SpokeFest 2011 called a success

SpokeFest 2011 was a big hit! Organizers said that 1,890 registered riders crossed the finish line Sunday, Sept. 11, for the fourth-annual celebration of cycling. Participants could take part in three different routes, depending on their skill levels and interest. When they returned, they could visit a variety of booths and area resources. Routes included 47 miles, 21 miles, 9 miles, 2.5 miles or 1 mile. The 2.5 loop around Riverfront Park also included a bike safety rodeo, great for younger riders wanting to hone basic cycling skills. At each station, kids received stickers to add to a passport. At the end of the safety rodeo and having completed the safety stations, kids entered to win one of two bicycles donated by REI. Along with the physical benefits to participants, SpokeFest also tries to give back to the community in other ways, including getting more kids riding. The SpokeFest Association makes annual donations to local schools or service organizations for their bike education programs. One of the highlights of SpokeFest 2011 was a drawing for bike products sponsored by Down to Earth NW. The Bike Hub offered a tune-up, a helmet and a bike GPS, and people could enter online or at the DTE booth. The winners were Zane-Lizbeth Taylor, who received the GPS; Sarah Wekman, who received the helmet; and Tracy Pfeiffer, who received the tune-up. For more information about SpokeFest, visit www.spokefest.org To watch a video of the participants, visit here or click “Video” at the top of this page.