Many Happy Smiles At ICan Bike Camp

by Laurel Latham

"You are one ride away from a good mood." Sarah Bentley, British cyclist

Six riders attended the first ever ICan Bike Camp held in Warroad. The camp was held the week of Monday, July 29, through Friday, August 2, for people with disabilities who wanted to gain the skill of riding a bike.

"Three riders could ride independently by the end of camp on Friday, with one rider very close to riding independently. With practice after camp, instructors believe this rider will also be riding independently," explained Patti Hodgson, Elementary Educator at Warroad Elementary and Yeti Fest organizer. "Of the other two riders, one was only able to attend for three days, while the family was on vacation, but made great progress and gained confidence with pedaling. The sixth rider was quite young, but had a lot of enjoyable exposure to riding a bike.

"The best part of the ICan Bike Camp experience was to see friendships develop between the riders and all the high fives and cheering as the riders made progress," continued Patti. "Several of the parents were in tears watching their kids experience the joy of riding a two-wheel bike. Four of the six riders made use of scholarships paid for by the Yeti Fest fundraiser."

One of the riders attending the bike camp in Warroad was Elizabeth Froese's son, Gatlin. Before moving to Roseau, Elizabeth was an active duty Army Guard for nine years, originally from Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.

"It was such a blessing Gatlin was able to attend the camp and have it paid for by a scholarship," said Elizabeth. "I'm a single mom, so without the scholarship he wouldn't have been able to attend. We heard about the camp from Josh Weckman, a Phy Ed instructor, at Roseau School. He is Gatlin's basketball and baseball coach, and Special Olympics coach.

"Kids with disabilities often miss out on experiencing learning skills like bike riding. The ICan Bike Camp brought equipment of all sizes for all ages to learn to ride. Gatlin's confidence soared while attending camp and making friends. He has Williams Syndrome, which affects his fine motor skills. Williams Syndrome is when 20-28 genes are missing from the #7 chromosome. This condition often affects the heart and Gatlin had to have open-heart surgery, but he is gifted in other ways. He loves music and playing the drums.

"Although my relationship with Gatlin's dad did not work out, I decided to remain in Roseau because of the wonderful school system that offers so many benefits for my son. Our goal was for Gatlin to be able to ride his bike to school this fall."

Gatlin was quick to let me know he is very much looking forward to the beginning of school, except for the part where winter will follow far too soon! Gatlin was proud to announce he would be having his golden birthday on January 13, when he would turn 13 years old.

Elsa Reznicek was another rider who attended bike camp.

"Anne Stenberg, Elsa's Developmental/Adaptive Physical Education Teacher told us about the ICan Bike Camp in Warroad," reported Amy Reznicek. "We live in Goodridge, but were lucky enough to have a friend with a cabin in Warroad Estates where we stayed that week. Watching Elsa's confidence grow every day was such a wonderful experience.

"After years of Elsa trying to ride a bike at home, it brought tears to my eyes as she became more independent biking around the gym and outside with the great staff and volunteers," continued Amy. "She made new friends she is excited to write to during the school year and looks forward to seeing them at Unified Events this year. ICan Bike Camp was such an amazing experience, we can't wait to go again next year to help Elsa continue to increase her skills and ability."

Mary Kate Marvin, who previously attended a bike camp at Hamline University, and had signed up for a camp in St. Cloud last year that was unfortunately canceled, attended this year's camp in Warroad.

"Bike camp was great," said Mary Kate's mom, Maureen. "It was a big success for Mary Kate and other kids who might never have learned to ride a two-wheeler without the extra help. There were so many smiles: the riders, their proud parents, and the amazing student helpers who came each day.

"I am really thankful to Patti Hodgson and Yeti Fest/All In for making ICan Bike Camp happen. Hopefully we can bring it back in future years so that more kids can have the chance to be a part of this amazing opportunity!"

Patti Hodgson wants to thank instructors Roxanne and Jane and all the volunteers who ran miles beside the riders spotting them each day.

"The Warroad Cross Country Team, as well as other high school students volunteered throughout the bike camp," said Patti. "They were wonderful! Retired teacher Dick Merriman also volunteered. Rachel and Anna Krahn attended a couple days to cheer riders on. Anna brought a copy of the Roseau Times- Region that told about the camp with pictures of her in it. She was so proud to be in the newspaper!

"Instructors Roxanne from New Jersey, and Jane from Georgia, reported they had a very enjoyable stay in Warroad at The Hampton Inn, the nicest place they said they had stayed during their bike camp route through Texas, Nebraska and other midwest states," added Patti. "We took Roxanne and Jane fishing one night, with each catching four or five walleye, the first walleye they had ever caught. They kayaked on the Warroad River to the Point on their last night in Warroad in kayaks borrowed from Paul and Maureen Marvin. Everyone gathered for a fish fry at the beach. We are hoping to hold another ICan Bike Camp next summer at this same time, the last week in July. It turned out to be a great week to hold the camp before fall sports began."

If instructors Roxanne and Jane have anything to say about it, they will be returning for ICan Bike Camp 2025! Please spread the word to others who would want to attend and be eligible for scholarships to camp next summer. Patti Hodgson is available to answer questions about bike camp and help sign up riders. Please contact Patti at 218-242-2160 or email her at [email protected] .