Bike & Trike event a success

About 75-100 kids and families turned out for the Bike & Trike event at Coleman Homes' new West Highlands development in Middleton on Saturday, April 11.

Criterium bike racers provided a lot of great entertainment in the morning as they raced in a Miss&Out format, meaning that after three laps, the last rider across the finish line on each lap was out of the race. The half-mile course on brand new pavement at West Highlands was a great venue because you could watch the racers come flying around the corners and three-quarters of the course was visible at once.

Three age categories of kids raced with Olympic Gold Medalist Kristin Armstrong in the afternoon. A Boise girl won a free mountain bike from George's Cycles, and she was positively thrilled. Many people had a chance to get Kristin's autograph and photo in a low-key setting. All of the race participants received a free T-shirt and water bottle.

Drake Cooper organized the event for Coleman Homes as part of the company's Grand Opening at West Highlands this spring. Home prices start in the $165,000 range. It's a great time to buy with interest rates below 5 percent, great prices and federal tax incentives -- it's a buyer's market for sure.

- SS