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.

The Carpenter/Phinney Bike Camp is the ultimate cycling vacation. Teen Treks 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 Camp Woodward has been offering extreme sports camps for skiers, snowboarders, skateboarders, BMXers and more for 15+ years.

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.

For children with cerebral palsy, riding a bike can especially be a daunting challenge. Fortunately groups like the United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County 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 “campers” 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!

Bell is a proud supporter of the camp and participated in the event as well, donating 22 Blade helmets, 14 Adrenaline helmets, and 7 Universal XL helmets for the bike campers to use while they learned to ride, and of course the riders got to keep their helmets!

Here’s a testimonial from one mother about the event:

“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.”

• February 23, 2010: Tips for losing weight – changing the way you eat and adding in some more exercise time! Some facts on hiking and bicycling (Mark Richardson, Viploan.co.uk)

• February 23, 2010: Roswell, Georgia’s only bicycle-friendly community in Georgia, is having their annual Cycling Festival – Alive & Rolling – on April 24-25, Part of the plans? The Roswell Criterium with professional race teams, Kid’s Bicycle Rodeo, Mountain Bike Rides, Mayor’s Ride and more. One Region, Seven Communities, Dozens of Springtime Festivals and Events (Staff Writer, Hospitality Highway Newsletter)

• February 23, 2010: Organized by Cycle Oregon, the 5th Annual Oregon Bike Summit has been scheduled for June 4, 2010, and will be held at the World Trade Center in downtown Portland from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Save the Date: Oregon Bike Summit is June 4th (Jonathan Maus, BikePortland.org)

• February 23, 2010: Ann Wilson began her bicycling expedition in England last July, and has covered over 7,000km since, criss-crossing Italy, Serbia, Turkey, Iran and India. Now in Malaysia, she was inspired to embark on her journey after reading a book, “A Bike Ride”, written by Anne Mustoe, which chronicled the author’s around the world travels on a bicycle. Briton Ann Wilson cycles her way around the world (Shaun Ho, The Star)

• February 24, 2010: A trio of young Connecticut men in their 20s are bicycling across the country from St. Augustine, Fla., to San Diego trying to raise awareness of autism and collecting donations for Autism Speak. Autism awareness riders make their way from Florida to California (Marilyn Monroe, Wicked Local/GateHouse News Service)

• February 25, 2010: The Golden Helmet Award will recognize a Monterey County resident for his/her dedication to bicycling to and from work. Sign up before the March 31 deadline! Nominations sought for Monterey County Golden Helmet Award (Rachel Zentz, The Californian.com)

• February 26, 2010: Being called a “Hub Grub Ride”, the Seminole Heights Bicycle Club met up last weekend and pedaled to eight Seminole Heights restaurants. Tour Seminole Heights restaurants with the Hub Grub Ride (Dalia Colón, St. Petersburg Times)

• February 26, 2010: The sixth annual North American Handmade Bicycle Show took place this past weekend in Richmond, VA, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Handmade Bike Show Kicks Off (Staff Writer, Bicycling)

In the days following the news of the massive quake, stories, images and videos of unimaginable destruction and unbelievable carnage swept across the newswires.

What accompanied these horrific developments was an immediate and unprecedented outpouring of relief aid, money, support and prayer.

Today’s Fast Facts Friday is meant to shine a light on only a few of the many good Samaritans and caring people across the world who have stepped up to help the people of Haiti cope with the devastation and rebuild their lives.

1) One electronic form of support brought $30 million in relief funds in a matter of days: text messaging.  Right after the quake, the Red Cross and mobile phone companies announced that they would take donations by cell phone. AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and other major carriers all quickly jumped on the bandwagon, allowing donations over their text messaging network … with no hidden fees! Texting the word HAITI to 20222 will give a $10 donation to the Clinton Foundation. You can give $10 to the International Medical Corps (85944), the Salvation Army (52000), and the American Red Cross (90999) by simply texting the word “HAITI”. (ThePilot.com)

2) While people and communities across the US and the world are mobilizing and giving all they can to aid in the relief effort, governments have also been quickly prompted to action. The Obama administration has pledged $100 million in aid and the deployment of 10,000 troops. (NYTimes.com)

3) Canada’s military has deployed the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to provide “eyes-on” feedback and assistance to the catastrophic situation. The Canadian Forces has named this mission “Operation Helmet” and foresees it as an ongoing mission that will focus on supplying search and rescue teams as well as medical supplies to victims of this devastating earthquake. (MigrationExpert.com)

4) The Pittsburgh Penguins and their fans helped raise more than $34,000 for earthquake relief in Haiti prior to Thursday night’s game against the Washington Capitals. Fans donated more than $17,309, and the organization matched that bringing the grand total of money raised to $34,600. Overall, the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and other professional sports have stepped up in a major way donating millions of dollars, hosting relief drives, and sending countless aid care packages. (ThePittsburghChannel.com and BusinessWeek.com)

5) Finally, after nearly two weeks of sadness, an image of hope has emerged: One of a smiling young boy named Kiki being lifted from the rubble by American rescuers:

 

(DailyMail.co.uk)

• December 28, 2009: Daron Robertson works two jobs and pedals to and from work every day and in all weather. Neither rain, nor sleet, nor gloom of night keeps Marshall cyclist from pedaling to 2 jobs (Eric Crump, The Marshall-Democrat News)

• December 28, 2009: CYCLE Kids has been working with inner-city schools in metro Boston and New York City with a goal to adapt an activity kids love — cycling — into a curriculum that ingrains within both kids and their families long-term healthy lifestyle habits. Bicycling As Antidote To Childhood Obesity (Julianne Idlet, wbur.org)

• December 29, 2009: The nominees are now up for year’s “Exploits of the Year” on the Bicycling website. Did your favorite cyclist make the cut? Bicycling’s Exploit of the Year (James Startt, Bicycling)

• December 29, 2009: Former cyclist and Manhattan Publishing Executive João Correia is now back in top racing form after losing 60 lbs. Back in Racing Form After Dropping the Fork (Alex Williams, New York Times)

• December 30, 2009: Included in this list of the best outdoor activities people should partake in throughout 2010? Both mountain biking and road cycling! What’s on your outdoors learn-to-do list for 2010? Here’s where to start (Mike McQuaide, Seattle Times)

• December 30, 2009: The interesting looking Chariot Skates were designed as a combination of skiing and bicycling. Chariot Skates: half rollerblade, half chariot (Keffan Dolly, SlashGear)

• December 30, 2009: Edited by Evan Schneider and published by the nonprofit Wolverine Farm Publishing, this cycling almanac receives rave reviews from Biel in this post. Book review: The new issue of Boneshaker cycling almanac (Joel Biel, BikePortland.org)

• December 30, 2009: The Rock Hill Bicycle Club ventured out New Year’s Day for a 20-mile bike ride known as the Chilly Chili Ride. Rock Hill bicycle riders to brave chill on New Year’s morning (Shawn Cetrone, The Herald: Rock Hill)

• January 1, 2010: Now Sacramento people have more room to roam around on their bikes! Latest Miner’s Ravine Trail segment completed (Staff Writer, Sacramento Bee)

• January 2, 2010: What was one preschoolers New Year’s resolution? “I will always wear a helmet when bicycling.” Healthy New Year’s resolution for kids (Staff Writer, Tehran Times)

• December 14, 2009: Heading west, Marshall Wayne Lee and basset hound Antigone Puppleupagus ride on behalf of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and local basset hound rescues. Chicago man, dog on a life-saving bike adventure (Thomas Jenkins, Big Spring Herald)

• December 15, 2009: Washington native Dr. Scott Ramsey discusses how he got into cycling and the charity he rides for. Rider Profile: Dr. Scott Ramsey (David Longdon, Velocity: The Seattle Area Cycling Blog)

• December 15, 2009: Innovation in cycling – Using sensors and a Bluetooth connection, the Copenhagen wheel can talk to an iPhone mounted on the handlebars. The wheel can also monitor traffic conditions and smog and even keep track of your bicycling buddies. MIT unveils new ’smart’ bike wheel (Lance Whitney, CNET: Crave)

• December 15, 2009: Congressman Earl Blumenauer posed what he called the “universalist bicycle mantra” during the Cities, Bicycles, and the Future of Getting Around panel. Just put on a coat, already: Cyclists in a strange land (David Alpert, Greater Greater Washington)

• December 15, 2009: Bangalore cycling enthusiast, Vijay Sharma, will ride a bicycle handcrafted from bamboo to promote the ‘green’ cause. Now, a ‘green’ bicycle for cycling enthusiasts (Maitreyee Boruah, Sify News)

• December 16, 2009: This holiday season, Justin Fanslau will be riding a “lei” around the Big Island to support the advocacy efforts of PATH – Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawaii. Holiday Ride for Dollars (Press Release, Bicycle Retailer)

• December 17, 2009: Ross Kenney explains efforts in Seoul, South Korea, to make bicycling more popular. Reader Photos of the Week: Bike infrastructure in Seoul, South Korea (Elly Blue, BikePortland.org)

• December 18, 2009: Manny Diaz writes about helmets, safety and riding defensively for cyclists. Cycling, Helmets and Defensive Riding (Manny Diaz, InjuryBoard.com)

• December 18, 2009: The exhibition explores the biking habits of Copenhageners throughout the ages and focuses on the representation of bicycles in art, literature and popular music. Museum of Copenhagen exhibits Denmark’s bicycle history and culture (Russell, eNewsWire)

• December 18, 2009: A bike lane was removed in Brooklyn when conservative residents said they “can’t handle scantily clad women” on wheels. These activists planned to brave to cold and go topless to protest the removal. Bikers in the buff to protest NY bike lane removal (Verena Dobnik, The AP)

• December 5, 2009: Twitter allows bicycling enthusiasts to connect with one another. Tweeting isn’t just for the birds (Mary Cruse, Times-Standard)

• December 4, 2009: Tour de Fat is a free event, but the money raised from the sale of New Belgium beers and merchandise goes toward bicycle advocacy and environmental stewardship. New Belgium’s Tour de Fat Raised More than a Quarter-Million for Non-Profits in 2009 (Al Fresco, Bike World News)

• December 4, 2009: If you’re planning to get away from the cold weather this winter and head to Australia, check out these neat places that will get your blood pumping. Australia’s best bike rides (Simon Hayes, News.com.au)

• December 3, 2009: Decades of research and heartbreak back up helmet use as one of the best ways to keep favorite pastimes and activities from turning into tragedy. Helmet Use Proven Life-Saver (Peter Pappas, MD, Sports Coast Medicine & Healthy Living)

• December 3, 2009: Winterfest – a combination fundraiser, art show and bike party that celebrates the best of Bay Area bike culture. Winterfest 2009: Celebrating bicycle culture (Monica Nolan, San Francisco Chronicle)

• December 2, 2009: Bikes Belong has announced six fall grant awards that will help put more people on bicycles more often in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia. Bikes Belong Awards $50,000 in Grants (Press Release, Bicycle Retailer)

• December 2, 2009: Chris Carr started a non-profit organization called Wheels for Wells (@WheelsForWells on Twitter), which aims to raise $200,000 to provide clean drinking water for people in Africa. Bike ride across US to build wells in Africa (Rebekah Miller, The Waltonian)

• December 2, 2009: Check out the photo of the bicycling models sporting clothes by French designer Sonia Rykiel as part of her show for H&M in Paris Tuesday. Pictures of the Day (Thibault Camus, Associated Press)

• December 1, 2009: Over the last two years, Share A Cycle has provided about 90 bikes each year to local youth with Denver Kids, Inc. Extra bike lying around? Donate it to Share a Cycle (Susie Wargin, 9News.com)

• November 30, 2009: Hipsters make a statement by riding a bicycling in the winter months. Hipsters cycle for fashion (Rachelq Harman, The Argonaut)

1. The Hershey Tour de Pink bicycle ride covers 200+ miles and benefits Young Survival Coalition (YSC), an international organization dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women and breast cancer. (Young Survival Coalition)

2. 85 percent of the proceeds the organization bike4breastcancer receives from its local Pink Ribbon Bike Rides go toward supporting breast cancer. The next local bicycle ride will be on Saturday, June 19, 2010 Boyne City, MI. (bike4breastcancer)

3. The Ride to Empower (going on now through October 25, 2009) in Red Rock, Nevada, is put on by the Network of Strength and travels through the Mojave Desert. (Network of Strength)

4. The Minnesota affiliate of the Susan G. Komen foundation is hosting Hartford Breast Cancer Ride August 7-8, 2010, which includes an overnight stay at the Treasure Island Resort and Casino. (Breast Cancer Ride)

5. Bell Sports sister company, Giro, released the Skyla Breast Cancer Awareness Helmet that you can rock on your next ride for the cure. (TheFind.com)

We all know someone that has been affected by breast cancer. So now that you know about the locations, the dates and the gear, you have no excuse to let your good intentions slip another year! Do you know of a ride to support the fight against breast cancer that we haven’t listed? Or have a story to share about your latest experience supporting the cause? Feel free to share – We’re all in this together.

This weekend, the season’s most popular Northern California ride, America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride, will take place in Lake Tahoe.

What’s also special about this event is that this bike ride will largely benefit a great cause: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, as part of the Team In Training cycling program. Season after season, Team In Training unites thousands of new and experienced cyclists and coaches them through months of training to be race-ready, all while raising funds for blood cancer research, education and patient services. The end result for those participating in this weekend’s event on behalf of Team In Training is not only an epic and scenic 72-mile ride around the lake, but also contributing funds to LLS to be used in its efforts to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

In addition to this weekend’s event in Tahoe, what’s nice to note about most large organized bike rides is that there are many worthy and honorable causes that receive added publicity and funding support from thousands of riders. For those that need some added motivation for biking, consider biking for a greater cause.

Here are a few additional June bike for a cause events around the nation that are also receiving chatter on twitter:

Ride for AIDS Chicago – June 6, benefiting the Test Positive Aware Network to raise funds for HIV/AIDS in the Chicago area.

Tour de Cure in Saratoga Spring, New York – June 7, benefiting the American Diabetes Association. Lots of twitterers are involved.

Healing Wheels Tour in Morristown, Colorado – June 13, benefiting Inner City Health Center, a non-profit clinic providing health services for the un- and under-insured in metro Denver.

Ride for Autism in Lincroft, New Jersey – June 13 benefiting Autism New Jersey, while raising community awareness about autism.

Are you participating in these events? Is there another cause that you are passionate about that we haven’t listed here?

Share in the comments or tweet at us @BellTrueFit and let us know!