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LOGAN — Brent Carpenter, better known as "Bicycle Brent" is a familiar face to folks in Cache Valley. In fact, he’s a bit of a celebrity.
Carpenter rides his bike all over town, honking his horn and waving at everyone. Some say he’s an icon, a living legend. Others say Brent is one of their favorite memories of living in Logan. There has even been an annual Bike with Brent fundraiser. Seven years in a row, hundreds of people came out to ride their bike with Carpenter and raise money for services that support people with disabilities.
“Brent is a man that has a disability, but he doesn’t let it slow him down. He’s had a job for years and years at Utah State," said Kae Lynn Beecher, executive director of Cache Employment and Training Center. "He actually carried the torch into the USU stadium for the Olympics."
Carpenter's sister, Jeanne Smith, said Carpenter was born without the normal soft spots in his head. When his brain grew, his skull did not and he suffered brain damage. That didn't stop “Bicycle Brent” from spending his life spreading happiness.
With his infectious smile and happy demeanor, the 69-year-old man brightens even the gloomiest day. But recently, “the happiest guy in Logan” found himself in a tough spot. Josh Barnett was concerned recently when he saw Carpenter.
“He pointed to his wallet and said, "Look no money, no milk, no juice, no food,'” said Barnett.
Barnett gave him $20 and then decided to start a GoFundMe page, hoping to raise $1,000 for Carpenter. Instead, the fundraiser raised about $1,000 an hour in the first day.
Hundreds of people donated and many left messages on the GoFundMe page describing how Carpenter has touched their lives. For Carpenter's family, it is an answer to prayer. They said Carpenter's rent recently doubled, and he ran out of money.
“We’ve been really worried about him and what we’re going to do as a family,” said Smith. “He could come and live with me. I live in Idaho, but we couldn’t do it to him. It would break his heart to leave Logan. ”
Barnett is thrilled that he could help a man who has impacted so many.
“I don’t think Brent fully comprehends the positive impact he’s had on thousands of people’s lives,” he said.
As for Carpenter, he is truly grateful. When asked what he wanted to say to the people who helped him, he said, “Thank you. You’ve done such a nice thing and I love you. And go Aggies!”
If you want to donate to help Brent Carpenter, you can click on the GoFundMe* page.
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
