Last Labor Day weekend, a group of 10 Team Living Water cyclists rode their bicycles 250 miles across the Texas Hill Country to fundraise for thirsty communities around the world.
The ride took place over three days, and our team averaged over 80 miles per day as we battled hills, heat, and difficult road conditions. Along with the support crew that drove ahead, we made our way from west to east, starting in Campwood and ending in Flatonia.
Our team members decided to join Living Water International’s inaugural Texas 250 ride for different reasons, but we came together with one common goal—providing safe drinking water for our thirsty sisters and brothers.
The first day was the most challenging, with a lot of hill-climbing and temperatures that were a little shocking, even by Texas standards. We traveled through many Central Texas towns including Kerrville, Comfort, Gruene, New Braunfels, and Lockhart—sleeping in host homes and churches at night.
Our last rest stop on the final day was at a church in Cistern. Our spirits were high when we realized that we had just 15 miles left to ride. As we got back on our bikes to roll into Flatonia, the skies opened, and we got soaked with rain.
Even as we loaded our bicycles into the trailer in the downpour, I could not get my mind off the significance of that image—being soaked with water, which is the reason the Texas 250 exists!
A challenge like this certainly attracts a certain type of person, and this group was tenacious in battling the difficulties to keep our commitment to the many people who supported this ride. Together this team raised a total of over $17,000 for safe water projects!
The 2019 Texas 250 ride will take place from September 26-29. There are just a few days left to join the team! If you interested, you can learn more here: www.water.cc/texas250
