There’s nothing more exhilarating than that first spin on the two-wheeler. I bet kids enjoy it, too.
As a parent of little ones, I found one of the most supremely delightful/kind-of-scary moments was letting go of the back of the bike as, one after another, they rolled away under their own pedaling steam. Sure, it was bittersweet each time, but mostly it felt like a happy thing, this unfurling of wings that was at once symbolic and substantial.
Bikes are great tools for building bridges and confidences. A couple of current illustrations, their tires solidly sitting on worthy causes, can be found right here in town.
The first one was unknown to me until lately. Windy City Trykes is Naperville’s recently established chapter of Ambucs, a national nonprofit that works to foster mobility and independence in people with disabilities. In addition to awarding scholarships for therapy majors and building ramps in the homes of people who have trouble with stairs, the organization makes these great adaptive bikes called Amtrykes.
Kathe Foxen, who lives near downtown Naperville, said she and her husband Mike established Windy City Trykes earlier this year. She said they were inspired by their son, Nick, who has Angelman Syndrome, a genetic disorder caused by a chromosomal irregularity. The Foxens bought Nick his first customized tricycle about a decade ago, Kathe said – but she’s quick to acknowledge that they’re not within everybody’s reach, often retailing at upward of $4,000. Because Ambucs is a nonprofit, though, they can be had for significantly less, often supported by generous donors. So a month ago, a big group of volunteers came together at Naperville Central High School to put together and fit three-wheelers for more than two dozen people whose families had indicated interest in getting them, some with help from web fundraising sources.
“Then an amazing individual donated the funds to cover the remaining 15 bikes!” Kathe said in an email that described giving the bikes to their new owners on Labor Day.
More Top Picks Best Amazon Prime Day Unlocked Phone Deals 2026
How cool is that?
“We’re really hoping, in addition, to attract veterans who have been injured,” Kathe said when she called to let us know about it.
Even cooler.
The thing about bikes – whether powered by two, three or more tires – is how they equalize things for everybody, no matter what else challenges us individually in our day-to-day.
Bikes are also at the heart of the Naperville charity Bike Bald, established a couple years ago to spread awareness and fulfill wishes for kids who’ve had the cruel misfortune of developing pediatric cancer. That group’s second annual Tweed Ride is coming up. It’s a fun 1890s-style group outing that comes with a casually enforced dress code heavy on knickers, bowler hats, high-button shoes and, of course, handlebar mustaches.
Set for 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 17, the ride will set off from the parking lot off Webster Street and Porter Avenue, south of Naper Settlement, and tool through town, stopping at the vintage Bauer Mansion on N. Loomis Street for (what else?) tea. It’s about a seven-mile route. Awards will go out to the best period wear, and the participation fees will support the cause.
More coolness – to say nothing of symbolic and substantial. Both organizations have websites where you can find out more about what they do.
So let’s get rolling, shall we?
Twitter @scarlman