By Shannon Lukens.
Seventeen students in 5th through 8th grades in the Hayden Valley School District are receiving new Kona Lana’i mountain bikes today. Routt County Riders received an anonymous donation of close to $8,000 to purchase the new bikes, specifically for kids that age in Hayden who didn’t have a bike.
Matthew Rochon is with Routt County Riders.
“I think it’s huge because Hayden is bikeable almost year-round and kids like bikes that add mobility and access and they can get out and get some good exercise and it really expands their world.”
The bikes were received, unboxed, and assembled to be distributed at Iron Wheel Bicycle Service on Walnut Street in Hayden, owned by Essam Welch.
“I discovered my own freedom and independence with a bicycle and being able to pass that on to the local kids gives me an opportunity to share what is important to me and gives me a connection with our community in general.”
Welch says he always will find a free bike for a kid if they need it. He thinks he has given away at least 450 over the years. When he gives away a bike, he teaches them how to tune it up so they can share that with others.
And each kids gets a helmet.
For more information, reach out to Routt County Riders.
- rcriders@routtcountyriders.org
- PO Box 770094, Steamboat Springs, CO 80477
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