June 26, 2009

Eleven bicyclists from around the UCC joined together to ride to General Synod 27 as part of the New York Conference Bicycle Challenge in an effort to raise awareness of alternative transportation, and oil and car dependency in the United States.

Riders from the New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Penn Central, Ohio and Illinois Conferences pedaled to General Synod, arriving Wednesday. The largest group began its journey in Syracuse, N.Y., and picked up three riders as they passed through Cleveland. A group of five left Chicago, but due to mechanical and medical reasons, three dropped out; the remaining two were welcomed in Grand Rapids.

The Syracuse group traveled nine days, averaging 70 miles per day. Riders were hosted by UCC churches along the route that crossed New York and the northern tip of Pennsylvania before skirting the Lake Erie coast and into Michigan. Churches offered shower facilities, a meal and a place to sleep in addition to an evening forum where riders made a presentation.

Riders shared with groups each evening their stories of bicycling as a viable means of transportation, inspiring congregations to consider how they travel. Each rider offered their reason for participating in the Bicycle Challenge and what they had learned through their ride.

Group organizer, the Rev. Michael Caine, New York Regional Conference Minister, was overwhelmed by the hospitality and interest shown by congregations along the route. "Our hosts offered us more than a meal and sleeping quarters," said Caine. "They really validated our mission through their willingness to consider what we were saying and act to be less dependent on their cars."

The Rev. Brian Krause, pastor at Honeoye (N.Y.) UCC and Bicycle Challenge route creator, has led two cross-country cycling trip and dozens of shorter bicycle tours. He was especially interested in the Bicycle Challenge as a way to marry his love for the UCC and bicycling – what he calls his "second religion."

"It was great to see riders of all experience levels on this Challenge," said Krause. "Not only did we get to share the message of conservation, but we came together quickly as a group and enjoyed the fellowship and experience."

Photos and daily GPS route details are available on the blog maintained by the Rev. Gregg Brekke, UCC news director and editor, who rode with the group from Cleveland to Grand Rapids.

Brekke noted the dedication of the riders, many of whom were making their first long-distance bicycling trip.

"Choosing to use your bicycle as your primary means of transportation takes courage," he said. "Everyone on this trip has proven to themselves, and to the church, that the bicycle a great way to travel and commute."

United Church of Christ News Service