Strider Adventure Zones Give Even the Smallest Fans the Chance to Take the Checkered Flag

Rapid City, South Dakota (May 22, 2012) – Strider Sports International, the world’s premier manufacturer and marketer of balance bikes, and developer of the patented STRIDER™ No-Pedal Balance Bike, will host three STRIDER Adventure Zones as part of a week-long celebration of the 96th Running of the Indianapolis 500 mile race. Admission to the STRIDER® Adventure Zone is free with paid admission to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Held in the East Museum lot at the world famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, these free events allow children aged 18-months to four years open riding time, time to socialize with peers, play and practice tricks, and generally have fun while riding the STRIDER™ No-Pedal Balance Bike. Safe, family-friendly environments, Strider Adventure Zones are custom-built, cordoned off courses featuring a variety of terrain and obstacles that encourage children to explore the world on two wheels while developing balance, control, motor skills and confidence in even the youngest riders.

“At Strider Sports we are committed to supporting a fun, healthy, safe and fit lifestyle through bicycling,” says Ryan McFarland, founder and CEO of Strider Sports. “There is nothing quite like seeing a child overflow with confidence and self-esteem when they realize ‘I did it!’ In that moment you know they’ve found a love of cycling that will keep them fit and healthy for years to come.”

Strider Adventure Zones at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will take place on the following schedule:

• Wednesday, May 23 as part of the “500 Festival community Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway”

• Saturday, May 26 as part of the “Legends Day Celebration”

• Sunday, May 27 concurrent with the “96th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race”
o 5:30am – Noon

The UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation, Strider’s partner in these events, provides medical grants up to $5,000 to help families pay for children’s health care treatments, services or equipment not covered, or not fully covered, by a commercial health insurance plan. In 2011, UHCCF awarded more than 1,200 grants to families across the United States for treatments associated with medical conditions such as cancer, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, diabetes, hearing loss, autism, cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, ADHD and cerebral palsy.  Eligible families can apply for a grant online at www.uhccf.org.

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About Strider Sports International, Inc.
Strider Sports International, Inc. designs efficient, no-pedal balance bikes that encourage toddlers to ride, learn, and explore the world on two wheels. Founded by Ryan McFarland in January 2007, Strider Sports is a company full of passionate riders of dirt, mountain, street, and road bikes. The goal of Strider Sports is to simplify a bike to its essence, so that proper size, lightweight and simplicity combine to eliminate any fear of riding and instill confidence in young new riders. The patented STRIDER™ No-Pedal Bike is now distributed in over 35 countries. To learn more and to find a retailer in your area, visit http://www.StriderBikes.com.

About Strider™ No-Pedal Bikes
If your toddler can walk, your toddler can ride a STRIDER™. STRIDER No-Pedal Balance Bikes were developed specifically to help toddlers and young children learn balance and coordination BEFORE pedaling. The simple, no-pedal design allows toddlers to learn to ride on two wheels, avoiding tricycle tip-overs and training wheel wobbles, and instilling considerable confidence and stellar bike handling skills sure to last a lifetime.  Strider No-Pedal Balance Bikes encourage the development of spatial awareness, balance and basic motor skills so that all children can reach their maximum riding potential faster, better and safer. Available at http://www.StriderBikes.com.