CYCLING -- SpokeFest, Spokane's annual September cycling celebration, is teaming up with Mountain Gear to give away 120 Strider bikes to get area kids  from 18 months to 5 years old balanced and riding. 

Strider balance bikes are propelled by the child's feet or gravity to teach the fundamentals of riding. Because they have no pedals or other complications, most children find riding a balance bike as easy as walking.

How to enter: Family or friends can enter any kid age18 months to 5 years by writing a couple of short sentences about how much fun the child would have on a Strider bike.

The child must live in Spokane County. Somebody must be available to pick up the bike from 10 a.m.-noon on June 4 at Mountain Gear Retail Store, 2002 N.  Division St. During that time, a Giveaway Party with refreshments will be open to the public so kids can test ride a Strider Bike at the Adventure Zone, where helmets will be available.

Send the entry by email to events@mountaingear.com.

Entry deadline is May 27.

Winners will be selected randomly and be notified via email on June 1, 2016.

Ten of the bikes will be given away as door prizes at the party while 90 will be awarded to the pool of entries. Other bikes will be given to kids at Summer Parkways events.

 Local youngsters can practice their skills, preregister and participate in the Spokane Strider Cup race on July 9. 

SpokeFest, scheduled for Sept. 11, 2016, is one of the Spokane area's most poplar bicycling events.