Monday, May 31, 2010

Strider Balance Bike Review



Lucy and Julia can both ride a bike! (Scroll down to the next post for video clips.)

We're had a Strider Prebike for just over a month now and you can see from the videos that Lucy is doing very well with it. I initially thought that Julia would enjoy the bike most, as she is a bit more outgoing and Lucy is my cautious one. Both girls were very hesitant on the bike at first and wanted Daddy to hold on to the bike while they "rode"... or rather, "very slowly walked". After showing them video clips of kids riding their Strider bikes, Lucy was determined to learn. Without saying anything, she just kept picking up the bike to practice, slowly getting faster and learning balance. Julia also enjoys riding now and can pick up her feet and glide for a short time.

I had seen balance bikes popping up on the internet and in stores and was interested in trying one out. My girls aren't super sporty, but this looked like a great way to teach them balance and confidence. I read reviews and did some research looking for the best balance bike for our needs. Strider was my top pick for several reasons:

- lightweight. Its only 6.9 lbs. Lucy and Julia can both pick up the bike, carry it, and easily maneuver it while riding.

- small. The seat height is one of the smallest available on a balance bike, but still offers a good range of adjustability. The optional seat clamp quick release allows us to quickly adjust the seat height for our two riders.

- sturdy. I read reports of some of the wooden balance bikes falling apart or warping. The Strider is very sturdy and well made. Various replacement parts can be purchased from Strider if you were to need them.


Our Strider was easy to assemble, even for bike novices like ourselves, and the girls were excited to try it out. The first couple of times they were on the bike, I thought it was going to take them forever to learn. It did take weeks of practice, but now they are soo cute and love to glide on their bike. Lucy can even ride it through our bumpy yard with no problem. She rides down to my car parked at the end of the driveway, stops just in time and whips the bike around to come back up the driveway. She likes to ride the Strider when we go on a walk around the neighborhood and manages just fine the whole way.

I love our little Strider bike and love to see the confidence and enjoyment its given the girls, especially Lucy. We've been talking about getting her a bike with training wheels for her birthday this summer, but I'm so glad she's been able to learn on the Strider first. The other day as we were walking Ross even commented "This is just such a better way to learn to ride a bike!" Check out the Strider website for more information and fun video clips of children riding their bikes. And of course check out my cuties in the post below!

Disclaimer: We received a bike from Strider to review, no other compensation was received. All opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.

Would you like to win one?

Check out the Strider website and tell me what color you'd choose if you win.  This is open to US residents only and will close on July 1st at midnight.  Be sure to include your email address in your comment or blogger profile so that I can contact you.  For extra entries you can do any of the following, leaving a comment for each one -

- follow my blog
- subscribe by email to my blog
- watch the videos in the post below this (come back here and tell me you watched them to get your extra entry)
- blog about this giveaway linking back here and to Strider (leave me the link in your comment)
- become a fan of One Little Word She Knew on Facebook

This makes a total of 6 possible entries.  Good luck!

Please be sure to leave separate comments for each entry, and a way for me to contact you!!  Thanks!
Giveaway is closed.  Congrats FancygrlNancy!

177 comments:

  1. I love the looks of this bike and would love to win one for my kiddos. I really like the orange one because its Jack's favorite color. I follow your blog, subscribed to your blog, watched your videos which are adorable, and I became a fan on Facebook.

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  2. i follow your blog :)

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  3. i watched the videos :)

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  4. became a fan on fb :)

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  5. i blogged about this giveaway-

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  6. Ooooh Molly would love the pink one. She's so jealous of big brothers riding their bikes. Enter me please for following your blog :)

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  7. I think I just became a fan on FB LOL. I hit the "like" button. Is that the same thing?

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  8. I just watched the videos. So cute how quickly she advanced. Where's her helmet in the 2nd and 3rd video, mom? ;) (Constant battle at our house with the little two. Heck, with the big two, too.)

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  9. I thought I was already subscribed to your blog via email but I guess not. Just added :)

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  10. hey, can you remove my 1st comment? and the dublicate..

    love the orange one thx! ithis should make 6 :) whew!

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  11. The boys would love the orange one!

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  12. Torn between the green and red.

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  13. I'd love the orange or green bike! Thanks for a great giveaway!
    andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

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  14. I'm a follower!
    andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

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  15. I watched the videos! What a cutie!
    andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

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  16. Blogged!

    http://mommyofthegoobers.blogspot.com/2010/06/i-want.html

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  17. I would love the Strider in red to be shared between my son & daughter
    andrea.kruse at gmail dot com

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  18. I am a fan on facebook (andrea potter kruse)
    andrea.kruse at gmail dot com

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  19. I follow your blog
    andrea.kruse at gmail dot com

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  20. I subscribe via email
    andrea.kruse at gmail

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  21. I watched the videos! Adorable. I loved how your dog was so attentive. I think my son would love one.
    andrea.kruse at gmail dot com

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  22. I would LOVE a pink one! I watched the videos - looks like fun! JessL331 at aol.com jessnkaitlyn from jjg

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  23. Wow I am also jealous, wish I could get some PR love like this for my blog! I'd go with either that delicious blue one or the bright yellow one. All of them are adorable! Barb g. directorylanesuperstoreATgmail.com

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  24. I subscribed by email newsletter using bgary18 email account. I did watch the video very informative & cute. I love that they sell protective gear & helmets too!

    Barb g. directorylanesuperstoreATgmail.com

    I have a $30 Kroger giveaway going on if you have time to visit thru 6/16/10!

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  25. I'm now #160 on your follow box to the right for google friends connect.
    Barb g.
    directorylanesuperstoreATgmail.com

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  26. I already subscribe by rss via google reader so I don't miss a giveaway!

    Barb g.
    directorylanesuperstoreATgmail.com

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  27. Just noticed that watching the video counted as an extra entry so this is for that! Barb g.
    directorylanesuperstoreATgmail.com

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  28. I am now following you on facebook barb g. Ok, I think I'm done now!

    directorylanesuperstoreATgmail.com

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  29. We would get the Strider in yellow.

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  30. FB Fan. Screen name is Virginia Shimchick Higgins

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  31. Blogged it: http://ladyvdzine.com/2010/06/04/one-little-word-she-knew-strider-balance-bike-review/

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  32. Watched the videos, loved the one of her on the go!

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  33. I liked your FB page!

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  34. subscribed as ladyvdzine[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  35. We would definitely choose green ... it is a favorite color in our house!

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  36. I would choose the red bike. Thanks for the chance to win!

    kendylann3 (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  37. Following your blog (username "K" with picture of dandelion)

    kendylann3 (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  38. FB fan of yours (Kendyl S.)

    kendylann3 (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  39. I love the orange.
    seraphou@aol.com

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  40. Watched your videos - looks like they are having a blast! I know my son would love one too.

    kendylann3 (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  41. Subscribed via email

    kendylann3 (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  42. These look really cool!
    As much as I like the pink one, I would choose green since it's more gender neutral.

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  43. I watched all the videos. So cute, I can't believe how she flies on it now!

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  44. I would pick the Strider™ PREBike - Green.

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  45. I would choose orange... glad I found this!

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  46. I follow your blog. I'd pick the green bike.
    bjacques18@gmail.com

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  47. I watched the videos.
    bjacques18@gmail.com

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  48. I would choose the red.
    Sheila
    chiliburger@icehouse.net

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  49. I watched the videos.
    Sheila
    chiliburger@icehouse.net

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  50. I would pick orange - thanks!

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  51. I would choose the orange bike! So cute!

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  52. I already follow your blog!

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  53. I became a fan of yours on FB.

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  54. And I subscribed to your blog posts via email. :)

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  55. My 3 boys would love the green one!
    Christine
    clracine at hotmail dot com

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  56. I subscribe!
    Christine
    clracine at hotmail dot com

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  57. I watched the videos too!
    Christine
    clracine at hotmail dot com

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  58. I would love the green bike!

    khmorgan_00 [at] yahoo [dot] com

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  59. I watched the videos-she's doing GREAT on that bike now!! :-)

    khmorgan_00 [at] yahoo [dot] com

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  60. Amazing! Jackson would LOVE the red bike kleikin at aol.com

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  61. I'm a fan on facebook kleikin at aol.com!

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  62. I would choose red!!

    lbaran. pcs@gmail.com

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  63. I GFC'ed you lbaran. pcs @Gmail. com

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  64. I like the red!
    katiekarr at gmail dot com

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  65. Aden is horrible at peddling and I think he would really get the hang of this, and I love how it teaches balance. I watched the video and then made My husband watch:) I follow your blog and on facebook. We would prefer orange or blue. Thanks for all you do! flterhorsts@gmail.com

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  66. Christy, does my first post count? (before you posted about the giveaway!) I think Lucky would love the red one!!

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  67. I watched the videos last week! So cool!

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  68. I would love to win one in blue for my nephew! tracietrump@yahoo.com

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  69. I thought I commented before! I love the orange!

    ohboyx4 - JJG

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  70. I watched the videos before you posted the give away. They made me want one!

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  71. Followed the comments on facebook! Looking forward to reading more!

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  72. Love the videos on the bike and am looking to buy the new shoes book, I have been singing "I love my White shoes" since I wanted the video:) Keep posting this is great! Orange or Blue Strider:)

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  73. I just wrote a comment on your blog post on the Strider on my blog http://thepathforme.blogspot.com/2010/06/strider-prebike.html :)

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  74. I would like to have the yellow bike for my son!
    thegrants(at)live(dot)com

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  75. I'm a blog follower
    thegrants(at)live(dot)com

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  76. I subscribe via e-mail
    thegrants(at)live(dot)com

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  77. I watched the videos
    thegrants(at)live(dot)com

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  78. I blogged:
    http://thegrantsgiveaways.blogspot.com/2010/06/one-little-word-she-knew-strider.html
    thegrants(at)live(dot)com

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  79. I'm a Facebook fan (Stephanie Petty-Grant)
    thegrants(at)live(dot)com

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  80. I would choose the blue
    amyfedorchak1(at)gmail(dot)com

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  81. follow google friend
    amyfedorchak1(at)gmail(dot)com

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  82. subscribe email
    amyfedorchak1(at)gmail(dot)com

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  83. watched the videos and seen she had progressed well
    amyfedorchak1(at)gmail(dot)com

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  84. fan of you on facebook
    amyfedorchak1(at)gmail(dot)com

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  85. I would pick the orange one. My son loves that color,
    brewerchickey78@yahoo.com

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  86. I like the green
    bwneyes100 AT hotmail DOT com

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  87. I follow
    bwneyes100 AT hotmail DOT com

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  88. I watched the video's..love the sininging in the first one.. so cute

    bwneyes100 AT hotmail DOT com

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  89. I subscribe
    bwneyes100 AT hotmail DOT com

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  90. I blogged
    http://arizonamama-fancygrlnancy.blogspot.com/2010/06/strider-prebike.html
    bwneyes100 AT hotmail DOT com

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  91. like on facebook

    bwneyes100 AT hotmail DOT com

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  92. I'd choose pink for my daughter.

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  93. Hooray for another giveaway!! We would want a pink here for Charlie :)

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  94. We watched the videos and still want pink :)

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  95. Just liked you on facebook and still want pink :)

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  96. We now follow via email

    nitzelrod@yahoo.com

    Thanks!

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  97. Just blogged about the giveaway :)
    http://selaandfamily.blogspot.com/2010/06/great-giveaways-10.html

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  98. Definitely the green one for my daughter.

    ykatrina at hotmail dot com

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  99. Orange or blue :-) Nice site- nice review

    cary.dan@gmail.com

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  100. I love the green one!

    neigebord@aol.com

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  101. I follow your blog.

    neigebord@aol.com

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  102. The videos are too cute! Lucy really did do well!

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  103. I like you on FB:)...and in person:)

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  104. I would like the green Strider Bike. It would be fantastic for my grandson.

    Thank you for the chance!

    blondie_31971(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  105. We would like the orange bike. Thanks for the giveaway.
    maryDOTavingerATgmailDOTcom

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  106. I would choose red!
    mmclean13 at gmail dot com

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  107. I subscribe by email
    mmclean13 at gmail dot com

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  108. I'm a facebook fan
    mmclean13 at gmail dot com

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  109. I'm now following your blog
    krulewit at gmail

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  110. subscribed via email
    krulewit at gmail

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  111. watched the videos. Did you have to coach them to lift their legs or did they just automatically do this as they gained confidence?

    krulewit at gmail

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  112. We like red! Karen Weiss

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  113. Sean - both. I showed her the videos on Strider's website and that helped her know what to do. Its also just something she did as she gained confidence.

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  114. I'd love to win one!! And I'd definitely pick the red bike :)
    giabao.ng @ gmail

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  115. I posted about the giveaway here: http://www.cafemom.com/group/95135/forums/read/11733007/Strider_bike_giveaway

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  116. Watched the videos. Hahaha!! So cute!

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  117. I like you on Facebook (Lauren Wayne).

    mail {at} HoboMama.com

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  118. I follow your blog.

    mail {at} HoboMama.com

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  119. I like the blue, but I'm not sure what my son would choose! :)

    mail {at} HoboMama.com

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  120. watched the videos - very cool to see how they slowly get comfortable walking, then zoom!

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  121. I watched the videos! Love it, my 2 year old would have a blast!

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  122. I would LOVE to win the orange strider bike!!! Ohmigoodness! hedder @ rocketmail.com

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  123. <3 the videos! hedder@ rocketmail.com

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  124. i am a facebook fan (mrstinareynolds)

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  125. I would pick the orange one for my son jack thanks for the chance to win eaglesforjack@gmail.com

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  126. i subscribed to you by email as littleheathen9109 @ yahoo dot com

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  127. I follow your blog! Green is my sons favorite!

    agrokitty@hotmail.com

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  128. I liked you on facebook!

    agrokitty@hotmail.com

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  129. I subscribe via email

    agrokitty@hotmail.com

    green!

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