
Mini Bikes for a Mission: Building Community, Camaraderie, and Custom Mini-bikes
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Motorcycle Missions has always been about healing through hands-on creativity and connection. Whether it’s mentoring Veterans as they build custom motorcycles or offering a safe space for First Responders to decompress on two wheels, our work makes a difference. One of our newest programs held at local fire stations, Mini Bikes for a Mission, proves that transformation can even happen in the quiet moments of calm between emergency calls.
This program relieves firefighters of boredom in the idle hours spent on-call at the station, but that’s just the beginning. It also promotes teamwork and creativity and builds stronger ties between fire stations, the motorcycle community, and our mission. Let’s dive into the story behind this exciting initiative, from its pilot phase to its promising expansion.

The Spark That Started It All
The idea for the mini bike program has been years in the making. Back in 2017, Motorcycle Missions founder Krystal Hess met attorney Lenore Scheffman of Cyclist Law. Lenore, a passionate supporter of motorcyclists, donated $5,000 and a vintage Honda CT70 to the organization.
The CT70, a small yet iconic motorcycle beloved in the 1970s, immediately caught Krystal’s eye. However, with Motorcycle Missions in its infancy and funding stretched thin, the CT70 sat waiting for its moment to shine. That moment came when Krystal envisioned a bike-build program tailored to First Responders, a critically important but somewhat underrepresented demographic in Motorcycle Missions’ participant base.
A New Vision: Bike Builds in Fire Stations
Fast forward to Spring 2024. Motorcycle Missions was hosting monthly open houses at its Georgetown, Texas, workshop but wanted to bring the program directly to First Responders. Krystal reached out to the local fire department with a bold idea: let’s transform your station into a motorcycle workshop.
The pitch was simple but powerful. Participants could work on a donated vintage motorcycle during downtime between calls, giving them a creative outlet and a chance to bond as a team. While the fire chief wasn’t a motorcyclist, he recognized the enthusiasm among his team and greenlit the pilot project.
The Pilot Program
The first Fire Station Bike Build took place at a Georgetown fire station, featuring Lenore’s donated CT70. Firefighters—many of whom were avid motorcyclists—embraced the project with gusto. Between calls, they disassembled, customized, and rebuilt the bike, pouring their passion into every detail.
The impact was immediate. The project brought a sense of joy and camaraderie to the firehouse. The finished CT70 became a source of pride, a symbol of teamwork, and even an unofficial station vehicle.

Scaling Up: From One Station to Five
The success of the pilot project opened the door for expansion. Motorcycle Missions secured funding for five additional CT70 builds in Georgetown fire stations. Each station received a “beater” CT70, a $5,000 budget, and all the necessary tools and parts to transform the vintage bikes into custom masterpieces.
The CT70 builds are quick by design, often taking just two months to complete. However, there’s no strict deadline—teams work at their own pace, enjoying the process as much as the outcome.
“We’ve been amazed at the enthusiasm from the firefighters,” Krystal says. “This program isn’t just about the bikes; it’s about giving these First Responders a chance to decompress, connect, and create something meaningful.”
The Bikes: Icons of Creativity
The CT70s used in the Mini Bikes for a Mission are more than just motorcycles; they’re collectibles steeped in nostalgia. Purists might balk at the idea of customizing these vintage gems instead of restoring them to factory specifications, but the point of this program isn’t conformity—it’s creativity.
From custom paint jobs to fabricated parts, each build reflects the personality and ingenuity of its team. Once completed, the bikes will be auctioned off to raise funds for Motorcycle Missions, ensuring the program’s sustainability.

Building a Movement
The Mini Bikes for a Mission Program is already inspiring interest beyond Georgetown. Fire departments in other regions, including Libertyville, Illinois, have expressed a desire to participate. While financial constraints have temporarily paused the Illinois expansion, the program’s success in Georgetown is setting the stage for future growth.
Krystal sees endless potential for the program. “We’re proving that this model works. It’s scalable, impactful, and adaptable to any fire station or first Responder community,” she says.
The Road Ahead
For participants, the Mini Bikes for a Mission Program offers far more than mechanical skills. It’s a chance to step away from the stress of their daily responsibilities and focus on something positive and collaborative.
“It’s a great way to bond with my team and de-stress,” one firefighter says. “Building these bikes reminds me that even on tough days, there’s something good waiting for us.”
With five fire stations actively participating and more inquiring about joining, the Mini Bikes for a Mission Program is poised to become a cornerstone of Motorcycle Missions’ outreach and expansion efforts. The organization continues to seek funding and partnerships to grow its reach and bring this transformative experience to even more First Responders.
Looking ahead, there’s talk of organizing a fundraising competition between stations as a component of the program. Krystal dreams of organizing a friendly race featuring the completed CT70s—a playful way to celebrate the teams’ hard work and bring the community together. While still in the planning stages, this idea underscores the program’s emphasis on camaraderie and fun.

How You Can Help
The Mini Bikes for a Mission Program thrives on community support. Whether through donations, sponsorships, or simply spreading the word, every contribution helps Motorcycle Missions bring its programs to life.
By supporting initiatives like Mini Bikes for a Mission Program, you’re not just helping build motorcycles—you’re helping build hope, resilience, and a brighter future for those who serve.