Here's some late-breaking news: Emmanuel Yeboah from Ghana is making a surprise visit to Bikes Not Bombs tonight at 7:30 pm and will be staying for part of the Wednesday volunteer night. He came to town for a function with the Free Wheelchair Mission, but wanted to surprise Bikes Not Bombs with his visit! Come meet Emmanuel at the BNB Hub, 284 Amory Street in the Brewery Complex (for those who haven't been here before, once you're in the parking lot go all the way to the left to find our door next to the wood fence). Note that we do have lots of bikes to process for future overseas shipments, so we'll try to do some regular Wednesday night bike work before and after Emmanuel's visit tonight.

Emmanuel will talk about his work advocating for the rights of physically disabled people, as well as his partnership with Bikes Not Bombs on a new international project in Ghana that will train physically disabled people in advanced bicycle mechanics, and will work with them to construct and establish a professional bicycle workshop adapted to their specific needs in Koforidua, Ghana. Carl Kurz, BNB Founder and Director of International Programs, will be present along with David Branigan, the BNB Trainer that will be traveling May 15th to Ghana where he will facilitate this new project with Emmanuel over the next 8 months.

Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah is a physically challenged athlete who rode a bicycle across Ghana with one leg in his campaign advocating for the rights and abilities of the physically disabled in Ghana. Emmanuel's campaign influenced the Government of Ghana to pass a Disability Rights Law that protects the rights of the physically disabled. Emmanuel went on to establish the Emmanuel Education Foundation and Sports Academy for the Physically Challenged with the financial support he received from the international community. He has been the winner of numerous awards including the Arthur Ashe Courage Award and the prestigious Casey Martin Award offered each year by Nike corporation. His leadership in bringing dignity and inspiration to the growing international movement for the rights of the disabled has led his countrymen on to a new paradigm in Africa, one that challenges the stigma of poverty and self-deprecation that has plagued and stereotyped disabled individuals into the destitution of begging and marginalization on the fringes of society.

************************************************************************
Tonight is also a great time to go ahead and register to ride in the Bike-A-Thon on June 8th!

We'll be ready to sign you up! All riders must pre-register this year, and if you register before Friday May 9th you'll be invited to a special dinner party here at the fabulous BNB Hub: 284 Amory St. in the Brewery! Friday May 9th, 6-8:30 pm, we're having a special gathering just for registered Bike-A-Thon riders - complete with music, food including vegan pizza, and presentations by Carl Kurz (founder of BNB) and Jon McCurdy (a great volunteer who was last year's top fundraiser). If you and your friend still haven’t registered by then, come on down to the Hub and we’ll set you up!

* Choose 15, 25, or 62 mile rides. This is the 21st Annual Bike-A-Thon and rides are fully supported with mechanics, food, following vehicles, etc. More info at http://www.bikesnotbombs.org/bat08

* Pre-registration is required this year. The registration fee is $20 which counts towards your fundraising minimum. Once you’re registered, BNB sends a packet, a pledge sheet, a coupon, and other goodies. Registration can be done in person at either Bikes Not Bombs location, over the phone 617-522-0222, or at http://www.bikesnotbombs.org/bat08.

* Prizes for top TEAMS & other categories, including of course, fundraising. And mind-boggling grand prizes: getaways for two in the woods of Maine, one during the Micro-Brew Festival, both courtesy of Back Country Excursions: famous MOUNTAIN BIKE MECCA! www.bikebackcountry.com

* The ride's after-party is the FIRST ANNUAL GREEN ROOTS FESTIVAL- an outdoor environmental festival with live music (featuring the Branches Pan Groove Steel Drum Band), info tables (environmental orgs!) with workshops, food (free dinner for riders), and it’s open to the public. This will be really fun as well as educational, and it’s in honor of you and your fellow Bike-A-Thon. riders! The keynote speaker is best-selling author BILL McKIBBEN!