World Bicycle Relief delivers 100,000th bike in Africa • Pactimo partners with LeMond's 1in6 organization • Rudy Project NA and XX2i Optics form RACE parent company • 110% adds compression-plus-ice Quad Sleeves
CHICAGO, IL (BRAIN) Mar 16, 09:58 MT— World Bicycle Relief has reached a milestone: it has delivered 100,000 bikes to people living in extreme poverty in sub-Saharan Africa.
World Bicycle Relief was created by SRAM Corporation in 2005 to aid victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami in Sri Lanka.
"What we found in Africa was a fundamental gap in the market of quality, sturdy and culturally appropriate bicycles to the millions of its residents living at the bottom of the market," said F.K. Day, founder and president of World Bicycle Relief.
"Affordable, reliable transportation is no doubt one of the most valuable but unrecognized tools of relief and development work there is ... a bicycle is an industrial revolution in an individual's life," he said.
World Bicycle Relief has distributed more than 100,000 bikes in ten African and Asian countries, enabling HIV & AIDS healthcare workers to reach more people in remote villages, students to get to school safely and efficiently, and farmers to carry more goods to and from markets. World Bicycle Relief has also trained more than 750 local field mechanics in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Uganda.
Pactimo partners with LeMond's 1in6 organization
GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO (BRAIN) Mar 16, 10:17 MT—Pactimo is donating $20 from the purchase of special bib shorts and jerseys to the 1in6 organization, established by Greg LeMond. 1in6 is dedicated to supporting men who have experienced unwanted or abusive sexual experiences in childhood.
"I know first-hand how the pain and shame of such childhood experiences can affect one's life,” said LeMond. “I was so impressed by 1in6's mission and objectives that I joined the board of directors, and I'm committed to doing everything I can to ensure their success."
LeMond, who won the Tour de France in 1986, '89, and '90, will be the guest of honor at the 8th annual Tour of the Battenkill held in Cambridge, NY, on April 14-15. LeMond will lead the 22-mile non-competitive ‘Bike Marathon-Battenkill’ ride in support of 1in6.
The 1in6.org cycling jersey and bib shorts will be offered through the Pactimo retail store for $60 and $85 respectively. Pactimo will donate $20 from the purchase of either item to 1in6 through the 2012 cycling season.
Rudy Project North America and XX2i Optics form RACE parent company
DENVER, CO (BRAIN) Mar 16, 10:25 MT— Rudy Project North America, LP is now doing business under the name Running and Cycling Enterprises (RACE).
RACE will distribute Rudy Project-branded products, and more affordable XX2i Optics eyewear. According to the company, RPNA and XX2i will still conduct business under their respective names, operating under RACE. The company also plans to expand its business beyond the two brands.
“In the near future, RPNA will be expanding its offerings, and in order to not create confusion with Rudy Project Italy, RPNA is changing its holding name to RACE,” remarked Brad Shapiro, principal and co-founder of RPNA.
Polar Bottle sponsors Yeti Beti Mountain Bike Team
BOULDER, CO (BRAIN) Mar 16, 10:10 MT—Polar Bottle is the new water bottle sponsor of the Yeti Beti Mountain Bike Team. The team, now entering its sixth season, is an all-female MTB team based out of Golden, Colorado.
“We’re thrilled to support this group of female athletes who act not only as great ambassadors for their sport, but also for their community and women in general,” said Judy Amabile, Polar Bottl'es president. The Betis kick off their season with a fundraising event on March 31. Proceeds from the event benefit both the Yeti Beti team and COMBA, the Colorado Mountain Bike Association.
110% adds compression-plus-ice Quad Sleeves
JACKSONVILLE, FL (BRAIN) Mar 16, 09:49 MT—Cold compression gear maker 110% is adding an upper leg product to its line, the company announced.
The Kick Back Quad Sleeves offer zoned gradient compression with pockets that contain reusable ice inserts. The product is intended to speed recovery and treat injuries. The company launched its product line last year with cold compression knickers, shorts, arm, knee and elbow sleeves and full length tights. The Quad Sleeves retail for $100.
More information: 110playharder.com.
