DRAPER — More than 100 cyclists braved bad weather and low temperatures Friday and Saturday to raise funds and provide the opportunity for others to ride.
Bikes for Kids Utah hosted its first Omnium, a series of cycling trials where points are scored across all events and the winner is determined based on the highest number of points. The event was held in conjunction with the University of Utah cycling team.
The two-day event was one of several held to raise funds to provide 1,000 bicycles and helmets to second-graders around the state who otherwise would not be able to afford them.
This year's bike distribution will take place May 8 at the Intermountain Medical Center parking lot in Murray. Funds will be raised simultaneously at a bike ride that begins in the same parking lot. Participants can ride in a 5K, 50K or 100K route. All proceeds from the May 8 ride will go toward purchasing the 1,000 bikes.
Debbie Reid, executive director of Bikes for Kids Utah, was inspired to begin the organization six years ago. Reid's then-9-year-old son participated in the 25-mile Ride for Roses race with professional cyclist Lance Armstrong in Texas.
Reid recalled her son being too tired about the 23-mile mark to finish the race. He began walking his bike up a hill. But he soon heard music and fans cheering, she said, and he realized that the finish line was not that far off, so he got back on his bike to complete the ride.
"I turned around and watched him as he rode in across the finish line, and I just thought every kid deserves that opportunity to have a goal to work hard and stay fit," Reid said.
Reid said she hopes that by distributing the bikes annually, she will be able to help combat childhood obesity and encourage others to take better care of Earth.
There are many kids who have school, activities and other places where they can learn and grow but are unable to get to them because of transportation issues, Reid said. She hopes the bikes she works to have distributed can get youths to places they need to be.
"Every kid deserves an opportunity to work at their own physical fitness, to get out and be a part of the world," Reid said. "That's what cycling has done for me and my family."
Brad Duncan, race director for the U. cycling team, said the team expected to raise around $2,000 from the Omnium. There were approximately 125 riders in Friday afternoon's criterion — a nearly one-mile course with lots of turns that riders rode between 15 and 40 laps around — and in Saturday morning's hill-climb time trial. The hill-climb riders ascended Traverse Ridge Road in Draper.
The third event was a circuit held Saturday afternoon. More than 200 participants circled the 12-mile loop up to seven times, riding between 12 and 84 miles.
The youngest rider, 11-year-old Gianni Kennard, competed in all three events wearing the yellow youth points leader jersey from the Utah Cycling Association. Gianni, who has accumulated five state championships during the past two years, doesn't let the elements stop him, as evidenced by his determination to ride through Friday's hail and snowstorm.
Gianni attends Wasatch Elementary School in Provo and cycles six days a week. The boy has cycling in his blood, according to his father, Kenyon Kennard. He was named for two-time Italian cycling world champion Gianni Bugno.
Kenyon Kennard, who also competed in the Omnium, said he loves to ride with his son, especially when it benefits others, like Bikes for Kids Utah.
"It just makes it all the better," he said.
Nearly a dozen members of the U. cycling team rode in the various events, including Mavis Irwin, whose heavy breathing at the top of the hill climb was visible due to the cold temperatures.
"This event may not be everybody's cup of tea, but it is for a great cause," she shared.
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