A few months ago we put out a survey out asking what biking has meant for you this year, and many of the responses revolved around a similar theme of bikes providing us a mental break, a way to get outside, and a stress relief from the uncertainties we continue to face. This HKBG, more than any other, is so important, because 500+ kids are getting a tool to seek the relief, activity, and fun that many of us may have taken for granted this year.

With all this in mind, I think about the kids who turned in blank drawings, and how a bike is incredibly essential for them, just as much as those who turned in drawings.

Every year we receive blank drawings, but this year we’ve seen the highest amount we’ve had in years. These kids face the most barriers, and those barriers have only been elevated with COVID-19. Classes have been quarantined, services have been cancelled or moved online, and community centers are closed. All of these factors impact a child’s ability to draw a picture of a bike, probably an insignificant task compared to everything going on.

This is the case for a blank application.

We may not have a drawing to help dreamify a child’s bike, but the bicycle itself will dreamify their life. A bicycle is the tool that breaks the barrier of transportation to community centers. A bicycle is the tool that helps relieve stress from remote learning. A bicycle is the tool to provide physical activity that is no longer accessible due to community centers and schools being closed.

A bicycle, no matter what, is a tool to freedom, opportunity, hope, adventure, and limitless opportunities. There is nothing better than that.

Today, I ask you to consider sponsoring a blank application. And when you do, I want you to know that the joy will be just as significant for you, for the child and family, and for the volunteers who will be there making it happen.