They’re off…
On a sunny Saturday morning, July 13, Cortez, 14, is up super early. He’s ready for an adventure. The Price Hill youth and several others are embarking of the journey of a lifetime, the Resiliency Ride.
The ride is organized by Lord’s Gym Ministries and involves a bicycle trek across 325 miles. The nine young riders and several adult chaperones left early Saturday morning for Pittsburgh, where they will pedal along the GAP Trail and C&O Canal to Washington D.C.
Lord’s Gym Ministries is a faith-based organization serving adults and youth in Price Hill and Covington, many of whom are struggling with drugs, other forms of addiction, homelessness, and more.
This is the second year for the Resiliency Ride, led by Lord’s Gym Ministries Executive Director Scott Bowers. Bowers, 67, of Cincinnati, rode his bike across America in 2021 to raise awareness of addiction issues among youth, as well as raise funds for Lord’s Gym’s youth experiences that include an array of sports programs and an after-school program.
“It’s an honor to share this biking experience from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C. with these young men,” Bowers said. “We have prepared for this trip for several weeks, training during our cycling club meetings. They’re ready. And, they will learn so much these next nine days.”
Jair Montiel, who works with City Gospel Mission, is joining Bowers as a chaperone.
“I hope to build a strong relationship with the kids,” Montiel said. “It is an honor to go on such an adventure with them. I hope they discover more about themselves, their resilience and capacity. I hope they build their confidence, as well as make lifelong memories.”
Chaperone Kelly St. James, who went on the trip last year, said she loves the Resiliency Ride because it combines her two passions: God and cycling.
“My most memorable bike tour was last year’s ride,” she said. “I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to be a part of this again. It’s so great to see the kids accomplish so much and be a part of that with them. This ride has brought so much more meaning to my love and passion for cycling. I hope the kids deepen their relationship with the Lord, that’s my biggest desire.”
Cortez, 14, went on last year’s ride. He said he’s looking forward simply to rididing his bike and growing with God.
“God was with us last year,” he said. “He’ll be with us and get us through this year.”
Xizallian, 15, is a first-time Resiliency Rider. He said he’s looking forward to cycling, camping, the wooded parts of the trail, and “of course all the D.C. stuff.”
“This is a great chance to see things I normally wouldn’t get to see,” he said. “It’s also a great way to connect to the environment and challenge myself. I love cycling, I have since I was a kid and this is a great way to take it to the next level.”
Lord’s Gym Ministries Board Chair Johnny Alexander said he’s looking forward to spending quality time with all the kids and getting to know them better.
“I’m looking forward to seeing them grow as they press through and become stronger and more confident,” he said. “I’m also looking forward to intimate time with the Lord while out on the trail. It’s really a great time to focus on God’s creation and step away from the stress of the world.”