'Pure joy': Bike for the Kids event in Elgin brings smiles, support for Easterseals

Bicyclists took to the streets and roads in and around Elgin on Sunday for rides as long as 100 miles to help support Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley, but it was the kids who pedaled in a ⅓-mile loop at the agency's center who stole the show.

Among them was 14-year-old Charlie Krupka of Sugar Grove, whose friends cheered him on as he steered his adapted bike around the course at Easterseals Elgin facility during the Bike for Kids event.

“Pure joy, that's all I can say,” Charlie's mom, Tracy Krupka, said of the look on her son's face. “I feel so thrilled that he is able to enjoy this time with his friends.”

Bike for the Kids supports Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley's work to create limitless possibilities for infants, children and adults with developmental delays and disabilities, and to ensure they have the therapies and programs needed to reach new goals and meet their milestones.

The day also included an adapted bike giveaway and other activities for kids. The bikes are part of the Jonathan Goers Adapted Bike Program, which was established to share the joy of biking with children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to ride or own a bicycle. The program provides children with free adapted bicycles.