Early Saturday morning, June 4, 2016,  nine cyclists rolled out of Charleston riding up the Elk River and through the hills of Lewis and Upshur Counties on their way to Buckhannon. They were riding in the We Care 150, United Methodist Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball’s Bike Ride to Annual Conference. Stretching 150 miles, this was the 13th year in which cyclists raised funds for the bishop’s selected cause.

The 2016 ride was dedicated to The United Methodist Church’s commitment to Native American ministries throughout the West Virginia Conference. 2016 is also the year that United Methodists, gathered that week in Buckhannon, participated in an Act of Repentance and Reconciliation for the healing of relationships with native and indigenous people.

The riders completed a century ride (100 miles) on Saturday, moving through Clay to Sutton, and finished on Sunday, climbing twice to the Buckhannon plateau. This was truly an act that reflected the denomination’s commitment to healthy bodies and healing that would lead to many healthy spirits.