Mentoring Matters: Friends 'Exchange' Life Lessons By Fixing Bikes For Those In Need

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FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – Sixteen-year-old Michael Williams and Jeff Torkelson, his friend and mentor, spend countless hours together as part of a team of volunteer mechanics who fix up used bikes and give them to children, as well as adults, who can't afford them.

The concept for the nonprofit "Recyclable Bicycle Exchange" was born the first time the duo spent time together four years ago.

"We started RBX based on our first outing together, which was a bit of a debacle because we were going to go for a bike ride along the beach," said Torkelson.  "His bike was too big, it was unsafe, and so that's kind of what spurred this."

Williams remembers that day as well.

"My bike didn't have no gears or no brakes," he said.  "He showed me how to fix some bikes.  He showed me how I needed to take care of my bike to maintain it.  He started all this, and he saw how some kids didn't have bikes."

Over the years, Williams has renovated bicycles for himself as well as for his sisters, friends and neighbors – service for others that has taught him a lot about life.

"I didn't like giving to people," said Williams.  "I never experienced giving to people until I met Jeff, and he started sharing with people, opened up his heart."

The two friends have had challenging times and good times over the years – a relationship Williams said has changed him as a person.

"I could see that he cared about me," he said.  "It feels good, because he is the only man role model in my life."

Torkelson, who lost his father to cancer at a young age, knows what it's like to long for that companionship. He's there for Williams, no matter the circumstances.

"We're friends and we hang out, and we go and do fun stuff," said Torkelson.  "We try and just be there for each other, and I hope that I can make an impact, but we don't talk about it. Hopefully he knows that if he ever needs something, that he's got someone there who cares about him."

Torkelson has not only taught Williams to work on bikes, but also to drive, to fish, and most importantly, to give back.  Williams said he's rewarded every time he's able to provide for a child.

"They feel happy, overjoyed," he said.  "They take a picture so they can remember the moment forever.  It feels good.  It feels like I'm helping a lot."

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