Miles of Smiles: MPC Cyclists

They leave the MPC parking lot every Tuesday evening, a vigorous variety of helmeted bicyclists, heading out for a summer ride. What started as a training endeavor for the first Dove Harbor Benefit Bicycle Ride has blossomed into a community outreach group.

Bruce Jones says he was an avid mountain biker when he started talking to then Outreach and Missions Pastor Keith Stork about the inspiration of raising money for Dove Harbor. The first benefit was set for the summer of 2002. To train for the 200 mile, four day ride they began riding every Tuesday night  – and have not quit!

“It’s my big hobby,” continues Bruce. ” I enjoy the mechanical aspects of working on bikes almost as much as riding. I like helping others fix theirs – and often have to do repairs on the road!”  He has especially bonded with his daughter, Bailey, who began riding in a child’s seat on the back of his bike and now rides tandem with her Dad and at age 12 completed a metric century-62 miles in one day.

As new riders joined the group, they invited friends to enjoy both the exercise and the fellowship. Soon the ministry had expanded into the community.   A motto the group has accepted is that “no one is left behind.” With bikers ranging from age 8, teenagers and riders in their 70’s, each week’s ride is designed to enable all riders to enjoy and complete the ride. Riding between 15 to 30 miles an evening, Bruce admits that, “There is usually a break for ice cream somewhere along the route!”  There are several bike routes designed on the south side near MPC. They often ride to Falls Creek in Pendleton and further as the group decides.

Bicyclists of all ages are invited to meet each Tuesday through October and ride from 5:00pm until dark. All skill levels and paces are welcome; no bicyclist will be left behind.  Bruce suggests that a hybrid or road multispeed bike with smooth tires is good for riding on the roads and that a helmet is required. “Just give me a call, I’d love to discuss bikes,” concludes Bruce. Contact: Bruce Jones at (765) 278-9243.

Find out more about MPC small groups including a variety of athletic opportunities on the MPC website.