Someone should think about bringing some essential parts to the bike rodeo just in case. Maybe have a local bike shop donate some common sized inner tubes and some cables (brake/der).Last of all, I guess I can bring the old 10-30 wt oil--Castrol. Hey these kids are not racing!

Someone called me tools etc. when I was up in Oregon and got cut off (bad cell area). Please call again if you want to.

The main goal of this event is to verify the safety of the bicycles, helmets, etc. and to provide a little education and enthusiasm for about 45 kids. It's nice if we're able to do minor repairs, but these are typically "WalMart" bikes and may require more than what we can do right there on the spot. We can do is at least identify problems so that the parents know to get them fixed. Expect to be pumping up tires, lubing chains, and checking over the bikes for safety issues.

I'm bring a bike stand, pump, basic tools, chain lube, and an assortment of tubes for various tire sizes (courtesy of Sharp Bicycles). Apparently the Hub is providing a technician also, but I haven't heard yet as to what they'll have on hand. If you have a stand, pump and basic tools, please bring them. Otherwise, it's OK to just bring your eyes, smiles, and riding gear and bike, as part of the job is to escort the kids on some short rides while talking about safety and how fun it is to ride.

Since I wont have my bike with me, I'm bringing a crashed bicycle helmet and can speak to the benefits of saving your noggin. Because this group seem to be kids, I'll bring my motorcycle jacket and helmet as well so they can relate to safety equipment that the motorcycle riders use.

At this age a motorcycle will trump a bicycle 95% of the time. Do you really want to turn this into a motorcycle discussion? I think the helmet idea is great. But think about the alternative impression; "He rode his bike and almost died, but on his motorcycle, his helmet is fine!"

I do like the idea of bringing a crashed bike helmet. I have one from one of my own crashes. I'm not sure about relating to motorcycles because these guys are so young. I would bet that most of them have not been on a motorcycle before. But I can explain how I crashed on the bike trail, good weather, etc., but went down fast with just a freak accident . . . (clipping the edge of the trail after a turn)

It was good to help the kids out tonight. We found the usual kid's bikes--missing reflectors, low tires, ect. It brings back memories when I see flat spots on tires. All those days of drifting/skidding side ways remind of childhood. As an adult we now ride $2000 machines with $100 tires and don't have that free spirit.