Kids Club Takes on Child Obesity at the Brownwood Bike Rally

By Alesia Williams
Cranking for a Cause: Propelling Youth Health and Fitness is the East Atlanta Kids Club’s theme for its 9th annual Brownwood Bike Rally, scheduled for May 5. Kids and adults can enjoy bike races and other family-oriented activities that will encourage participants to stay fit, eat healthy, and fight against childhood obesity in Georgia.
There are more children than ever who are eating poorly and are physically inactive. Georgia has the second-highest childhood obesity rate in the U.S., placing youth at a higher risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. The East Atlanta Kids Club hopes to raise awareness about this epidemic and to promote fitness and health at the 2012 Brownwood Bike Rally.
The East Atlanta Kids Club launched the Brownwood Bike Rally in 2003 to advance youth fitness through a fun biking event that would engage cycling enthusiasts of all ages. Each year the East Atlanta event draws more than 100 kids and 50 adults who participate in bike races, a bike safety rodeo, and other fun activities. The Brownwood Bike Rally remains free for all kids each year with the help of more than 150 volunteers, the support of several local cycling and fitness clubs, and generous event sponsors. Sponsors committed at press time include Metro Atlanta Cycling Club, Sopo Bike Co-Op, REI Foundation, and the Triple Play Foundation.
“This year promises all the thrills and chills that come along with the competitive street bike and cyclo-cross racing, as well as new, interactive fitness activities for the whole family,” says Jill Sieder, Founder and Executive Director of East Atlanta Kids Club.
The 2012 Brownwood Bike Rally includes street bike races for kids and adults, a bike safety rodeo for kids, and two cyclo-cross criterium races (on a hybrid street and dirt course through the park) for adults.  The event also features a health fair, a food court; and a festival area featuring family-friendly activities, including a moonwalk, face painting, and interactive fitness demos by several local fitness organizations. Cash prizes and other awards will be given in all bike race categories.  An on-site raffle offers more chances for everyone to win more great prizes.
The Brownwood Bike Rally and EAKC’s year-round cycling and fitness programs encourage youth to stay fit and combat the 40-percent child obesity rate in Georgia. The event is based at Brownwood Park and Recreation Center in East Atlanta.  All proceeds will benefit the East Atlanta Kids Club’s free after-school tutoring and mentoring program for under-resourced youth in Atlanta. Kids and adults interested in participating can register at www.active.com. Visit www.eastatlantakids.org or call 404-627-8050 for more information.