This September, Oxford resident Ron Marklin will get to do two of the things he loves the most ? spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ while riding his bicycle.
That’s because Marklin, 61, will be pedaling in his first Across America bike ride with the Wheel Power Christian Cyclists from September 19 ? October 28.
The ride, which has less than 20 riders as of now, begins in Riverside, California and ends in Lynchburg, Virginia ? a total of 3,000 miles will be traveled.
Wheel Power is a non-profit, non-denominational national bicycling ministry whose objectives are to spread the word of God, challenge people of all ages to become a part of the Christian faith and to encourage established Christians to become better witnesses for Christ.
Wheel Power stands for Witnessing, Helping, Evangelizing, Encouraging and Loving as we Pedal Our Way to Eternal Rewards.
Marklin has been an avid bicyclist since the 1980s, but said he ‘hit a brick wall? in 1991 when he began suffering from sleep apnea, although it took 12 years for him to be diagnosed with the life-threatening disorder.
‘I couldn’t exercise. Physically, I couldn’t cut it. I could barely get to work,? he said.
Marklin said he threw out his skiing and softball equipment. He even sold his bike.
But now, with the help of a special CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine that helps him breathe better at night, Marklin has rediscovered his passion for riding.
Just last week, he rode 300 miles in the PALM (Pedal Across Lower Michigan) bike ride and is currently training for Wheel Power’s Across America trip in September.
Although he does need to bring his CPAP machine with him on the long rides, it doesn’t deter him from finishing his goal.
For this ride, Marklin will be riding a recumbent bicycle, which has the rider’s legs extended forward to pedals at the same height as the seat.
He said his recumbent bike is much easier to ride than an upright bike because it takes the pressure off the wrists, neck, back, shoulders and buttocks.
‘It’s a blast to ride,? Marklin said. ‘So many kids, when they see me go by, say ‘Wow!??
To train for his ride on the recumbent bike, Marklin will be riding at least 100 miles a week, as well as stretching his leg muscles and lifting lightweights.
Although the September ride will cover 3,000 miles and will travel through nine different states, Marklin said he will try to ride 1,500 miles and then drive the support truck, which holds the rider’s personal items, the rest of the way.
The group will be riding approximately 75 miles a day and riders must average 15-16 mph to keep the pace.
While on the trip, the bicyclists will be sleeping at colleges, retirement communities and churches along the way, all while looking for opportunities to engage in spiritual conversation with the people they meet.
‘I’m not shy about telling people about God,? Marklin said. ‘That’s what I like to do.?
There’s still time if you’d like to join the ride Across America with Wheel Power. Visit www.wheelpower.org to register.
For more information on joining the local Oxford chapter of Wheel Power through Christ the King Church, contact Jim Kirkland at (248) 236-0495.