Every year, anticipation grows in front of Motor Monkeys’ doors. Kids and families alike wait
eagerly for a special gift that will change their lives.
The 9th Trek for Trikes event will be held on September 10 at Motor Monkeys, located at 4586
South 116th Road, just south of Bolivar off Highway 13.
The event will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude before noon. Participants will gather to watch kids
receive their new trikes, and then the races will start.
Options for race distances include one mile, 5k, and 10k. Participants can run or bike, as the
whole route is paved for each distance.
The races will be timed for those who want it, and all participants will receive a medal for their
effort.
Holly Shuler, organizer of Trek for Trikes, said the purpose of the event is “to get as many trikes
for kids as we can.” She went on to explain that there are a lot of benefits for kids who need
trikes.
Because they are specialized for each individual child’s needs, the shapes of handlebars, pedals,
headrests, and even the bodies of the trikes are unique.
When a recipient gets their very own trike, it is something to be treasured, especially because it
brings many therapeutic benefits.
Shuler said that the trikes help children both mentally and socially. Some kids, she explained,
have been in a wheelchair for their entire life, and a trike gives them the opportunity to be on the
same eye-level as their peers.
As children ride side-by-side with their friends, they are able to experience something previously
unknown to them.
Even kids who only have a problem with balance will be able to speed along with their friends
without having to fear falling or face frustration.
Shuler also mentioned that the trikes have great physical benefits as well that include leg strength
and coordination, and can be used in therapy sessions.
The first Trek for Trikes event was held in 2014. Shuler explained that there were some worries
in the beginning, as it was the first race Motor Monkeys had ever hosted.
Despite this, every year has had a good turnout, and this year will mark 74 trikes given to kids
who need them.
The first event blessed three children, and this year eight kids will receive a specialized trike.
Shuler reported the most trikes given away at one event was thirteen.
Shuler explained that there were some years that the group wasn’t sure they’d have enough
finances for all the trikes needed, but somehow they always ended up with what they needed.
In fact, Motor Monkeys was able to give trikes to two families without any previous preparation.
One family was in St. Louis when they first contacted Motor Monkeys, but they had come from
overseas. Shuler says she doesn’t know how the family heard of the trikes, but they contacted the
facility requesting one for their child while in Missouri.
Shuler beamed as she told of the miracle of finding a trike that was the exact kind the family
needed. They were able to take their new treasure back overseas with them for their child to use
and enjoy.
Another family was one who didn’t even know what they were getting into. The grandfather of
the family was looking to run a 10k, so he signed up for the Trek for Trikes event.
His family came to watch, bringing along his granddaughter with down’s syndrome. Motor
Monkeys was able to bless this little girl with a trike as well, which was an extraordinary gift no
one had been expecting.
Shuler said her favorite part of the event is giving the kids their trikes before the races start. Her
eyes lit up as she recalled the rising excitement of all in attendance in previous years.
This moment is one to be shared, so Shuler encourages the community to come and experience
this event. “More people means more fun,” she said with a smile as she explained the importance
of spreading the word to others in the community.
She also encourages everyone to bring people to the event who may benefit from a specialized
trike so they can get in contact with Motor Monkeys and receive their very own.
There are two ways to register. The Bolivar Ambucs Facebook page posts information about the
upcoming event, and will have a link that leads to the registration page. The registration page can
also be accessed through RunSignUp.com under “Trek for Trikes 2022.”
For more information, contact Holly Shuler at (417) 773-6326.
