Days Before We Ride
Bike for Missions
September 9, 2023
Denver, CO
We ride to bring HOPE. We ride to make a DIFFERENCE. We ride to be the LIGHT. Every mile is food to the hungry, clean water to those without, a vehicle for our missionaries who change lives around the world. We ride in partnership with Speed The Light and BGMC. These organizations provide necessary tools to missionaries around the globe so that they can be effective in doing what God has called them to do.
The History of Bike for Missions
In 2021, four guys from Colorado drove to New Mexico to join over 50 riders who rode 500 miles in 5 days. The Colorado Team alone raised over $60,000 for Water Wells in Africa. We knew this was something we wanted to bring to Colorado and Utah! We decided to do a one day event to “test the waters” to see what kind of response we would get.
In our first year we had 11 riders ride 100 miles in one day and we raised over $30,000 for missions. This year our goal is have 30 riders raise $75K for Missions in just ONE DAY! 100 miles is a challenge but we can do this together as a TEAM!
2021
2022
FAQs
When is the ride?
Although the ride is Saturday, September 9th, please plan to spend the weekend. Everyone will need to be on location by 5:00 pm, September 8th.
Tentative Schedule
Friday, September 8th
5:30pm – Meet at predetermined location in Denver for Orientation Dinner
8:00pm – Check into hotel
Saturday, September 9th
6:45am – Breakfast at Hotel
7:15am – Carpool from lobby to Start Line
8:00am – Everyone starts from same location in Pace groups
4:00pm – All riders finished
4:30pm – Clean up at Hotel
6:00pm – Celebration Dinner at Local Church in Denver
Sunday, September 18th
Travel Home
How hard is the ride?
This is not a RACE; it is a RIDE. Riders of all levels participate. “Teams” or “Pace Groups” are created for each level so that we ride in various groups.
We highly recommend that you be able to maintain an average speed of a minimum 14mph over the course of the 100 miles. There will be elevation on the ride and we are riding at 6,000 feet above sea level.
How long will it take to finish the ride?
Depending on your level, expect an 8 hour day with short 5-10 min stops and a break for lunch.
Most riders take 6-7 hours ride time. Faster riders have finished in under 5 hours ride time.
Will someone keep track of finish times?
Since this is a ride, not a race, we do not keep track of finish times. Plan to use your own bike computer or phone app.
Should I have ridden 100 miles before the ride?
YES and NO! You should at least ride an 80 mile ride BEFORE Sept 9th. Some people like to do their first 100 miler during Bike for Missions. The goal is that you are trained up and ready to ride! Heres an example of what you should be doing as your long rides: May 40 miles June 50 miles July 60 miles August 80 miles September 100 miles
What is the cost per rider?
Each rider will give a $150 donation that is tax deductible to “sign up” for the bike ride. This will be done through your sign up form found here.
You will also be asked to set a goal to raise $2500 for missions from your friends, family and contacts.
If you hit or exceed the fundraising goal of $2,500 we will cover:
-up to 2 nights in a hotel
-1 custom race jersey
-1 Bike for Missions T shirt
-All race support, lunch and nutrition along the ride
-Friday night dinner
-Saturday night dinner
Where is the ride?
The plan right now is to ride in Denver, CO all paved trailed systems, not on public roads.
Where will our lodging be?
Lodging is provided Friday night and Saturday night. If you only plan on staying one night please communicate that to us so we can make proper arrangements.
Exact location will be communicated closer to the day of the ride.
Will tubes and tires be provided for the ride?
We will have SOME emergency tubes on hand but PLEASE bring your own tubes, tires, and anything you think you will need for this kind of ride.
Will I have a roommate?
Each room will have 2 queen beds. If there is someone you would like to room with, please let us know. If not you will be assigned one. If you prefer your own room you can request it and pay the extra $75 per night.
What happens at the end of the ride?
WE CELEBRATE!
We cheer on each pace group as they cross the finish line! You just accomplished one of the most difficult things you have ever done!
You can cry, hug, take pictures, and fall over with exhaustion or ALL of the above!
What kind of bicycle do I need?
We recommend a road bike as light as possible. IF you choose to ride a mountain bike you MUST still keep up the 14 mph avg minimum.
What about the weather?
This is COLORADO, We can’t predict the weather. Be prepared for sunny or cloudy, rainy or snowy, windy or PERFECT conditions. Just be prepared! TYPICALLY the temps will be a cooler morning around the 40’s and a warmer afternoon in the 70’s.
If the weather is severe we may have to adapt. We may even have to change the route, but most likely we will “Push Through” whatever comes our way. However, we will put the riders safety first! We won’t ride if there is lightning or other severe weather that could be dangerous. On the other hand, we will ride into a head wind, gut through a rain storm and fight the snow!
Will there be medical support?
We will have medical supplies and race support vehicles that will assist us.
How should I prepare?
Train! Make sure you’re ready to ride 100 miles!
Make sure your bike is tuned up before the ride
What do I need to bring?
*ANSI approved helmet
*Water and snacks you prefer
*Extra bike tubes and lube
*Sunscreen
*Anti-chaffing supplies
*First aid kit/pain relievers
*Towel
*Chair to sit in at Aid stations
*Rain gear for the ride
*Good attitude and excitement to be on one of the best rides in Colorado!
What are the projects for this year?
Our Current Missions Projects for 2023 are: