7-13-2024 11:59pm

Local Springboro Family Participated in the Tour de Testimony

Beth Callahan Editor

Contributed Photo of the Tour de Testimony 2024

Submitted by Melissa McGladrie, Communication Specialist for the Dayton East Area The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

SPRINGBORO, OH -- The Simons Family, Daniel, Shelly and their children Sam, Zach, Kai, and Tim took part in a 260 mile church group cycle.

Most of the 53 young men and women, and 40 adults, had never imagined they’d participate in an event like this. They were hoping that the many months of training they had put forth would be enough to help them accomplish this lofty goal of riding bicycles from Cleveland to Beavercreek in less than 4 days.

Beavercreek High School was the gathering point where two buses full of youth and adults from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints left for Cleveland State University (CSU). To kick off the event, they spent the afternoon playing at Euclid Beach on Lake Erie. As they settled in for the night, many youth and adults had a difficult time sleeping as they knew their adventure would begin at 6 am.

The first of the four days started off well as the riders left on their 68-mile ride. It took them from the streets of Cleveland to the scenic countryside east of Canton. But as they were heading through Akron, the skies opened, and it continued to rain for the remainder of the 41 miles.

“Cycling in the rain was probably a first for many of our riders,” said Johnny Stankosky, an adult leader and trek planner from Beavercreek, “and combining that with riding on wet crushed limestone created a real challenge of riding ability and mental fortitude.”

On day two, they gathered into 8 groups staggering their departure times. Many of them left with some apprehension as they knew that day’s route would be full of hills, riding up and down through parts of Ohio’s beautiful Amish Country. But their spirits were up after they completed the 62-mile ride.

They were OSU bound on the third day. Most of the 63 miles were spent on bicycle trails, but they also had to ride on some busy streets in Columbus. Which was difficult for many of them. That night, they gathered for a devotional where they shared their thoughts and experiences about their challenges and successes.

“I think this trek has given me a greater sense of optimism, and helped me greatly increase my relationship with God, because I was able to see His hand in my life so many times…”, said Jess Hess(14) from Beavercreek. “I learned that praying makes a big difference when facing challenges.”

Ben Wahlquist(14), also from Beavercreek, stated “(This) showed me that troubles in the moment are hard but once you get through it, it’s easier to laugh and learn from those experiences.”

The final 67 miles brought them back into familiar territory. Each of the bicycle companies stopped at Xenia Station, a major hub for five bike routes, and waited until they were all gathered. Then they rode as a group to Angel Pass Park in Beavercreek. Once there, they lined up two by two. Females in their pink shirts, followed by males in their yellow shirts.

It was quite a sight to behold as they entered Rotary Park where they were greeted by family and friends who had lined the road holding signs and cheering.

As they peddled their bikes to this final stop on their journey they were filled with pride as they recognized what they had just accomplished.

“I feel like I can do more than I thought I ever could. This was something I genuinely thought I couldn’t do, but I did it and finished.”, said one of the youth participants whose name was withheld. “Now I know when I put my mind to something and trust god and involve him and keep going I can do and face anything.”