Utah on Our Minds

Who knew the “Beehive State” would be dominating the cycling headlines today?

Bikes for Kids Utah Announces New Dates for Bike Giveaway and Fundraising Rides

SALT LAKE CITY - January 18, 2008 - Bikes for Kids Utah, a non-profit 501(C)3 organization, today announced its bike giveaway and fundraising bike rides will take place May 31.

Previously, the Bikes for Kids Utah dinner/silent auction, 5K, 50K and 100K fundraising bicycle rides, bike giveaway and the Dave Zabriskie Yield to Life Time Trial were held all in one weekend. The May 31 date was chosen to give the bike recipients time to ride their new bikes during the summer months following the giveaway, as well to guarantee as warmer weather for the fundraising bike rides.

"We have had two extremely successful events and each year we learn something new about making the next event better than the last." said Debbie Reid, founder and director of Bikes for Kids Utah. "It didn't seem right to give a child a brand new bike in the fall when he or she may only have a few weeks left to enjoy it. The new dates give these kids at least 3-4 warm months to really get a feel for and enjoy their bikes."

This event marks the third year Bikes for Kids Utah will give 1,000 new bicycles to pre-qualified, underprivileged students from Salt Lake Valley elementary schools. Along with the 1,000 bicycles, the children of first grade age will also receive helmets, t-shirts and bike locks through proceeds accrued from sponsorships, donations and the 5K, 50K or 100K fundraising bicycle rides.

With the new date, unfortunately Dave Zabriskie, Salt Lake City native and the third American ever to wear the yellow jersey in the Tour de France, won't be able to attend this year's event due to his busy race schedule.

For members of the community who are interested in participating in the Bikes for Kids 5K, 50K or 100K fundraising rides, they will take place on the same day as the bike giveaway, May 31.

For those interested in donating time as a volunteer or for more information regarding the events, please visit www.bikesforkidsutah.org or call 801-523-3730.

Tour of Utah
Last year the inaugural Tour of Utah was postponed due to financial considerations, now the promoters are calling for men's professional and category one team applications. More than 120 cyclists are due to compete in the 2008 edition of the race from August 13 to 17.

To register, www.tourofutah.com/register