his story first appeared in the 2025 Cycling Guide, an annual special section aimed at telling the stories of the businesses, people and local efforts that have made The Corridor a cycling destination.
Thirteen-year-old Hunter Dryer was very excited when he found out he was going to get a new bicycle at a special event sponsored by Variety - the Children’s Charity of Iowa. Because he is nonverbal and has Down syndrome, Hunter expressed his happiness in a unique way.
“He was so excited,” said Hunter’s mom, Stephanie Dryer. “When we pulled up and he saw the bicycles up there, he was almost hyperventilating in the truck.”
Hunter’s bicycle, along with an array of other bicycles, were given away last summer to children across Iowa at bike giveaway events.
“We had an event at Noelridge Park last summer,” said Wendy Ingham, executive director of Variety - the Children’s Charity of Iowa. “At that event, five kids received bikes. It was so impactful. A grandparent said, ‘This a game changer for my grandchild.’”
Families celebrate together as they receive the bicycle gifts for their children.