Biking and Brotherhood

“A 100-mile bike ride for vocations?! Count me in! I’ve biked 20 miles before. Should be no problem.” Was I overly optimistic? Perhaps. Will I ever regret the time, energy, and sweat I spent on the Ride for Vocations with my Christian brothers and sisters? No way! The Ride for Vocations took place on Labor Day in southern Maryland in conjunction with the Oxon Hill Century (100 mile) ride. Before mounting our bikes and embarking on the day-long quest, our crew celebrated Mass at 6:00am in Saint Mary’s Star of the Sea church in Indian Head, Maryland. By 7:15 we were on the road. Off we cruised down the winding roads and trails. Our company consisted of four priests, over 50 laity, and nine seminarians, including myself. Splitting into a few groups according to speed, we worked as teams, taking turns obstructing the wind for the rest of the riders by a technique called drafting. As we zipped along, everyone kept up lively conversations, keeping each other motivated throughout the long ride. 

At mile 17 we came to the first rest stop. I felt great! My teammates and I grabbed snacks and replenished our water bottles. Soon we were back on the road. By the time we arrived at the second rest stop my legs felt heavier, but not too bad. At mile 60, however, I was really exhausted. For the first time, the reality of 100 miles hit me with a staggering punch. Finishing the ride was going to be challenging. Inspired by the spirit of my brother seminarians and our crusade of riders, I mounted my bike again, ready to meet the challenge. Another ten miles went by and I was losing steam. Falling back from the group, I pedaled at a slower pace to conserve energy. Father Ivany and Father Regan, who would never leave a man behind, stayed back along with a few of my brother seminarians to encourage me. We made it to mile 80. The sun was at its hottest and the humidity really took its toll, making breathing more and more difficult. At this point I wasn’t sure how I would make it another 20 miles. It seemed nearly impossible. But once again I found encouragement in my brothers and fathers. Their witness reinvigorated the muscles in my legs and pushed any doubts out of my tired heart. I was going to finish this ride.

The last rest stop was at mile 90, and it had Rita’s Italian Ice. What a blessing! The temperature of the frozen treat helped me bear the heat. Only ten more miles to go! Eager to finish, we started out on the home stretch at a quicker pace than before. Father Reagan rode beside me and gave me tips on how to gain speed without expending more energy. Finally, we made it! At the finish, we were met with cheers and applause from members of Sacred Heart and other parishes who had come out in support. I had accomplished much, but I never would have done it without Father Ivany, Father Regan, my brothers, and most importantly, the grace of God. The ride was a great lesson in humility and brotherhood, and I can’t wait for next year… Although I plan on doing some training before I try to bike 100 miles again!