At the end of January, 17 riders from most Australian States, The United States, and Vietnam, will commence a 1000km journey to Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia. Riding in two separate groups, the first will depart 30th January from Melbourne heading North. The second group will depart Brisbane on 31st January, heading South. They will arrive together at Avondale University on Tuesday afternoon, 6th February.

The I Will Go Ride has a focus on Pastoral well-being and personal Faith Sharing, combined into an endurance cycling adventure. It also aims to encourage Adventists everywhere to be people of Hope – who say “I Will Go! – I will respond to the call to take personal ownership for mission, and share the love and message of Jesus with the people around me.”

The ride is inspired by the work of Phillip and Frederick Reekie. Both were Adventist book-sellers, who rode bicycles thousands of kilometers through remote parts of Australia during the 1890s selling Christian literature. In the remote New South Wales town of Eugowra, Phillip met Tom Kent, who had just lost his wife, and was left with the care of their eleven children. Tom purchased the book ‘The Great Controversy’, and his life was transformed. Two of Tom’s great grandchildren will participate in the Australian rides too – Anthony Kent in the Melbourne ride, and Rob Hansford in the Brisbane ride.

Along the way, riders will stop and talk with people along the route, sharing a message of Hope. Each day has on average 150km+ of cycling, which requires them to keep an eye on time, weather and energy levels. On a number of days, following long days in the saddle, the teams will also stop in to share stories and a message of Hope at evening meetings at various churches along the routes.

It is important to note that this event is a private event and not an official church event, and as such, riders have covered their own costs, taking annual leave to participate in the mission.

Each ride is supported by a driver/ vehicle at the rear of the group. We continue to seek partners to fund the literature that will be given out to people that we meet along the way. We will be sharing The Great Hope (shorter Great Controversy version) which includes a QR code card for audio version and a Health book and a Glow tract.

To find out more, contact Michael Worker at the Australian Union Office of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.