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Anthony Cloud

Staff Writer

Biking — which has always been popular with the younger generation — has become a popular outdoor activity for all ages in the city of Middlesboro. On any given day, you can drive down Cumberland Avenue and see multiple people riding their bikes for exercise. Justus Wesloh, a member of Middlesboro’s Boy Scout Troop 544, took notice.

Wesloh, who is entering his senior year at Middlesboro High School, is a cyclist himself. This is what inspired his Eagle Scout project. Wesloh will be collecting and repairing bicycles to benefit needy individuals and children in the community.

Collections for the bikes have been scheduled for 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday at First Baptist Church of Middlesboro. Collections have also been scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at Middlesboro Church of God Mountain Assembly and from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 1 at Hensley Chapel Baptist Church.

Any broken bikes or bike parts will be collected. Collected bicycles will be repaired by the troop under Wesloh’s guidance. The Wilderness Road Outfitters have also agreed to assist with the bike repairs.

All functional bikes after repairs have been completed will be given to Middlesboro Church of God Mountain Assembly for distribution. Wesloh said he chose this church to donate the bikes to because the pastor is very active with Middlesboro High School. He also said he knows the pastor.

Wesloh, who noticed that biking “is a popular thing to do” said that was one of the reasons he chose the bike collection as his Eagle Scout project, but that it wasn’t the only one.

He said he also realized that many people rely on bikes as their primary means of transportation, and that some people who could use a bike for transportation purposes do not have bikes at all.

He urges anyone that has a bicycle (or bikes) just rusting away in the garage to donate them. He also urges people to donate parts as well. Wesloh is also donating a bike that he does not use.

Anthony Cloud is a staff writer for the Middlesboro Daily News. He can be contacted via email at acloud@heartlandpublications.com.