San Clemente, Dana Point's Used Bikes Head South to Mexico

One hundred South Orange County bicycles are in the process of being relocated south to Tijuana, to children who never had bikes, thanks to a San Clemente man driven to help.

Unaffiliated with any other charity or nonprofit – though he’s in the process of starting his own – Donald Glasgow started soliciting donations of old bicycles in November. Within days of posting a flier on Patch and other locales, he was already halfway to his goal of 100.

“I and my friends are independent volunteers who have been doing missionary work in Mexico more than five years,” Glasgow said. “We began this process through the San Clemente Presbyterian Church. I now work through the San Clemente Saddleback Church.”

The bikes he has collected the last two months have come from San Clemente and Dana Point residents.

“I pick them up, pumped the tires, wash everything and do some lubricating. A few adjustments here and there too. Most of the bikes received thus far have been in excellent condition,” Glasgow said.

Then friends transport the bikes – only a few at a time – across the border, to Lo Mejor del Trigo church in the El Niño area of Tijuana, he said.

Not satisfied with meeting the goal, Glasgow is now hoping for a few more bikes, maybe ones replaced by shiny new presents Santa Claus brought. To contact him, email donglasgow45@aol.com or phone 949.481.0116.