A group of cyclists have set off on a marathon ride of more than 7,000 kilometres as part of the Bible Society’s Bike for Bibles initiative.
Bike for Bibles participants will endure extremes of terrain and weather to raise funds for Bible projects in Australia and overseas. PICTURE: Bible Society
The group, which left Broome in Western Australia on 30th June, is spending nine weeks on the road as they cycle 7,231 kilometres to their final stop in Sydney. Named ‘The Australia Big Ride’, it’s all part of an effort to raise funds for Bible Society projects around the world
Twenty-two of the cyclists will ride the entire distance while an additional 40 will do segments of the ride. The riders come from a variety of backgrounds.
Ride organiser Jim Blaxland – who will turn 70 while on the ride – says the riders are all motivated by a love of cycling and spreading God”s Word.
“Each time we stop at a town and meet the supporters there from local churches, they are greatly encouraged and the next long distance ahead is shattered in their minds,” he says.
Mr Blaxland is encouraging churches, individual Christians and other organisation located in towns along the route to support the cause any way they can – whether it be by donating, spreading the word in town, or by praying for the team of cyclists.
The cyclists, who will be sleeping in tents, schools, church halls and two-star roadhouse motels along the way, aim to be in Sydney by 1st September.
Since 1984, Bike for Bibles has raised $13 million for Bible distribution and Bible-based welfare programs in Australia and overseas. Money raised as a result of this ride will be used to support Australian-based projects including the placement of Bibles for schools, hospitals, prisons, with emergency services, the ADF and for Indigenous communities as well as the “Read To Live” literacy/anti-domestic violence project in five South American countries.
To make a donation or find out how you can be involved, head to www.biblesociety.org.au/bikes.
