Veterans take part in a cross-state cycling trip in memory of veterans and their families impacted by suicide.
On Nov. 10, Maplewood Baptist Church in Yadkinville hosted a group of veterans who were cycling across North Carolina to raise awareness and to remember and honor fellow veterans and their families who have lost their life or been dramatically impacted by suicide.
This is the third year the church has hosted the group. The route the cyclists take consists of 440 miles from the western Tennessee/N.C. border to the Jannette pier on the East Coast. The ride is broken up into four 22-mile segments for five days. The 22-mile segments symbolize the average number of military veterans, past and present, that have been lost to suicide. The cyclist stop at the end of each 22-mile segment to pay remembrance to a fallen veteran.
They shared their inspirational stories of who they were riding in honor and memory of with members of Maplewood Baptist church family during its Mid-Week Prayer and Bible Study. Ricky Love, the group’s leader, presented Pastor Jimmy Lancaster with a plaque of appreciation. Afterward, church members surrounded each of the team and Drake Phillips led a prayer for their continued safety and blessing on their journey across the state.
This year’s cyclist included: Ricky Love, Autumn Scherbeh, Ben Washechek, Mike Chew, Chris Huntley, Tim Williams, Mike Fief, Mike Thomas, Emilio Hernandez, Daniel MacDonald and Tony Rayas. Their support team consisted of: Steven Jones, Maurice Parker, Jason Givins and Stephanie Wood.
For more information about the ride visit https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/9c15b670e7144548870bf218ede07257