This note is to put folks in touch with Max's mom, Laura Kemp-Rye, for purpose of discussing the idea of Max's Uphill Struggle.

I missed the Bike Board meeting, but got some feedback from Nick Hein and Don Spencer. I gather that the idea is getting some traction.

This morning I met briefly with Max and his mom.

Max related a little about how he started riding a bike at age 4, and about riding uphill.

Laura expressed interest and willingness to attend a Bike Board meeting and perhaps work with a committee to plan this event.

(below I'm pasting my draft write-up of the concept.)

John Lozier

Max's Uphill Struggle is the insight of a child (Max) who first learns to ride on the flat, then downhill, then confronts (and meets) the challenge of UPHILL.

This is, of course, the challenge faced by folks of all ages when they consider biking in Morgantown.

(Incidentally, the Uphill Struggle is a metaphor for life itself, isn't it?)

The idea would be to have a sponsored bike event that involves riding uphill. Any hill could work. My ideal would be up Monongahela Blvd, then down to Star City Park. Access to the trail there would make a convenient end. This would require involvement of both municipalities (Star City and Morgantown) plus probably the State Police.