Over 40 Christian cyclists and Bible Society supporters gathered at Sydney Olympic Park on the weekend to celebrate the 21st birthday of Bike for Bibles'.
Bike for Bibles Coordinator, Malcolm King, says the location was perfect for the celebration because it provided the opportunity for participants to do what they did best " ride their bikes.
"It was a good chance for some old faithfuls and new people to mix together. You don't often don't get that when you're riding in separate groups," he says.
The achievements of Bike for Bibles participants nationally are impressive, according to Mr King.
"In Australia we have raised over 10 million dollars for Bible literacy projects using New Reader scriptures, ridden more than 750,000 kilometres with over 30,000 riders taking part," he says.
The Bike for Bibles concept was formed in 1984 by former panel beating business owner, Bob Forrest, and backed by Bible Society NSW.
"He was inspired by a young lady walking from Sydney to Melbourne to raise money for Bibles," Mr King says.
"He said, "If she can walk it, I can ride it'. He and some mates rode the distance and raised 3000 dollars for Bibles. He decided to do it again and raised more and more money each year," he says.
Mr King says Bike for Bibles has spread to over 25 countries in the past 21 years.
"Bible Societies in other countries like Singapore, Canada and the USA are doing rides consistently," he says.
Bike for Bibles' most recent rides in NSW took place during September and October with 100 riders taking part in two marathon 1000 kilometre rides through the Central West and Northern NSW.
Mr King says the rides help develop camaraderie, form friendships and are brilliant opportunities for Christian fellowship.
"We have a devotion every night, sing together and share our thoughts on the Bible study and relate them to our day's experiences," he says.
Upcoming rides are planned to coincide with the Commonwealth Games being held in Melbourne in March 2006.
"There will be two legs. One around Tasmania then a second from Adelaide to Melbourne in time for the start of the Games," Mr King says.
The CEO of Bible Society NSW, Daniel Willis, says Bike for Bibles has been a great way to raise funds for Bible literacy work.
"We're proud that something we started in 1984 in NSW has gone around the world and has enabled Bibles to be distributed to hundreds of thousands of people to be used to help them to learn to read," he says.
