Early this morning, several outgoing and enthusiastic students, met with Bob Matter, founder of Assisted Cycling Tours. The students arrived in North Denver at 9am to assist Challenge Students from Jeffco schools on a 10 mile, round-trip, bicycle tour.
Bob began by explaining the challenges these high school age children live with. The children participating in the ride today all live with developmental disabilities. Bob made every effort to help us all understand the challenges these children face, and made a point to help us all feel at home with the kids.
After introductions, and matching up student volunteers with their partners, the group was off. 5 miles to the pavilion where they will all stop for a much deserved break, snack, drink, before they ride back.
Bob started his nonprofit for personal reasons. His son is developmentally disabled, and while there are a lot of cycling companies that cater to the physically disabled, he found that there was a missing link in the chain. Many companies are equipped to handle the physical challenges of bike riding, but do not necessarily focus on the mental or developmental disabilities of riders. His focus is not only on the disabilities of the riders, but their families as well. Bob provides cycling tours as a way for the entire family to enjoy a wonderful day outdoors and on the trails. His aim is to open the world of bicycling to everyone.
Please take a moment to check out his website at www.assistedcyclingtours.org and explore the wonderful resources this amazing nonprofit has to offer.
If you are interested in making a donation to this very worthy cause, Assisted Cycling Tours is a 501 (c) (3) and gladly accepts donations on it's website. Spread the word!
Thanks to Bob Matter, again, for allowing all of us the opportunity to participate in such a worthy cause, and helping make a sunny Colorado day even more beautiful for our student volunteers, and a great great group of deserving kids!
Metro Students Participating include: Isidro Susano, Tisha Pfister, Sara Bisel, Melina Enriquez, Mark Schwartz, Jimmie Braley, and Nick Videse.
With special recognition to Jeffco schools teacher, Amy Griffiths (Challenge teacher), Amy Mohorne (Para. Ed. teacher) and Theresa Breazeale (Adapted P.E. Teacher).
2 comments:
We had a great time biking w/ the kids this morning! Some of us were challenged by the kids not doing their share of peddling on the tandems, and a couple were flagging behind, but it was a good time. I have to say that one of my favorite moments was watching one of the kids doing a "Forrest Gump" and just start running up the trail when we were repairing his bike. I'll post some pics as soon as I figure this blog thing out (sorry for my lack of bloggin' skills)
-Mark
We had a great time cycling w/ the kids this morning! Although there were a few challenges (broken bike, motivating some of the kids to keep peddling on the tandem, etc.), they all seemed to have a good time. Isidro even said the kid on the back of his bike was singing the whole time! I even got a kick out of watching a youth get all "Forrest Gump" and go running up the trail while we were repairing his bike- rather cute moment, and the staff was stellar in keeping the kids enthused. It's a GREAT program, and we're really delighted to get to help out. THANKS to Bob and the other folks at the school for letting us tag along, and also thanks to all the Metro folks for coming out! I'll get some photos up soon as I figure it out (sorry for not being too tech-savvy). -Mark
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