CLUB LIFE
FACES OF MAC The old saying, “Like riding a bike,” refers to any activity that, once learned, is unlikely to be forgotten. Similarly, the story of Bike First!, a camp that teaches individuals with disabilities to safely and confidently ride a bicycle, sticks with just about anyone who hears it. It all started when MAC member Ann Donaca, decided to teach her son, Cody, to ride a bike. “Years before, his younger sister hopped on a bike and got the hang of it in under an hour. Cody experiences Down syndrome, so as I buckled his helmet on, I optimistically told myself this would be quick. That was not to be,” she recalls. Cody struggled to get his leg over the bar of the bike while Ann strained to distribute his weight evenly on the seat. They went around in circles as she pulled his handlebars and gripped his seat. “It felt mentally and emotionally like we were going in opposite directions.” Months later, Ann read about devices that attach to the wheels of adaptive bikes, assisting riders to learn the skills needed to ride typical models. She knew the technology could help Cody and other people with disabilities, but that it was only part of the solution. “We would also need our community,” she realized. “In 2006, I brought the adaptive bikes to town. I also pulled in 15 friends, neighbors, and bike nuts to volunteer their time to teach a camp. It worked. Cody was up on two wheels and, in 2007, Bike First! was born. That year, the Multnomah Athletic Foundation came on as a sponsor of the program, and MAF continues to support Bike First! to this day. As a member of MAC’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, Ann has also connected with a variety of fellow members over a shared commitment to making athletic and social opportunities accessible for all. Nearly 20 years later — as well as hundreds of volunteers and riders — Bike First! isn’t slowing down. In early July, the program experienced another successful year with 96% of riders on two wheels.
TIM GUNTHER
Bike? Check!
Ann Donaca and Cody Sullivan at the 2023 MAF Impact Awards. “Many of our riders will never drive a car, but their caregivers are looking down a different road,” Ann says, explaining that the significance of riding goes so much deeper than just transportation. “Riding a bike along a trail is exercise. Riding to work is independence. Riding with a friend is a connection. Riding with family members is fun. There’s a sacred moment when a rider gets up on two wheels. I cried the moment it happened for Cody, and I’ve cried 1,000 times since. I am sure of my purpose.” Bike First! isn’t just about teaching people with disabilities the skills needed to ride typical bikes, she adds. It’s about inclusion and systemic change. The organization gives people the opportunity to learn that everyone faces their own challenges and advises them to not be afraid of differences.
“It teaches our 100 volunteers to invite people with disabilities or someone who needs a friend to their birthday party, to sit with someone outside of their friend group at lunch, to smile and make conversation with someone new,” Ann proudly proclaims. Earlier this year, Ann accompanied Cody when he took this conversation to the State Legislature, presenting his story to the Ways and Means Committee and speaking at Attorney General Dan Rayfield’s press conference. Ann believes his words are worth remembering: “I bring diversity. Support me with equity. Include me. I am worthy!” Learn more at bikefirst.net.
Every MAC member has moments when they shine extra brightly. Know a member who’s won big in their respective sport, been honored for a professional accomplishment, or made a difference in their community? Suggest them to be featured in Faces of MAC by emailing wingedm@themac.com. OCTOBER 2025 | The Wınged M | 13