“You better duck as we drive by,” kidded the driver of the UrbanPromise truck. Riding shot gun was sixteen year old Barbara. They were approaching a cluster of bikers slowly peddling in the shoulder of route 322.
“Why would I want to do that?” responded the slightly offended adolescent—an energetic and vocal student at our UrbanPromise Academy.
Barbara had just put her bike in the back in the truck, deciding that she would not finish the 50 mile Peddle for Promise ride from Rowan University to Ocean City, NJ.
“They might see you as we pass them,” said the earnest staffworker.
“I’m not ducking,” cried Barabara with her head held high and a note of certainty in her voice. “I just finished 35 miles—and I’m proud of that!”
Of course Barbara was right. She had no reason to hide. She had just ridden more miles on a bicycle in one day that she had in a lifetime—and she was proud.
UrbanTrekker’s Peddle for Promise celebrated its 3rd year with a 50 mile ride from Rowan University to Ocean City New Jersey, Saturday May 3rd, 2008. Approximately 130 riders participated, raising over $25,000 to offset costs associated with taking our students on expeditionary, outdoor learning trips with the Trekker program.
The UrbanTrekker Program has taken our students to the Florida Everglades, Mt. Washington, Sedge Island, the Pine Barrens, rural Maine and the Pacific Northwest. On each of these trips students learn about the environment, history, different cultures, and critical life lessons. The money raised from this year’s event will be used for upcoming trips—including a 4 day, wilderness, ‘rite of passage’ trip for our graduating seniors.
Peddle for Promise attracted all kinds of riders this year, including one woman from New Mexico. Robbie first learned of UrbanPromise through the ABC Extreme HomeMakeover program, and decided that she wanted to get involved. By soliciting colleagues at work and challenging her boss to match the pledges, Robbie raised over $5000!
Thanks for everyone involved. See you next year!
Dr. Bruce Main
President
