The numbers: 75 riders 16,670 miles ridden $200,000+ raised in gifts and pledges Leaderboard: Men: Luis Magallon, 399 Women: Rosemary Lechnowsky, 329 New tandem record: (The previous tandem record was 324 miles. This year we had two tandem teams surpass the previous record.) Gary Robinson & Carol Douglass, 350 Paul McClain & Michael Johnson, 329 Most money raised (CER staff): Nate Boyd - $14,543 Most money raised (non-staff): Jonathan Palmer - $14,237 Mark your calendars for next year’s Ride! July 24-25, 2020
More than a grueling physical event that its name implies, the Agony Ride serves as an annual “reset” for many - a stripping away of the crust that has hardened over our hearts in response to the pain in this world and the trials we face. This was evident as rider after sagger after rider stepped on stage during our Sunday church service following the Ride to share a personal reflection.
Second-time rider, Michael Johnson, who has participated in a number of organized cycling events, says what sets the Agony Ride apart is not just the exemplary service provided at each SAG station, but who is providing the service. “When you’re two hours into the Ride and things are starting to hurt, and it dawns on you that you have 22 more hours to go, it’s mentally crushing...[The students] are what makes it...[You] lifted me up and kept me positive and kept me going. You took that crushing weight off...” Our students gave of themselves continuously and found that the riders did the same. This is the beautiful illustration of the ongoing cycle of unrestrained giving that happens at the Agony Ride. Thank you to all who sacrificed to be out in the Sierra Valley with us this year and to the thousands of sponsors from all over the world - we continue to be overwhelmed by your generosity. (To those who were unable to attend the Sunday Service, a recording is available here.) In June, we had the opportunity to celebrate God’s work in and through the lives of individuals this past year. Jan Kern was the recipient of this year’s Outstanding Service Award, providing extensive invaluable insight and coaching to the staff this past fall. Amanda (Polejewski) McIntyre (‘07) shared a message of encouragement from the stage as our Alumni Award recipient. Student Amanda received the Cornelius Grant, which will aid in her ongoing stay in the program.
Graduation was held in early June. We are very proud of our students who finished their California high school graduation requirements, but are continuing their time as students at Christian Encounter.
*CEM’s annual 15-day backpacking trip serves as an opportunity for our students and interns to unplug from the responsibilities and distractions of daily life and experience the great outdoors. CEM has been leading wilderness backpacking trips since its inception over 40 years ago. “On belay.” “Belay on!” “Climbing.” “Climb on!” Our participants learned the importance of these phrases as they took turns ascending the rock face, some more than once. But rock climbing was only a small portion of their 15 day trip. On the first day of the trip, they completed some team initiatives that gave them a taste of what was ahead. During the remainder of the trip, our lean and mean group of eight learned the importance of communication, perseverance, and trust as they took turns navigating unfamiliar terrain to get to their camping spot each night. And though they unwittingly left their spice kit in their last resupply, they ate pretty well, too. In my physical and emotional challenges, it was important to trust God and know that He wasn’t going to give up on me, so I shouldn’t give up on me either.
- Michaelyn |