Bike for a Better Tomorrow

A father and son set out on their bicycles from Chicago, riding east to Pottstown to raise awareness and to raise donations for community organizations in Pottstown.

Nathan Lenker, a native of Pottstown, drove with his son Jensen to Chicago on June 8 to begin their bike ride back to Pottstown. They set a goal to make this trip by bike in just 11 days, totaling over 1,100 miles. Although both have completed extended bike rides in the past, this was by far the longest distance either of them has attempted to tackle.

Nathan and Jensen asked friends, family, and the entire community to donate to their bike ride, which benefitted local non-profit organizations that have made a positive impact on the Pottstown area. Throughout this trip Nathan provided updates via Facebook of each day’s travels. Averaging nearly 90 miles a day, the two made it to Pittsburgh before having to cut their journey short because of stormy weather.

The pair chose a handful of nonprofits to benefit from this fundraiser, including: ArtFusion19464, Steel River Playhouse, The Schuylkill River Greenways National Heritage Area, and YWCA Tri-County Area. The Lenker family raised more than $300 for YW’s Youth Empowerment Program here at YWCA Tri-County Area.

Nathan’s youngest daughter is enrolled in YWCA Tri-County Area’s Youth Empowerment Program. “YWCA fills a great need for our community. My daughter Yuri has been attending their Youth Empowerment Program and has found significant value in the messages and activities presented to her,” he said, “whether it's talking about the roles women play in the family or the career goals and challenges they will come to face as they grow into adulthood. All of this and much more is presented in fun, positive, and constructive group discussions and physical demonstrations. I'm proud to bring support and awareness to this organization to help promote future leaders in our community.”

To learn more about Nathan and Jensen’s trip, and to read their daily updates, please visit ywcatricountyarea.org/biking-for-a-better-tomorrow/.

YWCA Tri-County Area is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. YWCA Tri-County Area serves more than 1,500 people annually through early childhood education, youth empowerment programming, adult education, and Foster Grandparents Program.