In 2008, on Saturday and Sunday, June 14th and 15th (Fathers' Day Weekend), three local community members rode their bicycles more than 140 miles from Mountain View to Sacramento to deliver a letter to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger asking that public education be made a priority in the State Budget. The theme of that ride was “Cycling The Cause.” The ride was supported by many members of the community and the message was delivered, but there was a need to do much more and get many more people involved.

In 2009, the bar was raised with an increased effort to get more of the community involvement. With an unprecedented financial crisis facing the state and funding for children's programs in even more jeopardy, it was important that we make our voices heard and particularly those of our children. Over 500 participants participated in the inaugural Challenge Bicycle Ride through the communities of Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, and Sunnyvale (2009 Route Map). Petitions were circulated throughout the event encouraging our Governor and State Legislators to know that they must make our children a priority and not cut funding for education and other vital programs that provide for children's welfare.

In 2010, the petition is back and we are encourage This is a moderate family oriented bicycle ride routed through Mountain View, Los Altos, Sunnyvale and Los Altos Hills.  There will be many stops along the way sponsored by community partners and participants can ride the whole route of 25 +/- miles or just a segment or two for a mile or less.  There are four primary goals for the Challenge Bicycle Ride:

1. Make education and children's issues a priority in California.  Sign a petition to let the Governor and State Legislators know that they must maintain funding for such vital programs.  Give your children a voice by allowing them to sign the petition. If you are unable to sign the petition, you will be able to do so online starting the week prior to the event.
2. Promote healthy family activities and physical fitness by participating in a moderate bicycle ride in our community.
3. It will be a collaborative event sponsored by multiple organizations within the Cities of Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills and Sunnyvale.
4. This will be a fun activity where participants can meet a physical challenge and share the day with other committed members of the community.

Come out and join the cause! Click here to register for this year's free event.