The Daily Collegian

Issue date: 5/12/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Caitlin Coughlan/Collegian [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Caitlin Coughlan/Collegian

With the price of gas reaching record highs and environmental concerns mounting, the Second Annual Bike Rodeo and Rally could not have come at a better time.

On Saturday May 10, the Northampton Cycling Club (NCC), in partnership with Northampton Area Pediatrics, hosted the rodeo and rally in Northampton.

Children and bicycle enthusiasts gathered from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. in recognition of cyclists throughout the Pioneer valley at the Jackson Street School in Northampton. Festivities included basic cycling skills instructions, an interactive obstacle course, bicycle cleaning and tune-up stations and a performance by the Team East BMX Pro stunt group.

"We think it is important to get young people involved in cycling and to promote bike safety and physical fitness," said Michael Hempstead, president of the Northampton Cycling Club. "I think there's a misconception with non-bikers that cyclists don't belong on the roadways. People should know that cyclists have the right to operate their bikes along side cars safely."

The Bike Rodeo and Rally was a free event open to the public, with almost all attendees arriving by bicycle.

"Not only is riding a bike a convenient way to get around, but it's also very environmentally friendly." said Arrika Freeman, University of Massachusetts freshman and cyclist.

Highlighting the afternoon was the Team East BMX Pro's performance. Its two shows were filled with breathtaking stunts, while maintaining informative messages about fitness and cycling safety.

"The biggest thing is to always have safety equipment. BMX is not any easy sport to get into. It has a lot of ups and downs, but you should stick with it," said Matt Still, a member of Team East BMX Pro. "We do a lot of local events, making little kids happy."

The Northampton Cycling Club (NCC) was formed to service the vast cycling community in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts. With over 100 members, the NCC has grown considerably from its 1999 beginning.

A member of the NCC is entitled to discounts at several local fitness friendly stores such as, Competitive Edge, Fly Cycles and Webber and Grinnel. Members also have the opportunity to join local triathlon or racing teams.

Becoming a member provides benefits but requires a few steps. Those interested can do so at the NCC Web site: www.nohobikeclub.org.

In addition to the rodeo on Saturday, the NCC hosts a number of community-oriented events to promote cycling, including the Tour of the Hilltowns, the UCI classified Cycle-Smart International Cyclecross Race and several children's races in Look Park.

Next up for the NCC is Bike to Work Week, which will be held beginning on May 10, lasting until May 18. This event calls for cyclists to "get off their fat gas" and to start peddling their way to work.

Amara Anosike can be reached at amara4prez@aim.com.

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