Ted Belanger
A delicious dinner was enjoyed by all attendees on Sunday, February 28. This dinner was in appreciation for all those who help deliver the SaddleBrooke Progress monthly newspaper to the tubes of every home in SaddleBrooke. Progress coordinator Jack Giovenco thanked the over 100 members for their efforts and shared with us the many benefits the revenue from delivering the papers provides. The CycleMasters have been delivering the Progress for over 18 years and most of the money earned is returned back to the community for special programs.
This year two members from the San Manuel and Mammoth school districts were here to personally thank our club for our contributions. Principal Kathy Wilkens and Annette Reidhead, lead teacher at Mammoth Schools, shared the appreciation for the 12 bikes the club donates yearly for the past eight years to the first through sixth grade classes. This program is highly successful and is a highlight for the students to work hard to receive one of these bikes. Ken Perkins is our CycleMaster bike coordinator who has worked together with Oro Valley Bicycles to provide quality bikes and helmets to ensure a quality experience for these deserving students.
This bike program is one of many community projects the CycleMasters participate in, but it has become one of our favorites. If you would like to help with these projects come join the club! We do more than just ride our bikes. Remember our motto is, “We cycle for fun, fitness, friends and community service!”