SEQUIM — Volunteering for others often means coming alongside and taking a journey with them.
Sometimes, that’s figurative. In the case of the Sequim Wheelers, it’s literal.
The Sequim Wheelers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing adaptive wheelchair bike rides for people who can no longer bike by themselves.
Formed in 2018, the group continues to grow year to year, and this year will debut their “Trishaw,” allowing two riders to enjoy a ride side-by-side, as the organization’s fleet grows to five adaptive bikes.
“I’m just excited to get out there again,” said Sequim Wheelers founder Nicole Lepping. “Different types of people get to ride different types of bikes.”
Now in its sixth season and with a growing fleet, the group is looking for more volunteers, Lepping said. That’s the driving force behind the Sequim Wheelers’ open house, set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot at the Dungeness River Nature Center, 1943 W. Hendrickson Road.
“We’re always looking for volunteers, especially because we have more bikes now,” Lepping said.
Attendees can check out the adaptive bikes, meet other volunteers and get more information about how to help the group.
Sequim Wheelers volunteers offer free rides on the Olympic Discovery Trail. The group has about 35 volunteers and ride for 60 minutes, five times a week, Monday through Friday. The group works with local retirement and rehabilitation facilities to offer rides.
Lepping said volunteering with a group like Sequim Wheelers is about both giving and receiving.
“[It’s about being] part of the community,” she said. “We’re getting older. [This is often] giving to elderly people who have a lot of life experiences.”
Lepping said she hopes to expand the group to include multi-generation rides.
“Young people can learn a lot from elderly people … [and] mutual enjoyment between generations would be wonderful,” she said.
The “Trishaw” bike, one that has a rider in back and places for two passengers to be side-by-side in front, allows for more opportunities too, Lepping said.
Volunteer training sessions start in April and, based on weather, facility and individual rides begin in May, Lepping said.
Sequim Wheelers will be out and about at several events this year, and they are available to speak with organizations about activities and opportunities.
For more about the open house or Sequim Wheelers in general, call 360-809-2182, email sequimwheelers@yahoo.com or visit sequim wheelers.com.
