In the heart of Bloomington, Indiana, amidst the fervor of the Little 500, one man stands as a pillar of support and guidance: Greg Souder. For the past seven years, Greg has been the sole mechanic ensuring that every rider’s bike is race-ready, embodying the spirit of dedication and community that defines this iconic event.
A Serendipitous Beginning
Greg’s journey with the Little 500 began unexpectedly. After moving to Bloomington from Markle in 2017, he stumbled upon a classified ad his wife found, seeking a bike mechanic for the race. Despite initial doubts about his age being a barrier, Greg’s mechanical prowess and passion secured him the role. Since then, he’s become an integral part of the race’s fabric, mentoring countless students and ensuring the smooth operation of every bicycle on the track.
Greg Souder’s mechanic station awaits riders during Little 500 practice.A playful mascot adds some charm to the serious business of bike racing.Greg Souder’s toolkit—a key part of Little 500 tradition.Greg Souder shares his mechanical expertise with student cyclists.
Mentorship Beyond Mechanics
Beyond fixing bikes, Greg serves as a mentor and confidant to the student riders. He recalls with pride how freshmen, initially unfamiliar with basic bike maintenance, evolve into team captains by their senior year, often imparting knowledge to newcomers. His approachable nature and willingness to teach have made him a beloved figure among the riders. IDS News
Facing Challenges with Resilience
In 2021, Greg faced a personal health challenge with a cancer diagnosis. The support from the Little 500 community was overwhelming, with students and staff rallying around him during his treatment. This outpouring of care reaffirmed his deep connection to the event and its participants. Remarkably, just two months after surgery, Greg was back at the track, embodying resilience and dedication.IDS News
A Lasting Legacy
As Greg continues his tenure, he hopes to reach a decade of service, dreaming that the bike shop might one day bear his name. His story is a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on a community, turning a simple role into a legacy of mentorship, resilience, and unwavering commitment.
Precision and care: Greg Souder ensures every bike is race-ready.
For a more in-depth look into Greg’s journey and contributions, you can read the full feature here: IDS News.
Despite persistent April rain falling on Bloomington Saturday, April 5th, 2025, residents gathered in impressive numbers at Monroe County Courthouse Square, proving their concerns wouldn’t be dampened by the weather. The local demonstration was part of a nationwide “Hands Off!” day of action, aimed at protesting policies under the Trump administration and adviser Elon Musk, particularly those affecting Social Security, government restructuring, and other critical services.
Protesters line the streets of Bloomington, advocating for the protection of social security, education, and healthcare.
The turnout reflected Bloomington’s determination to add its voice to a broader call for accountability.
Undeterred by Downpour: Arriving at the Square
By noon, the entire Courthouse Square was bustling with determined residents, their umbrellas forming a colorful patchwork against the gray sky. Despite rainwater slicking the sidewalks and soaking through signs, the energy was unmistakable.
All four corners of the square were filled with people—older adults clutching handmade signs, young families with children on their shoulders, and college students wrapped in raincoats. The turnout, despite the weather, spoke volumes even before the organized chants and speeches began. Passing cars honked in solidarity, providing a steady backdrop of support throughout the event.
Voices Rise: Energy and Engagement at the Heart of the Protest
Civic Leadership Takes Center Stage
Isak Asare, a well-known voice in Bloomington’s civic engagement circles, led the crowd with steady chants that echoed through the rain. His presence helped unify the diverse gathering, providing focus and intensity to the protest.
The rally quickly found its rhythm as participants discussed concerns ranging from the stability of Social Security to broader issues of democracy and governance. The conversations felt urgent, reflecting local frustrations with what many viewed as an erosion of essential rights and services.
A Constitutional Lesson from Dawn Johnsen
Dawn Johnsen, a prominent constitutional law scholar and former head of the Office of Legal Counsel, added intellectual heft to the rally. Her appearance was met with clear appreciation from the crowd, especially when she drew on her extensive legal knowledge to offer practical guidance.
Producing a well-worn pocket Constitution from her coat, Johnsen emphasized the importance of civic participation and legal advocacy. Her message was as much about education as it was about action. Many in attendance appeared energized by her words, nodding in agreement and discussing her advice long after she spoke.
Her presence served as a reminder that effective activism involves understanding both legal principles and practical steps for change.
A Sea of Signs and Supportive Sounds
The visual impact of the protest was striking. Homemade signs bobbed above the crowd, emblazoned with messages addressing concerns over democracy, Social Security, government accountability, and human rights.
While the demographics of the protest skewed older—many well into their fifties and beyond—there was also a notable presence of younger attendees. Families with children, college students, and professionals on lunch breaks gathered under umbrellas or simply braved the rain to show solidarity.
From Kirkwood Avenue, drivers honked in support. The steady chorus of horns seemed to buoy the crowd’s spirits, providing a constant reminder that even those passing by were taking note.
Mayor Kerry Thomson Engages with Attendees
Mayor Kerry Thomson’s presence added an official layer of acknowledgment to the day’s events. She could be seen engaging with various groups of protesters, listening to their concerns, and sharing information about potential follow-up actions. Her willingness to interact directly with participants underscored the significance of local advocacy.
Thomson’s participation signaled a clear acknowledgment that the issues raised were being heard and registered by local officials. Her presence also suggested that Bloomington’s local government was prepared to consider these concerns moving forward.
Why This Matters for Bloomington
The resilience of those who turned out on a cold, rainy Saturday spoke volumes about Bloomington’s engagement with national issues. This wasn’t just a passive agreement with broader concerns—it was active, vocal, and unyielding.
Mayor Thomson’s engagement underscored that local government was listening. Meanwhile, the strong turnout from older residents likely reflected direct anxieties over Social Security and healthcare, while younger attendees voiced concerns about the country’s future direction and governance.
The presence of civic leaders like Isak Asare and Dawn Johnsen highlighted a shared drive for accountability and change. The turnout demonstrated a commitment to preserving essential rights and services, with a particular emphasis on practical, sustained activism.
A Statement Made, Rain or Shine
The “Hands Off!” protest at Courthouse Square may have been damp, but the determination of Bloomington residents was anything but. The national call for action was met with energy, resilience, and a readiness to keep the conversation going—rain or shine.
This year, Freezefest was home at the Dimension Mill, and it was the perfect place to have spent a day taking in the sights of this unique event. The event was for 2 days on January 20th and 21st. On Saturday, from 10 am to 3 pm, visitors found live ice carving demonstrations by internationally-recognized sculptors, family activities, food trucks, and more!
Local ice carving expert, Dragon, was on hand to have carved some amazing works of art.
Kim Possible, a duck, an Among Us character, Pikachu, a triceratops, Clifford the Big Red Dog, and Baby Yoda were just some of the masterpieces planned. Of course, Dragon wasn’t the only one demonstrating and creating amazing ice sculptures. Visitors kept their eyes peeled for more creative works.
Besides the ice sculptures, there were plenty of other activities to enjoy. Competitors could have the opportunity to test their skills in ping pong or cornhole, take a ride on the ice slide for the kids, and there were some fun animals including a monkey & a fish. Also, a special shout out to Deana Letko from the Hilton Garden Inn for the caramel apples provided by Coaches Bar in Bloomington.
This exciting and beautiful event was not to be missed. Even if visitors didn’t stay for the whole day, they were sure to be impressed by the talent and hard work put into the ice sculptures.
