thing #44

re thing #44: spend a day volunteering for a good cause...

Monday June 22nd was spent on the Katy Trail. Each year, there is an organized ride covering the 227 miles of the Katy Trail.

The ride is done in segments over five days and alternates each year from East to West - or West to East. Over 200 riders participate. Sponsored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the ride brings awareness to the Katy Trail and to the natural beauty of the plant and animal resources in the State of Missouri.

Day One of the ride went through the June Marie's Mystical Mile, ergo Jenn and I were compelled to offer our time for that segment of the ride. We served as "sweeps" - meaning we were the last two people on the trail. The SAG stops (Support And Gear) ahead of us did not close until WE arrived... indicating that there were no other riders to come through.

There were a group of kids on the ride from an inner city school - a few of whom who had never ridden a bicycle before training for this ride. The school purchased bikes for the kids through a grant - in exchange for public and school service from the children. This is a group that I would like to spend some time with... and I hope that the program is successful in the coming years. What a positive and healthful activity for the kids... and a great opportunity for me/us (you?) to be a role model and share our love of cycling.

Never mind that it was 98 degrees Fahrenheit that day. In the shade. We had a great time and look forward to helping out again next year.