It Wasn’t Just About Racing

On Friday, I had to figure out what I was doing for the weekend. With a Sunday full of racing action, I really only had to worry about Saturday. I wanted a nice, easy ride, so I planned on taking the road bike out for a little while. I don’t care much for road riding, but it was the easiest riding I could do. That all changed when Little Miss Sunshine told me about a ride she was doing.




Saturday morning, we met up with Trips For Kids for one of their regularly-scheduled rides. This one was a little different though, since it was sponsored by our local ladies-only club, the Dirt Divas. Little Miss Sunshine asked Lunchbox and me to come along, and we are always happy to help out the youngins.

There were tons of kids there, ready to ride.



We split up into two groups, and Lunchbox and I rode sweep in the first one. We had a great time encouraging the kids when they rode, and everyone (including the adults) was having a great time. We even had time to hang back and enjoy a few of the “features.”



One of the highlights of the rides was hearing the kids giggle as they rode fast down the hills. That really put a smile on my face. These kids were having fun, which is what you’re supposed to do on a bike.

Even the wildlife wanted to get in on the action.




I’m glad that the Divas didn’t mind a couple of Trailblazers hanging around and helping out. We love helping to get kids hooked on this sport we all love.

Oh yeah, Little Miss Sunshine rode her single speed bike again. I think she digs it.



Trips for Kids is a great organization here in Charlotte (and all across the country), and I always enjoy the chance to help them out. They do a lot for our local riding community, and we cherish the chance to give back to them.

Don’t know about Trips For Kids?

Well, here’s some information I got form their web page.

Trips for Kids Charlotte was founded by individuals living in the Southern Piedmont of North and South Carolina with a fundamental belief that cycling is an empowering sport that can help kids achieve “breakthrough” results in their lives. We are public officials, corporate and private citizens. When all is said and done, we are individuals that want to make a difference in the lives of kids and believe that cycling is a perfect medium for making that difference.

Trips for Kids Charlotte Purpose/Vision Statement

TFKC is a non-profit organization that provides mentoring through bicycling experiences. In alliance with other organizations, TFKC targets 10-15 year old children of need within the Charlotte area.

The TFKC vision is to use bicycling as the tool to prepare kids for success. TFKC experiences focus kids on:

1. Respect
2. Honesty
3. Teamwork
4. Overcoming challenges
5. Healthy and safe lifestyles
6. Service

These experiences equip kids with tools for building positive accomplishments and relationships in their communities and in their lives.

Go check out the website and see what you can do to help. If you're not local to Charlotte, I'm sure there is a chapter near you.

See y’all tomorrow.