Resulting auction supports putting kids on bikes in kindergarten P.E. Class nationwide.
Sturgis, SD (July 11, 2023) – The Flying Piston Benefit is delighted to announce that Chopper Class at Lakeville North High School, Lakeville, MN is participating in the highly anticipated 2023 Tiny Bike Chop Off. Led by Kevin “Teach” Baas, the first shop teacher to offer an actual chopper class at the high school level in 2004, the competition is intended to inspire students to pursue careers in the industrial arts, allowing students to showcase their talent and creativity by customizing a tiny balance bike.
Kevin “Teach” Baas and Chopper Class Build in Progress
The project starts with a stock Strider balance bike as the starting point, and the finished creation will be unveiled at the Flying Piston Benefit Breakfast on August 6th at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Bikes from six different programs will be auctioned off that morning, with bidding open to all in the online auction.
Kevin “Teach” Baas
Teach’s innovative approach to education has empowered countless young individuals to develop valuable skills while nurturing their passion for motorcycles. The Chopper Class at Lakeville North High School represents a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in designing and building custom bikes, fostering their creativity and craftsmanship.
The Flying Piston Benefit Breakfast and Auction kicks off on Sunday, August 6th, from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM at the Buffalo Chip. This event presents a perfect platform for motorcycle enthusiasts and supporters to witness the talent and dedication displayed by the students at Lakeville North High School. Anyone can bid from anywhere. Proceeds from the auction support All Kids Bike, a program that puts bike riding classes in kindergartens nationwide. The Flying Piston Benefit has helped train over 100,000 kindergartners so far, encouraging confidence, enjoyment of the outdoors, and autonomy.
“We are excited to be a part of the Flying Piston Benefit 2023 Tiny Bike Custom Chop,” said Kevin “Teach” Baas, the driving force behind the Chopper Class. “Our students have been eagerly working on this project, and I am confident that their hard work and creativity will result in a fun and distinctive tiny custom bike.”
The Flying Piston Benefit Breakfast features a silent auction where attendees can bid on the custom tiny bikes, one-off skateboard art and more.. By participating in the auction, supporters have a chance to own a unique piece of craftsmanship.
The Tiny Custom Bike Chop Off highlights six tech programs across the US, including Kevin “Teach” Baas’ Lakeville North High School; Pine Bush High School, Pine Bush, NY; Helping with Horsepower in Ethan, SD; WyoTech, Laramie, WY; Mitchell Tech in Mitchell, SD; and the Jessi Combs Foundation.
“This competition provides a great experience for the students,” explained Marilyn Stemp, co-producer of the Flying Piston. “The young men and women are exposed to career paths they may never have known about. And really, in this competition, there are no losers, only winners!”
Enthusiasts can register for the auction at https://qtego.us/qlink/piston to bid online from anywhere. To buy tickets for the Builders Breakfast, held at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Crossroads on Sunday, August 6th and presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys, go to https://www.tixr.com/groups/sturgisbuffalochip/events/sturgis-buffalo-chip-2023-60458.
About The Flying Piston: Flying Piston Charity Events are produced by Marilyn Stemp of Iron Trader News and Jeff Najar of GFTechOne.com to assist in raising awareness and funds for non-profits and individuals in the motorcycle community. Contact: Marilyn Stemp, 828-205- 8482, marilynstemp@gmail.com or www.flyingpistonbenefit.com/.
About Strider and All Kids Bike: Strider designs lightweight, efficient, all-terrain bikes that build two-wheeled balance, coordination, and confidence in children. Strider is changing the paradigm of how kids learn to ride through AllKidsBike, which seeks to teach every kid how to ride a bike in kindergarten P.E. class. www.AllKidsBike.org, www.Striderbikes.com
