Written by: Joel Derksen
So here we are, at the end of the ride. We’ve dipped our tires, said our goodbyes, and are each now making our way back home, wherever that may be. It’s been an incredible journey, and one we won’t soon forget.
The end of the ride began with a morning much like many others, but we all carried a sense of anticipation knowing the end was in reach. After riding together our final 10 miles, we came to a sight too glorious to believe: the sea, stretching out as far as the eye can see. Many hugs were given and endless photos were taken as we hooted and hollered at the edge of the Atlantic. This was followed by our final circle-up as a group, where we each had the opportunity to share deeply with each other, celebrating all we’d accomplished.
And we have accomplished a lot, it’s true. Crossing the country on a bicycle is no small feat. It takes a lot to travel 3700 miles and climb more than 130,000 feet, not to mention sleeping on the floor for 71 nights while figuring out how to live together with 20 other strangers.
But really, this ride isn’t about our own personal accomplishments. It’s not about showing how strong, or how fast, or how tough we are. Rather, it’s about transformation. It’s about lives being changed, both others’ and our own. We’ve seen these transformations happening throughout the ride, right before our eyes. It’s been incredible to see and hear how deeply this ride has impacted each one of us, and I feel blessed to have been present to such a meaningful experience for so many people.
The ripple effects of this ride stretch far beyond our own personal transformations, though. Through our build days, our funds raised, and our speaking and sharing about the Fuller Center’s beautiful work, the lives of countless families have been changed as well. Some of these folks we had the privilege to get to know along the way, while others we may never meet. In either case, we know and trust that God will continue and magnify the good work that has been started in their lives.
But for now, it’s time for us to move on and return to the other spaces in life where God has called each one of us. From Ocean to Ocean 2018, thank you so much for following, supporting, and praying for us along the way. This adventure may be over, but the FCBA journey continues on, and we can’t wait to do it all again in 2019!
