Every year, for 37 years, Luther Village has hosted its annual fundraising Bikeathon on the first weekend in June. It may have looked different during COVID (biking from afar) but much credit goes to all those who have kept it going for so many years. The camp was filled for the first time in years; the cabins and dining hall were overflowing. It was an incredible blessing to see such support for Luther Village.
Last year, many riders, family, friends and volunteers joined together at Luther Village to ride in Memory of Rev. Bruce Gelhorn. For those of you lucky enough to have known Bruce, riding his bike was something he loved to do and especially loved participating in the annual Bikeathon. His family and close friends wanted to do something to honour him and we believe this was a fitting way to do that.
Bruce, you are missed, but we knew you were always with us in spirit!
The 2023 Bikeathon began Friday night with registration, settling in and meeting the other cyclists. Saturday morning after breakfast, the bike rides began, with riders having three options to choose from:
Ride “A”—Rushing River; Sioux Narrows/return (100 km). Ride “B”—Sioux Narrows/return (80 km). Ride “C”—to Sioux Narrows/return in vehicle (40 km).
After the ride on Saturday, there was a celebration barbecue in our new community gathering space. Everyone wore red T-shirts with a drawing of Bruce’s bike and a special message “Steel is Real” –BG
After brunch on Sunday, worship was held on the beach on the shore of Dogtooth Lake, led by Rev. Rick Sauer and Rev. Elaine Sauer. It was a beautiful, emotional service and actually started to rain in the middle of communion. The rain quickly blended with the tears and then as fast as it started, the sky cleared, and the sun began to shine. There was no doubt that God’s presence was felt that morning.
Luther Village would like to thank everyone who made the 2023 Bikeathon a huge success, including our sponsors; Grace, Winnipeg; Richard Rosin Funeral Director Ltd.; Standard Insurance; Jacob Design; Printed Shirts.ca; Your Style Financial; St. Andrews Airport and Priority Restoration.
“Bruce loved cycling, especially with his Luther Village family,” Elaine Gelhorn said of her late husband. “I think he had the next year’s ride put into his calendar before completing the current year’s ride. Thank you to all the people who sponsored riders, everyone who participated in this year’s ride, and to all who donated their time to make this year’s Bikeathon a great tribute to celebrate our dad, grandpa and husband.”
This year, the Bikeathon will be the 38th annual, we are looking forward to another big year and a very full camp. Going forward we have a new name: Luther Village Bikeathon: Bruce’s Ride.
This year Luther Village is celebrating its 60th anniversary (1964–2024) and look forward to seeing you at camp, sharing your stories of the past, what was, what is and our hopes for what isto come.
For more information about our Bikeathon and all the many things Luther Village has to offer, visit our website: www.luthervillage.ca, follow us on Instagram: @luthervillager or Facebook: Luther Village Camp.—Lisa van Dijk, executive director, Luther Village
Loading ...