“Simple Gifts”, a Shaker song by Joseph Brackett celebrates a sentiment that is as applicable today as when it was written in 1848.

‘Tis the gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free
‘Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
‘Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gained,
To bow and to bend we shan’t be ashamed,
To turn, turn will be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come ’round right.

A Gift To Be Simple
The gift to be simple is a perfect description of cycling because a great ride can be had on any bicycle, even on a second-hand one from Good Karma, a Turning Wheels for Kids bicycle to an under-privileged child, or on a world tour owning nothing more than what a bicycle can carry (Jerry Schonewille and many others).

A Simple Gift
A gift is better given than to have it received. ACTC has incredibly caring and compassionate members and we need to be generous to the less-fortunate, especially children. Turning Wheels for Kids and the San Jose Rotary Playgarden for handicap children are both worthy causes.

A simple gift of a bicycle can change life and free children from childhood obesity and juvenile diabetes. In some cases, a bicycle may be their only way to go to school.
www.turningwheelsforkids.org

The unique Rotary Playgarden (www.grpg.org/rpg/) promotes equal play for children of all abilities and is located by the Guadalupe River Trail. An uplifting speech by Lily Guggenheim, a teenager, at the Playgarden Grand Opening is a must see (starts with Mayor Sam):
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=86n7ECiq2Gs

My three favorite versions of Simple Gifts are:
Yo-Yo Ma and Alison Krauss
The Piano Guys, Live at Red Butte Garden
Judy Collins

Best,
Tony Le, ACTC President