Dream Team Des Moines

This year I joined Dream Team Des Moines, a non-profit organization in central Iowa. We provide young adults with opportunities to build confidence, set goals, and create a healthy lifestyle through mentor-based interactions centered around bicycling. In March, a team of 40+ teenagers start their 5-month journey to RAGBRAI, a week-long bike ride across Iowa that occurs each July. The riders work with caring volunteers to set goals, work hard, and DREAM BIG! The bicycle is used as a tool to inspire and motivate young people, encourage lifelong wellness, and build confidence through accomplishment. Completing a 400+ mile bike ride across the state gives the participant a tangible sense of achievement and a framework for setting and achieving life goals. The Dream Team makes the seemingly impossible, possible.

 

It has been a journey. The young adults are mix of first-year riders and return riders (they've been through the program and on RAGBRAI previously). Some had never ridden a bike before March; others only had experience with single-speed bikes and no expertise in shifting gears or managing hills, let alone 60+ mile rides. Personally, I've been able to experience the personalities, the growth in ownership and accountability among the youth, and observe the expansion of the community among the youth. It has been a phenomenal experience.

 

As a non-profit, the Dream Team relies on the charity of volunteers and the local community to continue to be successful. This year is their 25th Anniversary. That's 25 years of changing the lives of youth in our local community. They have some great partners that help them every season, among them the YMCA (pre-season training), RAGBRAI, and Bike World. Not to mention an exceptional leadership team and a complement of over 40 Mentors that volunteer their time every year. They still have consumables and needs throughout the season; they provide snacks and hydration on every ride... tubes, tires, water bottles, and general maintenance throughout the season... lunches and dinners on campouts and during RAGBRAI... They make sure the youth need only bring their positive selves to this experience; everything else they might need is provided.

 

All this to say, if you feel compelled to support this group, any amount will help and be greatly appreciated. If you would like any additional information, please feel free to reach out to me directly; I'd be happy to chat about the work, or my experience with the organization.

The Impact of Your Support
$2,500: Sponsors a youth through the entire program and RAGBRAI
$750: Equips our bikes with headlights and bike computers
$500 : Purchases camping equipment for use on weekend campouts and RAGBRAI
$200: Purchases refreshments for a weekend event
$100: Purchases a helmet, gloves, and water bottles for a youth in the program