Settled in my comfortable, new auditorium seat, complaining of hunger and rubbing the sleep out of my eyes, I waited for the Faith-in-Action speaker to begin on a late October day.  Unaware this Faith-in-Action would be miles different from the previous ones I had attended, I came to listen to Fr. Matt Ruhl give his spiel for Cycling for Change.
As an intermittent attendee of St. Francis Xavier Church in Kansas City, I knew Ruhl’s incredible ability to use words to inspire those he was talking to.  Ruhl created Cycling for Change after hearing Mike Halterman propose to cut poverty in half by 2020.  How Ruhl’s program ties into this, is a group of cyclists bike for 100 days, 5,000 miles in total, in hopes of decreasing homelessness with each mile.  Each night on their journey from Washington to Florida, Ruhl will say mass to bring awareness to those in need.  But back to cutting poverty in half before I’m 30.  When Ruhl repeated this goal to the Faith-in-Action listeners, I was astounded.  Cut 39.8 million people in poverty (Source: U.S. Census Bureau) to 19.9 million?  Seriously?  In less than eleven years?  But with Ruhl’s Cycling for Change, I could be an active agent in that change.  A vessel in which to effect at least 20 million peoples’ lives.  I’m in.
So you’re not an avid biker?  Don’t sweat it, I’m not either.  But that’s not reason enough not to get pumped about this event.  People can raise money, awareness, host an event (it would be a complete drag to have to look all cutesy and go to a party), join the Facebook group (this would be a real stretch to get done), volunteer, or ride with the team when they come into Missouri.  Check out the website at cyclingforchange.org for registration deadlines and details.
Out of all the athletic and active girls and teachers that are on campus, it would be a shame for none of you to ride in this.  The first leg coming into Missouri, starting in Atchison, is only 65 miles and will only take one day.
Come on STA.  On a bike.  Through the KATY trail.  With your friends.  Helping those in poverty.  Wind blowing through your hair.  Well, I can’t promise that one. What could be a better day?
For those who like to be challenged, the second leg is from KC to St. Louis and will take six days to cycle.  Any takers?
Since I am holding myself to ride one of the legs of the Missouri portion, I have slowly begun my training.  Wiping some of the cobwebs from between the spokes of my blue Schwinn, I’ve been building up my endurance and hopefully by July 17, I will be in shape for my grand ride for Cycling for Change.
Ruhl remarked at the program that he needed ‘St. Teresa’s to wave their banner loud.’Â  Let’s not let him and 20 million helpless people down.  At my time at STA, I have observed girls passionate for so many things, sports, theatre, lunch.  So let’s put that fervor into something truly constructive.  Something that can change the lives of millions.  Even though it may come close, not even our best theme game while defeating Sion can have that kind of impact.
Here’s my challenge to you STA, get involved.  In some way, get engaged in Cycling for Change.  I would love to have some of my sisters riding along side me.  If it’s any consolation, as Ruhl said, ‘you’ll be sore for Jesus.’