Cross-Country Bikers End Trip, Pedal into DC May 27

Kyle Archibald riding in a hot Utah sun.

Kyle, Brent, Rob, and Dave pause to check the view in Kansas--about halfway to DC.

Jenny, Dave, and Brent pedal towards the Continental Divide in Colorado.

After 27 days and traveling 3,200 miles to Washington DC, Dr. Herb Anderson and his Western Baptist riding team arrived in the nation's capital ahead of schedule, May 27. They promptly rode to the Lincoln Memorial to climb the steps and celebrate their journey.

This was 88 year-old Anderson's third such trip in 22 years, but he relished the end of this one. "It was a very satisfying trip and a time for Christians who share a love of biking to bond while meeting others along the way."

Anderson's revised mileage goal of 888 miles was surpassed as he rode 900 miles. When not portaging in a vehicle, all riders rode between 900 and over 1,500 miles. Beth Woodard biked the farthest logging more than 1,500 miles. Brent Seidler pedaled over 1,400 miles. Poor weather in the Midwest reduced many mileage goals. Student Kyle Archibald rode with his dad, Bruce. He said it was a opportunity for them to ride together where they hadn't been and hear some strong preaching from Anderson.

"It's a great feeling of accomplishment. We met so many wonderful Christians along the way who opened the homes to us," Kyle said. "We experienced love and charity from them and it helped remind me that God is the god of abundance and love."

Dave Bale is an avid bicyclist who has never ridden across America. He was excited to finish strong and ride into Washington DC. He said the group were to have met with Oregon Sen. Gordon Smith on May 28, but were unable to do so due to Smith's changing schedule.

The riders left the College on May 1 and rode to Idaho in two days. Their trip also took them through Utah, Colorado, Kansas. Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia. They slept overnight at 26 churches along the route whose members gladly provided space for the team.

Anderson said they were blessed with a wonderful and safe trip, but would he do this again?

"We'll have to think about that, but if the Lord allows me good health at age 90, I might do it again."

The bikers and support team included: Betty Lu and Herb, Anderson, Bruce and Kyle Archibald, Dave Bale, Jennifer Costalez, Rebekah Farley, Sharon and Tim Latta, Dick Richardson, Brent Seidler, Rob Taylor, Jenny Welty, and Beth Woodard.