Bike for Vans

La Crosse, WI, May 18th, 2018 

He rode across the country on a bicycle, braving mountains and weather conditions, to help the individuals we serve have access to more ways of transportation.

Jay Jaehnke rode his bike from the West Coast to Wisconsin, 2,160 miles, in 30 days. He knew before he embarked on this journey that he wanted to fundraise the money for special purpose transportation vehicles for Aptiv, of which he has been on the Board of Directors for 13 years.

Jaehnke’s Bike Ride began on September 1, with a two day drive out to Seattle. On September 3, he was on his bike heading back home. He biked through 98-degree heat, 35 degrees and rain, and even had to change route to avoid wildfires.

“I wanted to be the turtle that finished, not the hare,” Jaehnke said.

Every evening he had to prepare for the next day’s route and where he would be spending the night.

“You have to be flexible, change route and keep your route to rural, non-busy streets,” Jaehnke said. “I prepared to camp, but luckily didn’t have to, so I enjoyed the warm shower and bed after six to eight hour days biking.”

Aptiv CEO Mary Kessens with Don Brenengen with the two new vans. 

With an average of 75 miles per day, he made it to the La Crosse Aptiv parking lot on September 29, and with his fundraising contribution from his journey, along with Roz Schnick and Brenengen Auto’s donations, Aptiv was able to purchase two new white vans.

“I have a huge appreciation for what Aptiv does,” Jaehnke said. “I have been involved for a long time.”

On June 20, Aptiv is hosting a Van Celebration, to say thank you to our donors for their generous contributions to help Aptiv during program growth and providing us with help to focus on community based service opportunities for our participants.

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