Z’s 2020 Night Ride

One of the biggest challenges COVID-19 has brought for many of the individuals we support is changes to routine or cancellations of events and programs. Z is a busy young man who loves to be on the go. His mom will tell you Z wakes up and is out the door, comes home for his three o'clock medications and is back out the door. Members of his community are used to seeing him zip by on his bike, Brutus, day, and night often stopping for a quick “hello”. 



Z had several disruptions to his routine that were difficult to overcome due to COVID-19, but one hit the hardest. Z looks forward to participating in his community’s annual Bike Night Ride. He decorates Brutus in lights and wears his fluorescent vest and helmet. He starts planning after the event each year for the next year. It is an event that is well attended where bike riders cruise through the town for a late-night ride up to twenty-six miles. Last year Z completed over 25 miles in less than two hours! 



Z received the news that the September bike ride would be cancelled due to COVID-19. His mother said the news hit hard, and she wanted to find a way to do something since Z’s birthday, and other gatherings had already been cancelled this year. Z’s mom contacted the Blue Springs Police Department and formed a secret plan. 



The day of, Z’s mom said it was hard holding in the secret because Z was mopey and upset. She finally got to tell him the good news. Z was going to have his own Night Ride with members of the Blue Springs Police Department. Z and Brutus started their ride alongside six officers, riding in two lines down the streets of Blue Springs. They rode through the park, to Andy’s Frozen Yogurt for a treat and finally back to the station. Z’s mom made the police offices a diamond art, framed flag for their auction as a thank you. The officers gave Z a swag bag, complete with a police hat and sew-on patch. Z was beaming for WEEKS after the experience. To hear Z and his mom tell the story you could tell how meaningful the experience was. His mom said, “There is so little I can do sometimes, and this was something I could do.” You did good, mom.