Fundraiser for Logan’s ‘Bicycle Brent’ Sets $1,000 Goal, Raises Over $25,000 in a Day

LOGAN, Utah – Brent Carpenter is a familiar face to folks in Cache Valley. In fact, he’s a bit of a celebrity, better known as “Bicycle Brent.”

He rides his bike all over town, honking his horn and waving at everyone. Some say he’s an icon, a living legend. Others say Carpenter is one of their favorite memories of living in Logan.

There was even 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. He actually carried the torch into the USU stadium for the Olympics,” said Kae Lynn Beecher, executive director of Cache Employment and Training Center.

Carpenter’s sister, Jeanne Smith, said he was born without the normal soft spots in his head. When his brain grew, his skull did not and he suffered brain damage. That did not 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 when he saw Carpenter Thursday.

“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 Go Fund Me page, hoping to raise $1,000 for Brent. Instead, it raised about $1,000 an hour in the first day.

Hundreds of people donated and many left messages on the Go Fund Me page describing how Carpenter has touched their lives.

For Carpenter’s family, it is an answer to prayer.  They said his 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 Carpenter, you can click on the Go Fund Me page https://www.gofundme.com/help-bicycle-brent?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=fb_co_campmgmt_m&fbclid=IwAR1q4blbL3mR7QC-m61L6_rO75NOXve3Y3GsZ2MhidXIXqXCTCQsMhEo8-U