We Did It … 265 Miles Strong … in Support of Teen Mental Health
After five incredible days, countless pedal strokes and plenty of grit, the Cherokee Creek Boys School (CCBS) cycling team has done it again!
From September 21 – 25, 2025, our Team BOTO riders completed 265 miles across Missouri’s historic Katy Trail … crossing the finish line in St. Louis with smiles, sore legs and a deep sense of accomplishment.
But BOTO’s Big Ride 2025 wasn’t just about fun or the miles.
It was about raising awareness for teen mental health, supporting the boys and families at CCBS and fueling the Firekeepers Scholarship Fund, which ensures more students can access the care and support they need.
Why Does This Matter?
Because teen mental health is one of the most urgent challenges of our time.
In 2021, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the Children’s Hospital Association declared a “National State of Emergency in Children’s Mental Health.” Rising anxiety, depression and lack of access to care continue to affect millions of families.
And here’s the good news: we can all make a difference. Research shows that when we step up to support others, it helps us too … boosting happiness, reducing stress and building stronger communities (University of Alabama at Birmingham).
As Maya Angelou reminded us: “I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.”
This was the second annual BOTO’s Big Ride and once again, our mascot BOTO the Bear reminded us what it means to “Be Open To Outcome.” From start to finish, the team lived out the spirit of resilience, courage and community … values at the very heart of Cherokee Creek Boys School.
Highlights from the Ride
Special thanks to our fabulous bike team, which included:
Two CCBS alumni parents; four cyclists from our local community / the Oconee County Cycling Group; Janine LePere, the SAG Driver; and two CCBS staff members, Executive Director David LePere and Primary Elijah Smith.
David led the ride last year and both Elijah and David dealt with adversity … working their way back to be on the ride after each of them was involved in a biking accident.
Along the way, our team faced steep climbs, some challenging weather … let’s just say Day 3 featured a LOT of mud … and plenty of opportunities to lean on one another for encouragement.
“Reaching the end of our ride is like a mountain top experience for me. Before setting off, I was training for the physical challenge aspect of the ride, but in reality this is much more of a challenge in attitude and grit when the going got tough. For me, it was the enthusiasm of my friends who were also facing the same challenge that made the difference between finishing or not. I’m grateful to have been surrounded by such supportive friends!”
— David LePere
“Fantastic ride! Great to make new friends. It’s fun to meet the challenges of a 5-day ride and bittersweet to reach the end and have to leave the trail and friends behind. A big thank you to David and the CCBS Team for organizing the ride. I look forward to seeing where BOTO is riding next year!”
— Steve
The Katy Trail (#KatyTrail) offered more than just miles … it offered connection. Riders shared stories, laughter and determination mile after mile, reminding us that resilience is built not just in solitary moments, but in community.
“I had a fantastic time on this trip. I was as a bit nervous because I was the only SAG Wagon driver and wanted to make sure I did a good job. Get to each stop on time, have a good snack set up, have luggage unpacked from trailer and ready for the riders etc. I love CCBS and it was wonderful to feel like I could give back somehow.”
— Janine LePere, SAG Wagon Driver
[ SAG = Support and Gear support vehicle for long, organized bike rides ]
Crossing the finish line in St. Louis was more than the end of a bike ride. It was the celebration of a purpose: to raise awareness for teen mental health and to help more boys and families find hope through the Firekeepers Scholarship Fund.
“Our week in Missouri was very enjoyable. Being in a different place and in a different routine was a wonderful change of pace, and the countryside and farmland was beautiful and tranquil. The relationships formed and the experiences shared were easily the best part of the week, as I had the opportunity to ride with new people and see and explore new places.
The principle of BOTO (Being Open To Outcome) was present in so many contexts: flexibility in going along with decisions that were made for the best of the group; patience when trying to find a restaurant that wasn’t closed; willingness to ride faster to get somewhere in time or slower to make others’ riding experience better, etc.
In the world of bicycle touring, flexibility is essential, and the cyclist’s ability to embrace it is often the deciding factor in how successful and enjoyable the tour is or isn’t. This is a reflection of life in general, and the way that flexibility manifests as courage and resilience when things get tough, and as trust and wisdom when navigating situations with the benefit of the experience possessed by yourself and others. How wonderful to put these things into practice from the seat of a bicycle in rural Missouri, alongside newfound friends.”
— Elijah Smith
Keep the Momentum Going
BOTO’s Big Ride 2025 crossed the finish line, but the journey doesn’t stop here. The Firekeepers Scholarship Fund continues to open doors for boys and families who need the specialized care and support of Cherokee Creek Boys School.
If you’ve been inspired by our riders’ resilience and determination, we invite you to be part of the story: Make a gift today to the Firekeepers Scholarship Fund.
Thank you for cheering us on, for supporting teen mental health and for believing in the mission of Cherokee Creek Boys School.
Summary
The second annual BOTO’s Big Ride was more than just a 265-mile bike ride. It was a moving celebration of resilience, community and purpose.
Along the way, CCBS riders not only pushed their physical limits but also raised awareness for teen mental health and critical funds for the Firekeepers Scholarship Fund.
The finish line may have been in St. Louis, but the impact continues … reminding us all to stay strong, stay open to outcome and keep riding for what matters most.
“All of us, at some time or other, need help. Whether we’re giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That’s one of the things that connects us as neighbors … in our own way, each one of us is a giver and a receiver.”
– Fred Rogers
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