Building Bikes, Building Purpose: How the Life Cycles Program Transforms Team Building into Community Impact

 

From Training to Transformation: The Power of the Life Cycles Program

On January 23, 2019, The Register-Guard published a story that captured the heart of what Odyssey Teams is all about. Titled “Eugene Blueberry Breeder Surprises YMCA Kids With New Bikes”, the article spotlighted a Life Cycles event that turned a routine training exercise into a moment of profound connection and community impact.

At Odyssey Teams, we believe that team building should do more than entertain—it should inspire. That’s why the Life Cycles program is designed to challenge teams to build something meaningful together: bicycles for children who need them most.

This story from Eugene, Oregon is one of many that show how the Life Cycles experience creates ripple effects far beyond the workplace.

A Surprise That Changed Everything

Managers from Fall Creek Farm & Nursery gathered for what they thought was a standard team building session. They were told they’d be assembling bicycles—an engaging, hands-on activity meant to foster collaboration and communication.

What they didn’t know was that the bikes they were building would be gifted to local children whose families couldn’t afford one.

“It was cool, we didn’t know who we were building the bikes for,” said Patricia Rodriguez, a blueberry breeder from Mexico. “It went from a fun exercise (for training purposes) to an exercise with purpose.”

That shift—from task to meaning—is the essence of the Life Cycles program.

Purpose-Driven Team Building

The Life Cycles experience is carefully designed to create surprise, reflection, and emotional resonance. Teams work together to build bikes, often racing against the clock, solving problems, and learning to communicate under pressure.

But the real transformation happens when the children arrive.

Suddenly, the bikes aren’t just objects—they’re gifts. They represent freedom, joy, and opportunity. And the team members who built them feel the impact of their effort in real time.

“This is an opportunity to create real collaboration among our managers while also giving them the satisfaction of contributing in a real way to our community,” said Brazelton, co-founder and executive chairman of Fall Creek’s board of directors.

That’s the magic of the Life Cycles program: it connects people to each other and to something bigger than themselves.

Why Bikes Matter

For many children, a bicycle is more than a toy—it’s a lifeline. It’s a way to get to school, visit friends, explore their neighborhood, and experience independence.

When families face financial hardship, a bike may be out of reach. That’s why the Life Cycles program partners with local organizations like the YMCA to identify children who will benefit most.

The moment a child receives their bike is unforgettable. And for the team that built it, the memory lasts a lifetime.

The Ripple Effect on Workplace Culture

Beyond the emotional impact, the Life Cycles program delivers measurable benefits to organizations:

• Improved collaboration – Teams learn to work together under real conditions.
• Increased engagement – Employees feel connected to a meaningful mission.
• Stronger morale – Giving back creates pride and purpose.
• Lasting memories – Shared experiences build trust and camaraderie.

It’s not just about building bikes—it’s about building culture.

When employees feel that their work contributes to something meaningful, they show up differently. They communicate more openly, support each other more fully, and take greater ownership of their roles.

Why Life Cycles Works

The success of the Life Cycles program lies in its simplicity and depth. It’s hands-on, fast-paced, and emotionally rich. It appeals to the head, heart, and hands—engaging participants intellectually, emotionally, and physically.

And because the impact is immediate and visible, it creates a feedback loop of purpose. Teams see the results of their work. They see the smiles. They hear the gratitude. And they feel the shift.

That’s why organizations across industries—from tech to agriculture to healthcare—choose the Life Cycles program to energize their teams and strengthen their culture.

Final Thoughts: Building More Than Bikes

The story from Eugene is just one of thousands. Every Life Cycles event is unique, but the outcomes are consistent:

• Teams leave more connected.
• Children leave more empowered.
• Communities leave more hopeful.

At Odyssey Teams, we believe that every team has the power to make a difference. And every difference starts with a choice—to build something that matters.

If you’re looking to transform your next team building event into a moment of purpose, the Life Cycles program is ready to roll.

About Odyssey Teams

Odyssey Teams has been designing radically different approaches to leadership development, team building, and organizational culture since 1991. Our programs are global, award-winning, and rooted in purpose.

• Over 20,000 bicycles built and donated to underprivileged children.
• Over 80,000 prosthetic hands delivered to amputees in 75+ countries.
• 80% of our clients are repeat or referred—a testament to lasting impact.

To learn more or bring Odyssey Teams to your next event, contact us at learn@odysseyteams.com or call (800) 342-1650.