Cycle For Hope

John: Really impressed with the girls dealing with the tough conditions. The team was so different and yet we bonded together really well and really quickly. Hopefully a few lasting friendships made.
Callum: I’ve learned that I need to put all of my trust in God. Just seeing how other people put their trust in God like Simon Marriot [a missionary from NI in Czech] and Rob and Kyla. I know I want to get to that stage of trusting in God.
Alex: I found the first couple weeks dire. It was so silly not training. I don’t think I would have done that at all with out the core team. The team actually physically pushed me up the hill. Rob and Baxter actually did that and Katelyn sitting behind me shouting encouragement. John singing at the back just keeps you going. I have learned that’s the person I need to be when I get home…be totally self-sacrificing.
NIgel: This trip hit me on 3 levels: physical, emotional, and spiritual. Physical–lots of hill and lots of heat. The emotional bit was knowing that the trailer was an hour ahead. There was a goal…a hot supper waiting for you. Right, tie that into the Christian life, we have that supper waiting for us. But we don’t have to strive and struggle because all that work has been done for us. I know I have a role to play but it’s not of performance, it’s of trust. I know I have assurance I’ll be at that supper.
Jonny I: Ever since I signed up for this cycle, I hoped it would be good, but it’s surpassed it. It’s been class. It’s been great getting to know everyone. The entire openness of the team has been great. Life back home is pretty hectic sometimes, you don’t get a chance to talk to people in such a relaxed and open environment, but I’ve learned a lot about life. When my hamstring just went, there was a miraculous healing. I’ve cycled 300kms and hardly felt a thing wrong. Thanks to all who prayed. I definitely think this cycle for Hope Europe trip has been a milestone in my life. So many unforgettable moments and unforgettable people. I just can’t wait for another trip like this because I definitely want to go on it. I just wish it could go on for so much longer.
Jude: It’s just been a really amazing. I’ve been pretty used to my home comforts, but we’ve just got stuck in and done our best. With everyone’s help, we’ve been able to do it. I have a lot of admiration for you all and how God is in your life. Thank to Rob and Kyla for organizing everything so brilliantly. Jacob is just a ray of sunshine.
Emma: Coming as non-Christians, we’re out of our comfort zone, but we’ve been accepted and treated no different. Are you serious? Camping? With bugs?! My whole family is just so proud. I can never see myself going back to old Emma. Everyone was so easy to get along with. Helped understand our own questions about God.
Jonny M: [Before I left, I was wondering] What have I got myself in for? I only knew Jonny. The core team were just amazing at accepting us all in. I was a wee bit apprehensive but after the first morning, I was just loving it. Just even the difference between NI and here has shown me how great God is. Great cycle, great team, great God.
Chris: Spiritually, the last 3 years have been tough and it’s always on my mind, that I need to get closer to God. To come out here and have time and Christian fellowship is just unbelievable. Looking back on it now, I know I need to make my faith my own. And the second thing is, being here now with a group of Christian people makes you appreciate them. When they go life is tough. Having alone time on the cycle and reading the Bible in the tent. Getting back to reading the Bible is unreal!

Nigel:
To the word of Belinda Carlisle “Heaven is a place on earth” – yes the country side is fantastic, but today was more akin to John Denver’s “Rock Mountains High” combined with Mel Brooks “Blazing Saddles.” Rab “the frugal” has managed to shoehorn seven guys into a six man tent. At this point I feel I need to respond to the wild alligations of snoring. It aint me and I think the guys concerned doth protest too much ! !
Back to the cycling. We arose early this morning, overcast but cool. The Deane of Armagh had prepared pancakes for breakfast along with assorted cereals and juce drinks. We set off early to cover 120km. After refuelling in Policka we spent the rest of the day cycling up hills that no ordinary mortals in their right minds would attempt. I never knew that someone could pile so many hills on top of one another. Every bend that we went around introduced us to a new climb. Thankfully most hills have the down sides but with the road being a poor as the roads in Cork I broke a spoke on my rear wheel. Thankfully I have a few left on the wheel to keep me going.
As the day’s cycle cloncluded we emptied a small road side shop of all their iced lollies. About another hour, on reasonably flat roads, brought us to the camp site at Plumluv. Kyla ably assisted by her little helper, Rab, prepared another great meal. All plates were emptied which left little washing up for those on duty.
The Dale lead devotions and we discovered later that not only does Jude not like showers with a mouse she has a preference for using the men’s showers. (It seems she has a problem understandng the Czech signs for men and women).

Emma: So after a great day yesterday we woke up bright and early at 5:30am to begin the day of dread for myself and Jude with a 120km cycle from Hlinsko to Plumlov. We began our day with a breakfast made by Rob and Deane which was cereal and pancakes, I think we all overloaded to ensure we had enough energy to start the journey. Our first stop was in Policka were we had a quick pit stop to have a snack until we made our next journey onto Letovice. I was fearful for my life while we were in a construction zone and a backhoe attempted to lift me out the road like a toy from an arcade! I found the journey of dread not bad at this stage, there were a few hills one in particular which had a 12% incline, it took a lot of effort but we managed to get up in the end. Next stop was Letovice were Rob, Kyla and Jacob were waiting with our lunch prepared. It was so amazing they had sandwiches, crisps and pasta which we were all dying to eat. So for our last part of the journey we asked if there would be any more hills we were told “awk no shouldn’t be anymore” how wrong were they? It felt like we were climbing Everest. Such a challenge and tough going so many times I wanted to give up but we all made it up eventually and safely. Final stop was in Habulice were we enjoyed very cold and very cheap refreshments of lollies and juice which we were great. We arrived into the campsite at Plumlov at 4:00pm were we had a rest and enjoyed a much deserved shower and dinner of chilli con carne. We finished the night with songs from John and devotions time from Deane were he discussed God’s mercy and God’s love even when we don’t deserve it sometimes. He explained how we need God’s compassion in our lives. Deane closed with prayer and we went to our tents for some well deserved sleep.

Jonny I:

Dobry den!! (Good day/Hello). As there was no cycling today, we all enjoyed a great nights sleep. Well that was anyone who either has lost the use of their ears or outside a 10km radius of Nigel’s incredibly snoring! Callum also soon realised it was a bad decision to leave his trainers outside overnight as the rain over Hlinsko gave his only pair of footwear a good soaking. This then resulted in him using the girls hairdryer for a more practical purpose. All joking aside, we formed a queue for Rob’s great breakfast pancakes and that set us up for a cracking day. Jonny McCormick also gave us all an encouraging thought-for-the-day on Isaiah 40 vs 30-31 (The Lord will renew our strength). We then set off in a couple of convoys towards the orphanage which was about a 30 minutes drive away. In Simon’s bus, we met our two translators for the day, Lesley and Jasmine. As we stepped into the carpark, we heard kids cheering from the windows and waving at us as we headed in their direction. The kids really were very enthusiastic and despite some obvious language barriers, their excitement and and joy shone through. To kick proceedings off, Stewart challenged the kids to a match against us, the coaches. Perhaps it was their superior fitness levels or the way they outnumbered us 3-1 but nevertheless the kids deserved their win. We then kept them entertained, and exhausted with some exciting team games followed by a quick skit by Callum, Stewart, myself and Jonny McCormick (who we called Mario so the kids wouldn’t get confused between both of us). We used this opportunity to show them that Jesus became our substitute and took the punishment we deserved. Lunch time was very much appreciated, although the local delicacy comprising of a plate-full of miniature dumplings covered in strawberry sauce is not something most of us will be rushing to the shops to buy before we leave the Czech Republic, but was appreciated all the same. Before we left the orphanage, we handed out AIS t-shirts to all the kids and had a big group photo full of smiling faces.
We returned to the Youth for Christ Centre with enough time for a quick nap before the ‘Big Match’ against a team from Hlinsko arranged by Simon. Despite having his roots firmly placed in Northern Ireland, he insisted in playing for the Czech Team. As the match swung in one direction and then the other, John rallied the team by bringing on fresh legs to help us to compete physically. His tactics and managerial expertise helped us run out 4-3 winners during a mid-afternoon game in sweltering heat. So the Czech Team didn’t go home without success, we challenged them to a Euro 2012 Style penalty shootout. Just like the Spanish the night before, the Czech team managed to hold their nerve and restore some pride by beating us 4-2. After a quick cool down, with some choosing the on-site lake as their destination, we followed the scent of marinating chicken for a BBQ with the Czech Team. When we could eat no more, we all gathered around as normal for a sing-song led by John and his guitar and another challenging message from Dean. While a few chose an early night, the rest of us headed for the complex to catch the end of the Germany-Italy Semi-Final. All round, it was a great day from start to finsh as the team enjoyed a day off the bikes. Back on two wheels bright and early in the morning.

Jude: After a little lie in at Santa Barbara Campsite, we ate breakfast and set off again at 9am. After a short time cycling we journied through a forest, which included the windiest and steepest hill, which seemed to go on forever. It wasn’t too much of a challenge for the core team but being a newby I had never came across anything like this before. Myself and a few others felt such an achievement when we made it to the top. After a short water break we pedalled on towards the town of Sec, which once again was situated at the very top of a endless hill! Unfortunately for Deane his chain broke while making his way up the hill! Thinking back on it now, I am unsure if it was entirely a breakdown or if it was a good excuse to finish the days journey in the Land Rover! Only joking! While waiting to find out the outcome of Deane’s bike, we took the opportunity to hand out leaflets to the local community in Sec, sharing with them the purpose of our cycle. We stopped shortly after in a forest, were we enjoyed a well earned rest and some yummy lunch. We cycled on and eventually arrived at the Immanuel Centre, just outside the town of Hlinsko. Nigel, John and Chris were nowhere to be seen. After a phone call it was established that they had a made a wrong turn, so Stewart and Jonny Irvine came to the rescue and soon the group were all together again. The Immanuel Centre is the workplace of Simon and Hannah Marriott, who moved to the Czech Republic 10 months ago to work for Youth For Christ. After a warm welcome from Simon, he told us about his life and the reasons behind his move to Hlinsko. The evening was spent swimming in the lake, watching the Euro semi finals and devotions before bed. A great day was had by all.

Peter: We had a very early start with us being on the bikes at 7am ready to leave Prague in order to miss the morning rush. Our campsite for the night was about 65km away so we hoped to reach the campsite before lunch. The journey to the campsite was relatively uneventful so we reached the campsite on schedule. As we were leaving Prague there were a lot traffic lights and roads were quite narrow, so those with cycling shoes found it quite difficult to quickly clip in and unclip their shoes without falling over. When we got out of Prague and onto the main roads we soon learned the Czech drivers were reckless to say the least by over taking us while cars were fast approaching them on the opposite side of the road. The large lorries powering past us was quite unnerving at times and on one occasion I slipped into the ditch at the side of the road. As it was my first day cycling, after the first few big uphill climbs I soon realised the extent of my lack of training as my legs started to feel sore. Everytime we got the top of a hill we were rewarded with a speedy downhill decent! After a short break at a petrol station with biscuits and Milka chocolate bars, we were ready to continue on our journey to the campsite. We were now well on our way to reaching our destination. After a few more miles of cycling we reached the campsite and after a morning of cycling with no falls or injuries as we went through the gate to the campsite both of my feet were unclipped from the pedals as as I braked my front wheel skidded and I fell over…but I don’t count it as a real fall as we were in the campiste so my fall count still remains at 0. We found our plot with the truck waiting for us and the tents were unloaded and put up. We all then had a lunch and after a good hard day of cycling a number of people feel asleep in the hot midday sun which was very refreshing although some of us got sun burnt. In the afternoon, we explored the town for a bit and went for ice cream. After tea we all sat round the fire fordevotions when when sang songs courtesy of Irish John and his guitar and our CFH Chaplain Dean gave us all a daily message from the Bible while Rab insisted we all gathered round the fire and tried his ‘famous’ African tea which takes a good hour to make! When the tea was finished we all roasted marshmallows. A majority of people then went to bed with a few others staying up and chatting until the fire went out.

Jonny McC: After arriving on Saturday it was time to leave Prague and set off on the bikes, this was my first taste of cycling on the tour and the start wasn’t the best with being on a busy road out of Prague. But by getting through all the traffic lights, keeping a good tight line, and setting a good pace we got out of Prague and on into the Czech countryside. We kept going and everyone was doing well and we arrived at the campsite ahead of schedule. Good start for the leg people and an easier day for the core team. After getting the tents up and having a buffet lunch nearly everyone fell asleep around the camp. Katelyn and I decided to make the most of the opportunity of being in a different town with a free afternoon and went exploring into the local town, Kutna Hora. What we thought was a small town turned out to be a pretty big town with a couple of nice open squares, nice cobbled streets, and a great ice-cream shop. We also spotted a great big catherdal up on the hill and went up and seen it, it was very impressive. Getting back to camp we found that people had only woken up and with sun-burns! We had a tasty spagetti bolognese and then moved to round a camp fire for some African tea, devotions and singing. Good start for the cycling and another good day of getting to know the team and seeing Czech! Roll on tomorrow!

Day 22: Prague

Alex: We woke up on Monday morning to the sunshine coming in through the bedroom window, it was lovely to get another night in the church in Prague and we had a bit of a lie in with breakfast at 9. We had a team meeting at 10 to go over the plan of action for leg three headed up by Rob, which was followed by the bike assembly session overseen by the go-to-guy for all things bike Mark Baxter. So all the racey racers were put together ready for some pedal action to be started tomorrow. Soon it was time to say goodbye to the infamous Janice Walker, a few tears were shed by team hope, John O’Sullivans eyes were particularly red around the edges, but Stu soon had James Blunts power ballads blaring to get us through the emotional turmoil. Lunch time cropped up and we all headed off with pocket money from Rob and Kyla to buy ourselves some lunch, we all felt very grown up. After lunch Anetka, one of AIS staff in Czech, took some of the team on a tour of Prague so we got to be tourists for one day only and saw the sights of the city and tasted what claimed to be the best ice cream in the world, it was pretty good, but it has nothing on the McFlurry. We visited the St. Vitus cathedral and were able to pray openly together for the cycle and the people we had met in Czech in a place that seemed to have become a tourist attraction. We came back to meet the three newest recruits to the team- Dean, Jude and Emma had arrived and not long after the 4 girls headed off to football training with the AIS Prague Ladies team, it was a good chance to see Ambassador’s teams and how they train and act as a team and we could really see how the girls look out for eachother and have God at the centre of their team. For me, as a non-football player, I was running about as if I had two left feet but was loving the team spirit. We had an opportunity to share so Katelyn shared her testiony which was good for the AIS team and ourselves to hear, we headed back for dinner (my second maccy d’s of the day) and then had devotions led by Dean, who spoke about who God is and His indescrible nature. Another good day for team hope.

Callum: Ahoj! (that’s Hello in Czech). Jonny, Jonny, and I flew in to join the team yesterday. They got a long overdue lie-in after a dry night in the church halls in the centre of Prague. We put on our best (and only) shirts and outfits for church which wasn’t too far away – one floor up from where we were sleeping. We were warmly welcomed and appreciated the Czech worship from the locals. John brought the message, looking at Psalm 23, of how we are like sheep who depend on their Shepherd. We finished the service by singing The Lord’s My Shepherd at the front of the church. It was great to be part of worship in a different environment and culture, and realise that God is always there, no matter where you go.

In the afternoon we headed to the Ambassadors in Sport headquarters and took part in a football tournament, with 3 local AIS teams, ourselves and 2 other local teams taking part. After our first game I almost lost a lung! Football, heat, and asthma are not a good combination for me, but a good rest in the shade stopped me wheezing like a donkey. We played 5 games and had some cracker goals from the fellas. The girls tried their best…and were actually pretty good! Overall we came 2nd and received our prize from the local pastor of the church where we’re currently staying. We presented the winners with AIS tshirts. All of the teams gathered together and Jonny McCormick gave his testimony, with a local guy, David, translating to Czech. He reminded us that no matter how good we are in life, God needs to be at the centre of our lives to direct us and keep us on the right path.

We all headed back for a buffet starter, some pizza, and unmistakeable McDonalds cheeseburgers! Stewart gave a good quick overview of what the Cycle for Hope mission team is about and why we’re doing it. The local Ambassadors Czech teams hadtheir awards night after the meal where they recognized individuals from each of their teams. To be honest it was all in Czech so we just clapped when everyone else did. With bellies full we headed back to our base and were welcomed with 2 new fresh faces – Nigel and Peter. A few of us went and watched the footy match in a local pub (cokes all round). After a long game, thankfully the result was good – viva Italia!

The day of rest from cycling has been more than welcome for the core team, having time to clear their heads, and enjoy the better weather. Hopefully, it continues for the rest of the cycle. The team have grown in their faith through these trials and understand that their Saviour is always there with them, through good and bad. We pray God will keep us alert and help us with the physical challenges ahead for the trip and also give us opportunites to share the message with the new people we meet.

anice: My last cycle today and my last log journal. I would say it was a great day of cycling but it was hot, very hot, with a lovely hot breeze…. and even though it was only 51 miles it felt soooo much longer. That’s my perspective and it probably only seemed worse because it was my last stint of the leg and it was was mostly scenic tarmac to admire on the journey with quite a few 12% gradient hills thrown in on the way. We had our usual pit stop where Thor and Kyla had some watermelon and yoghurt prepared for us which was refreshing! I’ve learnt on my trip that whenever there’s the opportunity of a toilet break one should use it. So we found out from the cycling shop that next door had a WC though somehow I wish it hadn’t. Disgusting is not the word, but when nature calls you have to answer (though on reflection i think a bush at the side of the road would have been more pleasant)!!
On the road again with not that far to go surprisingly. At least that was the plan, but we ended up on the wrong route which added a good few miles to our journey. It was at this stage that I started to approach ‘the wall’: the sun was getting high in the sky, there was alot of traffic passing us by, and I was getting to reach the point were I was in need of a water break and a sun lotion top up. My water bottle isn’t cycle-on-the-go friendly so I was a tad dehydrated. I remember and I quote saying to Rob behind me as soon as I first saw this massive hill in the distance, ‘If we’re going to go up that hill, I need to stop for water or I’m gonna keel over Rob’. It worked and it seemed that God placed just before the hill a cafe to our left hand side. We refuelled on cold drinks and ice lollies. All of us were ready to go, but first we had to rescue Alex again who had collasped trying to get on her bike. To our relief, all was well and we started up the first long hill in a long series of hills. Thanks to a new burst of energy, I soldiered up and it wasn’t even 10 miles before we arrived in Prague and headed towards the metro station. Apparently, Prague isn’t a cycle friendly city so we arranged to meet Anetka, our amazing tour guide and helper from the the Czech Ambassadors’ office. So there my cycling ended, at the metro station, with a total of 801.5 miles on my speedometer!
We eventually arrived at the church in Prague were we were being put up for the next two nights! As much as I enjoy the camping experience, it’s so good to have a roof over you head when you’re so tired from cycling. We had a late lunch and got showered and rested. Three of the new members of the team turned up today, Callum, Jonny I, and Jonny Mc. Poor guys didn’t really get the welcoming enthusiasm they probably anticipated seeing as most of us were conked out on sofas and mattresses on the floor. But we all woke oursleves up and ventured out to find some ice cream and Coca-cola before dinner at 7pm and filled them in some of the expereinces over the last 2-3 weeks. We got to try some Czech cuisine for dinner; the portions were massive but it was ok as Stewart was there. This was Thor’s last evening with us so he had to give a speech at dinner. He’s been such an important part of the team, and not just because he has food ready for us, but his positive encouragement and helpfulness will be truly missed by the team memebers remaining over the next week.
A great day! I feel so sad to be leaving soon but my experience is coming to an end and instead a new experience starts for another 8 members. I thank God for the opportunity in my life to have taken part in this trip. The experience of hearing the stories of how God has worked in the lives of our hosts in Holland, the people at the Salvation Army in Germany, and just from other members in our team has been truly valuable. I’ve also appreciated the time spent with God on the road. This has been an expereince I will treasure.

Chris: I’m on the road again… Yep another day on the bikes, however this time waking up to the joy of blue skies. We were well rested after our stay in another Salvation Army house, with Rosie and Gert (not Jim), who shared their story and their challenges in life. This really set us into thinking about our lives, and how to live every day for the glory of God. I really enjoyed my stay there and appreciated the welcoming hospitality of our hosts. As I said, blue skies awaited for our departure, and we headed back on the river path. Really nice cycling, pretty much all day. Really good scenery the whole time, with plenty of photos taken. We had a little off-road experience, I don’t think any day is complete without it. I think Katelyn believes that her road bike is made for off-roading, and she has appreciated the challenge (as opposed to the ‘boring roads’ she calls them). Rob back on the bike today, I think he saw the weather and decided he was fit for the bike again. So the first day all 8 bikes were on the road back on the road, so more banter, especially with the weather as it was. Good lunch, again provided by Tho and Kyla. Always polish it off pretty quickly, and washed it down with a little glass of Coke. Back on the bikes again, I think John was punctured, and so did the same to his front tyre. Our first tyre change for a while, 5th of the trip, so a relatively smooth operation courtesy of Stu and Baxter. Finished the day to arrive in a lovely little campsite. To send off Janice and Tho we had a meal at the campsite restaurant. On to devotions, and we were reflecting on what we have learnt so far. A challenge to me, while chatting to Rob, was to really step out in faith, and not wait about for a calling. It never sounded so simple, but thinking about it, faith is about the unknown. It is not about waiting for God to tell us what to do, but to do something, and then you can see God take up your action. The worst that can happen is that you learn that you are not supposed to do something.. So why not. We are challenging ourselves to be accountable, and see if we can push through ideas and thoughts tht we have ad during the cycle into our daily lives when we go home and hit the normality of everyday life (which can so easily swallow us up). I am really looking forward to the rest of the guys coming out in two days, and also spending more time with the people I have spent the last 3 weeks with. The time is flying, and I will be home before I know it. I just hope that all I have learnt sticks with me, and I can go home and take up my stand for God in my life, where I am.

After joining Mark, Barbara, and their children for breakfast at the Salvation Army post, we hit the road again in the rain. Anyone see a trend here? It didn’t let up until about lunch time. At one point it was raining so hard that we just stopped at a bus stop and had an impromptu dance party thanks to Stu’s ipod and portable speaker. I really have been blessed by the spirit of the team as we’ve faced day after day of rain. Of course, it’s not fun, but then again life’s not always fun and games either. Considering the weather conditions we’ve faced, I’ve been amazed at the overall positive attitude and encouraging words from each and every team member. Thankfully, it stopped raining for the afternoon and we were able to dry out a bit before pedalling the rest of our 120k for the day. Stewart somehow managed to find a farmer’s field for us to cycle through despite being surrounded by perfectly good roads, but everyone made it through alright and we had another off-roading adventure to add to our collection. Last night, Rob had jokingly asked Mark, the Salvation Army pastor in Leipzig, if he knew the people at the Salvation Army in Dresden. Well, in fact, he did and was able to arrange for us to stay with them instead of camping! I love God’s surprise blessings! We had hot showers, a BBQ, and a washer and dryer! Gert and Rosie joined in our worship time adn shared their stories. I think all of us on the team were challenged by their servant-like attitudes as they disciple people, foster children, and feed the poor. Thor put it well when he said that we’re on this trip to “give and take”–we’ve had the opportunity to minister, but we are also being ministered to as we hear testimonies from believers around the world.