06/02/2026
Special note for this Sunday's Bikes and Breakfast - Poolesville!
One of my absolute best Poolesville buds, Dr. John Stinson, is putting together a ride, and a riding group, that wants to do good. In this case, the good is REALLY good --- the goal is to raise money specifically devoted to providing healthcare for children and their families in developing countries. Dr. John has walked-the walk (provided this care). He wants to expand these efforts and we need your help.
Hit the QR code to get some details.
John and the folks behind the Paul Chester Children's Hope Foundation aren't looking for much---they need you (riders) to channel the friendship and fellowship amongst us to make a difference.
As we all have heard, there are two kinds of bikers---those that have crashed and those that will. It’s of some comfort to know that if we hit that gravel patch/oil slick/deer/texting driver in the US, God forbid, we very likely will be quickly evaluated and treated by a competent team in a modern facility using the most recent technology. As aggravating as US healthcare can be at times, we are very fortunate in comparison to most of the world, where one physician or midwife may cover more than a thousand square miles and tens of thousands of people.
Like Operation Smile, and cleft palate groups, the Paul Chester Children's Hope Foundation provides vital assistance to improve the health of children and their families in developing countries. PCCHF provides the potential for long-term benefit, by providing treatment for children where medical services are mostly unavailable. Repair of a clubfoot or unstable hip in an infant or toddler can prevent a lifetime of disability, unemployment, and poverty. A week’s treatment with antibiotics can cure a child of the burden of chronic parasite infection.
The Foundation harnesses the expertise of medical professionals and volunteers to identify opportunities for maximum social impact in the developing world. PCCHF sponsors, supplies and supports medical teams worldwide, collaborating with local counterparts. Missions since 2004 have included Ecuador, Morocco, Suriname, Ghana, Kenya and others.
PCCHF is now planning a mission to Ukraine and, you guessed it, is looking to raise money. We have been looking into the possibility of a group ride like the biannual Slimey Crud Run in Wisconsin. Look it up. This is maybe a 30-mile thrash with origins as murky as Stonehenge, going back to the early 70s. There are no prescribed routes, just hotel/bar destinations. With no big ad campaigns, media promotion or corporate sponsors Slimey Crud has nonetheless grown into what looks like a huge vintage and classic rolling bike show.
We are hoping to get an event like Slimey Crud off the ground. We are looking to peel off from Poolesville Bikes & Breakfast around 10 on Sunday June 7, ride 50 miles or so, then finish at an outdoor picnic at the founder’s place at the foot of Sugarloaf Mountain. We hope that some Norton Club members will see fit to join and maybe kick in a few bucks.
