Pedaling more than 5,000 miles from Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay to the California coast, bicyclists Paul Lebelle and Adam Burkowske have joined the movement to share the goodness of cycling with kids – specifically, the kids of our military families.

Paul and Adam started Bike Free (www.bikefree.org), a non-profit charity, whose goal is to get 1,000 bikes and helmets to military kids.

“The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have taken a heavy toll on kids growing up in military families.  Parents come back wounded or don’t come back at all. Kids are also facing parents’ multiple deployments,” says Adam.

“We know that being outside in the fresh air, sunshine, and having physical activity is not only good for your health, but also raises your spirit,” says Paul.

Both Paul and Adam’s families have military backgrounds.  Adam’s brother served on the USS George Washington and is now stationed in San Diego. One of Paul’s grandfathers graduated from the Naval Academy and captained submarines.  Paul’s other grandfather was former NY Giants Kyle Rote whose older brother, Jack, sacrificed his life at Iwo Jima and received the Purple Heart.

“Bringing the joy, freedom, and fun of riding a bicycle to a kid who needs a good bike ride is what Bike Free is all about.”

For further information or to help support their mission, Paul and Adam can be reached through the Bike Free website, www.bikefree.org.