Growing up, Randy Caldwell watched his father, Lloyd, go out of his way to help others. Inspired by his dad, Caldwell started an organization to give back to the community. Now, the Penryn man is the one who needs help.
Caldwell created Lloyd's Rides in 2016. The nonprofit organization gives rides on motorcycles, or in hot rods or other specialty vehicles to mentally challenged people and wounded warriors. Although the organization has been his focus for the past five years, Caldwell is facing mounting medical difficulties and is seeking someone to take over Lloyd's Rides.
"Right now, it's just me in this organization," he said. "My wife is a registered nurse, and she takes good care of me. I want to find somebody who will take care of this organization because it's becoming too much for me."
Caldwell, 72, said Lloyd's Rides offers a sense of freedom and joy to participants and also lets them know they are not alone. "Lloyd's Rides helps to build camaraderie and lets people know we care for them," he explained. "I want to help."
Caldwell knows firsthand how it feels to ride, and he wants to pass that feeling on to others. "My dad used to take me for rides on his Harley when I was very little," he recalled. "I've been riding motorcycles since I was 2 years old."
He emphasized that he will assist whoever takes over for him and will offer not only his knowledge of the organization, but also his connections to the community.
"I have equipment. I have a banner and a tent to put up at motorcycle rallies," he said, noting that he recruits for his organization at events. "I have been going to local motorcycle breakfasts, and I'll help the person who takes over to keep everything going."
Along with helping mentally challenged people and veterans, Caldwell's organization is also focused on first responders. "A lot of first responders are veterans," he stated. "I want to help the ones who are suffering and who are at risk for suicide."
Caldwell has a mission to combat post-traumatic stress disorder, he noted, and Lloyd's Rides has expanded its services to offer computers for veterans who have this condition.
Mary Caldwell, Randy's wife of almost 50 years, noted that her husband has had a passion to give back since his youth, when medical problems prevented him from serving his country. "He didn't qualify for military service, and because of that, he's always had a desire to help people who have served and who are suffering because of their service," she explained. "Charity has always been important to him."
For more information on Lloyd's Rides, readers may visit http://www.lloydsrides.org or call Randy Caldwell at 717-606-5176.
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