Our third and final round of the Bell True Fit twitter contest is complete! We’ve reached 900 followers on twitter, and as promised the time has come to select a follower (at random) to receive a free Bell True Fit helmet!

With this new milestone, we’re also donating five brand new True Fit helmets to the folks at San Jose Bike Party, to help them continue building a strong bicycle community. Located in Bell Sports’ backyard, the group organizes themed, monthly rides through the city of San Jose, CA and this month The Orange Ride starts at 8pm on Friday, January 21, 2011. They’re encouraging participants to come to the party decked out in orange colors. Be sure to check out the San Jose Bike Party on facebook and twitter @SJBikeParty for more information.

Of course, we remain dedicated to our loyal and motivated customers, so we’re also giving away a True Fit helmet to one of our 900+ followers. OK, so the winner of the final, Round 3 is … drum roll please … Dina L (@DinaJ). Congratulations and thanks for following @BellTrueFit! Please pick a Bell True Fit size, and whether you’d like a boy’s/men’s or girl’s/women’s helmet (visit our Products page for helmet options), and then DM us your email on twitter so we can get your address to mail your free new helmet!

THANK YOU to everyone who re-tweeted and encouraged friends to follow in the first, second and third round. You all really are the engine that keeps us moving forward in making new connections in the cycling and helmet advocacy communities.

As 2010 comes to a close and everyone starts mentally preparing for their New Year’s resolutions, we’d like to take a look back at a year that was quite momentous for the greater cycling community. Cities found a renewed focus on alternative transportation, inventors unveiled new bicycle innovations, and people, companies and organizations across the country displayed unparalleled philanthropy. Let’s take a look back at some of the best stories, covered on this blog and elsewhere, that shaped our tight-knit community (and the World!) over the last year.

• A good place to start is with Bicycles for Humanity (B4H), the grassroots organization that empowers people to improve their quality of life through donated bicycles, who recently announced they shipped a total of 5,215 bikes (along with spare parts and tools) to impoverished African communities in 2010. Check out some of the other accomplishments B4H reported this year at PR.com.
• Along those same lines, an 8-year-old girl in Washington recently made a generous donation. Tori Wollard was one of two winners of the Washington Daily News’ Christmas coloring contest. Her prize: a brand new bike from Wal-Mart. The first thing Tori did when she got the bike: donated it to The Salvation Army so it could be given to a needy girl! When asked what motivated her to donate her prize, Tori said, “I thought maybe a little girl who’s probably the same age as me probably couldn’t afford one.” Now that’s the true Christmas spirit. Read the entire article Washington winner shares the spirit of Christmas (Mike Voss, Washington Daily News)
• There were  four particular bike and helmet related inventions that piqued our interest this year: the Bamboo bike, the Bendy Bike, the TuneBug Shake, and the innagural Bicycle City.
  • Bamboo bikes are manufactured by several companies across the county, but the folks at Bamboo Bike Studio offer something completely different. With firms in San Francisco and Brooklyn, they host weekend classes where people can build a bike made from bamboo themselves! Some say bamboo bikes actually have an advantage over metal-framed ones – they give a smoother ride, thanks to bamboo’s natural ability to absorb vibration (plus you’ll get points for going green). For more information read Bamboo Bicycles Grow in Popularity at Brooklyn Studio (Bradley Blackburn, ABC News)
  • Back in July a designer in Britain invented a revolutionary folding bicycle: The Bendy Bike. Using a ratchet system built into the frame of the bike to allow it to wrap around a pole, the lock can be wrapped through both wheels and the frame. Check out the pictures at DailyMail.co.uk
  • The TuneBug Shake is a portable speaker, with “SurfaceSound” technology. What is that, you ask? It uses a specially designed speaker that turns anything it lays on into a louder, larger-sounding speaker. Tunebug’s Shake is specifically designed to attach to a bike helmet, turning it into a booming speaker! Plus, this will save your ears later pains from those ear buds and relieve you for the dangers of listening to headphones while riding. Read Five fresh gadgets for the tech-minded for more info on the TuneBug Shake (Quibian Salazar-Moreno, Boulder Weekly.com)
  • Bicycle City, South Carolina: We covered this back in November, but wanted to provide an update: According to a report in Columbia’s weekly newspaper freetimes, on Dec. 11, 2010 Bicycle City (located in Lexington, SC) showcased its plans to the public with an all day event including biking, hiking, kayaking, live music, tree planting and organic gardening and much more. We’re happy to see that this is taking off, and we’re looking forward to watching this community develop in 2011.
• In St. Louis, MO the Federal Transit Administration recently said it would award $1 million to the Metro transit agency for bicycle pathway connections along the Mississippi River and the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, or Gateway Arch. FTA awards $1M for Arch bike pathway (St. Louis Business Journal)
• The above example is just one of many, many similar stories from across the country where cities and municipalities made moves to expand the use of bicycles in their communities. Read our June 2010 blog post Bikes & Goverment for a look at some of the things that governments are doing to promote cycling.
• If your New Year’s resolution is to get in shape, consider starting 2011 with a bike ride. Spoke-N-Sport Bikes in Sioux Falls, SD is set to host their 24th New Year’s Day Bike Ride. New this year is an added indoor competition that is separate from the regular ride. Competitors will race each other on stationary trainers, and the winner goes home with one of the single speed bikes used for the race. Visit http://spoke-n-sport.com/ for more information.
• There are events like this taking place across the country, but if you can’t find something in your town, don’t let that discourage you. Go out and forge a new path for yourself! Take a new route that you haven’t gone on before. Or maybe add a few miles onto your traditional ride. Whatever you decide to do, be safe and don’t forget to wear your Bell helmet! Enjoy!
• For a look at some of the top cycling-related news out of Britain,  be sure to read the Environmental Transport Association’s Most popular cycling stories in 2010. The Guiness World Record-shattering eight-mile bicycle wheelie is pretty astounding, as is the idea of using the TamTam Flash GPS … expect to see that in 2011.

We hope you all had a great 2010 and have an even better 2011. Happy New Year!

Christmas is only a few days away, yet it seems that many still have some last-minute shopping to do (What’s new?). While Bell products are affordable year-round, during this time of year stores across the country are marking down prices and offering some great deals on helmets and other cycling and skateboarding products. Here’s a roundup of some of some best Bell products out there:

Sports Basement offers Bell bike helmets at a discounted price. Always on sale, these discounted Bell mountain bike and road bike helmets are 30 to 60% off! Check out the selection at SportsBasement.com

Bell helmets (like the Adrenaline Black Carbon, pictured right) and other products are sold in most bike shops, sporting goods stores and mass retailers including Walmart, Target, Toys R Us, Sears and  Kmart.

Maybe a new helmet didn’t make the Christmas list this year? If that’s the case, Bell offers a number of other useful accessories for bicycle riders or skateboarders.

Got an uncomfortable bike seat? Consider replacing it with a Bell  GelTech Seat  (pictured left) or simply cover with a new, cushy seat pad.

Need a reliable way to inflate bike tires? Consider a sturdy Bell tire pump. Need to keep your bike safe and secure in public? Check out our assortment of locks.

Doing some night riding? Don’t forget a light! Bell offers some powerful light systems that will illuminate any path.

Maybe there are new parents in your family? Well, even the youngest tyke can enjoy a bike ride with our child carriers, including the Bell Cocoon Child Carrier Seat (pictured right). This ultra safe, secure and comfortable bike seat includes a high back, 5-point harness, high-visibility rear reflector, a molded spoke guard and much more.

Know someone who commutes on bike through high-traffic areas? Consider getting them a Bell bike mirror so they can be more aware of their surroundings.

Maybe one of your friends or family members is planning a road trips and wants to bring their bikes along? Consider a Bell car rack.

Need some stocking stuffers? A Bell Emergency Bike tool or Bell bike bag would work. And our durable water bottles and hydration packs would be just the right fit.

Of course we offer a wide variety of helmet options for the kids, in boys and girls styles. The Rex line comes equipped with our True Fit technology, ensuring the easiest fit ever. The girls will love the Rex Earth First helmet(pictured left) and the boys will  shine with the Blazing Star version (pictured below right).

If you’re not sure where to go in your area, call 1.800.456.BELL and a customer service representative will help you find a store near you or visit our Where to Buy page to find a list of locations where Bell products are sold.

We hope that these suggestions give you some ideas for those last minute gift purchases. We’d love to hear what Bell products you decide to give, or if you receive any as gifts this year. Let us know by leaving a comment below. And of course, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us at Bell Sports!

(Photo Courtesy of Columbia Missouri Cycling Cooperative)

Like just about every other holiday, Thanksgiving makes for a great excuse to go for a bike ride. While many people see Thanksgiving as a time to relax, eat turkey, and watch football, we in the cycling community see it as an opportunity to go out and spin!

If the weather in your area is cooperative this Thanksgiving, consider taking a pre or post-meal ride to get your juices flowing. The fall weather might make for a brisk ride, but it’s important to get at least 20 minutes of exercise every day! 

Not only does a Thanksgiving bike ride help you work off some of those calories from all that food, but it is also a great opportunity to really see some of the autumnal changes in the landscape.

Besides just rolling through the neighborhood or taking a ride to the local park, there are a number of fun and charitable cycling events on (and around) Thanksgiving across the country every year. Here are a few of the most interesting rides we’ve found for Thanksgiving 2010:

• Since 1999, New York City cyclists and bike messengers have raised food for the city’s homeless the week before Thanksgiving. Cranksgiving rides are designed to test your skills and speed navigating city traffic. They also test the sharpness of your wits as you navigate the aisles of grocery stores searching for specific food items. Once you’ve found them and made your way through the checkout lines and finished the ride, all of your food will be donated to a local homeless shelter. Cranksgiving is a charity ride, and anyone can participate. It’s been happening for over 10 years in New York City, and has spread to cities across the country. Visit Cranksgiving.org for a list of dates, locations and more information.
• The folks over at Trails.com came up with The 5 Best Thanksgiving Bike Rides including bike trails in New York, Texas and California. Palisades State Park offers great views of NYC, Bray’s Bayou takes riders through downtown Houston and into the countryside (plus, it’s usually warm!), and Big Sur (California) offers picturesque views of the ocean from the Pacific Coast Highway running from Carmel to Santa Barbara. Click the link to find out the other top rides.
• Cape May, New Jersey offers a number of dazzling sights and sounds. Jane Kelly of the Cape May Times lays out ten things she is thankful for on a Cape May Thanksgiving Bike Tour. Included in this list are breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, appreciation of open space, sunsets, and the harbor. Find out what else along Cape May makes this writer particularly thankful at A Cape May Thanksgiving Bike Tour (CapeMayTimes.com)
• On the 19^th, San Jose Bike Party is holding their November Ride, dubbed Hot August Lights from 8pm to 1am on the 20^th. They are encouraging participants to deck out their bikes with lights, and are holding a contest for the most “Lighted Up” bikes. Prizes include spoke lights from Monkey Electric, safety lights from Bike Glow, and much more. Visit SJBikeParty.org for more information.

Is there a particular Thanksgiving bike event in your city? Do you have a favorite autumn bike ride? Let us know in the comment section below!

The bicycle festivities are definitely in effect on Saturday in Arkansas with the Bentonville Annual Bike Rodeo.

Promoting cycling safety for all ages, B2 Bicycle Blast on the Bentonville Square kicks off with a bike rodeo from 9am-Noon. Then the bicycle parade begins.

Never heard of a bike rodeo before? Well we’ve discussed them many times on the Bell True Fit blog including a Fast Fact’s Friday feature back in June, Did you know? The Rodeo Isn’t Just for Cowboys … but if you’re still unsure, a bike rodeo is basically a clinic that helps teach children the importance of riding a bicycle safely and what skills and precautions they need to develop to have a safe time on their bicycles.

And what better way to learn than in the midst of the world’s top BMX professionals?

During the rodeo Team Self Destruct will be putting on bike stunt shows at 10am, 10:45am, and 11:30am.

If you or your kid is interested in meeting a few of the biggest names in BMX and motorsports, there’s an all-star lineup attending and signing autographs including:

• Extreme sports legend Travis Pastrana
• Nike BMX Team rider Mike Spinner
• Professional BMX Racer Danny Robinson
• Professional downhill mountain bike racer and freestyle rider Jim DeChamp

Bell is taking part in the event as well: We’re donating 300 water bottles for giveaways to the registered Bike Rodeo participants, and we’ve donated some of the lender helmets for participants as well.

If you see a Bell Sports logo at one of the booths come stop by and say hello!

For more information on the event visit Bentonville Annual Bike Rodeo on facebook and follow @BVILLEBIKERODEO on twitter for real-time updates.

We hope to see you there!

At Bell we have a penchant for technologically advanced products. As our history shows, from the time that Roy Richter was designing race cars in the 1930’s to our True Fit technology of the 21^st Century, we’re committed to providing the best products possible. Especially helmets.

When it comes to Bell bike helmets, we engineered a perfect combination of science and human experience that resulted in the easiest fitting helmets ever: True Fit. For this week’s Fast Fact’s Friday we’re delving into a few recent technological advancements in the bicycle world. From a computer for the bicycle to a new type of mini-bike to a cross-trainer on wheels, bike technology never ceases to amaze.

• The $99 LiveRider Kit includes a shockproof iPhone mount, wireless sensor and an attractive app for displaying all your ride data in real time. The free LiveRider app gives you real-time data on speed, cadence, power output, calories burned and more. Tap into your device’s GPS to keep track of where you’re going, and flip into Chase Rider mode to compete against your previous best times on any given route. For more information check out LiveRider Kit Makes You iPhone A Computer For Your Bicycle. (Gizmodo)
• Have you heard about the PiCycle? It’s an eco-friendly, hybrid bike that can be converted into a scooter, thanks to its built-in electric motor and on-board lithium-ion battery. It’s got a semi-automatic 8-speed transmission, which should help when you’re trying to ride up those steep slopes, and the coolest, most earth-friendly part: Pedaling = battery charging. And it gets up to 20 miles on a full charge. The simplistic but oddly shaped frame just might be the future of cycling. It starts for $2,999. PiCycle Electric Hybrid Bike (UberGizmo)
• While we’re on the topic of electric bikes, consider the VeloMini. This bike is unique in that it is a folding electric bike. It can fold down into a compact 18”, gets it’s juice from a 24v, 6AH lithium ion battery.  At $995 the folks over at SlashGear think it’s a little pricey, but that’s a third of the cost of the PiCycle. VeloMini Electric Folding Bicycle Has Top Speed of 12mph, Costs More Than it Should. (SlashGear)
• Are you a gym rat? Do you ride a stationary bike or elliptical machine at the gym? If so (and if not!), check out the Freecross Trainer. This “bike” is actually a traditional cross-trainer with wheels. Like a bicycle, the Freecross has gears which increase or decrease the amount of resistance on both arms and legs. To steer users must use their body weight by leaning in the direction in which they wish to travel.  The tester over at The Daily Mail, Charlotte Vowden, attests, “this hybrid piece of equipment was easy to use and presents gym goers with a novel alternative to the sweaty atmosphere indoors.” According to their website, the Freecross is good for bike trails or out on the open road as lets you combine the full-body, elliptical workout with fresh air and the freedom to train wherever its wheels can take you. Freecross trainer at Soho Gym: Taking the exercise class outdoors. (DailyMail.co.uk)
• In case you missed it, In July we featured a breakthrough bicycle called the Bendy Bike. It was designed by Brit Kevin Scot, and 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 pictures to believe it.

Some friends of the Bell True Fit 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.

• One-half political party, one-half street party, San Jose Bike Party 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 @SJBikeParty and find out how to get involved at SJBikeParty.org.
• Just a few miles north-east of San Jose, the East Bay Bike Party 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 Space Party, 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 Superhero Ride, 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 super hero always wears a helmet and rides with bike lights.” Follow them on twitter @ebbikeparty and stay in the loop at EastBayBikeParty.wordpress.com

• The Midnight Ridazz 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, MidnightRidazz.com was created to help empower YOU to create your own rides, routes and “good timezz.” Start yourself on a recurring ride or throw a one timer in the daylight … it’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 MidnightRidazz.com.
• Want to spice up your kid’s upcoming birthday party? Consider throwing your own bike party! Over at Disney’s Family Fun 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 obstacle course that tests their skills — and lets them be silly too. Add a spoke-tacular cake, prize ribbons, and take-home goody bags that make everyone feel like a champ, and you’ve got the coolest party on two wheels.” (FamilyFun.Go.com)
• The Bicycle Music Festival is an all day, mobile, community music festival – completely bike-powered! A 501(c)3 project of the San Francisco Parks Trust www.sfpt.org, part of the mission of the Bicycle Music Festival is to, “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 @bikemusicfest and visit BicycleMusicFestival.com for more information or to get involved.

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 Fast Facts Friday list? Are you planning a bike party in your community? If so, leave a comment below or let us know on twitter @BellTrueFit.

A report came out this week that the federal government increased spending on cycling (and walking) initiatives by more than $400 million in 2009. In 2008 spending on such projects was less than $600 million, but the Obama administration has rapidly increased total spending to roughly $1.2 billion using funds set aside under the economic recovery program. Today’s Fast Facts Friday takes another look at what governments are doing to promote biking projects.  

1) The number of reported walking trips has more than doubled from 18 billion in 1990 to 42.5 billion in 2009. Bicycling trips saw a similar increase, from 1.7 billion to 4 billion during the same period. Together, the two modes account for 11.9 percent of all reported trips by Americans. Still, biking is less than 1 percent of the total. With an increased reliance on bicycle transportation, the bump in spending on biking projects could not have come at a better time. (Telegraph.co.uk)

2) In response to the Gulf of Mexico oil disaster, the president has issued a six-month moratorium on deep-water drilling. In response to the whole situation, the folks over at SF Streets Blog conclude that we can offset the moratorium on drilling in the Gulf of Mexico by driving 20 percent less. Central to their plan on how this can be achieved is an increase in political action to develop bicycle systems. Jason Henderson writes, “… in the short-term, there is a quick, cheap, and nimble solution to help get us to 20 percent reductions in driving — bicycles. Bicycles do not require expensive, long-term capital investment. A bicycle system can be developed rapidly. Unlike transit systems, a bicycle system does not require large operating costs.” (SF.StreetsBlog.org)

3) In one major US city, this type of action is well underway. Mayor Sam Adams has vowed to make Portland “the most sustainable city in the world.” Adams has worked toward allocating $20 million to help kick-start the city’s bicycle master plan, which includes the development of “bicycle boulevards.” These “boulevards” take bike lanes to the next level and are made by building curb extensions to slow traffic to make neighborhood streets safer for bikes. Check OregonLive.com for a photo. (FastCompany.com)

4) Washington DC is promoting its newly-named bike-share program, “Capitol Bikeshare,” and asking for suggestions from the public on where to put the actual bike-share stations. The program will expand bike sharing beyond the DC to Arlington, VA and will bump up the number of stations to 114, with more than 1,000 bikes. Under the plan, people could rent a bike for short trip then drop it off at another station. People can fill out the online survey to make suggestions of where all those bikes should be. (WashingtonExaminer.com)

5) Safe Kids USA has a broad and deep grassroots network with over 360 state and local Safe Kids coalitions. As a part of their goal to prevent accidental childhood injury, they suggest that parents properly fit their child’s helmet and ensure they always wear it when riding, skating or scooting. Their website offers tons of great tips and useful information on Bicycling and Skating Safety, as well as an interactive map to find a Safe Kids coalition in your area. Bell Sports and Safe Kids are partners in keeping children safe around bicycles, skates, and other wheel-related injuries.

Are there any inspiring bike programs in your city? Do you know of a any initiatives to help promote ciking? What do you think of the SF Streets Blog idea?

Tell us how you feel on twitter @BellTrueFit, or leave a message below!

Photo courtesy of WhiteHouse.gov

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:

1)  The United States Military Academy 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. (USMA.com)

2) The United States Air Force Cycling Team has competed in the last 16 RAGBRAI 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 DoD 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 … 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. (AirForceCyclingTeam.com)

Jacob Roche - Midshipman Second Class - Assistant Team Captain. He wears Bell too!

3) In the United States Navy, 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. (NACYC.com)

4) In the United States Marine Corps, they believe that Cross Training makes tactical athletes. To aid Marines in becoming combat ready, Semper Fit created a Combat Conditioning Training Course to give Marines a well-rounded workout which includes intense cycling classes! (USMC.mil)

5) In late April, a number of Quantico Marines showed up to give moral support to wounded soldiers participating in the 7th annual “White House to Lighthouse” ride from Washington DC to the Thomas Point lighthouse in Chesapeake Bay, Md. Sponsored by the Wounded Warrior Project, 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:

“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.’” (USMC.mil)

Stage 3 of the 2010 Tour of California. San Francisco to Santa Cruz. May 18, 2010
Photo courtesy of bissellcycling – flickr

For the last six years California has played host to one of the most prestigious and largest cycling races in the United States: the AMGEN Tour of California.

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 Stages page of the AMGEN Tour of California website.

Here are some interesting (and fast) facts about this year’s tour:

•  Tour of California organizers seek to make the race a preparatory event for the Tour de France, and for 2011 the Tour will officially become an International Cycling Union (UCI) event. (Wikipedia.com)
• This year, Stage 3 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 Scotts Valley, which neighbors its old Santa Cruz stomping grounds. A crowd of 20,000 gathered near the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 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. (CityOnAHillPress.com)
• 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 exited the race yesterday 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: (RoadCycling.com)
• 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. (BMC Racing Team)

(Tim de Waele photo via BMC Team Racing)

Did you attend this year’s Tour of California? Have you attended in the past? If so we’d love to hear your stories!