What used to be a metal container filled with 24 mountain bikes is now home to an empty space in the corner of Orville Wright Elementary School in Modesto.
"That's sad," said third grade student Leo Davalos.
Some time between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning the bikes were stolen from the school.
"Most of the people that come to the bike ride use those," said fifth grade student Felix Davalos.
"It's been devastating to the kids and the families that have enjoyed bike rides over the last three years or so," said Edgar Garibay with the non-profit Tuolumne River Trust.
That's how long the school has partnered with the non-profit Tuolumne River Trust to form the Airport Bike Club. About 200 students and their families take part in bike rides, canoe and fishing trips.
The families live in the lower-income Airport neighborhood and many may not have the opportunity to experience the outdoors.
"You really get to see the shining smiles and the bright faces. The beautiful interactions that happen in these outdoor spaces," said Juan Telles, Tuolumne River Trust youth coordinator.
Not only were the bikes taken, but expensive bicycle tools, worth around $2,000 are also gone, along with several life jackets used for canoeing.
The thieves did leave behind a few bikes that still need repair. But, the much nicer Giant brand bikes are gone. The hope is the bikes can be replaced with help from the community. For now, the kids are without.
"When they have their own bikes or other equipment that they know how to also maintain it I think is very important," said Garibay.
"They took away a really fun experience for the kids," said seventh grader Jose Carcamo.
If you would like to help with a donation, contact the Tuolumne River Trust at 209-236-0330 or go to their website at www.tuolumne.org.
Continue the conversation with Kurt on Facebook.
________________________________________________________________
WATCH MORE
Jason Momoa teaches Mark S. Allen how to say his name, tells the truth about some internet rumors and talks stunts on Aquaman versus Justice League. Jason also talks about the excitement of SNL, what he thought of 'Aquaman' on the TV show 'Entourage,' and watching this movie with his family.