The cycle of love started because I wanted to draw some attention to my brothers and sisters who depended on bikes and even waking as a part of their daily lives one man’s way to join in the struggles of my immigrant friends in Lagrange. I planned on riding alone but when two friends joined me on the ride that day took on a second meaning. The friends that joined decided to ride 70 miles with me in one day, which they didn’t have to do but choose to do to support me. My challenge became their challenge as they encouraged me throughout the day. I could not have made it without them, and the victory was sweet in communion with them as we celebrated with family and friends together at the finish line. The final significance of the day was the challenge of overcoming such a large goal. One note from a friend with the words you can prevail not by thinking about the 70 miles ahead of you but by concentrating on one mile at a time. This became my approach to the day just make one more mile and eventually I was celebrating a victory.
These three things are the motivation that has created what is now the “Cycle of Love.” Once a year we gather as brothers and sisters to bring awareness to the needs of struggling people by inviting various organizations to ride together with us. The training is done in community with others on smaller rides leading up to the event, and the ride is done as one group of diverse people riding together supporting one another over the course of the two days. It is not a bike race but a ride with friends. The goal is large (170 miles) to remind us all that we can overcome large obstacles together one step at a time, various riders raise support for their organizations as a sign that the financial goals of each can be accomplished one small gift at a time. We celebrate together at the end with family and friends and ride to the finish line together.
Love for neighbor and friend, the presence of God in community, and one big goal accomplished. “Cycle of Love”
~Leroy Barber