Geri Bossen
I have been working with juniors since my son fell in love with racing the summer of 2000.
Helping kids to find a passion is very worthwhile and makes a big difference in the life of a young person. One god-son said he would be in prison if it had not been for what my family did to make sure he got to race. We completely financed his and his brother's racing from entry fees, transportation, bikes and equipment to the food they ate.
Another junior told me that he would not be in jail if he had continued with racing.
I am still amazed at the the influence of participation in bike racing, on the different paths young people have chosen. Never underestimate the effect of a little help.
I will never forget the look on my nephew's face when a racer offered to sell his last year's bike to my nephew. The racer priced the bike so the junior could afford it. That junior is now 25 years old. He no longer races but he still rides that bike.
Racing can have a huge influence on a young person's life.
Geri Bossen
> From: rondot@spiritone.com
> To: shawn@edgewaterfellowship.org; obra@list.obra.org
> Date: Thu, 1 Dec 2011 15:54:55 -0800
> Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] donated bikes for juniors
>
> Shawn,
> We are of the same mind.
> Life offers us many experiences that can bring tears of happiness. In my
> life that has happened many times when I have see the very kids of which you
> speak having that light bulb come on when they find that activity that
> fuels their passion. Bike riding is one of many, but as you said, when they
> are not on the Basketball team or whatever..........every chance they get to
> see what floats their boat can keep them moving in a positive direction in
> life.
> ron
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Shawn Logue
> Sent: Thursday, December 01, 2011 1:11 PM
> To: obra@list.obra.org
> Subject: [OBRA Chat] donated bikes for juniors
>
> I second Ron's sentiment in encouraging giving for juniors. Another way is
> to loan your back up or your back up to your back up bike. Our team in
> southern Oregon actively reaches out to introducing new juniors to the
> sport. Often times the biggest hurdle is a bike that is capable of going
> off road and not leaving a kid frustrated and broken down. Unless a kid
> comes from a cycling family it is highly unlikely a parent is going to drop
> $400+ even for the most basic bike that will get the job done.
>
> There are plenty of kids lined up that would like to get involved in the
> sport but don't have access to a bike. These are kids that may not fit in
> on football or baseball fields but sometimes have every bit the ability and
> desire as those kids. I wish we had the resources to meet all of the needs.
>
> I challenge everyone in OBRAland to rustle up a bike and take a kid riding
> this next year. You will be blown away by the spirit of these kids when
> they get a chance at riding. Chances are you'll find yourself more blessed
> than them and your own fire for riding increased.
>
> Shawn
>
>
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