OC Bike Club remembers needy kids this Christmas season

WARWICK — The Warwick-based Orange County Bicycle Club, along with local bicycle shops, again joined forced to donate bikes to local needy children this holiday season.
The bike club donates eight to ten bikes each year to youth organizations throughout Orange County.
“The Orange County Bicycle Club is committed to helping those in need discover the enjoyment and benefits of cycling,” said Bill Stelz of Monroe, the group’s president. “We’re happy to make these donations so adults and kids who can’t afford to purchase biking equipment can now be part of the healthy cycling experience. We are grateful to Rich Cruet, owner of The Bicycle Doctor, and Brian Dunlevy, Owner of Joe's Fix Its, and their staff for supporting our efforts.”
Club treasurer Don Karlewicz joined Stelz as part of the group presenting bicycles and related equipment to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Orange County.
The donation - which included helmets, bikes and locks - was presented to Executive Director Sharon Williams at Joe Fix Its in Goshen.
Brian Dunleavy, owner of Joe Fix Its and a Goshen resident, made all the arrangements and assembled the bikes.
Karlewicz and Lynn Meyer, club secretary, were part of a group presenting bicycles and related equipment to the Northeast Gateway to Freedom.
The donation – also which included helmets, bikes and locks - was presented to Pastor Rosey Andrews at The Bicycle Doctor in Middletown.
Rich Cruet, long time club member and owner of the Bicycle Doctor, made all of the arrangements and assembled the bikes.
“Our group advocates cycling for the physical, mental, social benefits and experience,” added Stelz. “We are committed to helping those in need enjoy these benefits in our community.”
More than 240 active members, from beginners to advanced, bike Orange County country roads throughout the year.
To join or learn more, visit: http://ocbicycleclub.org/.
- Nancy Kriz