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Community Corner

Pedal for the Planet Invades Stillwell Woods Preserve

The environmental event was moved from Earth Day due to weather.

With safety helmets pressed firmly against their heads and water bottles within arms' reach, bikers filled Stillwell Woods Preserve in Syosset Sunday for the second-annual Pedal for the Planet.

Pedal for the Planet aims to inform individuals on ways to enjoy the outdoors and live environmentally responsible.

"This event is based on getting kids onto the local trails that Long Island has to offer," said Russell Cohen, president of Adventures By Design, a company that organizes outdoor activities. "We want them to stop texting and playing video games and get out into nature. In doing that, they can foster a fondness and respect for the environment. The kids are the next generation and that is why it is so important that children and their parents participate."

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Greeted by cheerful volunteers and live music, bikers were urged to have fun, ride safely and protect the environment.

Adults and children 10 years and older enjoyed a guided mountain bike ride along the magnificent and scenic Stillwell bike path which included the beginner, intermediate and black diamond trails.

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In celebration of Earth Day, the bike event was originally scheduled for April 25. It was canceled due to severe rainstorms.

"We wanted to ride in conjunction with Earth Day on April 22nd but the weather was horrible," said Cohen.

Motivated to keep the nature trails in pristine conditions, Mike Vitti, president of C.L.I.M.B (Concerned Long Island Mountain Bicyclists) has been preserving trails since 1990. "Stillwell was my first trail. So far, C.L.I.M.B has maintained 150 miles of nature trails. People need to remember that bike riding is earth friendly and we must take care of this earth," said Vitti.

Making the event a family affair, Greg Martinez of Rego Park, Queens, rode with his son Benjamin in an effort to spend quality family time and educate themselves about preserving the environment.

"I wanted to spend time with my son and learn how to keep the earth green," Martinez said.

At the end of the bike trail, a flat repair clinic was offered.

"Each rider received a goodie bag which had a patch kit and tire levers," said Cohen. "We showed individuals how to change a flat and patch a tube. Don't ever toss a tube into a landfill; it destroys the earth."

Giveaways and prizes were raffled off, including a Trek Mountain Bike from Brands Cycle and Fitness.

Sitting at a booth surrounded by Make a Village Well signs was 12-year-old Adam Obedian of Syosset. He decided the Pedal for the Planet event was the perfect opportunity to spread the word about another worthy cause – people suffering in Ethiopia.

Adam has been raising money for a LifeStraw and well.

"The LifeStraw purifies the water and a well will last forever. They desperately need clean water to drink," said Obedian.

If interested in making a LifeStraw donation, visit www.makeavillagewell.com. For more information about preserving the environment through bike riding, visit www.adventuresbydesign.com.

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