Craig Daily Press

It is quite moving to behold so many people dedicating their time and bodies to a “noble effort,” Meghan Kraley said.

A swarm of about 144 cyclists plans to descend on Craig on Wednesday. The town will be one small stop on what is the biggest bike tour ever to cross North America.

The Sea to Sea 2008 Bike Tour, organized by the Christian Reformed Church, is designed to raise awareness and money to end poverty around the world.

Kraley, one among the cyclists, is tasked with recording it all for the church. When she’s not on the road, she works in its Office of Social Justice.

Kraley said she is loving the journey.

“It’s great to be here and around these people that are really just so committed to what they’re doing here,” she said. “We’ve been in a different city everyday. It’s really been great and eye-opening.”

The cyclists left Salt Lake City on Monday and expect to be in Denver by the weekend, in time for a large planned rally on Sunday.

“Every Sunday, we have our big celebratory rallies,” Kraley said. “We have church services and then let the cyclists give testimonials on their travels and whatever else they may have the need to say.”

The 144 cyclists expected to ride through Craig and Colorado are only a piece of the total number.

About 220 different people will ride a portion of the total journey from Seattle to Jersey City, N.J, this summer.

By their words, the cyclists appear motivated.

“Around the world, a child dies every three seconds due to extreme poverty,” said Leanne Talen Geisterfer, 50, a cyclist from Grand Rapids, Mich. “It takes me about three seconds to complete four pedal strokes. That’s what I’ll be thinking about as I ride.”

Others said they did not doubt poverty is an enormous challenge.

“Poverty is a big issue, and it takes something big like this tour to draw attention to it,” said Rev. Len Riemersma, a cyclist from Willard, Ohio. “We serve a big God who is calling us to offer His hope to people in what often seems like hopeless situations.”

Despite the challenge, however, Kraley said the group topped its $1.5 million goal before anyone’s feet touched their bicycle pedals.

“A few days ago we had about $1.8 million,” she said. “The riders have been getting a lot of cash donations. Anything we get along the way now is just over and above. We’re very, very thankful.”

When the group stops in Craig, they plan to set up some tents at Moffat County High School and stay the night.

Kraley said anyone is welcome to come by and meet the cyclists and talk to them about their trip or the campaign against poverty.

Anyone who wishes to give a donation also may speak with any cyclist, call the campaign at 888-CRC-BIKE or visit the Web site at www.seatosea.org.

Some cyclists also are posting blog entires, pictures and video from the tour, which can be seen at the Web site, Kraley said.

Kraley added the tour intentionally is designed to allow anyone to join and leave the group at any time. She said organizers only ask that people notify someone before they take up the journey.

Collin Smith can be reached at 875-1794 or cesmith@craigdailypress.com