Bikes and Life presents the 2nd annual Bernard Hinault Charity Tour

NEW YORK & WORCESTER, Mass. & ORLANDO, Fla. - Aug. 25, 2016 - PRLog -- Bikes and Life invites cycling enthusiasts to meet and ride with one of cycling's all time champions, Bernard "The Badger" Hinault. Proceeds from the tour will benefit Souffles d'Espoir - a charity supporting cancer research in Brittany, France founded by Bernard Hinault himself - and The Faine House founded by Bikes and Life Co-Founder Jeff Faine - a transitional home for young adults aging out of the foster care system in Florida.

Bernard Hinault's list of major victories is almost beyond belief: five wins in the Tour de France, three in the Giro D'Italia, and two at the Vuelta a Espana, not to mention ten Grand Tour victories. Few cyclists in the history of the sport approach his level of athletic achievement.

"We were all nervous last year, but Bernard never turned down one autograph, never turned down one photograph. He even helped clean up at the end of the day. Here was the five-time Tour de France champion Bernard Hinault hanging out in our shop. It was amazing." – John Antretter, Founder and CEO of Bikes and Life

Hinault's first stop is New York City on Tuesday, October 11th. He will visit the United Nations in the morning, hosted by Bikes and Life Co-Founder and UNCTAD Chief New York Office Chantal Line Carpentier. That afternoon, Hinault will lead a social bike ride through Central Park. The ride will conclude in the garden of the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian National Design Museum for a champagne reception and a toast from the museum director Caroline Baumann. A VIP dinner will be held that evening in Hinault's honor with attendance limited to 50.

On Wednesday, October 12th, Hinault will travel to Worcester, MA - a city with its own deep roots in cycling, being the home of Marshall "Major" Taylor, the first African American cyclist to achieve the level of World Champion (1899). The afternoon will begin with a photo opportunity and presentation by the Major Taylor Association at the Major Taylor statue in downtown Worcester. Later that evening, a VIP dinner will be hosted in honor of the great cyclist.

The following day, Thursday, October 13th, Hinault will join the members of Team Bikes and Life along with cycling enthusiasts from all over the state of Massachusetts on a ride through the scenic back roads of central Massachusetts.

Jon Fielding, of Princeton, MA, who participated in the Orlando event last year, recalls, "The vibe on the ride was different than any ride I've ever been on. It was a ride for people to get to know people."

A party celebrating Hinault's career and the heritage of cycling in Worcester will be held that afternoon at Bikes and Life, 1067 Main St, Worcester, MA 01603.

The Charity Tour concludes in Orlando, FL on Saturday, October 15th. Hinault will lead riders from throughout the state of Florida on a 62-mile (100K) ride starting and ending at The Faine House. Following the ride, a cycling expo will be held with opportunities to meet Hinault for autographs and photos. A VIP dinner will be held that evening at The Coop, 610 W Morse Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32789.

Chantal Line Carpentier remembers, "What really struck me last year was to see grown men with tears in their eyes telling their children how this man in front of them was their childhood hero ... how they could not believe they had the blessing to be able to ride with him."

Ride registrations start at $45. A commemorative jersey celebrating Bernard Hinault's incredible cycling career is available for $85. Discounts are available for early registration.

For more information, please visit the 2016 Bikes and Life Bernard Hinault Charity Tour registration website.
About Souffles d'Espoir
About The Faine House
About Bikes and Life