3,800 miles – that is the distance the Mercy Riders have pledged to bike in an effort to raise awareness and funds for Mercy Housing. The group is slated to begin their nearly 7-week ride across America this Friday, June 14^th in San Francisco.

The Mercy Riders include eight individuals – six riders and two crew members – whose day jobs range from dentist to architect. These individuals have dedicated their time and energy to raising awareness and funding to help vulnerable people live in hope.  The Mercy Riders plan to raise $50,000 to enable Mercy Housing continue helping people stabilize and rebuild their lives.

Bill Goldsmith, President of Mercy Portfolio Services, is a member of the Mercy Riders team.

“I ride for residents such as John, a Mercy Housing resident and former veteran, who doubts he would be alive today if it were not for the support Mercy provides,” said Goldsmith.

The group has three defined stages for their journey, which will depart from the west end of Golden Gate Park on June 14^th. The first stage will end in Denver, Colorado where Mercy Housing’s headquarters are located. The second stage will stretch to Chicago, where Mercy Housing Lakefront is located. The final stage will be completed once the group reaches the nation’s capital, Washington D.C.

With the slogan – Pushing Pedals, Pushing Hope – the group is looking to inspire others who may have a similar passion or dream and ultimately provide hope.  In reality, they are doing just that.

Residents from Mercy Housing Lakefront who are participating in the Feel Better Challenge, and have committed to improving their health and well-being, will be planning to cheer on and bike along with the Mercy Riders for a stretch near Chicago.

“We are committed to this ride across America, because it meets a deep desire to accomplish something physically significant and spiritually rewarding.”

Thank you to Jim Andricopulos, Mark Bucherl, Greg Duffner, Bill Goldsmith, Emil McCauley, Keith Melbourne, Barb Duffner and Michelle McCauley for undertaking this bold initiative to help people transform their lives. For more information on the Mercy Riders and to support their cause, please visit www.mercyriders.org.