July 14, 2010

Cyclists aiming to reduce poverty roll through Denver

By Julie Filby

At the same time professional cyclists are racing though the countryside, mountains and towns that make up the route of the legendary Tour de France bicycle race—a group of dedicated cyclists are spending their summer pedaling across plains, over mountains, down river valleys, and through rural towns and metropolitan cities in the U.S. to raise awareness for their neighbors in need.

Cycling for Change is a 5,000-mile bike trek organized by 51-year-old Jesuit Father Matthew Ruhl to help reduce poverty across the country.

“When I heard about Catholic Charities’ (USA) project to cut poverty in half by 2020, I thought ‘That’s exactly what the Church needs,’” he told the Denver Catholic Register during the team’s stop in Denver last week.

Father Ruhl, former pastor at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Kansas City, Mo., and the team of 11 cyclists started Cycling for Change on Memorial Day at Cape Flattery, Wash. Traveling diagonally across the country—an average of 65 miles per day—they will finish on Labor Day at Key West, Fla.

Forty days and an estimated 2,000 miles into their journey, the team spent July 6-7 in the Denver area. During their visit, Father Ruhl spoke at Regis University, his alma mater. They also attended a pancake breakfast at Samaritan House, an emergency shelter run by Catholic Charities in downtown Denver. Proceeds from the Denver visit will be shared between Catholic Charities and the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless.

“It’s a nice collaboration,” said Stephen Carattini, chief operating officer for Catholic Charities of the Denver Archdiocese. “These types of events bring attention to the fact that we have a lot of people in need—a lot more than ever before.”

In Colorado, nearly 10 percent of the population lives in poverty. Nationally roughly 40 million people live below the federal poverty level, which was $22,025 for a family of four in 2008. This is the highest number since 1960. It’s expected to rise as new census numbers account for 2008, the beginning of the economic downturn.

“I wish I could say we’re doing more with less,” Carattini said. “But we’re doing less with less.”

Some team members are collecting donations for organizations in their home towns, including Marian House in Colorado Springs, the largest daily soup kitchen in the state; and the Caritas Center of Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph. Other donations raised along the route remain in the area where they were collected. Events are being held in many of the 85 cities.

In the first full month on the road, the team “got the word out” to thousands of people and raised approximately $380,000.

“The proof is in the pudding, and the pudding ain’t done,” said Father Ruhl. “Our desire is that people will see our message, see our bike team, and be inspired to pitch-in in some way.

“We want people to quit saying poverty is bad and get engaged in a program to help fight it,” he added.

Following the Denver stop the group headed to Colorado Springs, home of 40-year-old team member Jason Christensen, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of Colorado Springs. Though several community events were planned, many had to be cancelled due to heavy rains. The team was able to attend a bike giveaway where volunteers donated 25 bikes to deserving children, and 200 helmets to children and adults.

Christensen was eager to promote awareness to a new audience.

“This is a great way to reach a different audience,” Christensen said. “Cyclists tend to be very socially conscience. Just making them aware of what’s happening, can help get them more involved.”

As the team continues toward the middle of the country, they are looking forward to the Kansas City visit at the end of this week, as it is home for many of them, including 60-year-old John Mocella, a full-time volunteer with Catholic Charities’ Turnaround program that helps former prisoners find employment.

“I’m going to sleep a lot when we’re home,” Mocella said with a laugh. “And believe it or not, I’m also going to be biking around town. Just getting out and enjoying Kansas City on a bike. I think it will be a lot of fun.”

Kansas City also marks the half-way point of the ride. Several segment riders are expected to join the team there. For more information on Cycling for Change, to follow the team or to make a donation, visit www.cyclingforchange.org.

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