Sunday Rally Kicks off Cross-Country Ride to Raise Funds for Homeless, Jobless and Hungry
BAKERSFIELD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mark Merical touches lives every day in his role as a pastor of Bakersfield’s Calvary Bible Church and now he is embarking on the ride of his life, an eight-day, 48-state motorcycle tour to raise critically needed funds for the Flood Ministry, a local faith-based organization that works with area churches to serve the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the impoverished and underprivileged.
Merical, a 44-year-old motorcycle enthusiast, hits the road Sunday, June 29, on his 1998 Suzuki Bandit 1200 for a nearly 7,600-mile odyssey that will take him to each state in the continental U.S., culminating on July 7 in Oregon. A send-off rally is set for Sunday evening at 7:15 PM (PDT) at Calvary Bible Church, 48 Manor St. Bakersfield, CA. The eight day journey officially begins Monday morning from Needles, CA.
Funds raised through the whirlwind “48-in-8” tour will enable the Flood Ministry to continue a variety of successful outreach programs to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the homeless, residents of sober living homes, motel dwellers and others caught in the cycle of poverty in Bakersfield.
“I can’t think of a more worthwhile way to celebrate the 4th of July than to get on my bike and touch every state in this great nation, whose citizens are the most generous on Earth and who might feel so moved to extend a helping hand to our disadvantaged neighbors in Bakersfield,” said Merical. “With a dependable bike under me, a good map and, God willing, lots of sunshine, I’ll complete this journey safely and on-time, and along the way raise the funds necessary for Flood’s important work.”
His route eastward will take Merical through the Four Corners, across Texas, Oklahoma and the Deep South, north through Appalachia, and along the eastern seaboard from Baltimore to New England. Riding west, Merical’s route runs through the Great Lakes region to Chicago and the Upper Mid-west, and across the Great Plains to the Pacific Northwest, where he’ll conclude his journey in the northeastern Oregon town of Pendleton. Merical will return to his home church in Bakersfield on July 10th.
Bakersfield/Kern County has the third highest poverty rate in California, 53% of all renter households are cost-burdened putting them at higher risk for homelessness. According to a new study commissioned by Housing California, a political organization dedicated to affordable housing for all Californians, a minimum wage earner in Kern County would have to work 106 hours per week to afford a Fair Market Rental apartment in this community. On any given night there are nearly 1,500 homeless people in the Metro Bakersfield area including almost 200 children. There are also 60 sober living homes with over 1,300 beds for those battling drug and alcohol addiction in Bakersfield.
In 2008, Flood will serve 12,000 meals to the hungry, provide at least 8,000 food packs to impoverished families and help hundreds of disadvantaged individuals begin to rebuild their lives.
“We are blessed by the depth of Mark’s passion for the people of Bakersfield and inspired by his dedication to serving our neediest neighbors,” said Kim Albers, a local volunteer leader of the Flood Ministry. “We pray that God will keep him safe and on-course during the eight-day journey and return him to Bakersfield to continue the work that needs to be done in the community.”
Contributions to “48-in-8” can be addressed to the Calvary Bible Church, 48 Manor St., Bakersfield, CA 93308 or by accessing www.floodbako.com.
Note to Editors: Following is a list of days and times when Mark is estimated to pass through major media markets. A map of his route is available at www.floodbako.com/events/48in8.html. Reporters and editors interested in talking with Mark along his tour should contact Kim Albers at 661-213-7697.
Albuquerque 6/30 2:00 p.m.
Oklahoma City 6/30 11:00 p.m.
Little Rock 7/1 3:00 p.m.
Hattiesburg 7/1 9:00 p.m.
Atlanta 7/2 2:00 p.m.
New York City 7/3 4:00 p.m.
Cleveland 7/4 6:00 p.m.
Chicago 7/5 10:00 p.m.
Billings 7/6 9:00 p.m.
Contacts
Flood Ministry
Kim Albers, 661-213-7697
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Keep Fit The Enjoyable Way - Ride A Bike
By Harwood E Woodpecker
As a sport and a pastime cycling is growing on popularity at a fantastic rate. We're in the midst of the cycling track season which is getting a fantastic amount of television coverage. As well as that there is the Olympics coming up in August in which cycling will feature heavily. Cycling is a great sport to get into; you've got so many options open to you with where you go and what distance you cover as well as choosing a style of bike that suits your needs.
Road racing bicycles are designed for use on normal highway roads and are ideally suited for covering greater distances than other types of bicycles. Because the tyres on a road bike are thinner than those on different bicycles it is easier to ride over distance, the bikes are also made of lighter material and the components that go to make up the bike are less weighty. All these things add up to making a very light racing bike. The gearing on a road bike is also different and usually comprises of twelve to fourteen gears. It is possible to get road bikes designed for riding on different road surfaces depending on the road surfaces where you live; it is possible to even get a road bike specifically designed for riding on paved roads. Road bikes all come with the capacity to fit bike lights to the front for safety.
Track cycling is very popular, if you have a track near you and you like cycling it is well worth a trip to the velodrome to give it a go. A track bicycle is a totally different beast to a road bike. In looks they are very similar but the track bike is totally stripped of components, no gears and no brakes. The only things that go to make up a track bike is wheels, frame and pedals, that is it. A track bicycle runs on a fixed wheel which means that as you pedal the wheels and pedal cranks go around, as with a standard road bike but you cannot free wheel with a track bike as the chain is directly linked to the rear wheel. This takes a little bit of time to get used to but is easy enough to come to grips with after a while. You can usually hire a track session for one hour which will include the use of a track bike. As track bikes are always ridden indoors there is no need for bike lights to be fitted.
The popularity in mountain bikes has grown overwhelmingly in the past few years. In reality if you are looking to start cycling in earnest then a mountain bicycle may be your best option to start with. You tend to ride a mountain bike in a more sit up right position which many people find more comfortable to start off with. I would always recommend fitting bike lights to a mountain bike, especially if you go off road. Mountain bikes are generally heavier than road bikes but come with much lower gearing for getting up steep hills. Mountain bikes are generally not used for riding as many miles as road bicycles as their weight tends to make them harder to propel.
If you intend riding more miles than you would maybe do with a mountain bike but do not want the position that a road bike gives you then a hybrid bike may be the one for you. A hybrid bike is exactly that, a hybrid of a road bike and a mountain bike, so it gives you a slightly heavier frame than a road bike but lighter than a mountain bike, a nicer riding position than a road bike but the same gearing as a mountain bike. In exactly the same way as a road or mountain bike, you can fit bike lights to a hybrid bike. These bikes are growing in popularity all the time as they offer more things to more people.
For more info on all things cycling please visit our site - http://www.cheap-racing-bikes.com
Bike lights
Please feel free to republish this article provided a working hyperlink remains to our site
Harwood E Woodpecker
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harwood_E_Woodpecker
As a sport and a pastime cycling is growing on popularity at a fantastic rate. We're in the midst of the cycling track season which is getting a fantastic amount of television coverage. As well as that there is the Olympics coming up in August in which cycling will feature heavily. Cycling is a great sport to get into; you've got so many options open to you with where you go and what distance you cover as well as choosing a style of bike that suits your needs.
Road racing bicycles are designed for use on normal highway roads and are ideally suited for covering greater distances than other types of bicycles. Because the tyres on a road bike are thinner than those on different bicycles it is easier to ride over distance, the bikes are also made of lighter material and the components that go to make up the bike are less weighty. All these things add up to making a very light racing bike. The gearing on a road bike is also different and usually comprises of twelve to fourteen gears. It is possible to get road bikes designed for riding on different road surfaces depending on the road surfaces where you live; it is possible to even get a road bike specifically designed for riding on paved roads. Road bikes all come with the capacity to fit bike lights to the front for safety.
Track cycling is very popular, if you have a track near you and you like cycling it is well worth a trip to the velodrome to give it a go. A track bicycle is a totally different beast to a road bike. In looks they are very similar but the track bike is totally stripped of components, no gears and no brakes. The only things that go to make up a track bike is wheels, frame and pedals, that is it. A track bicycle runs on a fixed wheel which means that as you pedal the wheels and pedal cranks go around, as with a standard road bike but you cannot free wheel with a track bike as the chain is directly linked to the rear wheel. This takes a little bit of time to get used to but is easy enough to come to grips with after a while. You can usually hire a track session for one hour which will include the use of a track bike. As track bikes are always ridden indoors there is no need for bike lights to be fitted.
The popularity in mountain bikes has grown overwhelmingly in the past few years. In reality if you are looking to start cycling in earnest then a mountain bicycle may be your best option to start with. You tend to ride a mountain bike in a more sit up right position which many people find more comfortable to start off with. I would always recommend fitting bike lights to a mountain bike, especially if you go off road. Mountain bikes are generally heavier than road bikes but come with much lower gearing for getting up steep hills. Mountain bikes are generally not used for riding as many miles as road bicycles as their weight tends to make them harder to propel.
If you intend riding more miles than you would maybe do with a mountain bike but do not want the position that a road bike gives you then a hybrid bike may be the one for you. A hybrid bike is exactly that, a hybrid of a road bike and a mountain bike, so it gives you a slightly heavier frame than a road bike but lighter than a mountain bike, a nicer riding position than a road bike but the same gearing as a mountain bike. In exactly the same way as a road or mountain bike, you can fit bike lights to a hybrid bike. These bikes are growing in popularity all the time as they offer more things to more people.
For more info on all things cycling please visit our site - http://www.cheap-racing-bikes.com
Bike lights
Please feel free to republish this article provided a working hyperlink remains to our site
Harwood E Woodpecker
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harwood_E_Woodpecker
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Enjoy the Ride by Your Complete Biking Supplies! by David H. Urmann
Owning a bike demands complete biking supplies. It is important that you gather information on how to select the best style for your needs and get a good fit. The thing that would be on the forefront of your mind before completing your biking supplies is having the right bike for you. First, you will need to decide what you want to use the bike for. It is also a consideration to take where you will be riding your bike most, on road, off road, or both. Through this question, it will help you determine the type of bike to purchase. There are five basic styles of bicycles in three classifications that you need to be familiar with:
* Road bikes. They used to be known as the "ten-speed," however road bikes now vary from 12 to 21 speeds. Contained by this classification of bikes are touring, racing, and sport bikes.
* Touring Bike. This bike is not built for speed; rather, it is intended to make simple rides for long haul. A touring bike is an exceptional bike for long distance riding. The drop handlebars gives ease good control and allow for multiple hand positions. Twenty-one speeds will take you over any type of incline you will meet and support brakes can stop you even when you're forcefully loaded down.
* Sport Bike. This bike falls under the category of the touring and racing bike. This is not as light as a racing bike, however, more responsive than the touring bike. The sport bikes drop handlebars that offer comfort and control .Its aerodynamic design allows for faster speeds. If you are into taking rides of 10 or more miles while turning up the strength by adding some speed, this bike can take you there.
* Racing bike. This bike is made for race, sporting a smooth. It is also thin and ultra light frame. A short wheelbase lets the bike to respond to the slightest movements and 12 or 18 gears will get you. It will keep you at top speed. If you are into winning races, this is the bike for you.
* All Land Bike or Mountain bike. This type of bike is tough. It is built with a strong frame, straight handlebars and fat, knobby tires. It tackles the rigors of off road riding. The upright riding position on the bike makes it comfortable while providing you leverage for steep inclines.
* Once you know which type bike you desire, ensure that the bike you choose fits you appropriately. There's effectively two ways to accomplish a good fit. If you want an ideal fit, for about $50, have a quality bicycle shop that will compute your bike size using a computerized program called the Fit Kit. They will take several measurements such as length of your legs; torso and arms then give you a printout of your measurements. It will also give you the frame height and length that will best suit your body.
The second best way to get a good bike fit is to follow these guidelines such as determining the frame height. You should have one to two inches of advance between the top bar of the bike and your crotch. You should also have three to four inches if you are going to be riding on off-road terrain.
If you want to be a little more precise, measure your inseam. Straddle the bike; lift it up until the top bar touches your crotch. Subsequently, you should measure the distance between the bottom of the tires and ground.
These are just some of those numerous advices you can think about in purchasing a right bike for you. In this sense, getting the right bike for you will lead you to achieve right biking supplies too.
About the Author
For more information on Bike Supplies please visit our website.
* Road bikes. They used to be known as the "ten-speed," however road bikes now vary from 12 to 21 speeds. Contained by this classification of bikes are touring, racing, and sport bikes.
* Touring Bike. This bike is not built for speed; rather, it is intended to make simple rides for long haul. A touring bike is an exceptional bike for long distance riding. The drop handlebars gives ease good control and allow for multiple hand positions. Twenty-one speeds will take you over any type of incline you will meet and support brakes can stop you even when you're forcefully loaded down.
* Sport Bike. This bike falls under the category of the touring and racing bike. This is not as light as a racing bike, however, more responsive than the touring bike. The sport bikes drop handlebars that offer comfort and control .Its aerodynamic design allows for faster speeds. If you are into taking rides of 10 or more miles while turning up the strength by adding some speed, this bike can take you there.
* Racing bike. This bike is made for race, sporting a smooth. It is also thin and ultra light frame. A short wheelbase lets the bike to respond to the slightest movements and 12 or 18 gears will get you. It will keep you at top speed. If you are into winning races, this is the bike for you.
* All Land Bike or Mountain bike. This type of bike is tough. It is built with a strong frame, straight handlebars and fat, knobby tires. It tackles the rigors of off road riding. The upright riding position on the bike makes it comfortable while providing you leverage for steep inclines.
* Once you know which type bike you desire, ensure that the bike you choose fits you appropriately. There's effectively two ways to accomplish a good fit. If you want an ideal fit, for about $50, have a quality bicycle shop that will compute your bike size using a computerized program called the Fit Kit. They will take several measurements such as length of your legs; torso and arms then give you a printout of your measurements. It will also give you the frame height and length that will best suit your body.
The second best way to get a good bike fit is to follow these guidelines such as determining the frame height. You should have one to two inches of advance between the top bar of the bike and your crotch. You should also have three to four inches if you are going to be riding on off-road terrain.
If you want to be a little more precise, measure your inseam. Straddle the bike; lift it up until the top bar touches your crotch. Subsequently, you should measure the distance between the bottom of the tires and ground.
These are just some of those numerous advices you can think about in purchasing a right bike for you. In this sense, getting the right bike for you will lead you to achieve right biking supplies too.
About the Author
For more information on Bike Supplies please visit our website.
Alaska: Adventurous Motorcycle Road Trip
Every road trip planner dreams of conquering the roads of Alaska. Here is a great idea for an adventurous motorcycle road trip over the 49th state. This road trip will certainly entice every motorcyclist all over the United States, no matter where they are coming from. The first town you will encounter from the Alaska Highway is Tok where you can camp or lodge in a comfortable hotel for a good night's rest before continuing your excursion the following day.
Continue your motorcycle road trip through Alaska by making your way to Valdez. Take the Richardson Highway, Alaska's first highway. The scenic highway is absolutely made for the road trip enthusiast as it is full of twists and turns, a mountain pass, elevation gains, waterfalls and glaciers as you travel along Wrangell-St. Elias and the Chugach Mountains. Valdez houses a number of glaciers that you can check out by cruising, flight seeing, walking or just riding by. You can also take a break from riding by fishing for different species of salmon and halibut or you amaze yourself by watching marine and land wildlife such as sea otters, harbor seals, mountain goats, and black and brown bears.
Every motorcyclist taking an Alaskan road trip would most definitely want to visit the Harley Davidson shop in Anchorage. The ride from Valdez to Anchorage is over 551 miles. The experience is well-worth it as you take on the journey under Alaska's midnight sun. Take the tour around the Harley Davidson shop and get ready to be impressed by the innovative structures and engines of these world-famous bikes. You do not need to worry about accommodations as there is a campsite just beside the Harley Davidson building where you can set up your tent free of charge.
Carry on with your Alaska road trip on your motorcycle by driving 240 miles north of Anchorage to Denali National Park. Marvel over the majestic Mount McKinley and other spectacular mountains. The park is immensely huge and you are welcome to join all the activities it offers. Give your bike a break and relax by doing some fly-fishing. If you are looking for something active, you can join a mountain bike tour around the park, or go rafting or kayaking. Or, if you want to try something new, go on a helicopter flight seeing and heli-hiking and enjoy jaw-dropping views of Anchorage and other parts of Alaska. Head north through Fairbanks from Denali National Parks, and then straight to the isolated tundra of the Arctic Circle, where you are to experience almost twenty four hours of daylight. There are lots of campgrounds in the area for those who choose to stay for the night.
The thousands of miles you conquer, the challenging twists and turns, the picturesque sceneries you pass by, and the extraordinary experiences you get to tell your friends and family back home will make this journey to Alaska all worth it. It is certainly one of the most memorable excursions in every road trip planner's list.
About the Author
To plan your motorcycle road trips, please use our road trip planner. It leverages the collective wisdom of thousands of users worldwide, and makes road trip planning interactive and enjoyable. http://www.TripWiser.com
Continue your motorcycle road trip through Alaska by making your way to Valdez. Take the Richardson Highway, Alaska's first highway. The scenic highway is absolutely made for the road trip enthusiast as it is full of twists and turns, a mountain pass, elevation gains, waterfalls and glaciers as you travel along Wrangell-St. Elias and the Chugach Mountains. Valdez houses a number of glaciers that you can check out by cruising, flight seeing, walking or just riding by. You can also take a break from riding by fishing for different species of salmon and halibut or you amaze yourself by watching marine and land wildlife such as sea otters, harbor seals, mountain goats, and black and brown bears.
Every motorcyclist taking an Alaskan road trip would most definitely want to visit the Harley Davidson shop in Anchorage. The ride from Valdez to Anchorage is over 551 miles. The experience is well-worth it as you take on the journey under Alaska's midnight sun. Take the tour around the Harley Davidson shop and get ready to be impressed by the innovative structures and engines of these world-famous bikes. You do not need to worry about accommodations as there is a campsite just beside the Harley Davidson building where you can set up your tent free of charge.
Carry on with your Alaska road trip on your motorcycle by driving 240 miles north of Anchorage to Denali National Park. Marvel over the majestic Mount McKinley and other spectacular mountains. The park is immensely huge and you are welcome to join all the activities it offers. Give your bike a break and relax by doing some fly-fishing. If you are looking for something active, you can join a mountain bike tour around the park, or go rafting or kayaking. Or, if you want to try something new, go on a helicopter flight seeing and heli-hiking and enjoy jaw-dropping views of Anchorage and other parts of Alaska. Head north through Fairbanks from Denali National Parks, and then straight to the isolated tundra of the Arctic Circle, where you are to experience almost twenty four hours of daylight. There are lots of campgrounds in the area for those who choose to stay for the night.
The thousands of miles you conquer, the challenging twists and turns, the picturesque sceneries you pass by, and the extraordinary experiences you get to tell your friends and family back home will make this journey to Alaska all worth it. It is certainly one of the most memorable excursions in every road trip planner's list.
About the Author
To plan your motorcycle road trips, please use our road trip planner. It leverages the collective wisdom of thousands of users worldwide, and makes road trip planning interactive and enjoyable. http://www.TripWiser.com
Monday, June 23, 2008
Choosing The Right Bike
Choosing The Right Bike
By Richard Pettinger
f you would like to buy a bike there are many different choices depending on your intended use. The first thing to consider is how much you would like to spend. If it is your first bike there are two things to bear in mind. Firstly, many new bikes get used very little, they usually end up gathering dust in the shed. Therefore, if you are not certain how much you will cycle maybe delay spending £2,000 on a carbon fibre prototype. Having said that, the more you spend on a bike they better quality you will be able to get. This is especially true at the lower end of the market. If you go from a £200 bike to a £400 bike the difference in quality is noticeable.
Hybrid - Commuter Bike
This category is probably the most popular. It involves the classic features of traditional bikes. A hybrid bike is designed for its usefulness and practicality. It is a cross between a budget mountain bike and road bike. Hybrids are ideal for commuting into town, especially when the distance is relatively low. If you have to do long commutes, it is advisable to choose a hybrid with thinner wheels and more in keeping with a road bike. Make sure you leave enough money to buy all the extras
Mountain Bike
Mountain bikes helped to reinvigorate bicycle sales in the 1980s. Mountain bikes enable a cyclist greater freedom in choice of terrain. They have seen many technological advances and you can end up paying a lot of money if you want. If you are never going to go off road, or even on a canal towpath, it is not advisable to get a mountain bike.
Road Bike
The classic road racing bike is designed primarily for speed. The drop handlebars enable a range of aerodynamic positions, the thin 700c tyres enable the least rolling resistance. These bikes may not be the most comfortable or appropriate for commuting. But, if you wish to do a lot of miles on the road, they offer the best cycling experience
More info - How much should I spend on buying a bike?
Richard T. Pettinger is a keen cyclist, he competes in UK races for Sri Chinmoy Cycling Team. He updates a blog about cycling, featuring a range of cycling related topics, from the pro scene to the future of cycling. Cycling Blog http://cyclinginfo.co.uk/blog
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Pettinger
By Richard Pettinger
f you would like to buy a bike there are many different choices depending on your intended use. The first thing to consider is how much you would like to spend. If it is your first bike there are two things to bear in mind. Firstly, many new bikes get used very little, they usually end up gathering dust in the shed. Therefore, if you are not certain how much you will cycle maybe delay spending £2,000 on a carbon fibre prototype. Having said that, the more you spend on a bike they better quality you will be able to get. This is especially true at the lower end of the market. If you go from a £200 bike to a £400 bike the difference in quality is noticeable.
Hybrid - Commuter Bike
This category is probably the most popular. It involves the classic features of traditional bikes. A hybrid bike is designed for its usefulness and practicality. It is a cross between a budget mountain bike and road bike. Hybrids are ideal for commuting into town, especially when the distance is relatively low. If you have to do long commutes, it is advisable to choose a hybrid with thinner wheels and more in keeping with a road bike. Make sure you leave enough money to buy all the extras
Mountain Bike
Mountain bikes helped to reinvigorate bicycle sales in the 1980s. Mountain bikes enable a cyclist greater freedom in choice of terrain. They have seen many technological advances and you can end up paying a lot of money if you want. If you are never going to go off road, or even on a canal towpath, it is not advisable to get a mountain bike.
Road Bike
The classic road racing bike is designed primarily for speed. The drop handlebars enable a range of aerodynamic positions, the thin 700c tyres enable the least rolling resistance. These bikes may not be the most comfortable or appropriate for commuting. But, if you wish to do a lot of miles on the road, they offer the best cycling experience
More info - How much should I spend on buying a bike?
Richard T. Pettinger is a keen cyclist, he competes in UK races for Sri Chinmoy Cycling Team. He updates a blog about cycling, featuring a range of cycling related topics, from the pro scene to the future of cycling. Cycling Blog http://cyclinginfo.co.uk/blog
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Pettinger
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