St. John's, NL, Canada, September 13, 2006 — It was a joyful conclusion to a summer-long, cross-country cycling odyssey for more than 75 cyclists who ascended Signal Hill in St. John's, Nfld., September 3. Escorted by the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, the cyclists linked arms and walked the last few meters to the crest of the hill where they joined voices in a shout of, 'Through our Spokes, God Speaks!' So ended the Canadian Bible Society's 8,400 kilometre Bike for Bibles Centennial Ride.
Ride organizer and CBS district director for North Alberta Bruce Kemp, remembers the last minutes of the ride as a moving experience. "We set off for the crest. The climb was difficult but each one of us dug down deep and found the strength to pedal each and every part of that climb.
"When we were almost at the crest, we pulled to the side and laid down our bikes. Then our road crew and injured cyclists joined us. We had decided that we would cross as a team and we did," he says.
Celebrating the Society's 100th Anniversary year
Exactly 64 days earlier, the cyclists - who came from across Canada and parts of the world - had dipped their wheels in the Pacific Ocean on a beach in Victoria, B.C., before setting out. Their goal: to cycle through every province and more than 100 communities, while raising funds and awareness for the work of the Canadian Bible Society in the midst of the Society's 100th Anniversary year.
The cyclists-ranging in age from teens to seniors and from more than 17 Christian denominations-are enthusiastic about their experiences. "It was our dream come true and a modern day miracle," says Sidney C. Ng of Vancouver, B.C. "My first ride with Bike For Bibles was in 2004, and it gave me a feeling of fellowship, camaraderie and a tender feeling towards God and family in the end. It was unlike anything that I experienced before. This year's Centennial Ride was no different."
"I did it!" says Catherine McGorman of Shebody, N.B. "I was cycling with doctors, lawyers and athletic champions; all beautiful people who opened their arms to me."
Accompanied by bike crews and medical personnel, the cyclists were hosted by local churches in the various communities they visited. "The church people fed us, cared for us and prayed over us," remembers McGorman. "I've been so blessed. I praise the Lord and I thank my sponsors. It was a wonderful experience."
Donations still being accepted
To date, more than $300,000 has come in to the Canadian Bible Society through the cyclists' efforts. Ride-related donations are being accepted until the end of the year.
"The ride exceeded our expectations in terms of organization and the joy it brought to participants and supporters across the nation," says CBS national director, Phyllis Nesbitt. "We are confident it will also provide the funds we hoped would be raised, to facilitate our new era of ministry in Canada."
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