Bringing Freedom, Confidence, and a Little More Joy to Lynn
On July 18, Mutt Society teamed up with Centerboard, Cycles Etc., Salem Five Bank, Trek Bikes at Goodale’s Nashua, Bent Water Brewing, and an incredible group of volunteers and supporters for our 2026 Lynn Bike Drive.
The goal was pretty simple: get bikes into the hands of kids who could truly benefit from them.
These events take months of collecting bikes, raising money, tracking down parts, making repairs, organizing volunteers, loading trucks, and working through a thousand little details. But when a kid sees their new bike for the first time, all of that disappears pretty damn quickly.
That moment is why we do this. We used to worry about the colors and if they had scratches, etc. What we learned years ago is: the kids don't care at all...
A Bike Can Be a Big Deal
We believe a bicycle can change the direction of a kid’s life.
It can be transportation to school. It can be a reason to get outside and move. It can introduce a child to a new group of friends...or simply give them a little independence when they need it most.
A bike can create freedom, confidence, health, happiness, and a sense of belonging.
At the event, children and families checked in with our team before each young rider was paired with a bike selected for their age and needs. Volunteers and mechanics helped with final adjustments and made sure everyone was ready to ride.
Centerboard provided helmets and supplies to all the kids as they received their bikes.
By the end of the day, 143 young people had received bikes of their own and we left several to be given to the community that was not able to make it.
And yes, there were a lot of smiles.
My favorite moment of the day came when we gave one boy his bike. Most of the kids need a little help getting started, so I held onto him while he found his balance. I took maybe a step and a half alongside him...and then he just cranked on the pedals and took off.
Nobody expected it. The entire line of families erupted in cheers as he rode away.
Salem Five Bank Stepped Up in a Big Way
We want to give special recognition to Salem Five Bank for its support of this year’s bike drive.
Support like this matters. It allows us to purchase more bikes, make necessary repairs, transport everything safely, and create an event that feels special for the kids receiving them.
We’re incredibly grateful to Salem Five Bank for believing in this mission and investing directly in the community it serves.
Great Partners Make This Possible
Cycles Etc., Trek Bikes at Goodale’s Nashua, and Bent Water Brewing also played an important role in bringing the event together.
Bent Water Brewing has continued to prove what it looks like when a local business genuinely cares about its community. Their willingness to support the event, help spread the word, and stand behind our mission made a real difference.
We also want to thank Hollywood PR, North Shore Cycle in Lynn, Rhino Bike Works in Plymouth, S&W Sports in Concord, and every individual, business, and member of the cycling community who donated time, money, bikes, parts, or expertise.
Can't do it alone, crew!
An Incredible Partner in Centerboard
Centerboard helped us connect this bike drive directly with Lynn children and families who could benefit from it most.
The organization supports families, young people, and communities through housing, education, employment, financial empowerment, and other services designed to help people build safer, more stable futures.
Riding in Tony’s Memory
Ever year the drive is held in memory of Anthony J. “Tony” Monteiro, a proud Air Force veteran, avid outdoorsman, and passionate mountain biker.
Tony loved fishing, skiing, riding, and being outside. His family continues to honor his life by helping young people experience the freedom and happiness of owning a bicycle.
In their words:
“Our family wanted to create an annual event to make someone else happy and feel joy in Tony’s memory. There is nothing like seeing the smile and hearing the excitement in a youngster when they are with their new bike!”
This Is What Community Looks Like
Mutt Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit built around a belief that bicycles can empower and elevate people and communities.
This is what happens when families, volunteers, local businesses, bike shops, nonprofits, and community leaders start to trust each other and bring it back to the community.
It was a hell of a good day.
To support an upcoming Mutt Society bike drive, donate a bicycle, volunteer, or become a sponsor, visit www.muttsociety.org or follow @mutt_society on Instagram.