The City of Folsom is a destination for cyclists and Sutter Street is a destination for family fun, dining, shopping and more. Saturday afternoon the two became one as hundreds came to the Historic District for the return of the Balance Bike Bash, whether it was to sign their little ones up to participate or just spectate the event that spanned nearly three hours all while adult riders from the high profile Motherlode Epic Mountain Bike race rolled into town after completing their trek from Coloma to celebrate in the Historic District. (See related story).
Families brought their children aged 5 and under to participate in the Balance Bike Bash. The little ones cruised on balance bikes around a course with fun features, including a bubble wrap “rock garden,” mini rumble strips, and a pool noodle wall for kids to ride through, flying bubbles and more.
“Learning to ride a bike is a childhood milestone and creates opportunities for adventure, achievement, and connections that last a lifetime,” explained Jenn Fuss from Clipped in for Life in aFolsom Times article prior to the event’s very first Folsom debut over a year ago. Clipped in for Life organized both the Motherlode Epic and the Balance Bike Bash. “Whether it’s riding to school, meeting friends at the playground, or exploring local trails, bikes help give kids the independence and confidence they’ll need for success throughout their lives.”
The big bash for little riders was held on the 700 Block of Sutter Street between Riley and Wool Streets, which were closed to traffic. Sessions started every 30 minutes from 12-3 pm. Kids completed as many laps of the course as they could in 15 minutes. Between races, children could ride the course as much as they wanted. The unique and specially designed course included fun features such as a bubble wrap “rock garden,” mini rumble strips, and a pool noodle wall.
Each race session is always limited to 25 kids. All participants received their very own race plate as well as a lollipop at the finish. Participants could bring their own balance bike and helmet if they had them. Clipped in for Life had a small fleet of bikes and helmets available to borrow for those who wished to participate but did not own a bike or helmet.
Clipped In for Life’s mission is to create opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to find achievement, adventure, and connection through cycling and other athletic activities, thus helping improve lives and bring communities together.
“From our perspective, cycling is a lifestyle. Its impact reaches beyond the racecourse and into everyday life with physical and mental health benefits, quality time with loved ones, transportation, and more,” is part of their mission statement. “So our purpose at Clipped In for Life is simple: to spread the bike love to anyone and everyone with hopes of improving lives.”
For more information about the event and the organization, visit Clipped In for Life.
