We believe God desires to interact with us on a daily basis. We believe the shared sacrifice of a cycling tour can help people discover God at work in the world and in us.
We believe Christ offers hope and change for all people. We desire to live out the biblical mandate God called His people to follow in Isaiah 1:17 to “seek justice, encourage the oppressed and defend the cause of the fatherless.”
FUNDRAISING
FINANCES
TOUR LIFE
Do I need any previous cycling experience?
NO! Most people can successfully complete this tour, but it is important that you train before your trip. Training makes the experience safer and more enjoyable for you and others on your team. Training also can minimize the chance of injury that can occur by overexerting your body on long physical days. Training will insure your body is ready and help you focus on the kids at the HOME OF HOPE. When your body’s prepared you can fully experience seeing the beautiful State of Colorado from your bike and the works God is performing throughout the week.
This page provides a solid intermediate training plan. We encourage you to train with a partner or group. We can connect you with experienced riders who can help you with your training goals.
Who will lead the tour?
We will ride as a team on well planned routes. There will be lots of opportunities, if desired, for individuals help set a pace for part of the day.
The designated team leader will verify routes and make final decisions on route changes, weather delays, etc.
Are there any pre-ride activities?
Please plan to attend the required team dinner on Friday evening, June 17th. We’ll begin team-building, discuss tour procedures and group safety, and provide background about the issue of human trafficking. We’ll also offer optional opportunities to do training rides together in the weeks prior to the tour.
Are there any medical limitations?
Each participant is strongly encouraged to undergo a sports physical by a doctor before the trip. We rely on your medical doctor’s expertise to know your physical capabilities and restrictions. Each participant will be required to sign a waiver certifying their medical ability to complete the tour.
What’s the schedule?
The tour begins with the team dinner on Friday evening, June 17th.
We’ll meet at Timberline Church on Saturday morning (June 18th) and shuttle to Cheyenne, Wy. We’ll cycle each day and finish at the top of Raton Pass on Saturday, June 25th.
We’ll spend Saturday evening at THE REFUGE, a beautiful retreat center in the mountains west of Trinidad. We’ll celebrate, de-brief, and unwind.
On Sunday morning we’ll attend church together. Then we’ll shuttle back to Fort Collins. Plan to arrive late afternoon.
Will routes, dates, and locations change?
Dates would change only due to extreme unforeseen circumstances. We reserve the right to change routes due to safety and road conditions. Routes or daily destinations may change to maintain safety, meet tour goals, and engage as many people as possible in the cause. Any changes will be communicated to the enrolled participants as soon as possible.
FUNDRAISING
Do I have to fundraise?
No. You may personally contribute all or part of the ride fee. However, your participation in this tour is a wonderful opportunity to create awareness among friends, family, and co-workers about the issues of human trafficking and sexual slavery. You can do this by inviting them to sponsor your ride. As sponsors you’re giving them an opportunity to share in your efforts.
What are some possible funding sources?
- Ask your employer. Many companies offer community service grants, employee sponsorships, or matching funds programs.
- Ask friends, family members, neighbors, and co-workers for per-mile donations. We’ll ride about 500 miles, so a dime per mile is $50. Twenty of those covers the entire cost of your tour.
- Ask donors to talk to their companies about matching funds programs that might double their personal contribution.
Are there other ways I can reduce my ride fee?
Yes. If you connect us with a company that makes an in-kind donation that reduces our cash expenses, we’ll credit your account for the value of that donation. Examples might be grocery or gas cards. Please contact Becky (970-218-1374) to work out details.
FINANCES
How much money do I need to contribute?
The $995 fee is the only required contribution. We encourage riders to solicit sponsors or supporters to raise additional funds for the HOME OF HOPE.
What are the payment deadlines?
A nonrefundable $250 deposit is due by April 25, 2016. The total balance, along with your signed waiver/release form, is due by June 6, 2015.
How much of my donation goes to the HOME OF HOPE?
100% of all donations go to the HOME OF HOPE. Ride expenses are paid by generous community sponsors.
Will my supporters get tax credit?
Your supporters’ contributions, along with your own deposits and payments, are all considered tax-credited donations. All donations are tax-deductible, non-refundable, and non-transferable to the fullest extent of IRS regulations.
How much money should I bring on the trip?
The items for which you would typically use personal money would be any last-minute gear, repairs, personal items, and snacks such as ice cream and candy.
What expenses will be covered? What am I expected to cover?
Your tour fee of $995 covers food, transportation during the trip, and team jerseys. Participants are responsible for the following expenses: bike, helmet (required!) and other cycling gear, personal entertainment, personal toiletries, and any extra snack food. Participants are responsible for the cost of any bike maintenance/repairs throughout the trip.
TOUR LIFE
Where do we stay at night?
Our goal will be to stay in churches along the route. We suggest all participants bring a camping pad or blow-up mattress.
How far does the team travel each day?
We will ride 60 – 80 miles daily. There will be one day with the option to ride a century (100 miles in a day). No one will be required to ride beyond their capability. Safety first—always.
What if I get sick on the road?
We will make our best efforts to get you to the nearest medical help or resources. In the event that you cannot participate for part of the tour, we will assess the options, which include riding in the support vehicle until you feel well enough to participate or going home.
What if I get into an accident?
You should ALWAYS carry identification, insurance card, emergency contact information, and cell phone. Always ride with at least one other person. They will do their best in emergency situations to contact tour leaders and get you the quickest medical assistance.
What kind of road conditions can I expect?
Road surfaces, shoulder widths, and traffic conditions vary greatly. We select the safest possible routes, but you should always ride defensively. Bring appropriate clothing for changing Colorado weather. In the case of severe weather, lightning, or dangerous road construction we will wait it out, shuttle, or reroute. This will be at the discretion of the designated leader.
What will we eat? Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Please communicate any dietary restrictions prior to the trip week. Our SAG team takes the lead in meal preparation, supported by the rest of the team. Breakfast is usually cereal, granola, fruit, etc. We’ll eat lunch out of a cooler on the road. We will provide a variety of snacks throughout the day. A healthy diet is an important element to having an enjoyable trip. Many evenings we may be given a meal by a host; on these occasions, our leaders will do their best to communicate any dietary restrictions.
How much free time will I have?
During the trip, free time is limited. We understand that people need “down time” to rest and refuel, so we create that space as much as possible. After a day of cycling, the rest of your day will/can include: showers, mealtime, team sharing, a possible event at the host location, running errands, blogging, relaxing, or sight-seeing.
Will there be a spiritual aspect to the trip?
Yes. The community-building aspect of the team—living and working in close proximity, serving each other, and experiencing the shared sacrifice of a difficult physical challenge—creates many opportunities for spiritual growth. We hope these opportunities open doors to life-shaping experiences. Participants are challenged to identify with Christ’s sacrifice, compassion, courage and character.
Mornings typically start with a short devotion and prayer. We’ll begin each ride with “helmets up,” a tradition borrowed from our friends at VENTURE EXPEDITIONS that reminds us why and for whom we’re riding.
Many of our hosts are churches, and we will attend church services and present the cause as we are invited to do so. Participants are expected to be aware and respectful of spiritual differences in teammates, churches, and hosts. We are also aware and respectful that each participant is at a different place spiritually.
Will the whole group ride together?
Generally speaking, yes. While we won’t usually ride as a single large group, we want the team to ride in smaller clusters within sight of one another for safety, support, and team bonding. We definitely don’t want anyone riding alone or left behind. Journeying alongside one another can make the experience more colorful and beneficial. Sharing your highs and lows as we travel together is what will make this journey life-changing for you. We’ll also encourage you to ride with and get to know different people each day.
How will we advocate and raise money for the HOME OF HOPE during the trip?
During the trip, we’ll try to arrange opportunities to raise money and awareness. We’re making plans to speak along the route with churches, youth groups and community groups. We’ll ask hosts to organize local events when it’s appropriate. There may be opportunities for media interviews. We encourage you to actively engage your social media communities. The majority of your advocacy will come from your daily interactions with the public. You will have many opportunities to dialogue with people you meet at a grocery store or gas station while you are going about your daily business.
Do I need to have any speaking experience?
No, and you won’t be required to speak publically if you don’t want to do so. At the beginning of the trip, we will offer some ideas about how to present the cause and we will prepare you to speak (if you wish) to different audiences about the cause. We believe we are called to advocate in our own way, as Proverbs 31: 8-9 says: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
What kind of bicycle do I need?
You will need a touring or road-style bike. Consult a local bike shop to find a bike that fits your body size, is appropriate for this type of trip, and fits your budget. If you need help, contact us and we’ll put you in touch with someone who can advise you.
Will bike repair services be available?
You should be comfortable with changing tubes and fixing flats. Team members will be able to assist with these routine items. Other repairs will require transportation to a local shop. You should bring spare tires/tubes and patch kits.
We encourage you to have your bike inspected by a qualified mechanic prior to the tour.
Will I have chores or responsibilities on the road?
Yes. We will operate as a team of servant leaders. Many hands make light work for all. Everyone will be expected to participate in routine daily tasks while on the road. Trip chores may include but are not limited to assisting with laundry, cooking, packing and unpacking gear, cleaning, as well as engaging with our hosts and participating in the events they organize.