Cycle for STEM’s Family and Friends
For many of our cyclists and support crew, the connections forged during Cycle for STEM come through the shared experience of riding 335 miles (often in bad weather) and all the good and bad that comes with this type of trek. However this year, we have a couple of prior connections making life on the trail warm and fun.
Brian Moore brought his three children out for our little spin, turning Cycle for STEM into a real family affair. Brian and his daughter Evelyn even ride a tandem. (Kelsey and Conor ride their own bikes.) Brian says that both he and his wife are involved in STEM fields so supporting our cause is a natural fit. Throw in the chance to ride a trail he’s wanted to take his kids on for awhile and you have the perfect combination!
Two other members of our six-day team found out they have a prior link as well. Ludmilla Parnell recognized Sam Carolus-Hager’s father when the team mustered for the initial bus ride up to Pittsburgh, but she couldn’t remember from where. Turns out that Sam, who has graduated from college now, went to high school with Ludmilla’s son. Great people have a way of coming together. And where better to do it than on a bike ride through some of the most beautiful locations in the country while raising money for an awesome cause?
Oh but wait, there’s more. At our first rest stop today (that’s Tuesday for those of you late to our party here), rider Ron Lipscomb’s dad, who lives and works nearby, stopped by to greet his son and encourage the whole team.
[Side note fun fact: Ron and Brian are both in the Coast Guard and were recruited by one-day rider Caleb James, also a member of the Coast Guard.]
So you can see, Cycle for STEM really has many layers. We’re building communities within communities, bringing together old connections and reaching out to people we meet along the way. We cycle to support STEM education. We support STEM education because it’s critical to the success and wellness of society. We promote that same prosperity by supporting each other in our microcosm and doing all we can to push that out to everyone we can reach. Come be part of our effort. Who knows? You might already know someone along the way. If you don’t, just bring your family!
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more good times and education information.