HORNELL, N.Y. — Everyday heroes don’t always wear capes. Sometimes they quietly go about their business, making a huge difference in their community. That’s what’s happening in Hornell, where “Larry the Bike Man” has provided more than 1,000 free bicycles to local kids.

When Larry Pelkey retired a few years back, he knew he had to stay busy.

“I know I could use a hobby, that’s for sure,” said Pelkey.

He found it in old bicycles. Some purchased at local yard sales. Some were donated.

“I got thinking about it,” he said. “And next thing I know I decided maybe I could get a couple bikes and put them together.”

Three years ago, Larry’s home in Hornell started to become a bike repair shop. He began making old bikes new. And for all of his hard work, he won’t take a dime.

“I don’t sell any,” said Pelkey. “They’re all free — 100%.”

Pelkey says he’s had almost 200 bikes donated this year. It’s not unusual to come home to three or four bikes left on his front porch. Kindness returned to a one-man crew who, up until three years ago, knew absolutely nothing about how to fix a bicycle.

“It's just me, myself and I,” he said. “I’ve improved a little bit there.”

As mentioned, Larry’s house had become a bike shop. That is a wild understatement. Three upstairs bedrooms are full of bicycles.

“I think the most I’ve had in the house is 159,” he said. “Oh yeah, they’re a little surprised.”

One room holds the next group of bikes Larry plans to give away.

Pelkey says he has given 1,105 free bicycles to local children over the last three years. “Larry the Bike Man” was recently recognized by Hornell’s mayor. People often send him letters of thanks. He’s held a dozen bike giveaways so far this year.

“It’s kind of nice when I recognize a bike that I’ve given out,” he said.  “That happens.”

Pelkey recently took in more than 150 donated bicycles from the nonprofit R Community Bikes of Rochester. He often loads his four-door sedan with 15 or more bikes. Larry will have a busy winter, making sure they’re ready for children who need them. In his Southern Tier community, there is a great need.

“A lot of them can’t afford bikes, that’s for sure,” said Pelkey. “It’s kinda hard.”

Larry figures he’s spent $10,000 of his own money fixing up old bikes. This year, Larry’s Bikes of Hornell became a registered charity.  Now, people are donating money ads well as bikes. Last month, he received an anonymous $500 donation.

“Every little bit helps,” he said.

Larry found a retirement gig that keeps him busy.

“This is the best hobby I’ve had right here,” he said.

It's a hobby more rewarding than he ever could have imagined.

“Oh definitely,” said Pelkey. “As long as there’s a need for them, might as well keep going.”