Ride and Shine: Bikes for Upshur Kids

06/25/2026

This month, Ride and Shine gave away more than 20 bikes to Upshur County kids. Each bike came with a helmet, a bike lock, and a bottle cage if the frame took one. Our rock-star partners at Mountain CAP had folding pumps and elbow & knee pads for kids who wanted them! At the giveaway event on June 13, we had snacks and cold water on hand, and music. We had 50-some volunteers, including coaches, teachers, and lots of kids on bikes! For a first-year event, for a small, startup nonprofit (with pretty inexperienced leadership), we feel pretty good about the day we had. And more importantly, say it again: we gave more than 20 bikes away to kids. That's what it's all about.

In the next weeks, we'll be thanking our sponsors, partners, and funders one by one. Individual donors and our amazing, inspiring volunteers have also made this thing go 'round. And to the families who applied to receive bikes and came out to make it happen: thank you. Can't wait to see you on the trails.

For now, we want you to know: we're still taking applications for next year's giveaway! Please see the above pinned post for details on how to apply and who qualifies. We're also always raising funds, so if this cause excites you, come on in!

Ride and Shine is looking forward to more good work and more kids on bikes. Thank you, friends.

06/24/2026

Ride and Shine accepts donations online via the Tucker Community Foundation at the link below!

The experience of a kid with a bike fosters freedom and independence, promotes mental and physical health, builds healthy habits and grows community. Ride and Shine is committed to providing every child in Upshur County with this opportunity.

06/24/2026

Ride and Shine is still accepting applications for kids to receive bikes. At this time, your application will likely be wait-listed for 2027. Please do still apply!

Qualifications: Upshur County residents, children in grades K-5, with household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. (Income numbers on application form.)

Pick up and drop off applications at Mountain CAP Upshur County Family Support Center, 30 E. Main St., or apply by phone 304-878-1202.

Thank you!

Send a message to learn more

06/15/2026

**More to follow.**

Ride and Shine's bike giveaway day on Saturday, June 13 was a blast. We had music, food, kids, bikes, and most importantly, community. We gave away 19 bikes with helmets and locks. We are immensely grateful to our funders, donors, sponsors, community partners, and perhaps most importantly, an amazing small army of volunteers without whom this would never have worked.

We are grateful to the families who applied for their kids to receive bikes and who showed up to help make it happen. It was a privilege to see so many smiles.

Ride & Shine's leadership is taking a little break this week (on bikes!), but we're so excited to make our more specific thanks in the coming weeks. Please remember that we're always accepting donations (for next year's giveaway! and maybe even some small ones in the interim), and we are always accepting applications for bikes! (See pinned post for application details.)

Thank you, thank you. We are humbled.

06/11/2026

We are closing in on Ride and Shine day! On Saturday, we are so excited to give away bikes to over 20 kids, along with helmets and locks. Feeling really grateful for all of our great sponsors and donors and community partners and volunteers. Look for some of them to be featured in later posts and of course on the day.

If your child is receiving a bike on Saturday, you should already have all the details you need. Please reach out with any questions. If you want your child to receive a bike in future, we are accepting applications for next year. Check out the pinned post at this account.

Some of us are super excited to get our garage back 😂🎉🚵‍♀️

05/29/2026

Ride and Shine will give away at least 20 new bikes — plus helmets and locks — to Upshur County kids at a June 13 Bike Giveaway from 10 a.m. to noon at Upshur County Recreation Park.

05/29/2026

Nice little coverage from our local today!

Ride and Shine will give away at least 20 new bikes — plus helmets and locks — to Upshur County kids at a June 13 Bike Giveaway from 10 a.m. to noon at Upshur County Recreation Park.

05/27/2026

Bike giveaway & event info:

On Saturday, June 13, Ride and Shine will host our giveaway event 10am-noon at the Upshur County Recreation Park. Important note: we are unfortunately NOT able to serve walk-ups. We will have bicycles only for kids/families who have applied in advance. If you're getting a bike on June 13, you've already heard from us!

We are still accepting applications (info below), but at this time your application will almost certainly be wait-listed for next year. Please do still apply!

Pick up and drop off applications at Mountain CAP Upshur County Family Support Center, 30 E. Main St., or apply by phone 304-878-1202.

Thank you!!

Send a message to learn more

05/27/2026

Today we are grateful for our community partners. Organizations confirmed or hopeful to table at the event on June 13 include the Upshur Parish House, Stockert Youth & Community Center, Appalachian Impact, Mountain CAP, Lewis-Upshur Parents as Teachers Program, and the Almost Heaven Alliance. Special shoutout to Mountain CAP, who have made a huge difference in helping us take applications all year for bikes!!

05/27/2026

Today we are grateful for our community partners. Organizations confirmed or hopeful to table at the event on June 13 include the Upshur Parish House, Stockert Youth & Community Center, Appalachian Impact, Mountain CAP, Lewis-Upshur Parents as Teachers Program, and the Almost Heaven Alliance. Special shoutout to Mountain CAP Upshur County Family Support Center, who have made a huge difference in helping us take applications all year for bikes!!