Hey “Big Ringers”,

What started as a simple idea to ride a 100 miles with some buddy’s has blossomed into a great, Orange County cycling event.  We’ve put together a scenic loop that will challenge you along a tour of some of best roads and trails that the OC has to offer.  The inaugural Big Ring Century launches this Saturday morning and we’re ready to go!

The first goal for the BRC is that it’s a safe ride.  Please recall that, “this is a ride not a race”.  As we do it right, everyone will have a fun day and then we’ll all come home safely.  Please obey all the traffic laws, stopping at lights and signals and riding at safe, posted speeds, especially along the bike trails.  It’ll just take a few minutes longer to complete the route if you’ll give up your right-of-way, as needed, to those 4-wheeled monsters out there on the roads.  Headphones are illegal for cyclists and are really just a bad idea, in general on a bike.  Leave em’ at home.  We’ll have water and some nutrition along the routes, Chic-fil-A at the end and we’ll be providing Sag support too. But it’ll be a good idea for you to also come prepared with filled water bottles, some nutrition, tubes, a tire pump or air cartridges, a sturdy helmet and some basic bike tools.  You get the message, be safe and come prepared for an all day ride. 

What’s so awesome about this ride is that it’s directly benefitting FaithQuest Missions, a work that has transformed and saved the lives of people in tremendous need.  FaithQuest founders, John and Lori Gash are Orange County locals and high school sweethearts from Mission Viejo High School who married and built a family and who enjoyed a comfortable life in South County.  Then, about 10 years ago the two of them turned it all upside down when John, on the spur of the moment, went on missions trip to Africa.  His heart was changed when he witnessed the tremendous poverty and helplessness of the people that he met there.  When asked, who will help these people, John and Lori Gash replied, "we will".

Since that time the Gash’s have become a catalyst for bringing people and resources together to deliver relief to forgotten tribes of Africa.  They’ve teamed together with churches across America, taking over 1,200 adventuresome folks along with them to Africa to see the great need there and then to respond with action. 

What’s happening through this work is miraculous with over 6,000 children who’ve been financially adopted (9 more through this ride so far, and 50 more available at the event), agricultural programs that have taken root, clean water sources that have been delivered, educational opportunities that have been put into place and the reconciliation of racial groups and people’s groups that is happening every day.  These are just a few of the many transformative works that are changing the life-landscape in Africa through the grace of God and the efforts of FaithQuest Missions. 

John and Lori like to say that FaithQuest’s beginnings were when Jesus said “Go”.   Believe me when I tell you that they’re “Going” in a very big way and that a small part of this great work is beingmade possible by the contribution that you have made to this simple bike ride.  Thank you! 

I would encourage you to get to know more about FaithQuest Missions at: www.faithquestmissions.org   Both John and Lori will be at the Big Ring Century so feel free to say hello to them.  Be careful, though, John’ll have you on a plane to Africa before you know it. 

We can’t wait to see you all on Saturday.  Let’s all be safe, have a blast, make some friends and tell someone about the Big Ring and about FaithQuest Missions. 

Ride on!   - Mark