Hi everybody.  May is National Bike Month and we have some events to mark the occasion.      May 21 Bicyclists will gather at the McLean County Museum of History in the Old Courthouse in downtown Bloomington for the Ride of Silence to pay homage to the bicyclists killed and injured on America’s roads each year. The local event coincides with events nationwide at the same time.  Arrive at 6:45 p.m.  The procession will begin at 7 p.m.  Accompanied by Twin City police, the route ends at Normal City Hall.  We would love to build on the turn-out of 75 people we had last year.  This year is especially important. The publicity will reinforce the new 3-foot rule the General Assembly passed to protect cyclists from motorists driving too close.   No registration, no speeches, no T-shirt.  Just show up.  Phone (309) 820-3227, (309) 275-7120 or email srichardson@pantagraph.com.   Please wear your helmet.    May 24   The 3rd annual PrairieLand 100 will offer cyclists a chance to ride 100, 60 or 20 miles and donate to the work of the Lance Armstrong Foundation on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend.   Organized by Pantagraph outdoor editor Scott Richardson with the help of Phil Warlow and friends, the PrairieLand 100 will begin at Warlow's house in Hudson and follow the route of the Miles of Smiles.   Enjoy a day on bikes with friends and help a good cause.  No SAG, but lunch is served at Warlow's at the end of the fun.   This year's ride is in honor of the late Blake Hall, the Forrest teen who died earlier this year after a four-year battle with bone cancer.  Longer distances will leave at 7 a.m.  The short ride will be done as a group. Time TBA.  Phone (309) 275-7120. If you would just like to contribute to LAF, contact me at (309) 275-7120 and I'll get you the information.  Many thanks. Also, don't forget the 3rd annual HopeSTRONG Gala to benefit the LAF from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday  May 10, at the Snyder Lodge near Downs.   The event includes food, music by the band Merge and an auction featuring a bike jersey autographed by Armstrong.    Cost for Wheelers, Tri-Sharks and Lake Run Club members is a donation.  Normal ticket price is $55.  Call (309) 287-8210 for tickets and directions.   Many thanks, IceMan

LAF fund-raiser Jeff Wells has decided to offer a deal you can't refuse on admission to the HopeSTRONG Gala. as a way of saying thanks for all the support he's received from the cycling/running/triathlon networks. Anyone in the Wheelers, Tri-Sharks, Lake Run Club or their associates can attend the HopeSTRONG Gala for a donation of whatever they wish to give. Bring your friends. It's a fun night with lots of good company, food and entertainment. And, it's all for a great cause. May 10 The 3rd Annual HopeSTRONG Gala to benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation and its fight against cancer will be from 6 to 9 p.m. May 10 at the Snyder Lodge near Downs. Cost is $55 per ticket. The evening will include refreshments, food, live music by the popular band Merge and a live auction. Phone (309) 287-8210 for tickets. Visit www.jbwpeloton.com for more information. RSVP at; http://www.jbwpeloton.com/wells%20rsvp%20hope%20strong%20rsvp.pdf Many thanks. Iceman