ride description

The first ever YFC “Sea to See Ride Across America” will be in the summer of 2008 celebrating and highlighting YFC’s ministry around the world.

June 17, 2008, a group of cyclists will depart from Anacortes, Washington headed for Bar Harbor, Maine expected to arrive August 15, 2008. The riders will be using a recognized cross-country, northern, route with professionally-designed maps. On their adventure they will raise funds and awareness for Youth for Christ and its outreach to young people around the world.

The courageous riders will pedal nearly 4,300 miles in about eight and a half weeks—a once in a life-time experience for them and a chance for them to make an eternal difference in the lives of young people around the world. Seeing the United States from the seat of a bicycle will give them an up-close and personal view of the land and its people, an opportunity develop relationships with fellow riders from all over the world, and a chance to interact with people wherever they go. By using it to raise funds for the life-changing outreach of YFC they will be making a vital investment in the lives of young people as well.

Approximately 60 riders, representatives from various countries where YFC is working, as well as from the U.S. will participate.  Individuals from outside the U.S. who require visas for entry to the U.S., will be issued  letters of invitation from the YFCI office. Two months time will be needed for processing.

The group will be hosted along the way by YFC Ministry Centers and churches who will provide housing, food, showers and opportunities to share about the outreach of YFC.

A support vehicle will carry the riders’ clothing and gear. Riders will be provided three meals a day, accommodations, showers and support. A van will provide some water as needed, but riders will be expected to carry water on their bikes and provide most of their own snacks. The van will also transport riders if for some reason they become unable to ride that day. Riders will be expected to do their own minor bike maintenance. Tools will be available for emergency bike maintenance.

Riders are expected to train adequately and to ride an average of about 80 miles a day for eight and a half weeks. A detailed routed map and directions will be provided each day. A recommended packing list will be provided beforehand with details regarding needed bicycle gear and clothing. In addition, riders will receive information to assist them in all aspects of the trip including training, fundraising, bike preparation, etc. Riders will need to be reasonably proficient in English or ride with another rider of their language group who does speak English.

The group will depart from Anacortes, Washington on June 17 and arrive in Bar Harbor, ME on August 15. Family and friends will be encouraged to attend the start and finish ceremonies if they can—as they are certain to be amazing moments.