Photo: Ben Handrich, Kiara Yoder, Julie Stauffer [they make up the M of MCC]; Kelsey Sommer [Middle C of MCC] and Trish Handrich participated in the MCC West Coast fundraising ride in the San Juan Islands, July 31-Aug. 5. Photo provided.
Mennonite Central Committee West Coast’s biennial fundraising bike trip took place in the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington from July 31-Aug. 5. The trip consisted of 100 persons–85 riders and 15 support staff–with riders ranging in age from less than one-year-old to 89 years of age. The group camped at the San Juan Fairgrounds in Friday Harbor.
Daily rides were planned on the San Juan, Lopez, Shaw and Orcas islands, with scenic ferry rides between Friday Harbor and the day’s designated island. Breakfasts and suppers were provided in
the camp by a diligent crew of volunteers, and lunch was ‘make your own‘, from ingredients provided out of the back of the ‘sag wagon’ at a designated location. Most riders came form Oregon, Washington and Idaho, but there were also participants from California, Colorado, Indiana, Michigan, Montana, Ohio and Canada. This year’s trip raised $25,000 for Mennonite Central Committee to be used as needed.
Trip highlights varied from person to person, but the group was thankful for no accidents, for the good number of families who participated, and for the leadership of rider Trish Handrich. Other
highlights included friendships made and renewed and the powerful stories told by approximately 20 MCC alumni of their transforming experiences while serving.
The Northwest MCC Fundraising bike trips are held every other year, with the San Juan ride taking place every fourth year. In between the San Juan trip, a variety of different venues are chosen. The 2014 trip was planned by Idaho residents and held on the Hiawatha mountain bike trail. This trip was also a resounding success. The trips have been running since 1996, with this year’s being the 12th event.
If you are interested in hosting/organizing a fundraising bike trip in your neck of the woods, or have suggestions, contact Trish Handrich. This need not be limited to the Pacific Northwest!
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