This year, St. Joseph Peace Mission is preparing for the opening of the Hayden Home for Girls named in memory of Nicky Hayden and in honor of the Hayden family. Ironically, the Trek XXII fundraiser which benefits St. Joseph Peace Mission for Children, Yewell Home for Boys and the Hayden Home for Girls will be held June 9, and when written numerically, it is 6/9, Hayden’s recently-retired racing number.
The date was not specifically chosen as the Trek is held the second Sunday of June annually, but it does bring a unique awareness to the event with the addition of the Hayden Home for Girls.
The trek began not as a fundraising event but rather as a celebration or another year of good health for David Yewell, who walked the first several treks alone. He then invited some friends to join and among them, they decided that the event was “too good” to keep to themselves so they decided to turn it into a charity benefit.
The Trek is touted as a family-fun and non-competitive event and open to all ages. Participants can walk, run or bike a 13-mile course that begins at the Calhoun riverfront and ends at the home of Jean and David Yewell in West Louisville where lunch is provided at the end of the event, along with a time to gather with others from the event and the opportunity to cool off in the Yewell’s pool.
“Every year those who participate leave stating that they are unaware of any other community event where for a period of 4 – 5 hours, hundreds of folks can gather together – of all races, religious heritages and backgrounds – and there is no ill word spoken about another; no use of alcohol or tobacco or illegal drugs; no necessity of “winning” or “defeating” another’s performance; and no reason to be together except to share in a personal physical experience which mostly benefits someone other than ourselves,” wrote David Yewell about the history of the Trek.
Veteran participant Kaitlyn Moore enjoys biking in the Trek because she said it caters to riders of all experience levels.
“Even if you don’t ride often you can ride the 13-mile loop,” Kaitlyn said. “More experienced riders can do the 20-mile loop or ride back to the start for additional mileage.”
She also enjoys the end celebration at the Yewell’s house saying that it is a fun time to socialize with the other participants and enjoy lunch.
Proceeds from the event go to providing a safe haven for more than 350 vulnerable and at-risk youth and families served annually by St. Joseph Peace Mission.
Paula Yevincy is the president of the St. Joseph Peace Mission and said that $40,000 to $50,000 is what they hope to raise from the event to offset the costs that arise from running a facility that operates 24/7.
David Moore said that his dad, Don Moore, always “had a spot in his heart” to help where he could and enjoyed riding in the Trek annually. Kaitlyn, David’s daughter (and Don’s granddaughter) moved back to Owensboro in 2015, and had the opportunity to ride with both her father and grandfather in the Trek that year.
Since Don died, David and his two daughters, Kaitlyn and Kendall, have looked forward to riding in the event, which Kaitlyn said she does to honor her grandfather’s love for biking — something he passed on to her as well — and his dedication to helping those less fortunate in the community.
“I feel like the Trek honors my dad and his support of the community and his love for biking, something he did until eight weeks before he died,” David said. “The distance of this ride is enjoyable. The hills are challenging, but it’s not too long.”
David also said that the camaraderie of the people that ride annually — and knowing there is a hamburger waiting at the end of the course — is always added motivation.
Ritzy’s donates the hamburgers that are served with the sides and beverages. Since participants arrive by various ways and at their own pace, Yevincy said the day becomes more about fellowship and relaxing after the scenic, rural ride.
Transportation is available along the route for anyone who wants to stop and participants can be taken to the Yewells’ home or to their car if they left it at the start of the trek.
A donation of $25 is encouraged, but not required, to participate in the event. Registration is available on the St. Joseph Peace Mission website and participants may also register the day of the event, T which time a T-shirt in the participant’s preferred size cannot be guaranteed.
Yevincy said that the shirts have become a favorite of many because the design changes each year. This will be the third year for the frequently-requested dri-fit shirt.
The event runs from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
