Father and son in Sangerville fixing up bicycles for children in need

SANGERVILLE — A father and son in Sangerville plan to be very busy over the next few months, fixing up bicycles to give to children who otherwise may not be able to have a model of their own.

“They will all be donated, my goal is to have 100 bicycles to donate to the kids,” Kevin Clukey said standing in the garage of his McPhetres Road home with bicycles in various stages of repair lined up and hanging from the ceiling.

Clukey’s 10-year-old son Devin, who is in grade 5 at Piscataquis Community Elementary School in Guilford, said a friend of his would stop by to have his bicycle fixed by his father. A suggestion was made that the father and son could fix other bicycles and this grew into the idea of repairing bicycles that could be given to children who may be without anything to ride.

“This was totally his idea trying to give back to people,” Kevin Clukey said, saying that he and his son have enjoyed working together in the garage and the project will allow them to spend a great deal of time together when the weather is too cold to ride outside.

“I get to spend quality time with my son and he loves messing around the garage, so it is a perfect thing for us,” the elder Clukey said.

“I have got 54 here and they are about 90 percent done,” he said. Clukey said the bicycles have been donated from residents across the region who have learned what the two Clukeys are doing.

“I have heard a lot of people comment ‘what a wonderful idea,’” he said.

Clukey said the donated bicycles have varied in condition. “A lot of bikes I don’t have to do anything on,” he said. Other bicycles need repairs such as new seats and chain replacement. Some donations end up serving as parts bicycles for other models.

Rowell’s Garage of Dover-Foxcroft gave a donation to the Clukey’s’ efforts, and Kevin Clukey thanked the dealership for the contribution. “It helps me out a lot, it gets expensive,” he said.

“If I am going to give them out I want the bikes to be clean and safe to give them something to do outside in the fresh air,” Clukey said, saying he has been working on bicycles since he was kid. “A lot of people, good people, just can’t afford it.”

Clukey said he tries to coordinate pick-ups and a recent trip brought him to Charleston, Milo, Brownville, Sebec and Dover-Foxcroft while another excursion was for three bicycles in Parkman. “I have had a lot of people donate,” he said.

Clukey said those looking to contribute or learn more can contact him through Facebook.

Observer photo/Stuart Hedstrom
FATHER AND SON FIXING UP BICYCLES SO KIDS DON’T GO WITHOUT — Kevin Clukey and his 10-year-old son Devin Clukey have started work on a project that they hope results in 100 bicycles going to children who otherwise may not have anything to ride. The pair will be working together over the winter in the garage of their Sangerville home to repair the various models which have been donated from across the region.