Go to Perimeter Bicycling Association of America for the latest unofficial ride results: www.pbaa.com. Thousands registered to ride the 111, 85, 60, 42 mile rides, plus the Indoor El Tour. All you have to do is click on the individual rides you are interested in to see the long list of names and home towns, as well as finishing times.

New this 29th year – disposable timer chips, unlike the previous years when there were $50 to $85 deposits/charges if you failed to return the chip band.

I volunteered off & on for 3 days at the El Tour Bike, Fitness & Health expo (click here) at the Tucson Convention Center.

Perimeter Bicycling Association of America is located at 2609 E Broadway, Tucson, Arizona 85716,(520)745-2033, email:info@perimeterbicycling.com.

Congratulations to all the participants & winners!

Wright Flight, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation which was founded in 1986 in Tucson, Arizona by Robin Stoddard.

Robin, an Air Force Reserve fighter pilot, noted the profound effect that airplanes have on youngsters. He decided to use that interest to motivate kids to do better in school. Working almost single-handedly at first, he developed the program materials and organized a group of volunteers and pilots to teach the program and ultimately to fly the graduating students.

Since its humble beginnings, the program has grown significantly in both scope and size, with over 750 successful students graduating in the Tucson area during this school year and approximately 10,500 since its inception. New chapters are springing up across the country in addition to the Tucson headquarters and the Phoenix branch. North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Kansas, Missouri, Massachusetts and Florida have proven successful with their chapters.

One of Wright Flight’s more famous graduates is Jessica Cox, an amazing Tucsonan born without arms, whom I wrote about previously (click here). Jessica was approached by Robin Stoddard to learn how to fly, and she accomplished it, as she does many other feats.

And Robin has been nominated for Goodman’s “Eye for the Good Guy” award (among 10 other finalists), so vote for him by July 15 by clicking here. Congratulations Robin for being one of the finalists – quite an honor! Robin was a top fighter pilot in the United States Air Force, also served three combat tours in Iraq and two tours in Afghanistan, and was the recipient of the Bronze Star and Air Medal in Afghanistan.

For more information about Wright Flight, www.wrightflight.org.

Wright Flight, Inc. is located at:
7075 S. Plumer Ave., #14
Tucson, AZ 85756-6926

Phone: (520) 294-0404
Fax: (520) 294-9011

Executive Director Robin Stoddard:
exec@wrightflight.org

It’s programs like these that make our country one of the best.

So if you have a youngster who wants to learn to soar, contact Wright Flight right away!

From Southern Arizona Roadrunners website: http://azroadrunners.org/races/detail/mmd:

Described as a “running party in the heart of Downtown Tucson”, this 5K Run/Walk starts at 7 p.m. but see complete schedule below. This is the 5th year of this TMC Meet Me Downtown Night Run/Walk. Every participant receives a free t-shirt and is eligible for raffle prizes, plus prize $ for overall winners.

“Walkers, runners, strollers, and more: join the fun on Saturday night, June 4, 2011 for a fast and fun 5k that winds through Downtown neighborhoods. The goal is to help revitalize Downtown Tucson, so come on down and enjoy an early summer Saturday night. Last year, over 1500 folks attended—it’ll be bigger and better this year!”

This event is the first in the new Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown. To enter the Triple Crown (June 4, September 5, October 9), see our page on mini-series here.

More than a race—a family-friendly and adult-friendly block party that raises funds for local organizations. Run, walk, dance—the headlining band is Michael P. and the Imperial Blue Bloods. And don’t forget about our after-party hosted by Hotel Congress, with two-for-one beverages and a great live band.

Got kids? Then enjoy the great Children’s Pavilion produced by TMC and the Children’s Museum Tucson, with event such as make your own pinwheels, make your own visor, and garden games. Then stick around and enjoy the wonderful “National Velvet”, starring the late Elizabeth Taylor, presented by Cinema La Placita (one of the event beneficiaries) starting at about 8:30pm.

Schedule:

10:00-2:00: registration at The Running Shop, 3055 N. Campbell, #153
5:00-6:30: registration at the event site, on Church at Broadway at La Placita Village, 110 S. Church Ave.
5:30: children’s activities in grass at La Placita, with the Children’s Museum and Tucson Medical Center
6:00: band starts at La Placita Village
7:00: race starts—runners and walkers welcome, band rocks on
8:00: begin awards and raffles, food and drink
8:30 (approx): “Run, Fatboy, Run” free for participants at the Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress
8:30 (approx): “National Velvet” free for participants, courtesy of Cinema La Placita, in La Placita Village
8:30 and onwards: two-for-one drinks and post-race party at Hotel Congress

registration cost is $25 by today (May 30), $30 thereafter.

More info: Race Director Randy Accetta at 520-991-0733, raccetta2@cox.net.

About 1500 people participated in 2010– so join the fun & run/walk downtown, then cool down for either of those great movies, or party on at the Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St. What a hot summer in the city!