Active Trans, Blackstone Bicycles, The Bicycling Ambassadors, and xXx Racing – AthletiCo were all present yesterday afternoon to make Back of the Yards Bike Day a huge success.
At 4pm amid warm temperatures and bright sunshine, scores of area children began trickling into Sherman Park to find the main roadway in front of the field house blocked off, and received warm greetings from all of the volunteers. They were treated to free helmets and bike maintenance, a cycling and pedestrian safety game, and two bike races, officiated by XXX Racing team members.
As well, park district staff were on hand to set up the event and serve hot dogs, popcorn, and soda. District 9 bicycle officers attended to provide safety for all in attendence.
Kids meandered from table to table, or rode back and forth through the party, getting their bikes repairs and flat tires fixed, and played the safety game offered by The Bicycling Amabassadors for a chance to win one of 25 free helmets. At 5pm, the races were announced and two large groups of 6 to 10 and 10 to 14 year old raced their bike approximately 200 yards. They received medals and free Clif product.
All of the kids were told they could come back on June 12, 2010 and participate in the childrens races at XXX Racing's Sherman Park Criterium.