Cyclists Sign Up For Cross-Continental Ride
August 29, 2007—For some cycling enthusiasts like Jim Ippel, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, it didn’t take long to register as a rider in next summer’s Sea to Sea 2008 Bike Tour.
Ippel was the first of 16 riders who filled out the application form, obtained a church endorsement and sent in all the paperwork before registration officially opened on Aug. 1.
Yesterday, four weeks later, tour organizers received their 50th application, well on the way to becoming the largest cross-continental bike tour ever.
“I got my application in so fast because I had subscribed to the e-mail news,” Ippel said, referring to the newsletter sent periodically with updates about the tour. “When I saw the form was available, I printed it, filled it out, faxed to my pastor who had it back to me within an hour or two. All that was left was to put a payment down and put it in the mail.”
A member of Madison Square Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Ippel is an avid cyclist who, ten years ago, opened a bicycle shop in the nearby town of Ada. He said the dream of cycling across the country drew him to sign up for the Sea to Sea tour.
“The most exciting thing for me will be the challenge of completing a ride like this,” he said. “Second will be he chance to ride with other Christians and make some new friends.”
Registration remains open through September for those interested in riding the entire 3,700-mile distance from Seattle to Jersey City. There is no registration fee, however cyclists are required to raise at least $10,000 each to support programs focused on alleviating poverty.
In addition to the fund-raising, this tour seeks to increase awareness about poverty-related issues and encourage active participation from members of church and society in ministry with the poor.
Says Ippel: “My son and his wife have had a lot to do with my increasing awareness of poverty issues in our world. They have set an example for me of living with less and the caring for others through our lifestyles.”