BY KAREN BOSSICK

More than 300 bikes.

That’s how many bicycles Miles of Smiles has handed out to Wood River Valley children over the past 11 years.

The Blaine County Recreation District, The Elephant’s Perch, Mountain Rides and Ketchum residents Brian Ross and Susan Reinstein banded together again this year to provide new bikes to more than 30 local children who might otherwise spend the summer without one.

Staff at The Elephant’s Perch built the bikes. Mountain Rides provided helmets for each of the children.

The recipients were identified by Blaine County School District social workers. And the kids were grateful. They didn’t even let a few raindrops and puddles keep them from peddling.

The program is based on the philosophy that every child deserves a bike—for recreation, transportation, exercise and as an avenue to learn responsibility and safety.

And they could even provide some useful therapy during the coronavirus pandemic when many normal activities are curtailed.

“It’s more important than ever to provide kids resources to get outside for fresh air, exercise and fun,” BCRD Development Manager Megan Stevenson said.

For more information, visit www.bcrd.org or contact Stevenson at mstevenson@bcrd.org.