and then leave a comment on the blog with your twitter name, b) Tweet about this giveaway including the link to it (<a href="http://ow.ly/1W0gM">http://ow.ly/1W0gM</a>) and  also be sure to include @BellTrueFit or @FrugalFamilyFun.<br />
Lisa offered this tweet for you to use: “Win a @BellTrueFit Helmet from @frugalfamilyfun <a href="http://ow.ly/1W0gM">http://ow.ly/1W0gM</a>”</p>
<p>Not on Twitter? Well, there are a few more ways to enter also. Visit the blog to find out how.</p>
<p>2) The DC Bike Giveaway taking place over at <a href="http://www.sneakerfreaker.com/">Sneaker Freaker Magazine</a> is pretty hilarious. A tangy orange <a href="http://www.sneakerfreaker.com/newsflash/Dc-fixie-X-Se-Bikes/">DC Fixie</a> bike is up for grabs, and to enter the contest all you have to do is send a picture with your favorite orange thing in the world to <a href="mailto:info@sneakerfreaker.com" target="_blank">info@sneakerfreaker.com</a>. You must be a member of Sneaker Freaker to enter. If you aren&#8217;t yet, no worries &#8211; <a href="http://www.sneakerfreaker.com/user/register/">GO HERE</a> and register (for FREE of course). Entries close July 1, 2010. Need some inspiration on what sorts of orange things you should take a photo with?  Check out the current entries <a href="http://www.sneakerfreaker.com/newsflash/Dc-Bike-Giveaway---Entries-Pt-2/">here</a>. Keep up with this contest and look for future giveaways by following on @<a href="http://twitter.com/snkrfrkrmag">snkrfrkrmag</a> on Twitter. </p>
<p>3) From 11am – 3pm ET on Saturday, June 12 the <a href="http://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2010/06/12/recycleabicycle-bike-swap">NYC Department of Transportation</a> is hosting a Bicycle Safety and Helmet Program where they’ll be<strong> </strong>giving away free bicycle helmets to visitors of all ages (while supplies last). You’ll learn how to properly fit and wear your helmet before receiving one. While the NYC DOT is offering helmet education, there will simultaneously be a kids&#8217; bicycle swap taking place. Presented by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=133648946650269">Recycle-A-Bicycle</a>, children who have outgrown their bicycles (or have extra gently-used bikes to donate) are invited to bring their bike to Socrates Sculpture Park and swap it in exchange for another gently-used bike. All children&#8217;s bikes in working order and without gears are welcome at the event. At approximately 2:45pm, any unclaimed bicycles will be donated on a first-come first serve basis. Check out the event on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=133648946650269">Facebook</a>. (<a href="http://www.queensmamas.com/queens_mamas/2010/06/kids-bike-swap-free-helmets-this-weekend-at-socrates-sculpture-park.html">QueensMamas.com</a>)</p>
<p>4) Over at <a href="http://www.raisingmy4sons.com/">RaisingMy4Sons</a>, they’re reviewing and giving away a Strider Balance bike. Designed for children, ages 1 &#8211; 5, the <a href="http://www.stridersports.com/">Strider™ PREbike</a> is lightweight, easy to control and features an adjustable seat and handlebars to accommodate a growing child. Most importantly, the Strider teaches your child balance, coordination and develops confidence &#8230; all without pedals! According to Raising My 4 Sons’ Mandee, the Strider Sports PREbike is more than a bike – “it’s an on and off-road child mobility product”.<br />
<a title="strider pre bike by belltruefit, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/belltruefit/4691633566/"><img class="alignright" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4691633566_23aa4aa1b5.jpg" alt="strider pre bike" width="250" height="250" /></a><br />
Entering the contest to win this bike is easy, simply visit the <a href="http://www.stridersports.com/">Strider Website</a> and then leave a comment on <a href="http://www.raisingmy4sons.com/2010/06/strider-balance-bike-review-giveaway.html">Mandee’s  review</a> telling her something you learned about the Strider PREbike. (It&#8217;s that simple!) After you’ve done that, there are a few more ways submit multiple entries. One way is to simply tweet “<em>WIN a FREE Balance Bike from Strider $110 Value! @RaisingMy4Sons <a href="http://bit.ly/a6Keen">http://bit.ly/a6Keen</a>”.</em></p>
<p> Be sure to follow @<a href="ahttp://twitter.com/raisingmy4sons">RaisingMy4Sons</a> for future giveaways.<em> </em></p>
<p>Are you conducting some sort of bicycle or helmet-related contest? Is there a helmet fitting/giveaway in your area? We’d love to hear about them and feature your contests/events in a future blog post, so follow us @<a href="http://twitter.com/BellTrueFit">BellTrueFit</a> on twitter, or leave a message below!</p>
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		<title>Did You Know? Bell’s Fast Facts Friday – Armed Services &amp; Cycling</title>
		<link>http://belltruefit.com/community/2010/05/did-you-know-bell%e2%80%99s-fast-facts-friday-%e2%80%93-armed-services-cycling/</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 28 May 2010 21:27:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bell Sports</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bell Sports]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Most cyclists take to the road for pleasure, some for exercise, others for competition. Few get the chance to compete at the professional level, and even fewer cyclists get to spin wheels in the name of their country. With Memorial Day upon us we’d like to take a moment to say “Thank You” to all of the men and women in uniform for your service to our country. To show our gratitude to the all the heroes in the military at home and abroad, we’re dedicating this week’s Fast Facts Friday to the cyclists of the Armed forces.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="mceTemp mceIEcenter" style="text-align: center;">
<dl class="wp-caption  aligncenter" style="width: 510px;">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a title="warrior_ride_CK-0158_blog by belltruefit, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/belltruefit/4648589938/"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4648589938_78e7db5d8b.jpg" alt="warrior_ride_CK-0158_blog" width="500" height="333" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd">President Barack Obama applauds the cyclists at the start of the &#8216;White House to Light House&#8217; Wounded Warrior Soldier&#8217;s ride on the South Lawn of the White House Thursday, April 30, 2009. Also taking part in the ceremony were Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki, and Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Tammy Duckworth. Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy</dd>
</dl>
</div>
<p style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/assets/images/warrior_ride_CK-0158_blog.jpg">WhiteHouse.gov</a></p>
<p>Most cyclists take to the road for pleasure, some for exercise, others for competition. Few get the chance to compete at the professional level, and even fewer cyclists get to spin wheels in the name of their country. With Memorial Day upon us we’d like to take a moment to say “Thank You” to all of the men and women in uniform for your service to our country.</p>
<p>To show our gratitude to the all the heroes in the military at home and abroad, we’re dedicating this week’s Fast Facts Friday to the cyclists of the Armed forces:</p>
<p>1)  The <a href="http://www.usma.edu/">United States Military Academy</a> at West Point has a cycling team that trains and competes in road and mountain cycling events as a member of the Eastern Collegiate Cycling Conference. The team took third place in the NCCA Division II road nationals in 2009. (<a href="http://www.usma.edu/uscc/dca/clubs/club%20setup%20info/cycl.html">USMA.com</a>)</p>
<p>2) The <a href="http://www.airforce.com/">United States Air Force</a> Cycling Team has competed in the last 16 <a href="http://ragbrai.com/">RAGBRAI</a> competitions. Stu Carter, Lt Col, USAF (Retired), is the “Father” of the AF Cycling Team (AFCT). In 1992, Stu won the US Military’s European Region Cycling Championship’s 30 Kilometer Time Trial (40-45 age group). In addition, he had the fastest time in the entire <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Department_of_Defense">DoD</a> that year, and was awarded the 1992 Stars-and-Stripes “National Military Cycling Champion” Jersey for the 30 KM Time Trial by the US Military Sports Association. Stu has missed only two of the team’s past 16 RAGBRAI’s &#8230; July 02 and July 09. He will ride with the team again in July 10, making him the only person to ride 14 of the AFCT’s 16 RAGBRAIs. (<a href="http://www.airforcecyclingteam.com/pages/Team_History.html">AirForceCyclingTeam.com</a>)</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 343px"><a title="Jacob Roche by belltruefit, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/belltruefit/4647975581/"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4647975581_cef90d9397.jpg" alt="Jacob Roche" width="333" height="500" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Jacob Roche - Midshipman Second Class - Assistant Team Captain. He wears Bell too!</p></div>
<p>3) In the <a href="http://www.navy.mil/swf/index.asp">United States Navy</a>, cycling is a club sport sponsored by the U.S. Naval Academy. Every member of the team is a Midshipman and balances the rigors of academics, military life, and other extra-curricular activities with the demands of cycling. The team competes in the Atlantic Collegiate Cycling Conference. (<a href="http://www.nacyc.com/team">NACYC.com</a>)</p>
<p>4) In the United States Marine Corps, they believe that <a href="http://usmc.mil/unit/mcasmiramar/Pages/CrossTrainingmakestacticalathletes.aspx">Cross Training makes tactical athletes</a>. To aid Marines in becoming combat ready, <a href="http://www.ala.usmc.mil/mccs/semperfit.asp">Semper Fit</a> created a Combat Conditioning Training Course to give Marines a well-rounded workout which includes intense cycling classes! (<a href="http://usmc.mil/unit/mcasmiramar/Pages/CrossTrainingmakestacticalathletes.aspx">USMC.mil</a>)</p>
<p>5) In late April, a number of <a href="http://www.quantico.usmc.mil/">Quantico</a> Marines showed up to give moral support to wounded soldiers participating in the 7th annual “<a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2009/04/30/ldquoits-good-weather-a-racerdquo">White House to Lighthouse</a>” ride from Washington DC to the Thomas Point lighthouse in Chesapeake Bay, Md. Sponsored by the <a href="http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/">Wounded Warrior Project</a>, which provides programs and services to severely injured service members during the time between active duty and transition to civilian life, hundreds of military and family members cheered on the south lawn of the Whitehouse during the April 29 event. As a part of a rehabilitation cycling program for combat-wounded veterans, the program is one of the steps in their return to an active lifestyle. For those service members attending and those participating, it’s all about giving back:</p>
<p>“Sgt. Jasmine Colon … a radio operator at Quantico said, ‘Service members in general need to support the wounded warrior project because we’ve lost a lot of people out there. It’s important to show those who have survived combat that we are all family and still here to support them.’” (<a href="http://www.usmc.mil/unit/mcbquantico/Pages/WoundedWarriorProjectmakes72-miletrekfromDCtoMaryland.aspx">USMC.mil</a>)</p>
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		<title>Did You Know? Bell’s Fast Facts Friday – Tour of California</title>
		<link>http://belltruefit.com/community/2010/05/did-you-know-bell%e2%80%99s-fast-facts-friday-%e2%80%93-tour-of-california/</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 21 May 2010 22:56:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bell Sports</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bell Sports]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[This year, Stage 3 of the AMGEN Tour of California took cyclists 113.3 miles (mostly along the Pacific Coast) from San Francisco to Santa Cruz. Bell is located in the city of Scotts Valley, which neighbors its old Santa Cruz stomping grounds. ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Stage 3, Amgen Tour of California 2010 by belltruefit, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/belltruefit/4627396575/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4627396575_b7c4eac0b6.jpg" alt="Stage 3, Amgen Tour of California 2010" width="500" height="333" /></a><br />
Stage 3 of the 2010 Tour of California. San Francisco to Santa Cruz. May 18, 2010<br />
Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bissellcycling/4621526946/">bissellcycling</a> &#8211; flickr</p>
<p>For the last six years California has played host to one of the most prestigious and largest cycling races in the United States: the <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/#5">AMGEN Tour of California</a>.</p>
<p>The eight-day race covers 650-700 miles of California, winding through dense redwoods, foothills, valleys, and of course alongside some of the state’s most beautiful beaches. This year’s event, which started on May 16 in the old Northern California gold mining town of Nevada City, ends on May 23 in the sunny Southern California town of Thousand Oaks. For complete route and stage info visit the <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/Route/stages.html">Stages</a> page of the AMGEN Tour of California website.</p>
<p>Here are some interesting (and fast) facts about this year’s tour:</p>
<ul>
<li> Tour of California organizers seek to make the race a preparatory event for the <a title="Tour de France" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tour_de_France">Tour de France</a>, and for 2011 the Tour will officially become an International Cycling Union (<a title="Union Cycliste Internationale" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Cycliste_Internationale">UCI</a>) event. (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tour_of_California">Wikipedia.com</a>)</li>
<li>This year, <a href="http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/docroot/media/2010/2010-stage3-map.pdf">Stage 3</a> of the Tour took cyclists 113.3 miles (mostly along the Pacific Coast) from San Francisco to Santa Cruz. Bell is located in the city of <a href="http://www.scottsvalley.org/">Scotts Valley</a>, which neighbors its old Santa Cruz stomping grounds. A crowd of 20,000 gathered near the iconic <a href="http://www.beachboardwalk.com/">Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk</a> where the riders completed the third stage. The Boardwalk was one of several major sponsors of this year’s race, providing $185,000 of the total $245,000 it took to put on the event. (<a href="http://www.cityonahillpress.com/2010/05/20/2010-tour-of-california-peddles-through-santa-cruz/">CityOnAHillPress.com</a>)</li>
<li>At kickoff, the 2010 Tour of California was highlighted by the participation of seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong. However, Armstrong will not complete this year’s Tour. He <a href="http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-05-20/lance-armstrong-quits-tour-of-california-after-crash-update1-.html">exited the race yesterday</a> after a nasty spill that left the fan favorite with bruises and a few fresh stitches, but no longstanding or substantial injury or broken bones. For more info and a picture of his eye, click here: (<a href="http://www.roadcycling.com/articles/No-Fractures-for-Lance-Armstrong-After-2010-Amgen-Tour-of-California-Crash-and-Exit_003565.shtml">RoadCycling.com</a>)</li>
<li>Steve Morabito, a rider with Santa Rosa-based BMC Racing (sponsored by Easton Bell Sports), continued his climb up the overall standings yesterday by finishing 12th on Stage 5 while two of his other team riders (Simon Zahner and Chad Beyer) were involved in the crash that knocked a total of five riders, including Armstrong, out of the Amgen Tour of California Thursday. (<a href="http://www.bmcracingteam.com/index.php?id=9&amp;L=0&amp;uid=802">BMC Racing Team</a>)</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Steve Morabito by belltruefit, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/belltruefit/4628000352/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4628000352_d90fd5c1e4.jpg" alt="Steve Morabito" width="500" height="336" /></a><br />
(<a href="http://www.bmcracingteam.com/index.php?id=9&amp;L=0&amp;uid=802">Tim de Waele photo via BMC Team Racing</a>)</p>
<p>Did you attend this year’s Tour of California? Have you attended in the past? If so we’d love to hear your stories!</p>
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		<title>Did You Know? Bell’s Fast Facts Friday – Recognizing Standout Bike Commuters/Communities</title>
		<link>http://belltruefit.com/community/2010/05/did-you-know-bell%e2%80%99s-fast-facts-friday-%e2%80%93-recognizing-standout-bike-commuterscommunities/</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 14 May 2010 18:07:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bell Sports</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[May is a month of bike mania! Yes, it’s National Bike Month – which includes Bike to Work Day and Week - but it’s also a time for communities to celebrate the people who have shown dedication to cycling and alternative transportation.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>May is a month of bike mania! Yes, it’s <a href="http://bit.ly/dvhyZv">National Bike Month</a> – which includes Bike to Work Day and Week &#8211; but it’s also a time for communities to celebrate the people who have shown dedication to cycling and alternative transportation.</p>
<p>Despite bad weather, injury, and long commutes, these pedal pushers keep the wheels turning. And even some communities have done so much to promote cycling that they too have earned prestigious awards.</p>
<p>Here are just a few of the award winning cyclists and communities from around the USA:</p>
<p>1)  Every day during the academic year, math and natural history teacher Ken Hoffman rides his bike two miles from his home on West Street to <a href="http://www.hampshire.edu/">Hampshire College</a>. And he&#8217;s been doing it since the school opened 40 years ago. Hoffman will be recognized for his commitment to alternative transportation during Amherst&#8217;s observance of Bike Commute Week next Wednesday. He will be the first recipient of the Arthur Swift Memorial Bicycle Commuter Award, named for the late UMass professor who was a key advocate for the <a href="http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/nwrt.htm">Norwottuck Rail Trail</a> and the connector along University Drive. (<a href="http://www.amherstbulletin.com/story/id/172107/">AmherstBulletin.com</a>)</p>
<p>2) Alameda County&#8217;s <a href="http://www.ebbc.org/bcoy">2010 Bike Commuter of the Year</a> totes electric grinders, saws, braces, scissors and the occasional prosthetic limb to work on her bike, rain or shine. T.D. Fisher logs as many as 30 miles a day round trip on her bike commute to and from work. Fisher works for Oakland’s Center for Independent Rehabilitative Services, visiting schools, therapy units and other institutions to fit patients, often children, for braces and other devices. Fisher was awarded Alameda County&#8217;s top bicycle commuter for 2010 by the East Bay Bicycle Coalition. (<a href="http://www.insidebayarea.com/timesstar/localnews/ci_15035050">InsideBayArea.com</a>)</p>
<p>3) While not an individual, the city of Rochester, MN as a whole gets a mention on this list for recently winning the <a href="http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bicyclefriendlyamerica/communities/">Bicycle Friendly Communities Award</a> from the League of American Bicyclists. Not an easy award to win! (<a href="http://www.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?z=2&amp;a=451396">PostBulletin.com</a>)</p>
<p>4) Snohomish County, Wash., was among the winners in the <a href="http://www.wadot.wa.gov/News/2010/04/14_CommuteSmartAwardWinners.htm">2010 Governor’s Commute Smart Awards</a>, presented recently at the Governor’s Mansion in Olympia, for their <a href="http://www.commtrans.org/Programs/curbit.cfm">Curb the Congestion</a> program that was designed to reduce traffic congestion. For 2010 they also introduced an online, monthly incentive award program where participants can log their alternative trips to qualify for prizes. Nancy Gay was the first monthly incentive award winner for the new program, and she received $250 for her participation and dedication to help “curb the congestion”. Participants who log at least 12 days of trips during April, May and June can qualify for the quarterly incentive award of $1,000 to be drawn in July. Monthly and quarterly incentives will be awarded on an ongoing basis. (<a href="http://www.snohomishtimes.com/snohomishNEWS.cfm?inc=story&amp;newsID=1160">SnohomishTimes.com</a>)</p>
<p>5) Congratulations to the <a href="http://www.southbaybikes.org/" target="_blank">South Bay Bicycle Coalition </a>which was recently awarded two grants totaling $246,000 from the county of Los Angeles and the Beach Cities Health District. The grants will create a Master Bicycle Plan for seven supporting South Bay communities &#8211; Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, El Segundo, Lawndale, Gardena and Torrance. The coalition is organizing the first South Bay CEO/Celebrity Cycle-To-Work Challenge, asking local CEOs and celebrities to join in. Here&#8217;s the pledge: Personally ride to work on May 20 or another designated day during Bike-to-Work Week, encourage your employees to ride and host a &#8220;Celebration Station&#8221; to reward participation at your business. (<a href="http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_15051430" target="_blank">DailyBreeze.com</a>)</p>
<p>We&#8217;d love to hear from anyone participating in the CEO/Celebrity Cycle-To-Work Challenge, and photos from the event are always welcome!</p>
<p>Are there any cycling awards given out, or events hosted, by your community? If so we’d love to hear about them!</p>
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		<title>Pedal, Participate &amp; Prosper: May is National Bike Month!</title>
		<link>http://belltruefit.com/community/2010/05/pedal-participate-prosper-may-is-national-bike-month/</link>
		<comments>http://belltruefit.com/community/2010/05/pedal-participate-prosper-may-is-national-bike-month/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 13 May 2010 18:47:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bell Sports</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[For the rest of May, try to go the extra mile in supporting National Bike Month. Whether you organize a community bike ride or simply ditch the comfort of four wheels for the exhilaration of two while commuting, we’d love to hear about how you celebrate this month.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>For many of our readers any month could be considered bike month, but in honor of <a href="http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bikemonth/">National Bike Month</a> we’re urging everyone to up their level of involvement and try something different.</p>
<p><a title="Bike Month by belltruefit, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/belltruefit/4604046053/"><img class="alignright" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1305/4604046053_d292372e51_o.gif" alt="Bike Month" width="170" height="170" /></a></p>
<p>For the rest of May, try to go the extra mile in supporting National Bike Month. Whether you organize a community bike ride or simply ditch the comfort of four wheels for the exhilaration of two while commuting, we’d love to hear about how you celebrate this month.</p>
<p>Not quite sure what National Bike Month is all about? Need some ideas to kick start your cycling endeavor? Consider the following:</p>
<p>If you want to help reduce CO2 emissions, consider biking to work! May 21, 2010 is designated <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bike-to-Work_Day">Bike-to-Work Day</a>, which is a part of <a href="http://biketoworkweek.org/index.php">Bike-to-Work Week</a> running from May 17-21, 2010. Not only will you help ease congestion in the streets and relieve stress on our O-Zone layer, but you’ll also be doing yourself a huge favor: Three hours of riding per week reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke by 50%! (<a href="http://www.readymade.com/blogs/readymade/power-to-the-pedal-national-bike-month-starts-tomorrow/">ReadyMade.com</a>)</p>
<p><a title="iBikeChallenge by belltruefit, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/belltruefit/4604046037/"><img class="alignleft" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4604046037_112410c1c1_m.jpg" alt="iBikeChallenge" width="185" height="240" /></a>In California, people are being encouraged to participate in the <a href="http://www.youcanbikethere.com/">Team Bike Challenge</a>. All you have to do is get a team of 2-5 riders together and compete to commute by bike as often as possible through the month of May. Get the most points in your county to win prizes for everyone on your team. This year they’ve even created an iPhone app<strong> <a href="http://www.youcanbikethere.com/content/new-iphone-app-helps-bicycle-riders-take-challenge">iBikeChallenge</a></strong> that is designed to attract even more people and help participants keep track of their points. Sponsors of this year’s challenge include Clear Channel, Adobe, REI, and Clif Bar, among others.</p>
<p>On the Clif Bar <a href="http://www.clifbar.com/blog">blog</a>, appropriately named <em>Clif Blog</em>, there are some great suggestions for fun and eclectic cycling excursions. We’d like to take a bike trip through the South Rim of the <a href="http://www.clifbar.com/blog/detail/time_to_ride_may_is_national_bike_month/#comments">Grand Canyon</a>.</p>
<p>Declared by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (<a href="http://www.nhtsa.gov/About+NHTSA/Calendar?eventOrder=desc&amp;eventYear=2010&amp;eventSortBy=date">NHTSA</a>), May is also the National Bike Safety Month.</p>
<p>The good folks over at <a href="http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/safety-spotlight/bike-safety-month/">Safe Kids USA</a> (who have guest posted <a href="http://belltruefit.com/community/2009/06/safety-tune-up-a-guest-post-from-mitch-stoller-safe-kids-worldwide-ceo/">here</a>) are taking this opportunity teach a valuable lesson about bike safety: bike helmets are a necessity, not an accessory. To help them illustrate this point they created a short video detailing how to apply the “Eyes, Ears, and Mouth” Test when making sure that a child’s helmet fits properly.</p>
<p><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="640" height="385" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y5zE6Xtjf_Y&amp;color1=0xb1b1b1&amp;color2=0xd0d0d0&amp;hl=en_US&amp;feature=player_embedded&amp;fs=1" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="385" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y5zE6Xtjf_Y&amp;color1=0xb1b1b1&amp;color2=0xd0d0d0&amp;hl=en_US&amp;feature=player_embedded&amp;fs=1" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed></object></p>
<p><em> <a href=" http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/safety-spotlight/bike-safety-month/" target="_blank">SafeKids.org</a></em></p>
<p>Help us promote bike safety by sharing this video on your blog or via facebook or twitter.</p>
<p>Still can’t decide how to participate in National Bike Month? The <a href="http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bikemonth/events.php">League of American Bicyclists</a> has put together a complete list of 2010 Bike Month events taking place in each and every state across the country. They also have a <a href="http://www.bikeleague.org/cogs/resources/findit/">Find It Here</a> search tool that allows you pinpoint events and resources by city, state, and zip code.</p>
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		<title>Today for show and tell: Lance Armstrong!!</title>
		<link>http://belltruefit.com/community/2010/05/today-for-show-and-tell-lance-armstrong/</link>
		<comments>http://belltruefit.com/community/2010/05/today-for-show-and-tell-lance-armstrong/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 05 May 2010 22:11:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bell Sports</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[Lance Armstrong's impromptu classroom appearance brightens the day for some young students]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Cyclist extraordinaire <a href="http://belltruefit.com/community/?s=armstrong">Lance Armstrong</a> once said, “Winning is about heart, not just legs. It&#8217;s got to be in the right place.” Armstrong’s heart seems to be in the right place, and we can see why he’s considered the United States’ <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/top/news?slug=ys-forbesinfluence042810">most influential athlete</a>, because he makes an impact on everyone &#8212; big and small. Recently, Armstrong stepped into a Colorado classroom as the subject of a show and tell.</p>
<p>It all started when Anders, a child from Armstrong’s Aspen community, placed a letter on his doorstep asking the seven-time Tour de France champion to come to his school as and talk to his class.</p>
<p>Without any hesitation Armstrong agreed to the invitation!</p>
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 510px"><a title="Note to Lance Armstrong by belltruefit, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/belltruefit/4582597928/"><img class=" " src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3308/4582597928_6dda137e98.jpg" alt="Note to Lance Armstrong" width="500" height="375" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">“Kid in our hood just left this on the doorstep. Wants to bring me to show and tell. #surewhynot” (twitpic)</p></div>
<p>He then braved through the snows of Aspen in late spring …</p>
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 510px"><a title="late-spring snow storm in Aspen  by belltruefit, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/belltruefit/4582597890/"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4582597890_e1abdfd3d7.jpg" alt="late-spring snow storm in Aspen " width="500" height="375" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">“It&#39;s late April on Main St in Aspen, CO. Really?!?” (twitpic)</p></div>
<p> … and arrived at the school to brighten the day for the lucky students!</p>
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 510px"><a title="Lance Armstrong with students by belltruefit, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/belltruefit/4582597900/"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4582597900_9346c3cf14.jpg" alt="Lance Armstrong with students" width="500" height="375" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">“Show and tell at Anders&#39; class here in Aspen. Talking bike safety!” (twitpic)</p></div>
<p> With bike safety as the topic, Armstrong enriched the lives of the young students giving them an unforgettable show and tell.</p>
<p>Anders got an exclusive photo op with the cycling champ:</p>
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 510px"><a title="Lance Armstrong with student by belltruefit, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/belltruefit/4582597914/"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4582597914_a4e36dca5e.jpg" alt="Lance Armstrong with student" width="500" height="375" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">“Anders and I …He&#39;s rockin&#39; the yellow jersey and tt helmet. Too cool.” (twitpic)</p></div>
<p> Lance’s good will and genuine enthusiasm for education, bike safety, and our children’s future is commendable!</p>
<p>We also loved the natural response he got from his online community:</p>
<p><a href="http://twitter.com/SusanRPM4">SusanRPM4</a> said, “<em>I love Anders&#8217;s GO FOR IT approach to asking you, Lance, and your GO FOR IT response. Way to go, both of you!!</em>”</p>
<p><a href="http://twitter.com/middlechamorro">middlechamorro</a> said, “<em>Thanks for doing this amazing deed. A class act. Inspiring.</em>”</p>
<p><a href="http://twitter.com/tvcarls">tvcarls</a> said, “<em>Very</em> <em>cool Lance-how exciting for the kids, and learning safety from you &#8211; bonus!</em>”</p>
<p>We try to make learning about bike safety fun also … we do ride bikes and participate in other action sports because they’re fun, right?</p>
<p>Head safety has always been the top priority for Bell, and with our True Fit design we’ve ushered in an era of the perfect-fitting helmet. Safety, comfort and style all rolled into one, Bell True Fit helmets are an essential biking component for children and adults alike.</p>
<p>We let Lance know how we feel about his impromptu classroom appearance also …</p>
<p><a href="http://twitter.com/belltruefit">@BellTrueFit</a>: “<em>Kudos 2 @<a href="http://twitter.com/LanceArmstrong">LanceArmstrong</a> for taking the time to visit a group of Aspen school students for show &amp; tell &#8211; Way to make bike safety fun!</em>”</p>
<p>You should too! <img src='http://belltruefit.com/community/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':-)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
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