A great ride for a great cause

2024 marks 55 years of communities raising funds and riding in support of Red Rock Bible Camp.

Red Rock’s annual fundraising Cyclathon on Saturday, June 1, starts in Steinbach, Landmark, and Winnipeg, including a stop for lunch at the halfway mark. The riders then head to Rennie, and from there, they are shuttled to camp for a special dinner and awards ceremony. The total distance of the Cyclathon is 125 kilometres, with an option for riders wanting a shorter distance to start from the halfway point.

To date, 49 riders have signed up for the Cyclathon and that number is expected to rise to approximately 65, based on participation in previous years.

Participants enjoy a lunch break midway through the Red Rock Cyclathon

Once a person registers for the Cyclathon, there are options for fundraising.

“Some people like to collect pledges, and there’s also a peer-to-peer fundraising program, where you create an online account and then people can donate right away for a specific cyclist,” says Evelina Kehler, Red Rock’s office manager. “We ask each of our cyclists to raise a minimum of $200.”

Kehler says there’s also a $1,000 Club, where anyone who raises $1,000 or more will be entered in a draw for a bike.

Their fundraising goal for this year is $80,000.

“It’s our biggest fundraiser of the year, and we rely on it to help run our kids’ summer camp program,” she says. “It helps cover anything above and beyond what the campers are paying, which is integral to our camp ministry.”

Carla Ackermann was a young girl when she first attended Red Rock Bible Camp, and today she’s the Director.

Ackermann says many people who have attended Red Rock think of it like a second home.

“They come back and remember that feeling of being a camper, being welcomed and loved, and it being a beautiful place,” Ackermann says. “And of course for us (at Red Rock), the most important reason is bringing the Gospel to kids and telling them about Jesus; telling them about His love for them.”

For parents and kids who are new to the Red Rock Bible Camp experience, Ackermann says many campers have expressed how camp is what they look forward to most every summer; they have a great time and learn so much.

Ackermann says, “In the words of one youth pastor, the effect of camp on the kids for one week is easily equivalent to youth ministry for a whole year; they just get that intensive time, and it makes a big difference in their life.”

She notes how encouraging it is that the community has supported the camp for so many years and hopes that support will continue this year.

“Whether you ride, sponsor someone who is cycling, or volunteer, anything and everything is appreciated – and anything and everything makes a difference,” she says.

If you are unable to ride, donate or volunteer, Ackermann asks for your prayers. “Please pray for safety, pray for money raised, pray for a great time, and most of all, that we would glorify God in what we're doing.”

To register and learn more about the 55th Annual Cyclathon for Red Rock on Saturday, June 1, visit www.redrockbiblecamp.com/cyclathon/

Red Rock Cyclathon participants ride into the Whiteshell Provincial Park