The Great Bike Adventure is a hands-on cycling program for 5th graders at Avondale Elementary, focused on building bike skills, safety awareness, independence, and a love for the outdoors.

Ahead of the big ride, we helped students get fitted for helmets and practiced group riding on a closed course right outside their school. The kids also took part in a t-shirt design contest—our graphic designer helped bring the winning design to life, and students got to see their shirts come to life during a live screen printing demo.

The main event was a ride along the Camp Chase Trail starting at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, led by teachers, chaperones, and FCW staff. Thanks to generous support from Columbus Blue Jackets, Central Midwest Carpenters Union, each student received a brand new bike, helmet, lock, lights, and a custom tee to take home.

Earlier in the spring, students even got to attend a Blue Jackets game, where they revealed a giant check on the jumbotron and were surprised with their new bikes—unveiled with help from the CBJ cheerleaders and our crew here at FCW.

It was a joyful, empowering experience we won’t soon forget. There’s nothing better than getting kids on bikes and into the world.