I started mountain biking in the early 90s as a way to get fit and to meet guys. Well, I got fit and I also met a lot of people (but not the man of my dreams). Mt. Tam seemed to be the hazing ritual for newbies. It was a so gradual climb for hours. If you could do that and you came back to do it again- well, then you had what it takes and you were in. Of course there were always the daredevils that came speeding down the mountain
that you felt a breeze as they passed you sweating your way up. But it was exhilarating and addicting. I also met a woman named Marilyn Price who was always getting me and others to volunteer to take groups of kids from different after school programs up different areas of the mountain. Most of the kids couldn't really do it. Many had bad attitudes, didn't want to try, or just physically not up to it. But that didn't deter Marilyn from taking the kids and that didn't deter the kids from coming back for more mountain bike trips. Well, those Saturday outings she turned into weekend outings and then seven day a week outings with a major fundraiser (The Bike Swap) and a strong Board of Directors and even celebrity support. You have come a long way, Marilyn, and I have learned a lot about what it takes to grow an incredible organization and now kids from all over the country can not just learn about how to climb a mountain on a bike -but ecology, trail etiquette, and after school tutoring help. Wow! all that from just a group of friends taking some kids mountain biking. Here's more from Marilyn and how you can help.
Dear Friends,
The year 2007 has been a landmark as we celebrate twenty years empowering youth and we’d like to share our latest newsletter http://www.tripsforkids.org/tfk-2007.pdf We hope you take a moment to read this. Please be sure to notice our generous donors. Our award-winning programs are gaining momentum across the country. With nearly sixty Trips for Kids chapters coast to coast in the United States and Canada, over 38,000 underserved youth across North America have experienced the joy and challenge of a Trips for Kids mountain bike adventure.
For many kids, our rides are a profound change of pace. Some come from homes riddled with drinking, drugs, and abuse. These youth are often hard to reach, let alone teach. One such boy was Francisco. He was always angry or mad, saying everything was stupid. Yet on the trail, things changed. He connected with a seventeen-year-old TFK volunteer and lit up riding down the hills. His teacher marveled, “I have never seen Francisco smile before this ride. But today he is smiling.”
For those of you who have had a hand in these successes – THANK YOU for putting smiles on our faces! If you have not volunteered or contributed yet this year, we hope you will help us now. As you read our newsletter, you will see there are many ways for people to help.
All of us at Trips for Kids wish you the very best this holiday season and throughout the New Year!
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Mail your tax-deductible contribution to:
Trips for Kids, 138 Sunnyside, Mill Valley, CA 94941