Pedal power

Mennonite Central Committee
Friday, 3 March 2000

AKRON, Pa.--Biking enthusiasts from throughout Canada and the United States will soon be hitting the road, joining Mennonite Central Committee (MCC)-sponsored bike tours in Manitoba, Oregon, Colorado, South Dakota, Ohio and Kansas.

For novice or experienced riders, age 17 or 70, the tours offer good company and a sampling of regional scenery. To date bike tours have raised more than $307,000 Cdn./$200,000 U.S. for MCC.

Following are tour dates and locations:

* Bike the Whiteshell June 24 and 25. In Manitoba riders will follow the Winnipeg River into the Whiteshell Provincial Park. Cost for the two-day trip is $25 Cdn., and covers lodging, meals and refreshments, mechanical and sag support, first aid and a final barbeque. Riders are encouraged to find sponsors to contribute to MCC. For more information contact Kathy Fast at 204-261-6381 or e-mail .

* The Okanagan Challenge British Columbia August 4-7. This one is meant for the true cycilist. Nearly 400kms of challenging but scenic terrain will take you from Keremeos to Merritt to Kelowna and back to Keremeos. All proceeds go to support MCC's work in Uganda. For more information contact Earl Klassen at (604) 850-2072.

* Bike San Juans August 7 to 11. Cycle the beautiful San Juan islands in Washington. Rolling hills, steep ascents and descents, narrow twisting roads and flat country roads will make a wide range of gearing necessary. The ride begins August 7 in the morning, but participants will need to be on Orcas Island August 6. Cost for the five-day trip is $340 U.S. and covers accommodation, food, T-shirt, first aid, sag and mechanical support. At least half the proceeds will be sent to MCC. A tax-deductible receipt can be issued after the ride. For more information contact Gwen Heyerly Peachey at or visit the Bike Oregon web site.

* Ride the Divide August 25 to 27. Based at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp near Divide, Colo., the weekend will include three mountain bike rides: local trail rides on Friday and Sunday, and an all-day journey on the Monarch Crest Trail on Saturday. Rides available for both beginners and more advanced mountain bikers. Cost of $190 U.S. includes two night's lodging at the camp, meals and transportation to the trail head. At least 50 percent of the cost will be donated to MCC. For more information contact Linford Shenk Beachy: phone (303) 777-1142 or e-mail .

* Black Hills Bike Ride September 7 to 10. Cycle through 200 miles of some of the most beautiful highways in the Black Hills of South Dakota, with visits to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Monument, Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park. The cost of $350 U.S. covers four night's lodging, noon meals and snacks and liquids en route. For more information contact the MCC Central States Northern Tier office: phone 605-925-4859; or e-mail .

* MCC Bike Ohio September 15 to 17. Beginning at Cap Luz, pedal through Amish countryside in Holmes and Wayne Counties. Saturday's 50-mile route will be through hill country, while Sunday's 50-mile venture will be on flat road through picturesque Overton Valley. Cost for the weekend is $100 U.S. for adults, $50 U.S. for first child to age 16, and $25 for each additional child, which covers maps, lodging, sag service, snacks, breakfasts and lunches. Riders are encouraged to seek sponsors to increase the contribution to MCC. For more information contact Daryl Arner, 408 Danvers Ct., Orville, OH 44667; phone (330) 684-1408.

* The Fraser Valley Fun Ride British Columbia September 16. Meant for family this 50km ride promises to be as flat as possible. All proceeds go to support MCC's work in Uganda. For more information contact Earl Klassen at (604) 850-2072.

* MCC Flatlander bike ride Kansas September 23 to 24, 2000. Three courses, from 40 to 75 miles in length, are planned for Saturday, beginning in North Newton, Kan., and going through Sedgwick, Halstead and Hesston. Children can join a 20-mile ride to Hesston and back on Saturday morning. Saturday's rides end with an evening meal and entertainment at the MCC Center in North Newton. Sunday begins with breakfast and a worship service, followed by a 40-mile back roads ride through eastern Harvey County. Saturday registration is $25 U.S. Sunday registration is $15 U.S. Cost for both days is $35 U.S. Senior, student and family rates available. Riders are encouraged to collect sponsors. For further information about lodging, meals or other questions about the MCC Flatlander bike ride, contact Jim Voth: phone (316) 283-2644 or e-mail or Vern Preheim at the MCC Central States office: phone (316) 283-2720.

For more information, or to contact Mennonite Central Committee, see their website at: www.mcc.org