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C4 Cycling donates bikes to elementary schools
C4 Cycling
Kids were all smiles when they turned the corner and saw that they were getting their own special bicycle. C4 members were overjoyed, too, seeing the smiles on the student’s faces. - photo by Phillip B. Hubbard

COVINGTON, Ga. — Over 20 years ago, the Covington Conyers Cycling Club (C4) was formed. In recent years, the club has donated 50 bikes to local elementary schools to give to underprivileged students.

Members of C4 take the donated used bikes and refurbish them for use. The club spends close to $1,500 to repair the bikes to get them ready for kids to ride them. 

Donations are accepted throughout the year. 

This year, C4 had close to 85 used bikes donated to the cause with approximately 50 able to be repaired enough to use. Half went to students at Sims Elementary School in Conyers and the other half went to Fairview Elementary School in Covington. 

Students also received a helmet, lights to place on the bikes and a pamphlet on rider safety. 

The deliveries took place on Friday, Dec. 10. 

According to the C4 president, John Keck, donations really start pouring in during September and October. 

“I start posting on social media in August,” Keck explained. “So, we get a push during September and October and those are our bigger months. But it’s not unusual for me to wake up in the mornings and walk outside and there’s a bike someone just dropped off.” 

At Fairview, principal Andrea King and counselor Juanita Hosch-Martin work hand-in-hand with the teachers to select the students every year. 

After the donation was completed, Hosch-Martin expressed her gratitude to all members of C4 who were present, thanking them. 

Collecting and donating bikes is one part of the three missions of C4, though. They include:

1. Create a safer riding environment for cyclists by working with local governments to establish well-marked bike lanes and routes throughout Newton, Rockdale, Walton and Morgan counties.

2. Actively seek to encourage people of all ages and walks of life to lead an active and healthy lifestyle through cycling and exercise.

3. Give back to the community by organizing and participating in charitable activities across the region. 

In addition to the bike drive, C4 participates in other community service activities through various outreach programs. 

For instance, they participate in “Bike Rodeo” which is conducted in conjunction with the YMCA and the Covington Police Department. The “Faith & Blue & Bikes!” Trail Ride, the “Ride for Kai” (Kai named for someone killed by a hit-and-run driver in Conyers) and several other charitable bike rides that C4 rode in as well.

Financially, C4 supports Hope Atanta, the Boys and Girls Club, Newton Trails and Willing Helpers Medical Clinic.

But, the bike donation is something Keck and C4 hopes to continue for years to come. 

“I think we’ll be able to continue this in perpetuity, we hope,” Keck said. 

For more information on the cycling club, visit https://www.c4cycling.com/. The best way to donate bikes is to message the C4 Facebook page @CovingtonConyersCyclingClub.