December 12, 2-24 - Bob's Free Bikes was the recipient of 24 bicycles donated by the employees of Extek Engineered Products. The company does periodic service events and had the idea to assembly and donate bikes for Christmas. Bob's Free Bikes appeared at the top of their Google search. The employees donated bikes and funds and were able to gather 24 bikes for the event. They had an assembly day on December 11th with everyone pitching in, turning wrenches. The result was a great time for all and the anticipation of doing it again next year.
EXTEX Engineered Products is a manufacturer and supplier of spare parts for the aerospace industry. Their focus is parts for gas turbine engines and helicopters. Based in Gilbert, EXTEK has 30 employees.
Bob's is grateful for the support from employees of EXTEK.
Thank You!
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December 8, 2024 - Today, volunteers with Bob's Free Bikes staffed an informational booth during the second annual Frenzy Hills Rides, presented by our sponsor, Aravaipa Rides, at the McDowell Mountain Regional Park. The event has multiple rides through stunning Sonoran desert scenery on various loop options, from 10 miles to 100 miles. This year's event followed a less technical route than last year, with options for solo, duo, and quad relay events.
Participants had the opportunity to donate their unused bikes to Bob's and support us by enjoying an ice cold brew at the event's beer garden.
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Thank you Aravaipa Rides for including us in this event!​
November 28, 2024 - Many volunteers with Bob's Free Bikes came out to march in the Fountain Hills Thanksgiving Day Parade. The parade route was lined with a festive crowd and a great time was had by all. Thanks to all who helped make the event a success!
September 27-28, 2024 - The volunteers with Bob's Free Bikes were on hand to help make the 2024 Four Peaks Rotary Octoberfest a success.
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Four Peaks Rotary continued the Fountain Hills tradition by hosting this year's Oktoberfest. The German celebration, one of only a few AUTHENTIC events in the Valley, took place at it's new location, Centennial Circle at the Fountain Hills Community Center.
The family event included the famous Bier Stein holding competition and Alphorn blowing contest, best-dressed German attire contest, as well as an interactive area for the kids. A vendor area offered a variety of themed items for sale.
Bob's Free Bikes was honored to assist the Four Peaks Rotary to carry this popular Fountain Hills, Arizona event forward as a signature fundraiser to support the Four Peaks Rotary mission. Proceeds from the event will benefit worthwhile causes locally and internationally.
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We are very fortunate to have the support of the Four Peaks Rotary and their members who care about the community.
THANK YOU!
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August 29, 2024 - Bob's Free Bikes received a generous donation from one of Fountain Hills' favorite volunteers, Paul Perreault. Among other things, Paul is an active member of the Four Peaks Rotary, a regular participant, along with his truck, in annual Fountain Hills' Make a Difference Day and takes our scrap metal to the recycler.
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Today, Paul arrived at our door with fifteen new 18" and 20" bicycles. By the end of the day, our volunteer mechanics had eight of them assembled and ready to be given to children who have requested a bike. The remaining seven will be ready next week.
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We are very fortunate to have the support many people like Paul, who care about the community.
THANK YOU!
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Jay Turberville, BFB Board secretary with Paul Perreault, right
August 25, 2024 - Today, Bob's Free Bikes received a much needed donation of six new 20" bicycles from Pellegrini Group. New to Bob's Free Bikes this year, the Pellegrini Group has become an active sponsor providing support for our mission throughout the year.​
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The following day, our volunteer mechanics were assembling them almost as fast as they were coming off the truck. By midday, all were ready to be given to children waiting for their bike requests to be filled.
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Thank you Tony Pellegrini for your generous support!
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From left, BFB volunteers Bruce Nagel, Terry Basom, Walter Heimbuch, Evan Alexon and Jay Turberville
July 1-6, 2024 - With the help of our many volunteers from the BFB staff and the community at large, Bob's Free Bikes moved from the old Four Peaks Elementary school to it's new home at 16548 E. Laser Dr., Suites 12 & 13 in Fountain Hills.
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We are grateful for the support and the huge effort that everyone contributed to make this move a success.
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THANK YOU!
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Little Moves, Inc. donated their truck, trailer and labor. Please support this local business!
Bob, who picks up donated bikes, with a load ready to move
Wheel storage above the bikes
Little Moves, Inc. donated their truck, trailer and labor. Please support this local business!
June 1, 2024 - Show your support for Bob's Free Bikes by shopping at Paul's Ace Hardware in Fountain Hills . For the month of June, when you make a purchase, you can round up the purchase price to the next dollar and the additional funds will go to Bob's Free Bikes.
April 6, 2024 - The volunteers with Bob's Free Bikes spent a fun-filled day full of all things cycling and encouraging an active lifestyle at the annual CycloMesa festival on the Plaza in Mesa. Attendees had a choice of activities including a
bike rodeo hosted by Phoenix Children’s Hospital​ and free helmets and fitting provided by City of Mesa’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program.
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Entertainment was provided by a BMX stunt show, roller derby demos, live music, juggling unicyclists and a backwards bike rider.
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February 17, 2024 - Today 130 riders participated in the 6th annual Gran Fondo and gave over $1,600 in donations for Bob's Free Bikes.
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McDowell Mountain Cycles sponsored this unique free ride around the Fountain Hills area. Two distances were available, 55K (34miles) and 87K (54 miles). Volunteers supplied the ride with sag support and two aid stations along the routes. Both routes began and finished at McDowell Mountain Cycles. An added feature this year was the Specialized team that provided demo bikes and advice for those looking for a new ride.
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Our heart-felt thanks to the staff at McDowell Mountain Cycles, Specialized Bicycle, our riders and volunteers for making this event such a success!
January 7, 2024 - SAVE THE DATE! The 6th annual Gran Fondo road ride sponsored by McDowell Mountain Cycles is scheduled for February 17, 2024. Last year, this free event raised $2,600 in donations for Bob's Free Bikes.
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McDowell Mountain Cycles will offer this unique ride around the Fountain Hills area. Last year, two distances are available, 55K (34miles) and 87K (54 miles). This year's routes are being finalized and will be similar in length. It will be a fully supported ride for everyone with sag support and two aid stations along the route. Both routes start and finish at McDowell Mountain Cycles.
What is a Gran Fondo? - Gran Fondo is an Italian term which very loosely translates to “Big Ride”. Gran Fondos are designed for everyone. whether you are an experienced cyclist wanting to push your own limits, or you are someone new to riding and want to ride at your own pace.
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Come and support Bob's Free Bikes mission to provide a bike for any child, 18 years old and younger, in the greater Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area who would otherwise not be able to have one. Children should experience the responsibility, excitement and freedom that comes with owning a bike.
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For more information go to www.facebook.com/mcdowellmountaincycles
January 3, 2024 - The final tally is in. For 2023, Bob's Free Bikes provided 1,158 bicycles to those in need! Congratulations to our staff of dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this happen. In addition, we want to acknowledge all those who donated bicycles, parts and funding. Without their support, we would not have accomplished this milestone.
Thank You!
November 23, 2023 - The volunteers for Bob's Free Bikes started their holiday morning marching in the Fountain Hills Thanksgiving Day Parade. The streets were lined with festive parade watchers and a great time was had by all. Thanks to all who helped make the event a success!
November 17, 2023 - Stop by the Fountain Hills Community Center and see the annual Christmas tree display, featuring 25 unique interpretations of the holiday symbol, now through January 2, 2024.
October 28, 2023 - As in the past, this year's Fountain Hills Spooky Blast was a huge success. Lots of kids in costumes (along with many adults), all traveling around the Four Peaks Park trick-or-treating, participating in the games at each booth and enjoying the culinary offerings of the food vendors. Thank you all who stopped at our booth.
October 21, 2023 - This morning as some of the Bob's Free Bikes volunteers were busy with Make a Difference Day in Fountain Hills, others were busy making a difference in the lives of 44 young people at Vessels of Possibilities in south Phoenix. Bikes delivered and waiting to surprise them after their STEM work session this morning
We thank all who made this milestone possible!
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October 28, 2023, Update- Today, we received this wonderful Thank You note and photos from Tracy Hudson, the CEO/Founder of Vessels of Possibilities, Incorporated -
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"Good evening,
I wanted to thank you again for donating the bikes to the Vessels of Possibilities STEM Robotics Coding and Programming Team! It was truly a blessing watching their faces light up, the smiles and them being totally shocked that they had received a bike.
We are truly grateful for what you are doing in the community to brighten a child's life and for your kindness to our youth group!
Not all the kids arrived at the time of the photo but I wanted to share this with you!"
October 6, 2023 - Thanks to the overwhelming support and generosity of the citizens of Maricopa County, Bob's Free Bikes is at maximum storage capacity for bicycles. As of yesterday, we have over 630 bicycles waiting to be restored and given to children. Many of the bikes donations came through our website donation page.
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In addition, on September 23rd, we participated in the annual bike drive sponsored by the Earnhardt Auto Centers,
ABC15 Arizona and the St Vincent de Paul Society. BFB volunteers collected 286 bikes dropped off at Earnhardt Toyota, Earnhardt Hyundai and Earnhardt Cadillac.
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We thank all who made this milestone possible!
August 1, 2023 - Arizona’s Family newscasts (3TV & CBS 5) segment, Something Good, featured Bob's Free Bikes today. The response from the viewing public was immediate with a number bicycle and monetary donations received through our website shortly after the broadcast.
Our heartfelt thanks to the Something Good host, Tess Rafols, the staff of Arizona's Family newscasts and all those who made donations. Your support helps us continue Bob's mission.
May 30, 2023 - It is with deep sadness and greatest respect that we announce the passing of our Founder, Robert "Bob" Mandel. After a years long battle with cancer, Bob was freed from its grip on May 29, 2023 at the age of 81.
Following more than 40 years with Make-A-Wish, Special Olympics, Feed the Children, etc., he founded Bob's Free Bikes and continued to fulfill his passion for giving to children. His contagious passion gave each volunteer reason to want to be a part of this cause and continue his legacy.
Our deepest condolences to his wife, Barbara, and their family.
May 10, 2023 - Bob's Free Bikes was the recipient of 6 new bicycles donated by Henry, a Carlisle Company. As part of a company sponsored team building event in Scottsdale, AZ , the attendees participated in a "giving back" session where they assembled the new bikes.
Henry offers a diverse and well-balanced portfolio of building products for new construction, repairs, and restoration projects in the residential, light commercial, and commercial end-markets. Henry is headquartered in Kimberton, PA with manufacturing locations throughout the U.S. and Canada.
One of their core values is giving back and supporting local communities by partnering with programs like Bob's Free Bikes. Thank you for helping us put smiles on 6 young faces!
April 26-27, 2023 - The Bob’s Free Bikes Team prepared sixty bicycles for children of enlisted personnel stationed at Luke Air Force Base. The team from LAFB arrived at the BFB shop at 9AM on the 26th to pickup the bike. On the 27th, the BFB team spent the afternoon at LAFB assisting with making minor adjustments to the bikes to fit them to the children.
Located west of Phoenix, Luke Air Force Base is home to the 56th Fighter Wing, the largest fighter wing in the world and the Air Force’s primary active-duty fighter pilot training wing. As part of Air Education and Training Command, and home to 24 squadrons with both F-35A Lightning II and F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, the 56th graduates more than 400 pilots and 300 air control professionals annually.
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A huge Thank You to the LAFB team for making this event a success!
April 1, 2023 - The Bob’s Free Bikes Team participated in the 15th Annual Family Bike Ride event In Chandler AZ. We collected a number of donated bike and provided assistance to the riders as needed. The weather was perfect, and it was amazing to see so many residents from the Chandler community come together and enjoy a bike ride with their family and friends. They had a record turnout with over 550 riding to Tibshraeny Park and back, and it was heartwarming to see everyone having a great time.
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Phoenix Children's Hospital provided helmets and conducted a safety training rodeo. The city of Chandler had a demonstration consisting of several types of safety barriers for use along designated bike lanes on public highways.
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Thank you Chandler for including us in this wonderful event!
February 18, 2023 - The 5th annual Gran Fondo road ride sponsored by Fountain Hills Bikes and McDowell Mountain Cycles took place today. This free event raised $2,600 in donations for Bob's Free Bikes.
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Fountain Hills Bikes and McDowell Mountain Cycles teamed up to offer this unique ride around the Fountain Hills area. Two distances were available, 55K (34miles) and 87K (54 miles). It was a fully supported ride for everyone with sag support and two aid stations along the route. Both routes started at Fountain Hills Bikes and ended at McDowell Mountain Cycles.
What is a Gran Fondo? - Gran Fondo is an Italian term which very loosely translates to “Big Ride”. Gran Fondos are designed for everyone. whether you are an experienced cyclist wanting to push your own limits, or you are someone new to riding and want to ride at your own pace.
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Our heart felt THANK YOU! goes out to the staff at Fountain Hills Bikes, the staff at McDowell Mountain Cycles and the many volunteers who helped make the event safe and successful. Lastly, another heart felt THANK YOU! to those who gave generously to support Bob's Free Bikes mission to provide a bike for any child, 18 years old and younger, in the greater Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area who would otherwise not be able to have one. Children should experience the responsibility, excitement and freedom that comes with owning a bike.
December 31, 2022 - Bobs Free Bikes wishes all of its volunteers and supporters a happy and prosperous New year.
We would like to thank our volunteers and supporters for their support during 2022, without your support we could not have given out 1085 bikes and made a lot of kids very happy. Here's to a happy and successful 2023!
December 19, 2022 - The 2022 Fountain Hills Community Center Holiday Tree Decorating Contest Winner for Most Creative is Bob's Free Bikes! Come see the Christmas trees on display at the Fountain Hills Community Center located at 13001 N La Montana Drive in Fountain Hills
December 15, 2022 - Today, the volunteers at Bob's Free Bikes reached a milestone by delivering 1000 bicycles within a calendar year. Bob Mandel came by bearing donuts, shaking hands and congratulating the crew. He said "When I started this venture, my goal was to deliver 52 bikes in a year... and you guys ruined everything!" Then he offered his heartfelt thanks to each of us. By the day's end, the total stood at 1008 and year isn't over yet!
November 24, 2022 - Bob's Free Bikes volunteers along with founder, Bob Mandel, was one of many groups that participated in the 38th Fountain Hills Thanksgiving Day Parade, the only such parade in Arizona.
November 21, 2022 - The volunteers at Bob's Free Bikes delivered 74 bicycles to the kindergartners at Frank Elementary School in Guadalupe, AZ. Phoenix Children's Hospital provided helmets for each of the new cyclists and MCSO Community Outreach helped distribute bikes. Many smiling kids...
November 14, 2022 - This past weekend, we received over $1,000 in donations from those visiting our booth at the Fountain Festival of the Arts and Crafts. Thank you for your support!
October 29, 2022 - Thank you all who stopped at our booth during the Fountain Hills Spooky Blast Halloween celebration at the Four Peaks Park.
August 26, 2022 - Bob's Free Bikes was the recipient of 22 new bicycles donated by Global Roofing Group. As part of a company sponsored leadership event in Tempe, AZ , thirty Global Roofing Group managers participated in a "giving back" session where they assembled the new bikes. Global Roofing Group is a commercial roofing contractor headquartered in Phoenix with six additional satellite offices. One of their core values is giving back and supporting local communities by partnering with programs like Bob's Free Bikes. Thank you for helping us put smiles of 22 young faces!
July 22, 2022 - Bob's Free Bikes was chosen as a community service project by the children attending the Phoenix Police Youth Experience at the Mountain View precinct. We received over 20 bikes, a donation of $4,000 and a note of encouragement shown below. Our Heartfelt THANK YOU! to these wonderful kids and officers.
