Mine was an ugly green Big Wheels with a hole in the middle. I loved it. I remember FLYING down the driveway and going straight into the grass every time. There was a feeling of freedom, thrill, and complete excitement.

At The Sport Factory, we are trying to share the love of riding bikes with kids who have physical disabilities which prevent them from riding mainstream bicycles.

Last year, a group of Sport Factory coaches and athletes, lead by Coach Matt Russ, Jen, and Curtis Henry, decided to start a little project called My First Bike. Over the summer, we have donated, collected donations, and put on clinics and races to raise money to buy the first bike. And last weekend at The Sport Factory Team Party, we saw our first recipient, Tim, talk about the joy he feels when riding his adaptive bike. Everyone in the room was touched by his courage and wisdom as he not only faces his challenges, but overcomes them and inspires others in the process. Here we thought we were helping Tim by giving him a bike; HE totally inspired US with his incredible strength, humor, and optimism as he shared a bit of his history and his attitude on life. Funny how that works.

Tim getting comfy in the saddle at our Open Water Swim Clinic fundraiser over the summer.

Tim is not in any hurry to get off the bike!

Curtis, Jen, Tim, Sarah, and Matt

We are not stopping with Tim– this is too much fun. We need your help, though.

If you think your organization could be a part of a BUILD A BIKE CAMPAIGN, we’d love to talk to you! Do you have any other fund raising ideas or ways to contribute?  We are in the process of selecting our next recipient, and we’d love your help in getting this kid on two wheels!

www.myfirstbike.org