TORONTO, ON - It was a climactic finish to a summer-long, cross-country cycling odyssey for more than 75 cyclists who ascended Signal Hill in St. John’s, Nfld., September 3. Escorted by the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, the cyclists linked arms and walked the last few meters to the crest of the hill, bringing the Canadian Bible Society’s 8,400 kilometre Bike for Bibles Centennial Ride to a joyful conclusion.
Exactly 64 days earlier, the cyclists - who came from across Canada and parts of the world - had dipped their wheels in the Pacific Ocean on a beach in Victoria, B. C., before setting out. Their goal: to cycle through every province and more than 100 communities, while raising funds and awareness for the work of the Canadian Bible Society in the midst of the Society’s 100th Anniversary year.

To date, more than $300,000 has come in to the Canadian Bible Society through the cyclists’ efforts. Ride-related donations are being accepted until the end of the year.

The cyclists, ranging in age from teens to seniors and from more than 17 Christian denominations, are enthusiastic about their experiences. “I did it!” says Catherine McGorman of Shebody, N.B. “I was cycling with doctors, lawyers and athletic champions; all beautiful people who opened their arms to me.”

Accompanied by bike crews and medical personnel, the cyclists were hosted by local churches in the various communities they visited. “The church people fed us, cared for us and prayed over us,” remembers McGorman. “I’ve been so blessed. I praise the Lord and I thank my sponsors. It was a wonderful experience.”

“The ride exceeded our expectations in terms of organization and the joy it brought to participants and supporters across the nation,” says CBS national director, Phyllis Nesbitt. “We are confident it will also provide the funds we hoped would be raised, to facilitate our new era of ministry in Canada.”

Bike for Bibles is a fundraising activity employed by Bible Societies around the world. Started in Australia in 1984, the annual rides generate funds for Bible translation, publication and distribution projects globally.

The Canadian Bible Society translates, publishes, distributes and encourages the use of the Bible throughout Canada and the world. Chartered in 1906, the Canadian Bible Society (CBS) formed when 14 regional auxiliaries of the British and Foreign Bible Society in Canada (dating as far back as 1807) joined together.

The Canadian Bible Society is a member of the United Bible Societies, a fellowship of more than 140 national Bible Societies around the globe.