Cyclists Spread the Message of Healthy Living and Bicycle Safety

In the midst of the Redlands Bicycle Classic, the San Manuel’s sponsorship has enabled these pro cyclists to make trips to local schools to share their professional insight on a healthy lifestyle and bicycle safety tips. Professional cyclists Brian and Joy McCulloch, husband and wife, have participated in the Classic for several years, Brian’s seventh time and Joy’s sixth time. Every year they take the time to make a trip to local schools to talk to a myriad of children within the San Bernardino and Redlands County School Districts. “We love the opportunity to connect with the local kids and explain to them everything about racing, the bicycles, being a good teammate, and taking care of your body so that you can perform at your best,” Joy said. Most teams are able to visit one or two schools throughout the week. However the McCullochs visited a total of four schools this year. “We’ve visited schools every year we’ve done the Classic,” he explained. “Last year my wife visited eight schools, and I did six schools since we had more time off.” Brian shared that when visiting schools and talking to kids, his main goal is to encourage them. “They don’t need to have a fancy bike to be able to participate. You can bring your Barbie bike,” he said with a chuckle. “We don’t want them to be intimidated. We want to make sure everyone feels welcome.” This year they visited Chapman Heights Elementary School in Yucaipa, the learning annex at San Manuel, Redlands Christian, and Arroyo Verde in Highland. “The one at San Manuel was very intimate since there was only about 25 kids in attendance,” he said. “We were able to interact with all of them, it was great.” Over the years, several of the students from the schools they had visited attend the races to cheer on them on. “This year, the Highland course had several kids out on the course through out the race cheering for all the athletes, which was awesome,” Joy added. Another successful year of the partnership of San Manuel and the Classic as they “share the goal of bringing positive role models and healthy lifestyles to the youth of the San Bernardino area.