Utah ride Fund-raiser features Zabriskie

He is regarded by many as the fastest cyclist in the country. Second fastest in the world, for that matter.

And Saturday morning, anyone on two wheels can ride with him.

Dave Zabriskie, a Salt Lake City native who recently won the U.S. Pro Cycling time trial race and followed that up with a second-place finish at the world championships last week, will lead a group of cyclists on a fund-raising tour around the valley. Zabriskie is the headline attraction at the Bikes 4 Kids Utah ride and is helping raise funds to provide new bicycles, helmets and locks for children in needy schools, neighborhoods and communities.

With the help of individual riders and corporate sponsors, Bikes 4 Kids Utah hopes to provide the new cycling equipment for at least 1,000 children. This year's designated groups include kids from Rose Park Elementary, the Guadalupe School and the Boys and Girls Club of Murray.

"We want to provide kids with an inexpensive and fun way to get to school," said Debbie Reid, founder and director of the organization, "a hobby that helps them get some exercise and a way for them to learn responsibility and safety."

Zabriskie has been around the world cycling the past few years, winning races and individual stages of larger races such at the Dauphine Libere in France, the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France. He is the only American to win stages in each of Europe's three grand tours and was just the third American to wear the Tour de France's yellow jersey.

Chances are, Zabriskie will not be charging down the roads of Salt Lake County for this ride, but will be allowing local cycling enthusiasts to enjoy his company while helping children.

Tonight Zabriskie will be the guest of honor at a dinner and silent auction at the Hidden Valley Country Club.

The following morning, he'll hop on his bicycle and lead a group of riders from the new IHC hospital near 5300 South in Murray.

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Bikes 4 Kids

What: Charity bicycle ride; 5K, 50K and 100K rides

When: Saturday, 8 a.m.

Where: New IHC hospital near 5300 South and State

Cost: $50 per rider; all proceeds going to charity

Info: Bikes4KidsUtah.org

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E-mail: jeborn@desnews.com