Lobos Marinos Bike Team in Asuncion

gives to the community. The generosity from some Baja Nomads meant that this wonderful mountain bike team now have helmets and uniforms. Now interest in the team is growing in the pueblo and here is one of the results.

The team sponsored a special bike race for children who are non-members. Any and all bikes were accepted, and if needed, the team loaned a bike. They also shared their helmets and since they now have great looking uniforms, they shared other riding clothes that were donated before. Some of the participants will soon be full fledged members---equipment etc. always being a challenge.

Lots of children were there to participate



Emma making sure a proper sized helmet is available.



The course was a few blocks on our only paved street---laps around the barrels, not so easy. How many laps depended on the age group---which started at 4 years and under. The local ambulance helped block off the street.



On the loud speaker they announced the name of every child before the race----they loved it.





The smiles were great



Meanwhile, the Lobos Marinos were helping, and typical of young teenagers everywhere, this group was sitting around looking "cool"in their new jerseys.



Esteban even showed off his new fancy haircut.



At the end, one of the fun races they had for the team was the who can be the slowest---not easy to be the slowest.



Then they had the awards ceremony. John had the honor of handing out the certificates. These two girls were great. Andrea on the right came in first by several laps---she is one determined new rider. But Luisa was just a pleased to come in second.



I love this one because the young man is looking like he is making sure they got his name correct!



One of the other really fun races at the end was this young man on his really small bike racing the little ones.



There was a lot more---a great way to spend the day. It ended with Raul wanting to show off his fancy riding ability.



Thanks
Diane









[Edited on 4-1-2008 by jdtrotter]

Here are our neighbors practicing for the next race....

Zac

Great photos!

Ifyfish,

It is a good idea for the paypal thing, but it is not something we will do and here is why.

Many, many nomads whether they live or just vacation in Baja have involved themselves in wonderful projects which is where they focus their energy and funds. When we became involved with the Lobos Marinos we never intended to ask Baja Nomads for donations for that very reason. We just wanted share our experiences. We have focused on "begging" from local bike stores and companies.

On the other hand, when you with your generous heart and love of kids and Bahia Asuncion and some other nomads offered to donate---well, we could not turn that away, nor could we turn away all those great helmets HoseA provided---and there were others. It was SO appreciated by the team. We hope you return sometime and meet some of them.

This, we think, is very different from the paypal donation requests for people like Manolo and Coco----those are sudden immediate needs for individuals and their families. The help is needed quickly and paypal is a great way to obtain the generous donations from Nomads and others.

But this is an ongoing project, like the projects so well supported by other nomads in other parts of Baja. Yes, this mountain bike team and the surf club, as Paulina said, are putting the children first and that is so important for the community. Jamie, the man who works for the Antelope Preserve is one of the adult organizers of the surf club and their goals for having classes etc., are the same---keep the kids involved in a positive and healthful activity.

We will not turn down any donations-----their biggest goal right now is the purchase of a used van with a bike rack so the kids don't have to ride in the back of pick-up trucks. And of course, bikes, parts, tires, etc. are ALWAYS needed. However, we will not request donations from Nomads for the reason stated above.

So many people are so committed and spread so thin. We believe that those who become involved in BA either as a home or special vacation spot will end up meeting the bike team and the surf team, and they will be hooked.

Believe me, our involvement with this team has given more back to us in friendships and fun than one can imagine. Thus, it is a selfish thing we are doing.

Thanks, Ifyfish, your heart is always in a great place.

Gees, I guess you might be rubbing off. This is the longest post I have ever made!

Diane

On edit----we are close to getting a sponsorship for our most outstanding rider, 13 year old Tomas---wish us luck. Although it is fun, healthful, etc., they are a serious and very competitive team.



[Edited on 4-1-2008 by jdtrotter]