CRC Plans Major Cycling Event for 2008

February 27, 2007

The Christian Reformed Church (CRC) is planning to hit the road again next summer, pedaling bicycles and a message of hope across much of the United States.

Less than two years after a similar tour saw 165 cyclists ride across Canada, the CRC is planning “Sea to Sea—2008,” which could have as many as 500 participants riding across the U.S. and possibly through part of Canada.

This tour seeks to carry forward the momentum of the CRC’s 150th anniversary celebrations this year. It also builds on the success of “Sea to Sea With the CRC,” a 10-week trek across Canada in 2005 that captured the attention of thousands while raising money for planting new churches.

Claire Elgersma, of Kitchener, Ont., was part of that tour and is a driving force behind the 2008 version.

“Biking across Canada was an amazing experience for the church and also very life-changing for me,” Elgersma says. “For 71 days, we were exposed to the elements and were totally dependent on God for his protection. For me, it was all about praising, honoring and glorifying God. I want more people to have this experience.”

She says the tour is much more than a bike ride. “This trip is not about the cyclist, but about how God can use the cyclists to bring glory to Himself and advance His Kingdom values here on earth.”

“Sea to Sea—2008” won’t be a carbon copy of its predecessor. This time the tour plans to focus on global poverty, raising awareness and financial support for CRC agencies, partners and local organizations that are fighting poverty at home and abroad through education, job creation and health services.

“An event like this is big enough and crazy enough to generate enormous enthusiasm around a cause,” Elgersma says. “This tour is merely a vehicle to challenge churches and individuals to engage in serving the poor all over the world in some way.”

The steering committee plans to open registration for the tour in June 2007. Details regarding the tour route and dates will be determined in the coming months and posted at www.SeatoSea.org.