Natalie's Everyday Heroes: Mountain Bike Club bike drive back for second year
OZAUKEE COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Ozaukee County Mountain Bike Club is holding its second annual bike drive later this month. It's back after they collected more than 100 bikes last year.
The team was a little surprised by the success. So, this year, they're getting the word out early, hoping to collect more bikes this time.
Taking off on two wheels is one of the joys of childhood.
"I think it's important for kids to learn how to ride a bike. Like it's a key part in life," said team member Gavin Barrett.
There's a lot of freedom in riding down the street or through the park.
"Well, I get to hang out with my friends a ton. Have fun. Try new things," Barrett said.
He's one of the 60 or so kids in the Ozaukee County Mountain Bike Club.
"It's definitely growing," said Rick Ebbers, who was head coach last year.
Kids from 6th through 12th grade can come get to know the sport and learn all kinds of skills.
"Skinnier trails through the woods. Hilly, windy, rocks, roots, drops," said team director Mark Clegg, describing just some of the skills they focus on.
They're also learning how to give back. The club hosted its first bike drive last year, inspired sort of accidentally by Mark's son, Simon Clegg.
"I was just walking down the street and then I found three bikes, and I was like, oh, dad, look at these," Simon said.
"I thought, there's a lot of people who probably have bikes in their basement or garages and they don't know what to do with them," Mark added.
So, Mark Clegg had the idea to collect donated bikes and get them fixed up.
"And I thought, maybe we'll get 15 to 20 bikes," he said.
They ended up getting more than 100 and they're collecting bikes again this year.
"This is going to help so many kids get on bikes and just help them learn, and hopefully join the team, maybe," Simon said.
"Some of these kids, that's all they can think about is bikes. They get really excited when different kinds of bikes show up," Mark said.
If you have a bike you're looking to donate, the Ozaukee County Mountain Bike Club will take it.
"It was great to see, and we hope to get even more this year," Ebbers said.
"Maybe we'll get 150. We'll see," Mark Clegg said with a smile.
The bike drive is coming up Saturday, April 25, at Veterans Memorial Park in Grafton from 9-12 p.m. They're working with Wheel and Sprocket and Dream Bikes to refurbish the bikes. If you're in Ozaukee County and can't make it, there is pickup available.
Click here to find out more about how you can donate a bike.
If you'd like to nominate an Everyday Hero, send Natalie a message at [email protected].