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ATV safety courses provide valuable skills to keep you safe

ATV safety courses provide valuable skills to keep you safe

In last two weeks Eastern Washington and North Idaho have seen over five ATV accidents including one death in the LC Valley last week. While ATV riding is fun, it's important to learn proper technique to remain safe.

 

“We think it takes special skills to ride an ATV,” says Dale Stevens, a licensed ATV safety instructor with the ATV Safety Institute. ASI is a non-profit sponsored by the all the major ATV manufacturers. Instructors like Stevens teach regular safety classes to educate riders on proper technique, safety skills and the responsibilities that come with owning and riding ATVs.

 

After taking his course many riders tell Stevens that they didn't know what a work out riding is and that they expected it to be easier. Stevens says that a lot of people expect ATVs to be like riding a couch on wheels but it that it takes a lot of physical effort and knowledge of how ATVs operate to remain safe while riding.

 

Become a Bloomsday VIP with SNAP

Become a Bloomsday VIP with SNAP

Right before you cross the T.J. Meenach bridge you'll hit mile four of the Bloomsday course. Doomsday Hill looms around the bend and you just might start to feel some pain in your feet and fatigue in your legs. Why not stop to reboot at the SNAP VIP booth?

SNAP will have a VIP photo booth set up just before the bridge so you and your friends and family can snap silly photos before huffing and puffing up the hill. You can also sip on coconut water to rehydrate you for the last half of the run. Pictures will print classic photo booth style and be ready to take home. SNAP will also provide a web link for you to check out and share your Bloomsday photos online. 

However, the booth is VIP for a reason. SNAP only has 500 of the reflective VIP bracelets available for purchase. So, not everyone will get to taste the high life on race day. The VIP bracelets will be available for purchase at the Trade Show at SNAP's booth (#304) and are only $5. First come, first serve, and you won't be able to buy them on race day. 

Bloomsday orders 8,000 additional Boston Bracelets

Bloomsday orders 8,000 additional Boston Bracelets

Shortly after the Boston Marathon bombings, Bloomsday announced that they would be distributing 50,000 lilac bands etched with “Bloomsday Stands With Boston”. Now they have ordered 8,000 more bracelets so that volunteers can also show their support for the East Coast city.

 

The initial bracelets were purchased for runners participating in the world's largest timed road race this Sunday. The response to the idea has been so positive that Bloomsday officials decided it was something that volunteers and safety personnel should participate in as well.

 

Bloomsday introduces character trading cards

Bloomsday introduces character trading cards

Bloomsday expects 50,000 individuals to race this Sunday, and this year organizers are capturing the spirit of racers with new “character trading cards”.

 

The trading cards feature eight individuals unique to the Bloomsday course. You can collect Fast Start Bart, Doomsday Hill Billy, H2 Otis, Pain Jane, Shoe Lacy, Spaghetti Betty, and Timin' Simon. Leading the group is The Don, “Godfather of Bloomsday”, based on race creator and director Don Kardong.

 

Each character not only represents people, but aspects of the race that we all know and love. With Spaghetti Feeds happening all over town the night before race day, Spaghetti Betty is our “carbo-loader extraordinaire”. Doomsday Hill Billy is “always inclined to run” as he tackles the landmark Doomsday Hill. Who hasn't seen an “obsessive clock-watcher” like Timin' Simon, always trying to beat last year's race time.

 

Bloomsday Releases Statement Following Boston

Bloomsday Releases Statement Following Boston

In wake of the tragedy that struck Boston Marathon runners yesterday, Lilac Bloomsday organizers have released the following statement regarding race safety for this year's Bloomsday run:

We at Bloomsday are heartbroken about the events at the Boston Marathon, and we extend our deepest sympathies to the victims and their families. We are saddened that a wonderful celebration of health and fitness ended in tragedy.

Since our own event will take place in a few weeks, we understand that the Greater Spokane community and our visitors may have concerns. Safety at Bloomsday has always been our highest priority, and we will continue to work with the Spokane Police Department, the Spokane County Sheriff and federal agencies to plan for the wide variety of contingencies that might affect Bloomsday, as we have for many years. As we review these systems, we will make whatever changes are deemed advisable to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all our participants and spectators.

--Steven Jones, President, Lilac Bloomsday Association

--Don Kardong, Bloomsday Race Director

One day left to mail Bloomsday entries

One day left to mail Bloomsday entries

If you're planning on mailing your Bloomsday entry in you only have one day left! All mailed entries must be postmarked by Tuesday, April 16th.

This deadline only applies if your are using the U.S. Postal Service. If you plan on entering online you have until Sunday, April 21st. Entries are accepted up until the night before the race, but participants will have to pay an increased fee. If you enter by the April deadlines the fee is only $17.00.

Bloomsday entry forms are available at area Washington Trust Banks, Safeway Stores, Franz Bakery Outlets, Premera Blue Cross, Holy Family Hospital and Sacred Heart Medical Center. Runners can also sign up at Sports Authority’s two local stores until 9:00 pm on April 16th. To sign up online visit www.bloomsdayrun.org