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May 22 car show helping fund June bicycle giveaway
bikes
Pete Paulsen has a goal of providing 200 free bikes to needy families (one bike per family) at the Dec. 11 Bike for Kids Giveaway at his French Camp ranch.

Pete Paulsen’s Bikes for Kids is back.

The local non-profit that breathes new life into old bicycles – those refurbished two wheels are given to foster homes and children during the holidays at no charge – will be having another free giveaway on the Saturday before the June 19 Father’s Day.

“I have 150 bikes in need of fixing up,” Paulsen said on Thursday.

He recently received a healthy donation of bikes from Andy Rodrigues and other folks. In January, Paulsen was uncertain about the future of Bike for Kids following the ill health of his wife coupled with some financial reasons.

He started the free distribution of bikes back in 2018. Children in the Haven of Peace homeless shelter in French Camp were the recipients of the inaugural giveaway.

More recently, the Bikes for Kids events were saved for the holidays, with families driving through Paulsen Ranch in French Camp to pick up their free bikes with no questions asked.

Pete Paulsen is looking to continue that tradition.

His focus is the upcoming June giveaway spearheaded by Truck’ N Mania car show sponsored by Jackson Rancheria and Chicken Ranch Casino on May 22 at his ranch at 1504 W. Bowman Rd.

Featured will be all years – makes and models – of trucks, El Caminos and Rancheros, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We’re bringing it back to the Ranch,” said Paulsen, who held his previous car show at nearby River Island.

Special guests include Tom “The Giant” Nye, Hot Rod Holly, and John D’Agostino. Truck’ N Mania will also feature Paulsen’s World-Famous Hot Dogs along with vendors and food by Fagundes Meats.

In addition, event shirts, 50 / 50 raffle and beverages will be available.

General admission is $10 (those 10 and under are free), and $5 for seniors and military.

Those looking to enter their vehicles can do so from now to the day of the event. Early entry fee is $35 and $45 on the day of the event. Registration will be held from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. with the award winners – 66 in all – being announced at 3 p.m.

All proceeds will benefit Bikes for Kids.

Paulsen, meanwhile, is seeking volunteers to help restore the donated bikes. Those looking to lend a helping hand can stop by his ranch during business hours, Tuesdays through Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, call 209.983.0271.