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On October 6, 2019 I will be starting a four week, 2000+ mile bicycle ride from Canada to Mexico, (Niagara Falls, NY to Del Rio, TX). While this adventure is a personal challenge, I am first and foremost riding to remember and honor the 26 individuals who lost their lives on November 5, 2017 in Sutherland Springs, TX. Equally as important, I am celebrating the healing, restoration and victories that the survivors of this tragedy have gained in the two challenging years since the tragedy. The trip will conclude with a memorial group ride in Sutherland Springs on the 2nd anniversary of the tragedy.
I have personally been involved with this group of small-town heroes since November 12, 2017 when I came to Sutherland Springs for the first time and asked, "Is there anything I can help with"? I have been humbled to have seen them cry, but in much larger volume to both laugh and rejoice! You see, this group of country folks in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy declared, "We choose life"! #EVILDIDNOTWIN became a mantra that they lived out daily as they healed and continue to heal together. I was blessed that these folks who could have rightly pushed out any "outsiders" accepted me and my immediate family into their community. It wasn't long at all before we were fully part of their extended family sharing in their community meals, events and worship.
In a variety of venues along my bike route I will be sharing a short video documentary about what the healing process in this community has looked like over the last two years. It is my hope that it will be an inspiration to whoever sees it and encourage them as they face whatever personal challenges they may be experiencing. I want to share a story of hope, healing and restoration that I have been a personal witness to.
As for the training that has gone into getting physically prepared for this arduous journey, multiple 50+ mile bike rides each have been part of my weekly regimen. I also just completed RAGBRAI which is a 400+ mile bike ride across the state of Iowa from the Missouri River to the Mississippi River.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and considering partnering with me to make this somewhat quixotic quest a reality! I can't do it without you. I'm going to put in the miles, but here are some different ways that you can be part of this adventure: Domestique Level II - 1 cent/mile = $20, Domestique Level l - 2 cents/mile = $40, Crew Chief - 5 cents/mile = $100, Sponsor - 10 cents/mile = $200, Patron - 25 cents/mile = $500.
I have personally been involved with this group of small-town heroes since November 12, 2017 when I came to Sutherland Springs for the first time and asked, "Is there anything I can help with"? I have been humbled to have seen them cry, but in much larger volume to both laugh and rejoice! You see, this group of country folks in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy declared, "We choose life"! #EVILDIDNOTWIN became a mantra that they lived out daily as they healed and continue to heal together. I was blessed that these folks who could have rightly pushed out any "outsiders" accepted me and my immediate family into their community. It wasn't long at all before we were fully part of their extended family sharing in their community meals, events and worship.
In a variety of venues along my bike route I will be sharing a short video documentary about what the healing process in this community has looked like over the last two years. It is my hope that it will be an inspiration to whoever sees it and encourage them as they face whatever personal challenges they may be experiencing. I want to share a story of hope, healing and restoration that I have been a personal witness to.
As for the training that has gone into getting physically prepared for this arduous journey, multiple 50+ mile bike rides each have been part of my weekly regimen. I also just completed RAGBRAI which is a 400+ mile bike ride across the state of Iowa from the Missouri River to the Mississippi River.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and considering partnering with me to make this somewhat quixotic quest a reality! I can't do it without you. I'm going to put in the miles, but here are some different ways that you can be part of this adventure: Domestique Level II - 1 cent/mile = $20, Domestique Level l - 2 cents/mile = $40, Crew Chief - 5 cents/mile = $100, Sponsor - 10 cents/mile = $200, Patron - 25 cents/mile = $500.