BELOIT, Wis. — Since Brian Reece was a kid, he said he has enjoyed fixing things. From cars to lawnmowers and even bicycles, he taught himself everything. 

What You Need To Know

  • Brian and Anne Reece began fixing bikes after Brian was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease

  • He's repaired and donated nearly 9,000 bikes over the past decade

  • Brian's doctors ruled out Alzheimer's after it stopped progressing and said his memory loss was coming from a brain injury 

“Everybody says I have a great imagination,” said Brian Reece. “So, I can imagine how things are supposed to work. Then I just keep looking where I have to make that adjustment to make it work.”

Over the years, repairing bikes became more than just a hobby for Brian Reece. It became a lifeline. 

He was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s at 56-years-old. He said that left him no other choice than to quit his job. 

He said the first year after his diagnoses he felt hopeless. 

“Thinking about the things I couldn’t do and then the bikes came along from my brother-in-law and I just fixed them up,” said Brian Reece. “Then I thought about selling them. Then I gave the first one away. I thought that was better off to go.”

One repaired bike turned into nearly 9,000 repaired bikes over the past decade. Brian Reece and his wife Anne Reece call themselves the Bike Elves. 

“I never set a goal for how many we’re going to do,” said Brian Reece. “I just keep going because kids need the bikes.”

He said repairing bikes has kept his brain active along with taking different medications. He said some days can be difficult. 

“Something I’m frustrated with is misplacing things,” said Brian Reece. “I can set something down and it could be in plain sight. I could set this right there. I’ve used it and I don’t need it at the moment and go back to what I’m doing. Then I need it and I’m playing the game of where did I leave it.” 

Brian Reece said his wife has played a big role in his journey. 

She said over time she’s noticed his Alzheimer’s disease wasn’t progressing. After a visit to his doctor, they ruled out the diagnosis, calling it A-typical.

She said his memory loss came from a traumatic brain injury from when he was in the military in the late 1970s.  

“Honestly, I think Brian and I are kind of afraid to change anything,” said Anne Reece. “We’re just going to keep doing what we’re doing and it seems to be helping him.”

She said he struggles with short-term memory loss, but sticking to routine and keeping busy helps. 

“She’s kind of the spark plug that keeps me going, otherwise I would fade away,” said Brian Reece.

Regardless of what the diagnosis is, Anne Reece said her main priority is to stick by her husband’s side and helping the community by repairing and donating bikes is an added bonus. 

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