Be Well Barton County and its Earth Day 2014 partners are hosting the first-ever “Ride for the Planet” bicycle fun ride starting at Great Bend’s Brit Spaugh Zoo. The ride is one of more than a dozen Earth Day activities and exhibits offered from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at the zoo to celebrate Earth Day.
“Ride partners encourage everybody to have fun celebrating Earth Day on a bicycle,” said Felix Revello of the Grass Roots Environmental Advocacy Team, an organization that covers Barton, Pawnee and Rush counties. “Cycling is a great way to get around town and healthy for you and our environment.” 
Volunteers in Action is leading the Ride.
Ride participants are asked to arrive at the zoo headquarters at noon for the approximately five-mile, 45-minute round trip between the Brit Spaugh and Veterans Memorial Park. Riders can stop at the Veterans comfort facility for water and a free ticket for prize drawings held for cyclists after they return to the starting point.
Great Bend Police Department is providing traffic control at critical intersections along the ride, the majority of which follows 19th Street.
 This is a fun ride, but Revello reminds those who want to take part that they must  follow traffic laws as if you are driving a car unless otherwise directed. Also, riders must wear a helmet.
All riders must sign an accident release at the starting point to participate. Persons under 18 will need an accident release signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Revello has some other advise. “Your bike seat should be adjusted to fit you.”
When standing beside a bike, the seat should be about even with rider’s hips for the most comfortable leg extension and power when pedaling.  If set properly, your legs should be almost fully extended on the down stroke.
 Be Well is joining with the zoo, Grass Roots Environmental Advocacy Team and Volunteers in Action to produce the fun Ride to promote healthy lifestyles countywide, Revello said.
As a grant recipient for the Kansas Health Foundation’s Healthy Communities Initiative, Be Well encourages retrofitting existing streets and transportation routes to accommodate walking and cycling for transportation and recreation.
Sponsors for the prize drawings are Best Western Angus Inn and Marmie Ford. Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway is providing participants ribbons for all riders.