“Bicycling, as a ‘vehicle’ for evangelism, just seems like a natural fit,” Turnquist said. “The bicycle has a universal appeal that attracts people of all ages, socio-economic backgrounds, cultures, colors, creeds and language.”

The Twin Cities IC3 formed out of a partnership between local cycling enthusiasts, Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie, and the IC3. Currently, participants are invited to attend informational meetings and ride with the group on Wednesday evenings during the summer of 2007.

“Group cycling creates a non-threatening environment to model Christian living and to share the good news of Jesus Christ,” Turnquist said. “It is also an activity that allows people to connect one-on-one through a common interest in a way that honors God and God’s temple—our bodies.”

The group’s partnership with the global IC3 gives them an organization to pull from, and to pool resources with, to create an impact on the cycling community.

“With so many people in the area who share a passion for cycling, we see a great opportunity to share our passion for Christ with those we encounter along the way,” Turnquist said.

Already, the new group has seen “great response” through its Web site and meetings at Wooddale. Turnquist’s long-term dream is to have 20 to 30 churches across the Twin Cities involved in local IC3 rides. The group’s aim is to have 100 participants and 30 IC3 members in this first summer of riding, with a 10 percent growth each of the next five years.

Turnquist said participants and members will benefit from the fellowship, exercise, “cool outfits” and discounts on equipment and supplies the Twin Cities Spoke of the IC3 can provide.

Headquartered in Colorado, the IC3 has local chapters in many U.S. cities, Europe and Africa and members around the world. The nonprofit’s mission is to 1) unite Christian cyclists for a worldwide testimony in lifestyle, training and sportsmanship, and 2) expose each cyclist encountered to the love and peace of Jesus Christ, so they might know and have a relationship with Him.

“Our hope is to provide a supportive and encouraging Christian environment. Sometimes it is so easy to get too caught up in the heat of the moment that we forget that we are called to serve others,” Turnquist said. “This can be true both in cycle racing and in our walk with Christ. Our hope is to challenge participants to not only ride better, faster and stronger, but also to challenge and encourage them to strengthen their relationship with Jesus Christ.”


ACTION POINT:
To learn more about the new Twin Cities Spoke of the International Christian Cycling Club, visit www.twincities.christiancycling.com or e-mail info@tc.christiancycling.com.