photo courtesy of Kevin Kooistra
photo courtesy of Pam Muskett
Last Sunday, April 30, 150 women showed their creativity and camaraderie as they rode the Tour de Fleur with their bikes adorned with flowers.
While the Tour de Fleur was designed to celebrate the joy of bicycling and empower women to get out on their two wheels, the event meant much more for many.
photo courtesy of Kevin Kooistra
Our honored guest this year was Sandy VanCleeve, who had suffered multiple injuries several years ago when a truck hit her as she was riding her bike with friends.
Sandy is a vibrant, athletic woman who was “scared to death” to return to bicycling after the physical and emotional trauma she endured from the crash. Although she deeply desired to ride again, it was clear that she needed encouragement and some safety skills if she were to get back on a bicycle.
The Tour de Fleur became her first ride out of the safety of her neighborhood since the crash 10 years ago, and she made three enthusiastic laps around the course!
Roger Harper rode the Tour de Fleur last Sunday to honor the women he loves and supports. Alongside his daughter and fiancée, Roger rode with purpose and in memory of the wife he lost to cancer a decade ago. Roger grabbed the hearts of those who knew how important it was to him and his family.
Little Giselle is new to Billings and the third grader was without a bike to ride with the neighborhood children. An adult friend contacted Billings TrailNet, knowing that we often receive gently used bicycles we give to people who need them. We invited Giselle, her family and friends to the Tour de Fleur and presented her with a bike we had in storage and refurbished by the mechanics at the Tour de Fleur. When she received the bike she gave us a big hug and a grateful smile. As if she grew wings, the serious little girl we met at the beginning of the event turned into a smiling child, flying around the celebration with her friends!
photo courtesy of Kevin Kooistra
We are proud to empower these women, to give them back their childhood no matter their age, and to honor the strength and creativity that resides in all of us. Thank you to everyone who participated in the Tour de Fleur as a rider, sponsor, planning committee member or loving supporter!