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Article taken from the July 22, 2010 edition of Sioux City Journal
STORM LAKE, Iowa — Two waiters from Baltimore, Md., quit their jobs this year, determined to bring happiness to people they’ll never meet.
Their trail brought them to Storm Lake on Wednesday. They’re expected to hit Sioux City today.
Paul Lebelle and Adam Burkowske are riding bikes east to west across the country in an attempt to raise money and awareness for children of military personnel serving overseas. It’s fitting they’re in Iowa this week, not only for the launch of RAGBRAI, the world’s oldest and longest continuous cycle ride.
No, they like being here this month as some 2,800 Iowa soldiers are being deployed for service in the Middle East, representing the largest single call-up of Iowa soldiers since World War II. It will leave thousands of children across the state feeling lonely at times, unsure at others.
“The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have taken a heavy toll on kids growing up in military families. Parents come back wounded or don’t come back at all,” Burkowske said. “Kids are also facing parents’ multiple deployments.”
Like the quilts that offer a bit of comfort to children who face a year without Mom or Dad, a bicycle and helmet can help in another way.
“We know that being outside in the fresh air, sunshine, and having physical activity is not only good for your health, but also raises your spirit,” said Lebelle.
So, the pair founded the Bike Free charity with hopes of securing enough donations to buy 1,000 cycles and helmets for children identified through the USO (United Service Organizations). The group’s web site is found at www.bikefree.org.
The two left Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay on June 10 and plan to pedal at least 5,000 miles before reaching San Diego in mid-October. They’re hanging out in Sioux City this weekend to swap stories with 10,000 cycling enthusiasts who will take off Sunday in Iowa’s annual river-to-river ride. If they pick up a check or two from a fellow biker, all the better!
They plan to appear Friday with Sioux City Mayor Mike Hobart during his weekly press conference.
“My mother raised four children on her own and if it weren’t for people who helped us, we wouldn’t have had bicycles,” Burkowske said.
A child without a bike — or without the freedom to ride — is losing a valuable part of childhood, he noted.
“When you can ride around, you explore, you meet friends,” Burkowske added. “Having a bike as a kid was integral. We want to make sure that the kids who are having a tough time will have that opportunity.”
Both avid bikers, Lebelle and Burkowske talked about this quest over a few beers after the restaurant they served closed one evening this spring. Burkowske had thought about walking across the U.S. this summer to see how the nation had changed in the decade after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Lebelle said if Burkowske took a bike, he’d follow.
“Usually, you talk yourself out of ideas,” Lebelle said. “I’m 34 and I’ve let a number of opportunities go by.”
Burkowske, who turns 30 next week, thought back to his days as a volunteer in various youth camps. He liked the satisfaction he received in giving something back.
“It’s not important to cross the country on a bike,” he said. “What is important is to enjoy yourself while promoting health and fitness.”
Even more important? Putting two new wheels under a child and adding a spring to his or her step.
