Cyclists Circle America On 8,840 Mile Ride For Safe Water

Austin, Texas, USA – A team of five bicycle riders - joined by many more along the way - has embarked on an ambitious fundraising tour around America. The h2o Ride, spanning almost five months and covering 8,840 miles through 36 states, will raise money for Living Water International, a charity that builds water wells in impoverished countries. Staying in churches and homes along the way, the team will ride an average of 80 miles a day, making a full circle around the perimeter of the country, starting and ending in Austin, Texas.

“We ride to bring safe drinking water to people in need" said rider Joel Farris. "Living Water International builds wells that quench thirsting bodies, - just as Jesus gave us living water to quench our thirsting souls.”

Joel is joined by fellow riders Troves Gilbert, Eric Breckinridge, Abe Clark, and Jillian Farris.

The team has a lineage of fundraising and endurance. Joel and Troves previously took part in Texas 4000, a charitable ride from Texas to Alaska, to raise funds for cancer research. In 2010, Abe became only the fifteenth person ever to run solo across America, raising funds for Living Water International. Eric and Jillian are both avid long-distance cyclists eager to use their talents in the service of others. They are being supported along the way by Michael and Leila Way along with their three year old daughter, Audrey.

"It’s an exciting calling that we feel very strongly about" said Leila Way. "We hope to share our mission with whoever we come across, in the hope that they are inspired to participate"

Citing their Christian faith as the catalyst for their ride, the team aims to raise both awareness and money to address the world’s water crisis. Nearly one billion people around the globe lack access to clean drinking water. Diseases from drinking contaminated water result in more than 2.2 million deaths each year. Most vulnerable are the young, with water related diseases claiming the lives of some 5,000 children each and every day. The h2o riders will ride one mile for every 100,000 people without clean water.

“Every glass of water I drink reminds me of how grateful I am for clean water,” said Troves. "This ride is an inspirational way we can use our gifts, share our faith, and help those without access to clean water"

For further information visit: www.h2oride.org
For more information on Living Water International visit: www.water.cc

Contact Information

Michael Way

Media Relations

h2o Ride.org

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