Volunteer Spotlight - Yumi Luke - Volunteer of the Year

To say we are grateful for the volunteer hours Yumi has contributed would underplay her importance and significance to BBP. She is an endless source of positivity and kindness that makes each interaction a pleasurable one. Yumi’s capacity to care for others seems to know no bounds. Whether she is in the shop repairing bikes for kids, engaging with other volunteers and staff, or seeking out Ned (the shop dog) to give him a treat, she embodies inclusivity and connection. She truly is one of a kind and we feel fortunate to work side by side with her every week.

What is your first memory involving a bicycle?

I grew up in Tokyo, and never had a bicycle of my own. When I was in about fifth grade, my elementary school had six bicycles that students could use on Sunday to ride around the track in the playground. There was a green bicycle that fit me best. Every Sunday I went with a couple of my friends and we would ride. We would ride around the track three times, then give the bicycle to someone else, and then I'd wait my turn to ride it again.

I got my own first bicycle for my fiftieth birthday because I wanted to get into triathlons. I have loved riding ever since.

What’s the most memorable ride you’ve ever been on? Why?

In May 2018 my two boys, my husband, and I rode the Shimanami Kaido in Japan. It's a bicycle route between two of the main Japanese islands, going across bridges through six smaller islands, a total of about 44 miles. We took two days to make the ride. It rained on us most of the first day, but the weather was clear the second day, and the scenery was beautiful. We ate at local Japanese restaurants and helped each other through the tough parts.

What bike are you currently riding?

1994 Specialized Hard Rock step-through -- black frame with silver and red logo.

Describe your dream bike ride -- including location/route, fellow bikers (alive or dead) and any other important or unimportant details.

I'd love to cycle through Europe and Ireland. More realistically, I want to ride the Weiser Trail and the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes with my husband in the near future.

Besides biking, what is something you can’t live without? OR What inspires you besides biking?

I love distance swimming, especially open water. I really enjoy swimming in Quinn's Pond, Veteran's Pond, and in reservoirs in the summer.

I am inspired by the young women (age 11-18) that I work within our church youth group.

A random fact I love….

I love to cook!