|
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
PEDALS Program Enables BICYCLES to be Donated -To Needy Youth in Philadelphia
, 9/22/2009
A brisk wind and 57 degrees early in the morning made for a perfect ride departure kick off temperature. The temperature warmed to 72 degrees as the morning progressed. The riders certainly enjoyed the cool air as their body temperature rose during their cardiovascular workout.
The day started at 4 AM (yawn) at HWIP headquarters as the final preparations for the days activities began with a drive into the city of Philadelphia to pick up some children who were joining us on the bicycle ride. These children did not have bicycles when the day started yet they wanted to ride. As we returned to Bucks county they were tired yet asked many questions having never been in Bucks county.
During their bicycle ride the beautiful woods setting filled with wildlife was an added treat for the children. They actually stopped riding to investigate every little thing along their way, even spiders. What a joy to behold the world of discovery through a child’s eyes once again. We had riders from as far away a Pottstown PA. There were some book club members that took advantage of the park settings for the three mile walk as they discussed the books they read.
Barbara Kuronya, owner of Endurance Sports and the great supporter berthing the scenes that makes all the collected bicycles work safely once again did a yeoman’s job marking the paths and preparing the bikes with the 45 point safety tune up check. Bagels and coffee compliments of Einstein beagles were waiting for Barbara to pick up and deliver to the kick off point. When all the riders arrived at the pavilion coffee was soon sought out to ward off the sudden summer morning chill and soon followed by the donated bagels, homemade cup cakes and brownies made by Janet Miller and Eileen Levins.
Once everyone returned the hot dogs were placed on the charcoal grill. The smell of the hot dogs on the warm grill in the cool late morning air enhanced everyone's cravings for them. They remarked that normally just thinking of a hot dog didn’t inspire hunger but there was something special about this morning that made those hot dogs smell and taste extra special.
When the young city people returned they created a cacophony of excitement talking about everything their senses experienced such as the deer, the song birds, birds of prey, the creek, the rapids, the waterfall and even the spider. When they finished telling their stories and finished their multiple hot dogs and juice, we asked them to have a group picture with the bicycles they rode. It was then we announced that the bikes they rode were theirs to keep and we were immediately greeted with gasps and cheers as the childrens' smiles grew in utter amazement.
It is these very moments that make all the hard work put forth by so many worthwhile. We were so lucky to have a great cameraman/photographer, Jim Sicile, with us who has traveled the world in diverse settings, even dangerous situations. When one listens to his life’s experiences the first reaction is Wow, you should write a book! Jim is a true professional, an artist, and a great human being, truly a rare combination. You will have the opportunity to view some of his photos on our web site. I want to thank Linda Pilkington, Janet Miller, Eileen Levins, Barbara Kuronya, Fr. Kennedy, and Padre Jerry Piņero and all of the neighbors, volunteers, planners and the riders that came out for this special event. Without you, this effort would just be a dream and not a reality.
I understand the children came home and rode their bicycles around the playground for the remainder for the day and even came back the next day to take turns and experiment with their friend’s bike. They were heard to exclaim early Saturday evening “Father, we can’t stop riding”! Based on that information one could say the children are truly appreciative and worth all the effort that was expended.
Sorry you missed the event, there is always the next time. The next ride is scheduled in April with a new location and destination. Stay tuned.
MAKE SURE YOU TELL OUR SPONSORS YOU SAW THEM ON OUR WEB SITE!
Special thanks to our sponsors: Chalfont Collision- Best of Philly 215-822-8810
• Endurance Sports- they know their stuff 215-369-0225. www.endurancesportsonline.com skateboard, snowboard, ski, skate, hockey, lacrosse etc. We know our stuff!
• Minuteman Press in Fairless Hills unsurpassed quality, service and value 215-428-4740•
Kistler@minutemanpress.com send your large electronic printing needs on line.
• Peppi’s Pizza and Pasta 215-752-4743, in Langhorne the “Shoppes at Flowers Mill” for the best Philly Steaks and Pasta around peppispizzaandpasta.com
• MARIE JOSEPH OF ISAGENIX--215-493-1058-OR -1-800-959-0523
WWW.MARIEJOPSEPH@ISAGENIX.COM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright
© 2000, His Work In Progress. All rights reserved.
Dontated, Designed, and Hosted by Internet Solutions, Inc.
|
|
