Displays, attractions open sixth annual Bike Week
The 1939 Mead Ranger Autocycle was the top of the line in its day, complete with a Greyhound ornament poised on its fender.
The bike was one of the highlights of Karl Kimbel’s “Evolution of the Bicycle” display in Flat Branch Park at the Kick Off Celebration for Bike, Walk and Wheel Week on Saturday afternoon.
The display included 11 bicycles from Kimbel’s personal collection that he chose as examples of trends and advances in bicycle technology and design.
“A lot of the supposedly new technology has been around for a long time but just went underground,” Kimbel said.
Kimbel’s display was just one of the attractions offered to participants at the Kick Off Celebration, marking the beginning of the sixth annual event, started by Mayor Darwin Hindman in 2002.
“This year we have registered 2,700 participants so far, and we are hoping to get more during the week,” said Janet Godon, the event’s organizer.
This year’s Bike, Walk, and Wheel Week will feature a variety of informational events on bicycle maintenance and pedestrian safety and an opportunity to get a free donated bike. It will culminate in a rally Saturday at Stephens Lake Park with free food, live music and a drawing for prizes.