By Eugene Park, RIDETZ rider
Today we introduce you to Eugene, who decided to join us for RIDETZ a few short weeks ago. Luckily he is an avid mountain biker, so he is already in good riding condition. His passion for riding and philanthropy have both shown through as we’ve gotten to know Eugene over email. We are so grateful for your enthusiasm and support, and we’re excited to ride with you, Eugene!
Where are you from?
I am from Charlotte, NC.
What do you do for work?
I work for my dad at K.Park and Associates. We own a self-service car wash and have one commercial real estate property. It it a family business.
What do you like to do on your spare time?
I LOVE Mountain Biking. I bike at least 3 to 4 times a week. Since I began mountain biking last May, I have biked over 2000 miles on trails and gotten 2 new bikes. I like going to the gym to work out, going to see live music, and hanging out with friends. I also enjoy going to church regularly as well and doing bible study with my good friend. I also enjoy doing volunteer for my church, St.Mark’s Lutheran Church on Queens Rd. I was baptized there on 8/8/10!
My NC State boys, good buddys from college... Matt, John, Matt, and George!
Me with my good buddy Matt and his 2 at a Panthers game
My good buddy Matt's son Lowe, aka "Meatball," loves UNCLE GENO! He is my favorite toddler!
I also celebrated one year of sobriety on 3/27/12. God is Good. Very blessed to have the family and friends who love and care about me so much.
My good friends, Marcus, Sara, Matt, and Natalie at PStone celebrating my 1 year of sobriety!
Who is your inspiration in life?
The inspiration in my life is God and Jesus Christ. My father, mother, and brother are true inspirations too!
How did you hear about RIDETZ?
I heard about RIDETZ from Meghann on The Foundation for Tomorrow’s Facebook page.
What inspired you to want to ride this June?
I of course love riding…. but its such a great cause, and I have never traveled or done anything outside the country since going to Seoul, South Korea for my grandmother’s funeral in 1987.
My good buddy Ben Bourne told me about how he fell in love with Africa after visiting recently….his stories just inspired me more. He told me he sponsors a couple students and when he asks them what they want, they tell him they want books. They are so hungry for knowledge and do not care as much about material things. That is awesome, very touching and shows the character and true hearts of these wonderful children. It just wanted to get me more involved!
Me and Ben Bourne, my good buddy who had inspired me so much about Africa and the kids!
What is your favorite place to ride? (besides Tanzania that is)
I have a few favorite trails I love to ride here in the Charlotte area: The Whitewater Center, Lake Norman State Park, Sherman Branch, and Uwharrie National Forest!
What kind of bike do you train on? Does it have a name?
I have a Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp 29er full suspension bike! No name for my bike, although many people call Stumpjumpers “Stumpys.”
My Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp 29er full suspension bike... The bad boy I train on.
What unique ways are you planning on spreading the awareness for what you are doing and fundraising?
I am new to fundraising, but Meghann told me she would help me out with getting a website set up, tips, tricks, etc. I plan to use Facebook, Twitter and email all my friends to get them involved and raise awareness!
Thank you, Eugene!! We hope to get in a few rides with you in Charlotte before starting the adventure in Tanzania! Are you up for some 6am Flywheel classes with us?
You can follow Eugene’s fundraising efforts here. Next week we’ll introduce the next rider and share an awesome video our former Full Circle Program Director, Adam, put together of the kids!