The Girl Scouts treated Texas Bicycle Coalition Local Outreach Coordinators Fernando Martinez and Joyce Cunningham to the "Ritz" on Saturday, November 5, 2005. The "Ritz" cabin at Amarillo Girl Scouts Camp Kawanis was the site for Bicycle Maintenance and Safety classes. Fifty girls from different local troops participated in the 2005 Junior Jamboree to learn more about archery, tennis and bicycle maintenance and safety.

Ty Marshall from Hill's Sport Shop instructed the multiple sessions on the ABCD's of basic bike maintenance. Interactive games on bicycle safety were lead by Martinez and Cunningham. Volunteer parents got involved in the activities and "Safety Clinics." The trio answered concerned Scouts and Leaders questions including: My bike chain is loose, what should I do? Why does my bike make noise when I change gears? How should my helmet fit? How do I know what size bike I need? When and how should we use the new bike lanes in Amarillo?

The morning concluded with a hotdog lunch out in the fresh air and sunshine to bond new friendships. Texas Bicycle Coalition's LOCs would like to thank Natalie Stephenson of the Amarillo Girl Scouts for inviting us to participate in the Jamboree.

A Gorilla-size welcome was extended to the Local Outreach Coordinators Martinez and Cunningham at the Amarillo Civic Center that same evening. The local pro hockey team hosted a home game to recognize the contributions of the Kid's Inc, Boys Scouts and Girl Scouts.

The Gorillas provided a spectacular game for 4,500 kids and adults against their arch-rivals, the Lubbock Cotton Kings. They were able to turn their sluggish season start by breaking a four game loosing streak with a 3-1 win.

Groups gathered to investigate the Texas Bicycle Coalition booth before the game and during the intermissions. A bicycle "Crash" video attracted audiences and prompted questions and shared stories as fans mingled in the East Concourse. Bicycle safety was stressed as a way to prevent possible bicycle problems.

We also want to thank Stacy Quest, director of marketing for the Gorillas Pro Hockey Team, for inviting us to the Cal Farley Coliseum to witness this spectacular win. Go! Gorillas! Go!