July 4th and 5th

deCycles Teen Bicycling Mission

is coming to Asheville

deCycles Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywi_Q1FivPg 

More about deCycles and their director, Norm Houze:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnXo_IVJAg8  (Hero Story)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSA-bQF5AmM (Hero Story Ending)

     60 teens are bicycling with Spirit over the Appalachian Mountains.  Riding over 1600 miles, these teens are living examples of how Spirit moves in individuals' lives to accomplish what most would think is impossible.  But, the impossible happens everyday and every mile of this 3 week deCycles trip.  Our Christian principles of kindness, commitment, faith, and happiness are the foundation for the strength each rider must possess to get down the road.  These riders are truly modern day miracles!

     This is one of the most challenging coed trips taken in the 40 year history of deCycles.  Based in Indiana, this interfaith teen bicycling group pushes everyone out of their comfort zones.  It challenges riders to look inside for the "power" to make it down the road.  Riding in groups of 7 and staying with their slowest rider may not seem challenging until there are the mountains, - some BIG Appalachian Mountains, hot sun, wind, and tiredness.  Don't forget that the next church they ride to is usually an average of 85 miles away.  No matter what age, after a few days of this strenuous journey, you need help!  This is what causes riders to reach deep inside themselves to their true inner strength of Spirit.  And, with this Spirit and Love of our Creator, together deCycles are empowered to move through the many adversities of riding down the road.

     Walking the walk of Jesus and other great souls is not just something one talks about on deCycles.  Besides the personal growth each rider experiences, this trip is a demonstration of cooperation and peace.  Physical fitness comes naturally when you propel yourself down the road like these teens do.  Add the dimension of conserving fossil fuels and riding a bike for transportation, all those around deCycles have much to learn.  One can only conclude that we all should be on a deCycles trip everyday!

     Hungry, sweaty, and weary, these deCycles riders minister to each other, the public, and church congregations all along the way.  Through their stories and music, they inspire all ages to "never give up, no matter how difficult the challenge", to "listen to your heart and remember that we are all wonderful children of our Creator", and finally, "take time for others as we all journey on the path of life together!"  And, just sometimes, that journey is on a bike! 

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     In their 40 years of operation, the deCycles have stayed overnight in over 875 churches, gyms, fellowship halls, armories, schools, fire stations, and various other facilities.

     This year's trip will take these teens from Bloomington, Indiana through Ohio and West Virginia to the Appalachian Mountains on the Blue Ridge Parkway, with more climbing in Virginia and North Carolina, winding through the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and Kentucky before returning back to Indiana.

     Along with their 60 students on bicycles, 19 adult staff and four road support vehicles will bring supplies of food, sleeping bags, pillows and air mattresses, and a water hose for cold outside showers.  Of course, real showers are nice, and swimming pools are glorious; however, if these are not possible, deCycles comes prepared!  They plan to arrive in Asheville at 5PM on Saturday, July 4th after riding 85 miles from Boone.    

July 4th, 5:00 PM — Estimated arrival in Asheville

July 5th, 11:00 AM — Lead Worship!

July 6th, 7:30 AM — Leave for 90 mile ride to Gatlinburg, TN