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CERRO GORDO, Ill. (WCIA) — A Cerro Gordo man has stepped up to repurpose old bicycles and give people of all ages a new ride.
A bicycle is a popular item on many wish lists this time of year. But not everyone can afford one.
“Growing up as a kid, I never had a new bike, but I did have a bike,” said Chuck’s Bikes and Blessings owner Chuck Henderson.
That’s how 72-year-old Henderson learned to fix bicycles. He’s taken his knowledge and used it to put people onto two-wheel rides of their own.
It all started three years ago when Henderson wanted to help out a neighbor with car trouble.
“So, I went and took $20 out of my own pocket and got him a bicycle,” Henderson said.
He fixed it up, but his friend declined. So, the bike went up for sale in his front yard, but there were no takers.
“One day I saw a group of boys going by and they all had bikes but one,” Henderson said.
He gave the boy the repaired bike for free. Henderson talked to his pastor the next Sunday and he suggested the veteran turn this into a ministry.
“I got to tinker with bicycles, one or two at a time, and then it’s grown to what it is today,” Henderson said.
So far, Henderson said he’s put 289 people on bikes. Most of those are for kids, but there’s a few adults who’ve used his help as well.
Henderson has around 20 bikes at his house right now. He just gave away five to his church’s Angel Tree program. But the others still need a place to go.
“I’m 72-years-old now, but I still haven’t found out what retirement is supposed to be,” Henderson said.
Unfortunately, he’ll have to take a break. At least temporarily.
“They said I’d be out of commission for about six weeks,” Henderson said. “I’m having a right hip replacement.”
But don’t worry. He’s ready to come back strong.
“I plan on doing it as long as I can,” Henderson said.
Henderson said he won’t be doing any repairs as he recovers from his surgery. However, he’s looking forward to getting back to work in the new year, alongside his yorkie Coco.