4-H Extension Corner: Pedal Power

BY CAROLYN DRINKARD

Bicycling is one of the healthiest ways to exercise. Cycling does not take great skill, and it causes less strain and injuries to the body. It also gets riders out into the fresh air, which can improve the quality of life for all age groups.

Daniel Sullen is a dedicated cyclist. He is also the 4-H Foundation Agent for Macon County. During the pandemic, Daniel was searching for other ways to connect with his 4-H’ers, ways that did not involve virtual activities, but would still maintain the CDC guidelines. For years, he had wanted to find a way to bring cycling to his 4-H’ers in Macon County. Since cycling is an outdoor activity, it would be perfect during this time of social distancing.

“Cycling was not the norm in Macon County,” he explained. “A few people ride, but it was not an activity that interested a lot of people.”

Sullen secured a grant from Mid-South RC&D for the 4-H Pedal Power Project and created the Macon County 4-H Cycling Club. He purchased 10 road bicycles, cycling gear and other equipment such as safety helmets, front/rear safety lights, cycling gloves, bicycle maintenance items and cycling clothing from James Brothers Bike Company in Auburn / Opelika. He also secured brightly colored t-shirts to identify the group and promote safety.

Some of the Macon County Cycling Club members paused before their Sunday afternoon ride. (L to right) Ronald Davis, Shawn Armstead, Ferris Moore, Frederick Thomas III, Janet Sullen, Daniel Sullen, Anwar Walker and Ontrel Tate.

At Tuskegee Lake, riders paused to rest. The bikers wore their masks even though they were outside. Cycling was an excellent way to social distance.

The main goal of the Pedal Power Project was to promote healthy living through physical fitness. Cycling encouraged 4-H’ers to explore the great outdoors, but it also promoted healthy living by offering both youth and adults an alternate physical fitness activity, one they could enjoy while safely practicing social distancing.

The Macon County 4-H Cycling Club was composed of 20 high school 4-H’ers and adults. First, the group studied the basics of cycling. Then, they learned ways to stay safe while on the roads. They were also trained to watch out for one another, to communicate with team members and to alert the team about any hazards on the roads.

In November 2020, the Macon County Cycling Club took its first ride around Lake Tuskegee, almost a seven-mile excursion. Cyclists from other areas joined in too. One of the unexpected results of this ride was a greater appreciation for the natural resources along the route.

Now, the group rides every other Sunday, cruising through Macon County’s many historical treasures such as Tuskegee University, the Tuskegee Airmen Site, Warrior Stand Trading Post, Rosenwald Schools and other interesting destinations.

On MLK Day, 30 members joined in a ride honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On Memorial Day, the group participated in the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Day Ride. Escorted by the Tuskegee Fire Department, approximately 70 riders pedaled to Moton Field, where they joined in a touching flag ceremony, honoring the Tuskegee Airmen.

During the summer, the Cycling Club partnered with some other clubs for a ride through the Tuskegee National Forest. On the third weekend in August, they rode as part of the festivities for Macon County Days.

Members of the Cycling Club take a rest break at the Tuskegee Airmen site. Many had never toured this area before.

Ontrel Tate found that riding his bike with the cycling club was really relaxing. He has also noticed how beautiful Lake Tuskegee is, something he never observed while riding by the Lake in a car.

The cycling team has accelerated local interest in cycling and given participants a way to connect and have fun. Most importantly, it has unified the group, helping everyone to work together and feel like they belong.

“When we ride, we stop and gather each person,” Daniel explained. “We never leave anybody behind, and we watch out for everybody, so that no one gets left behind.”

The communities in Macon County have also taken notice. Drivers have learned to recognize the brightly colored shirts worn by the group, and now, drivers are more mindful and respectful of the riders.

The Pedal Power Project has enhanced the economic well-being of the community while fostering a sense of pride in their home area. By attracting surrounding cycling clubs to visit Macon County, 4-H’ers impacted the tourism budgets, but they also developed a new sense of pride in the landmarks in their home area. As cyclists took advantage of trails in the Tuskegee National Forest and roads that led along the Tuskegee Institute National Historic Sites, they learned the history of beautiful Macon County.

The success of the Macon County 4-H Cycling Club has caught the attention of 4-H organizations in other counties, as well. Many have contacted Daniel about starting their own clubs. In the meantime, Daniel Sullen plans to expand his Macon County Cycling Club to younger 4-H’ers. He also wants to provide adaptive bikes, so that students with disabilities can join in. In the future, Daniel hopes to expand this excitement for bicycling to elementary schools as part of the physical education curriculum.

The Pedal Power Project has given riders another way to stay healthy while spending time in the great outdoors with family and friends. Most importantly, it has brought 4-H’ers in Macon County a deeper appreciation for their own heritage.

On Memorial Day, the Macon County Cycling Club rode to Moton Field to honor the Tuskegee Airmen at the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site. Here, the riders paused as the flag was lowered.

Devin Fields was on one of the Sunday rides from the Macon County Extension Office to Tuskegee Lake and back.

On a Sunday afternoon ride, Janet Sullen, Jamell Newton, and Shawn Armstead headed to Lake Tuskegee from the Macon County Extension office.