Written by: Luke Zavala
FULLER FAMILY…MEET MY FAMILY.
My name is Luke Zavala. I’m from Chicago, and this is my 4th ride with the Fuller Center Bike Adventure. I’ve ridden down the west coast, across the country, and now I’m riding a couple of weeks through the Midwest. This mission has a special place in my heart. My wife and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary by riding the cross-country route with FCBA in 2016. I’ve met some of my closest friends on this ride. It’s a privilege to get to do life alongside them, serving together to do a small part to improve the lives of one another, as well as the covenant partners across the United States.
Like most of the FCBA riders, it’s sometimes hard to explain to others, at home, the draw of punishing yourself for 75 miles a day—day after day—as you pedal for the better part of every day. Since 2012, I’ve talked to my friends and family back home, and tried to convince them to just buy-in and come along. Last year, my Uncle Mike joined us for a week on the West Coast. He finished his week with a deeper understanding of the draw of the ride, and the amazing work the Fuller Center does.
This year, Uncle Mike is back for 2 weeks. And my Aunt Barbie and Uncle Brian are also joining for one segment, from St. Cloud to Madison. And my brother is joining the ride from Madison to South Bend. It’s been an incredible experience, being able to introduce my blood family to my Fuller Center family. Getting to ride in a pace line with so many people I love is a feeling that is hard to put into words. Getting to walk alongside my family as they jump in with both feet to support my wife and I, and this mission, makes me realize what a lucky guy I am. I look forward to many more years, and many more relatives, getting to smash pedals across the country and support the FCBA’s amazing mission.
