Bike Team
The Bike Team has been an important part of the church for over 20 years. Originally formed to provide financial support for the Mexico Medical Mission the group has come to mean much more. The “team” also serves lunch at Union Station once a year and greets and serves coffee after church periodically. They have also raised funds for Foothill Unity Center, Young and Healthy, and for the trustees account at the church. They also have formed a wonderful camaraderie among members.
Each year the Bike Team takes a two-day “Bike Tour” beginning at the church on a Saturday morning and returning the next day. Bike Team members get sponsors to pledge financial support for the Mexico Medical Mission. The weekend ride is about 100 miles spread over the 2 days.
For example, this past June 35 riders and 10 support crew participated in the Bike Tour. It was officially named “The Church of the Good Shepherd Bike Tour in Honor of Art Leatherman.” Art has been an integral part of the bike team since the beginning. He carefully crafts the routes to be taken each year. He also was honored for his service to the church in many other ways. Different route choices were available to riders on Saturday. Some rode 47 miles while others chose a longer route of 70 miles. Both routes were almost entirely on designated bike paths. The support team provided rest stop/food breaks for both groups every 10-15 miles along the way. All riders and support team met for lunch together in Long Beach and spent the night in Seal Beach. Sunday morning the cyclists rode 33 miles, enjoyed 2 rest stops, and returned back to the church. They reported about the tour to the congregation at the end of the 10 o’clock church service. There were a couple of flat tires to report and one biker fell but continued to ride. About $11,000 was raised in support of the Mexico Medical Mission!
For those unable to ride that distance, there is a “Walking Team” that also provides financial support for the Mexico Medical Mission. Walkers are challenged to walk the 100 miles between Easter and the weekend of the Bike Tour. Their slogan is “A mile a day sends the doctors their way.” Walkers added significantly to the $11,000 total this year.
In order to prepare for such a long ride there are practice rides throughout the year. In the “off season” rides take place once or twice a month and always include a coffee or breakfast stop for rest and fellowship. Three months before the Bike Tour weekly rides begin. The traditional first weekly ride is from the church to Cal Tech and back with a stop at a coffee house in-between. The total distance is just over 10 miles. In the weekly rides that follow the distance slowly increases until the final practice rides before the Bike Tour. The last rides will be in the 40-50 miles range ensuring that riders are ready for the tour. If you enjoy cycling the Bike Team would love to include you!
In summary . . .
None of the rides are a race. They are planned for fellowship and development of friendships. There are no requirements with respect to age, sex, religion, color, or conditioning. Riders ARE required to wear an ASNI, or 'Snell-approved' helmet, and to abide by state vehicle laws and applicable state and municipal laws.
For more information
If you are interested in learning more about the Bike Team or Walking Team, please submit a request to the Bike Team at Requests
