our values in action: (re)cycle program
By Erin Buena, Summit County Program Manager
A few weeks ago, Molly (Program Director) notified me that a bike was ready for our ReCycle Reuniones program. This bike, a 27.5 Specialized Rumor, was donated to us by one of our TCE Summit volunteers. After being inspected and deemed ready by one of our mechanics, I was given the task of identifying a worthy recipient. I reached out to our Mujeres y Pedales coach, Yanitza Rivera, who had this to say about one such program participant:
Marisela has not only committed to the program, which is demonstrated through her participation, but has also demonstrated resilience, courage and has showed progress through the season. I believe she has attended every practice including the Thursday I invited them to ride the Salt Lick trail outside of normal programming. Each time she fell she got up and tried again. I remember how scared she was (or is) to ride her bike standing up, but she tries anyway regardless of how scary it is for her. She is always in good spirits and brings joy to the group. In addition, as the oldest woman of the group, she has also set the example that you can try new, hard and scary things at any age.
On the day of this ReCycle Reuniones, Marisela and I showed up early to our meeting place. I do not speak much Spanish and Marisela does not speak much English, but this did not stop us from enjoying our time together while waiting for Coach Yanitza. Marisela proceeded to open her camera roll to show me photos of her family. She swiped through pictures and introduced me to her husband, her kids, showed me photos of various weddings and family celebrations. I was moved by her kindness and willingness to create belonging between the two of us–sharing such special moments in time with me.
When Yanitza arrived, Marisela began to cry. This was her last MyP practice she could attend because she’d be leaving for vacation. In Spanish, she began to tell us how impactful MyP has been in her life and how she found the program during a time that was very difficult for her. Weighed down by depression and loneliness, a fellow Mujeres, Esther, told her about the program. When she joined, she never wanted to miss a practice because she felt so much joy and happiness being on the bike with friends.
After sharing this story with us, I looked at Yanitza and asked her to please translate for me, upon which I shared the following:
We brought you here today to discuss your participation in Mujeres y Pedales. Though I have just met you, I have heard from your coaches how inspiring and invaluable your presence is and how you positively impact not only our program but your teammates too.
And how you embody our TCE Values:
Supporting equity on our team and our trails. For example, attending the bilingual trail signage reveal at Salt Lick TH.
Showing compassion to your teammates, like messaging Martha after her fall and asking how she’s doing.
Ensuring belonging by showing up with a positive attitude, laughing and smiling with your coaches and teammates.
Demonstrating courage by continuing to get back on your bike any time you fall, and for showing up at every practice to try new things!
I see that you’re thriving when you’re on your bike and with your community. Supporting yourself and your friends. Challenging yourself and others.
And lastly, I see how much fun you have when you show up to practice. You ensure everyone else is having fun too, simply by being yourself!
Because of the way you enhance our team and program, we want to say thank you and ensure you continue to share your joy. Thanks to our new ReCycle Reuniones program, we are honored to be able to give you your very own full suspension mountain bike!!
Once Yanitza was finished translating, the three of us were in tears. Marisela screamed with surprise and immediately hugged Yanitza and I. She was not expecting a bike and couldn’t believe it was hers! Watching her ride around the parking lot and then on the trails throughout practice brought so much joy to our coaching staff.
The next day, Marisela messaged me:
Love and gratitude is what I feel for this program, and for each one of you. The impact is great and very powerful in my life. Yesterday when I rode the bicycle 🚴, it was incredible how good the quality of the bike is. I climbed with less effort, and the downhill rides were fun and safer. It's a great bike, and I feel very fortunate to have it in my hands. Let me share my story: when I was 8 years old, I asked my father for a bicycle. My father was a man with a big heart and very noble; he was a farmer and also took care of his livestock. He told me that if he bought me a bicycle, we would have to go without food for a month. So we played that we had bicycles made of sticks with car tires. One day, a man came to the ranch selling tickets for a raffle for a beautiful bicycle. I didn’t have money to buy a ticket, but my friend Odulia bought one and won it. All the kids in the ranch were really happy because that bike was public; we all learned to ride it. When I moved to the city, I bought a bike, but my father wouldn’t let me use it because the streets were too dangerous. Now, after 44 years, I have been given a bike. Thank you so much! All those childhood memories are impacting me again.
Being part of this ReCycle Reuniones was such a privilege and honor. I’m thankful I had the opportunity to witness firsthand all of our TCE values come together in this beautiful story.