SASKATOON – Every year since 2012, a group of about 20 cyclists from Texas 4000 pass through Saskatoon and are hosted by Christ Church Anglican. Texas 4000 is a charity cycling ride that raises funds for the fight against cancer. Each year, the cyclists, who are university students, ride from Austin, Texas to Anchorage, Alaska. Before the ride, each student must raise US$4,500, cycle 2,000 training miles and log over 50 hours of volunteer work. Since the ride was launched 2004, it has raised over US$13 million. It is the longest annual charity bike ride in the world.
Christ Church was honoured to welcome the group on June 26. It was one of 70 overnight stops on the journey. The church provided the group with dinner, social time and a place to sleep. Also that evening, the City of Saskatoon allowed the riders use of a community pool for a swim and showers. The following morning, the cyclists rose to freshly washed laundry, breakfast and food for the road. After an emotional farewell with parishioners, the police gave them an escort out of the city.
“We feel blessed to host this amazing group of young people very year and always feel, with each visit, that we have gained far more from their visit than we have given,” says the Rev. Peter Coolen.
The Saskatchewan Anglican
