Volunteer Spotlight: Adam Lavergne – Finding Community on the Trail

Sometimes volunteering begins with a long-standing connection. And sometimes it grows out of a simple opportunity to give back.

For Adam it was a bit of both.

Before volunteering his time, Adam had supported the organization through corporate donations. When his career changed, that avenue was no longer available. But his new role came with a program that encourages staff to give back to the community. Instead of donating a day each quarter, Adam discovered he could take part in something more regular — joining the weekly spring and fall rides with TFKO.

“I’m thrilled to be able to donate my time and work hands-on with the kids.”

Out on the trails, Adam appreciates something increasingly rare — time with young people in an environment that feels simple and grounded.

“What keeps me coming back is the meaningful experience of connecting with the kids in a tech-free environment.”

Those rides offer more than just physical activity. They give young people the chance to reconnect with the outdoors and with one another.

“As a colleague beautifully put it, we’re helping them rediscover the simplicity and beauty of the forest.”

For Adam, the role of a ride leader is less about leading and more about supporting the group. Every ride involves small decisions that help ensure everyone can participate and enjoy the experience.

“Whether it’s pacing ourselves to match the slowest rider or choosing routes that everyone can enjoy, every decision reinforces a sense of mutual support and teamwork. It’s a powerful reminder that we’re only as strong as our group.”

A memorable moment for Adam was when he assisted some young people in learning to ride a bike and later accompanied them on their first trail ride.

Cycling has always been part of his life — something that gave him mobility as a youth, became a healthy outlet as a teenager, and continues to support both his physical and mental well-being today.

“By helping teach these students to ride, I hope I was able to share why cycling has remained such a positive, lifelong habit for me.”

Over time, volunteering has become something Adam builds into his weekly routine.

“What keeps me returning to TFKO is the relationships, both with the kids and with my fellow ride leaders. Volunteering has become the highlight of my week, and I make sure I’m in town to participate.”

Those relationships grow naturally as riders gain confidence and begin tackling trails that once seemed intimidating.

“There’s nothing quite like watching a young rider tackle a section of trail that has challenged them in the past; seeing the confidence it brings them is incredibly rewarding.”

In the end, what keeps Adam coming back is the sense of community that develops on every ride.

“At its core, it always comes back to community — with the kids and with the incredible team of ride leaders I get to volunteer alongside.”

When asked what he would say to someone considering volunteering, Adam keeps it simple.

“Do it! Volunteering is a chance to share your passion and help inspire the next generation. You’ll be showing them not only the physical rewards of cycling but also the sense of community that comes with being part of a group sport.”

And along the way, he says, volunteers often rediscover something themselves.

“You get to remind them—and yourself—just how lucky we are to have such wonderful forest trails right within our city.”

Get Involved

Trips for Kids Ottawa is made possible by a dedicated community of volunteers. Some join us on the trails as ride leaders, while others support the organization behind the scenes in ways that help our programs run smoothly.

If volunteering isn’t possible at the moment, donations also play an important role in making these experiences accessible to youth who might not otherwise have the opportunity.

Whether through time, support, or encouragement, every contribution helps young people discover the confidence and freedom that comes from riding together.