Loretta Roller, a 68 year old Longmont resident, received her Wish of a Lifetime Sunday, Oct. 31 at the Boulder Cyclocross Cup in the form of an adult tricycle provided by Jeremy Bloom’s Wish of a Lifetime.
For several years, Roller has wanted a tricycle that she can ride for exercise. She previously owned one and enjoyed riding. Unfortunately, it was stolen. Roller lives on a poverty level income and has found it a nearly impossible dream to obtain another cycle. She has tried, but all she
has been able to afford is a bike lock. Roller is overweight, and it exacerbates her health problems. She is motivated to improve her health because she wants to be healthy for her grandchildren. Roller says a tricycle is a way to “really get exercising and lose weight before I have more health problems.” JBWOL presented Roller with her new tricycle at the Boulder Cup as a way to welcome her into the cycling community of boulder.
Approximately 1,000 racers participated in the Boulder Cup, ages ranging from 6 to 60. Right before the Elite Men’s Race, a JBWOL staff member dressed in an Elvis costume rode the bike to the starting line carrying Hank, a Boston Terrier Pug and JBWOL dog, in the tricycle’s basket. At the starting line JBWOL presented Roller with the bike in front of a crowd of approximately 1,000 people watching and clapping for her. Roller’s Schwinn tricycle was assembled by Joe Depaemelaere, custom bike builder and owner of Primus Mootry. Roller was delighted with her new bike, hopping on it and posing for pictures with Danish Cyclist Champion Joachim Parbo and former JBWOL wish recipients.
“Seniors, as a generation, have given so much to our society it’s great when we can give back and make a lasting difference through granting wishes,” JBWOL founder, Jeremy Bloom said.
Growing up in the Bronx, Roller was barely able to read or write. Despite this seeming handicap, she maintained her independence and raised two daughters. She has a strong desire to maintain her resourcefulness and a spirited attitude. “I usually figure something out,” she said. Project HOPE, the organization that submitted Roller’s wish to JBWOL, helped Roller build a supportive medical team. The tricycle will help Roller improve her health and keep her self-sufficiency.
Chris Grealish of DBC Events invited JBWOL to the Boulder Cup because of his love for seniors. He has recently lost many of the seniors significant in his life, including his father this year. “It’s important to incorporate seniors into healthy activities such as cycling,” he said.
