DianaT
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Registered: 12-17-2004
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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]
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Bajagypsy
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Mood: Living the dream
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Goodness looks like everyone had fun.
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Paulina
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That community has their priorities in order; start with the children. Thank you for sharing the experience. Fantastic.
P<*)))><
\"Well behaved women rarely make history.\" Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
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Bajaboy
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Here are our neighbors practicing for the next race....
Zac
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Natalie Ann
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I'm glad you've become involved with this group of kids, Diane and John. They really do seem to enjoy their bikes, and I have good fun through your
photos.
I know that in a couple of months you plan to take down more items for the team. What donated gear might be most helpful? Helmets in all sizes or
are there specific needs? Would it be ok to donate biking clothes that are not the specific uniform?
Nena
Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.
.....Oscar Wilde
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Iflyfish
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Great post! Love those intrepid bikers.
You have done a wonderful thing with this group and it is a real pleasure to see how they have progressed.
I noticed that someone posted a link to PayPal on another thread that allowed others to contribute to a cause. I wonder if you might be able to link
with someone else to help you do this for the Lobos Marinos?
Iflyfish
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Lauriboats
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Diane,
Looks like the kids had a great time. They look so professional in their new uniforms, good job! Lauri
What we see depends mainly on what we look for.
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BMG
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Great photos!
Seeing kids having so much fun in a wholesome
setting is wonderful. A good investment in the future of your community.
I think the world is run by C- students.
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DianaT
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Iflyfish
Great post! Love those intrepid bikers.
You have done a wonderful thing with this group and it is a real pleasure to see how they have progressed.
I noticed that someone posted a link to PayPal on another thread that allowed others to contribute to a cause. I wonder if you might be able to link
with someone else to help you do this for the Lobos Marinos?
Iflyfish |
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]
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