I met Kay Barga in 2008 after Walla Walla Bike Safety Coordinator Mary Ann Duffy recommended I discuss a budding idea of organizing bicycle safety rodeos for the local elementary schools. Now five years on with many bike rodeos and lots of inspired 'little rippers' in tow, Kay and I have expanded the program with the hopes of impacting more than just the local Walla Walla Valley community.
After meeting her new class in early December this past year, signing jerseys, discussing my 2011 year, answering 45 minutes of questions! and discussing the importance of bicycle safety, I've kept in touch via short videos on a biweekly basis. Since Kay's classroom is tripped out with a projector and all the latest in technology (which is pretty cool for a small public elementary school in Washington), she can easily share my travels and stories with the students.
In exchange, her class will be sending assortments of photos and small class projects that reflect their growing understanding of the benefits of a healthy and athletic lifestyle. It is a real treat to help Kay keep her students motivated to reach their potential and remain focused in the classroom.
For more information on B.I.K.E.S or to get in touch to coordinate a visit to your elementary school classrooms (I travel all over the United States), please continue to my B.I.K.E.S page. I'd be happy to share stories, some Team Exergy swag and jazz the students up about cycling!
Bicycle Inspired Kinetics in ElementarySchools
One cannot motivate another, motivation comes from within.