Special Needs Races Part of Strider Championship Series Kicking Off April 25

Special Olympic Athletes Training for Race on Bikes Donated by Strider

Rapid City, SD (April 17, 2015) — Strider believes every person should have the chance to ride. Oftentimes, people with disabilities are told they will never ride a two-wheeled bike. Twelve-year-old Brian Brewer from Sarasota, Fla., defied those odds and enjoys the independence of riding his STRIDER Bike. Brian is planning to race in the Strider Championship Series kick-off race, sponsored by CycleTrader.com, on Saturday, April 25, on Main Street at Lakewood Ranch, Fla., which will now have races for individuals with special needs.

Kelly Brewer, Brian’s mom, said they weren’t sure if he would be able to ever ride a “regular bike.” After buying the STRIDER 16” model, she’s impressed with how fast he goes around the local BMX park. She added that his balance and strength have improved, and it makes him feel more included with the neighborhood kids.

“The STRIDER Bike has given him confidence and he loves riding it,” said Kelly. “Some parents may be overly protective and afraid to let their kids try riding a bike because they may fall, but after seeing how the STRIDER works, they may feel more at ease. It does take some coordination, but is easier than a bike with pedals.”

The Lakewood Ranch race will include four Special Needs Races from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Strider donated over a dozen bikes to Special Olympics Florida—Hillsborough County, who has been working with the Brandon Sports and Aquatics Center to teach individuals with special needs to prepare for the race.

For more information and to register for these free races, please visit the Strider Lakewood Ranch Event Page or e-mail Education@StriderBikes.com. Participants qualify for the Strider World Championship, August 28-29 in Rapid City, S.D. Last year, 16 individuals with special needs participated in an exhibition race. Watch their inspiring video on Strider’s Special Needs page.

Families are also invited to enjoy the family festival taking place from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. on the closed-off Main Street. Event attendees will also receive free admission to the Strider Adventure Zone, where children of all ages and abilities can test ride STRIDER Bikes and interact with other children. Helmets are provided.

Strider Sports International, Inc, is the leading manufacturer of no-pedal balance bikes, bringing active, healthy fun to over one million STRIDER Bike riders since 2007. The STRIDER Bike line-up includes the 12” model for younger riders, as well as the 16” and 20” models, developed specifically for individuals with special needs.

In 2014, Strider donated more than $300,000 through the Rider Fund, of which more than 75% went to individuals with special needs. Through 2015, Strider expects to donate over $400,000 to non-profit organizations and is earmarking over $200,000 to the Special Needs community.

STRIDER Bikes give freedom to riders who want to go off the pavement onto grass or dirt paths. The bikes are lightweight, making them easy to ride, transport, store and carry. They handle turns with ease and cost $100-$280, much less than some adaptive bicycles and tricycles.

“Learning through a safe progression of walk, stride and glide, STRIDER Bikes greatly improve the motor skills, core strength and balance of our students,” said Kim Burke, PT, MPT at LifeScape, a non-profit organization that serves children and adults with disabilities. “Individuals with disabilities usually get less physical activity than those without disabilities. If kids can walk, they can ride a STRIDER!”

Following the first race, the 2015 Strider Championship Series will move on to the following cities:

• Ventura, CA – Saturday, May 9
• Pittsburgh, PA – Saturday, June 6
• Salt Lake City, UT – Saturday, August 8

Each of the series events will include Special Needs Races.

Media Contact:Leslie Prevish, 303-500-3318, leslie@previshmarketing.com

About Strider Sports International, Inc.

Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Rapid City, SD, Strider Sports designs efficient, no-pedal balance bikes for all ages and abilities. Strider’s mission is to simplify a bike to its essence, so that proper size, weight, and simplicity combine to eliminate any fear of riding and instill confidence in the rider. STRIDER No-Pedal Balance Bikes are industry-leading training bikes that help children as young as 18 months learn to ride effectively on two wheels. Strider also manufactures balance bikes for individuals with special needs and for seniors wanting to stay active later in life. The patented STRIDER Balance Bikes focus on the fundamentals of balancing, leaning, and steering without the distractions and complications of pedals or training wheels. STRIDER Bikes are now distributed in more than 75 countries worldwide. In 2015, Strider sold its one-millionth bike. To learn more and to find a retailer in your area, visit www.StriderBikes.com, like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Instagram.

About the Strider Rider Fund

In its continued commitment to pay it forward, Strider Sports created the Strider Rider Fund in 2014 to facilitate providing balance bikes to non-profit organizations serving individuals in need. One percent of Strider Sport’s gross revenue from worldwide sales each month is allocated to the Rider Fund, and $1 is added for every STRIDER bike registered online. To date, the Rider Fund has donated more than $300,000 in bikes and accessories, and is expected to increase that in 2015, with more than half of this amount earmarked for special needs organizations. To learn more about the Rider Fund, and to join the cause, please visit www.StriderBikes.com/join-the-cause.