By Cass Rains

Staff Writer

Lance Armstrong he’s not.

But 6-year-old Andrew Lof had his share of stories to tell about his two-mile bicycle adventure during the third annual Tour de Trykes Saturday morning.

“My pedal flew off,” the Taft Elementary School first-grader said.

Repairs, performed by The Bike Shop, didn’t slow down this Taft Tiger, who estimated the repair took “three seconds.”

“It didn’t take very long.”

He added matter-of-factly, “Before that I was in first place.”

“Since he lost his pedal, I won,” said Andrew’s older sister, Katherine.

“I thought the race was really, really fun,” said the 9-year-old Taft fifth-grader. “It was a really great way to get people out of their houses.”

Katherine said she rode in Tour de Trykes with her brother, sister, brother’s friend and sister’s friend, as well as Mom and Dad.

Riding weather

Event organizer Mike Stuber said he was pleased with this year’s turnout of 142 riders for the fundraising event. Money made through the ride is used to purchase AmTrykes, tricycles designed to increase mobility for children and adults with physical disabilities. He said there was about a 20 percent increase in the number of riders this year over the 2007 event.

“I am pleased,” Stuber said. “For the third year in a row the weather was fantastic.”

Stuber said early estimates show this year’s Tour de Trykes raised about $12,000, but that figure could grow.

The bicycle ride for families and bicycle enthusiasts featured tours of different distances, including a 100-mile ride. There was a two-mile family ride around the downtown Square and rides of 10, 22, 38 and 58 miles, as well. All rides began at David Allen Memorial Ballpark downtown.

“This year we had a good increase in the number of family fun riders,” Stuber said. “I saw a good increase in people who just wanted to come out.”

Pedaling like mad

He said riders came for the tour from all over the state, and as far as Missouri and Texas.

The Bike Shop provided a vehicle to pick up riders who could not ride the entire distance and also aided riders who had break-downs, providing parts and mechanical assistance. Rest stops were provided along the route, and volunteers with Cimarron Valley Chapter of American Red Cross were available to provide first aid.

The rides were open for bikes, trikes, recumbents and tandems. Everyone who registered received a T-shirt, goodie bag, water bottle and crackers. Refreshments were served at the ballpark for riders.

Stuber said the group’s goal was to raise about $15,000 to purchase AmTrykes, which cost between $600 and $700, depending on the configuration, with some costing as much as $1,000.

Anyone wishing to make a donation for the purchase of an AmTryke can contact Stuber at 603-0013 or go to www.tourdetrykes.com.

A little farther

Brigitte Goulard, 7, a Taft second-grader who was riding with the Lofs, said the ride was fun. But she did mention a drawback to the fun-filled morning of bike riding.

“I had to wake up really early.”

Andrew and Katherine’s mother, Susan, said the family would participate in the Tour de Trykes next year.

“We’re thinking about the 10-mile next year,” she said.