Getting more kids on bikes AND keeping them there with Specialized Foundation grants – There is something special about a kid’s first bike. But after that new bike day vibe wears off, the key is maintaining interest & excitement as they grow up and have many more new experiences. So to keep kids psyched about bikes, The Specialized Foundation is working to get kids on bikes in schools, riding with their peers during their formative late adolescent/early teen years.
Their Riding for Focus program is working towards that lifetime cyclist goal, and its grant application window is open now until March 25. Parents, teachers & administrators can apply to get a sponsored bike program in their kid’s school, including curriculum support/training, a fleet of bikes, a starter maintenance kit, and helmets. Apply now. SpecializedFoundation.org/RidingForFocus
Where to ride
- Women’s Trailcamp Bike & Yoga Lenzerheide – German tour, event & camp company Die Rasenmäher has just released a new line-up for 2018. Among many other events & technique camps, the Lawnmowers have some of the best women-specific mountain biking camps in the heart of Europe, from one-day skills courses to multi-day trips in Alpine Spas like this Lenzerheide one. DieRasenmaeher.de
Gear & Hot deals!
- Bombtrack’s 474 page “The Bilderbuch 2018” shows their bikes, in DETAIL! -What is the Bilderbuch? If a picture is worth a thousand words, 474 pages of detail images of their 2018 bike line is good for close to a half million. The shots by photographer Jason Sellers go a long way to conveying what Bombtrack does and the detail they put into interesting and affordable bikes. Take some time and flip through a few (hundred?!) shots. Just don’t try to print it out. Bombtrack.com
- Après Vélo intros 2018 Spring Collection, give us exclusive 20% discount – Pedal into Spring with Style. Après Vélo has a new Spring Collection of cycling themed clothing just released today. And they are giving our readers a special discount. Use the discount code “BR20” at checkout to save 20% site wide, valid from now until Mar 12. ApresVelo.com
- Quad Lock adds a touch of color – If you’ve already been thinking about putting a Quad Lock mount on your bike, now you can clip on a little color. No longer do you need to sport their signature blue on the standard snap color or out-front style mount’s lever. You can now opt for a Quad Lock in red, black, or white. For now all mounts come stock with the blue attachment. So you need to just pick up an extra colored replacement collar or lever for $10 each. QuadLockCase.com
Industry news
- Co-ops REI & MEC suspend orders from Vista Outdoors – Bicycle Retailer and Industry News are reporting this week that outdoor outfitter REI & MEC are suspending all orders with brands that are part of the Vista group to take a gun control stand following the most recent Florida school shooting and Vista’s NRA ties. Vista Outdoors reportedly counts around 50% of its business from the sale of firearms and ammunition. It also holds a number of large well-know cycling brands. Those brands including Bell, Blackburn, Bollé, CamelBak & Giro have each come out to try and distance themselves from their Vista parent. Read more details on the ongoing controversy at: BicycleRetailer.com
