Jeanne Patterson of Frisco, Texas was recently selected to receive the REI Stewardship Award, which is given to six recipients nationally. The Stewards of the Environment Award provides recognition to local environmental heroes across the country who have made an impact and inspired others.

In recognition of Jeanne’s contributions, REI presented Texas Bicycle Coalition with a $20,000 grant during a brief award ceremony, followed by a fun, social 10-mile bike ride, at the Plano REI on Saturday, December 10.

The BikeTexas Katrina BikeAid project will hold a bicycle collection celebration on Saturday, November 19, from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm. at the Bicycle Sport Shop central location (517 S. Lamar) in Austin. Everyone who donates a working bike that day is invited to enjoy complimentary food, drink and entertainment. The goal is to collect one bicycle per minute – or 540 bicycles – on November 19.

One thousand bicycles have already been collected and distributed in Texas, but demand and need still remain high. Cash contributions are also critical to the success of this important mission.

The Board of Directors of Elves & More will dedicate proceeds from the 2005 Texas Cycling Classic to benefit children impacted by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  Elves & More Founder David Moore said that 100 percent of the ride proceeds -- and up to 50 percent of the funds raised from its 2005 Christmas Program -- will be used to assist the thousands of children displaced by these disastrous storms.

Texas Bicycle Coalition welcomes the Texas Cycling Classic as a member event for the first time this year. One dollar of each entry fee will be donated to help the Coalition continue to advance bicycle access, safety and education throughout the state of Texas.

Elves & More, which seeks to bring hope to impoverished children, raises funds every fall to purchase, assemble and deliver brand new bicycles to children living in impoverished neighborhoods.  Last year, nearly 21,000 new bicycles were distributed to children throughout the greater Houston area.  This year the focus will increase to encompass the Hurricane Kids.

Wichita Falls may not be on the radar of every destination cyclist just yet, but over the last couple of decades the small city near the Red River has established itself as a haven for great cycling. Bolstered by cycling advocates like Roby Christie and one of the most successful collegiate cycling programs at Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls draws thousands of cyclists each August to face the challenges served up by the Hotter’N Hell Hundred.

About 25 years ago, the City of Wichita Falls considered, among other schemes, instituting a rocking chair marathon in order to increase tourism, raise revenue, and celebrate the city’s centennial anniversary. Fortunately for the cycling community, Roby Christie stepped in to suggest the city take another tack and establish a bicycle race; Hotter’N Hell was born and Wichita Falls has never been the same.