Depending on what you're looking for, there are two biking opportunities in Hutchinson:

- Saturday Morning Coffee Ride at 8 a.m. Expect to peddle a 5- to 10-mile loop around Hutchinson.

- Tuesday Performance Road Ride at 6 p.m. Expect to ride between 20 to 40 miles.

Both rides meet at Outdoor Motion, 141 Main St. in Hutchinson. There's no charge and the public is welcome to participate in one or both rides. For more information, call Chad Czmowski at (320) 587-2453.

The Hutchinson Bike and Board Bonanza sponsored by the Hutchinson Jaycees will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 17, at the Hutchinson Recreation Center, 900 Harrington St.

Ride the obstacle course with Hutchinson Police, get a free bike safety check and compete on your skateboard starting at 9 a.m.

Registration begins at 8:45 a.m. Helmets are available for $5 each. Free Culver's custard to the first 150 kids.

For more information, call Outdoor Motion at (320) 587-2453.

By Brian McNeill, University of Minnesota Extension

Imagine if no one volunteered. What would your community look like? If there was a fire who would come and put it out? If a child needed extra help in school who would give it? Our way of life relies on volunteers. Helping others in need is such an important part of the American way of life that many high schools require volunteer stints before graduation.

Common Cup Ministry is distributing free food from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24, at the McLeod County Fairgrounds, 840 Century Ave., Hutchinson.

The program, sponsored by Common Cup Ministry and McLeod County Emergency Food Shelf, has been developed by Second Harvest Heartland in Minneapolis. The goal is to provide supplemental food and products to individuals and families experiencing a need.

On Saturday, April 5, 2008, history buffs and preservationists of all ages will join forces to clean and restore Civil War-related battlefields, cemeteries and shrines. The nationwide effort – dubbed Park Day – is underwritten with a grant from The History Channel. Park Day is also recognized by the U.S. Department of the Interior as a “Take Pride in America” event. More than 110 historic sites in 24 states are expected to participate in Park Day 2008.

(Kay Johnson is a staff writer at the Hutchinson Leader. She can be reached at johnson@hutchinsonleader.com)

If you’re tired of hibernating at home this winter and need something to get your heart racing, consider indoor walking at the Hutchinson Recreation Center or the Hutchinson Mall.

With icy sidewalks and subzero temps, indoor walking is a safe way to improve your cardiovascular fitness and develop a healthier, leaner body.

Walking is the easiest form of exercise, too. You don’t need a gym, fancy equipment or special clothes. Just slip on a pair of supportive, comfortable shoes and put one foot in front of the other.