GREENBRIER COUNTY W.Va. (WVDN) – Some believe that children enjoy bicycles because they provide a glimpse at independence. Or, perhaps it’s about discovering new places, making friends, or just enjoying a cool breeze on a warm summer evening. Whatever the reason, children and bicycles are like peanut butter and jelly. They just go together.
Ronnie Snedegar, a Greenbrier County man who loves the outdoors and seeing smiles on the faces of children, has found the perfect way to combine both through his bicycle rescue and restoration project. “Some of my fondest memories growing up involved riding bikes,” he says. “Riding bikes can lead to so many adventures, including picnics, swimming, exploring, and great friendships.”
“Helping kids is my greatest passion in life,” Snedegar says. “I really think that I may be trying to relive my childhood through the kids that I see smile.” Gathering up bicycles from donations, thrift stores, and even trade-ins, Snedegar repairs the bikes in his home garage and prepares them for a new life. “Most of the bikes I get are donated to me,” he says with appreciation.
“I deliver propane as a way to support my habits and passions,” Snedegar admits. “In my travels, I would see neglected bikes sitting inside carports, behind sheds, on back porches, etc. Not being one to hesitate to strike up a conversation, I started asking the homeowners what their plans were for the bikes. Most of the time, the owners stated they had no plans for the bikes, and if I knew someone that could use it, I was welcome to take it.”
Since beginning his bicycle rescue, Snedegar has gifted 15 to 20 bicycles to children and even some adults. “I worked as a mechanic on a wide variety of automobiles and equipment for 32 years, so although I don’t have the ability to work on all the modern high-tech automobiles anymore, I do have the tools and ability to repair most bikes,” Snedegar admits.
Fondly recalling the days when he rode bikes as a child, Snedegar appreciates seeing youngsters today continuing that same tradition. “I am blessed to live in a neighborhood with several young children that I often watch riding their bikes, just having fun,” he says. “Growing up, our parents could always tell where we were by finding the house with all the bikes in the yard. My children were riding bikes from age three right on up until present time, and they are in their late 30s and early 40s now.”
In addition to the happiness he feels from gifting bikes to those who either may not have the budget to purchase a new bike or simply aren’t able to repair the one they have, Snedegar finds joy in staying active. “I am going on 66 years old, and it seems that I always find myself trying to stay active, thinking it may slow down this getting old thing,” he admits. “If I stay busy, I feel better both mentally and physically.”
The long hours and space needed for this type of project is undeniable. “While my bride may consider me a hoarder, I wasn’t planning on hoarding bikes,” Snedegar says. “I just had an idea that I could maybe gather a few and refurbish them to working order with the plan being to pass them along to kids or even adults that would enjoy riding. I am blessed with a bride that understands my passion for helping others,” he adds.
An avid outdoorsman and active member of Greenbrier Valley Sportsman Alliance, Snedegar enjoys hunting with his squirrel dogs, hosting youth hunts with children (and often their parents) and participating in the organization’s annual Youth Day on the first Saturday in October and annual banquet in early spring. When he isn’t suiting up for the outdoors, you may find Snedegar in a different suit during the holidays as he stays busy helping Santa prepare for the biggest night of the year.
In closing, Ronnie Snedegar hopes that he may encourage others to find a way to make a difference. “I know that I am blessed far more than I deserve and although this age thing and my physical limitations prevent me from volunteering to help with most local needs, being able to help kids enjoy the fun of bike riding gives me a lot of satisfaction,” he says. “I encourage everyone reading this to find a way to give back. Maybe fixing bikes isn’t your thing, but rest assured that helping someone or some group could change a life, and maybe even improve yours.”
For more information or to make a donation (either monetary or a bicycle), contact Ronnie Snedegar at 304-667-1910 or email RLS1910@hotmail.com.
