Bikes Belong, a bicycling advocacy group, and Humana will bring hundreds of bicycle to both the Republican and Democratic National Conventions this fall. The goal of this "Bike-Partisan" effort is to get convention attendees to ride bikes during both conventions. Bikes are of course perfect for short trips between hotels, convention centers, restaurants, and the convention arenas. Delegates, officials, the media, volunteers, and the presidential candidates themselves will develop a greater appreciation and respect for the role of bicycling in big cities ... and beyond.

These bikes will be available without charge. The bikes will also be available to the general public. Every participant will need to enroll, provide contact information, and secure the bike they borrow with a credit card.

Many Bikes Belong members are contributing to this high-profile project. Fuji, Giant, Raleigh, Schwinn, Specialized, and Trek are providing bikes. Erik's Bike Shop and Penn Cycle in Minnesota, and Park Tool Company are helping assemble them.

This was the "A-Team", professionals each and every one. Brad Cole of Erik's Bike Shop applies his focused attention to the front brake.

The assembly shop was created down in the cavernous basement of the Ramsey Country Government buildings, where team of mechanics pounded out quality assembly's non-stop.

Sam Lomen of Penn Cycle was always in motion, with hands a blur of speed and precision.

Just some of the finished products, ready to carry politicians and their followers where they need to go.