The Set-Up

This week Parkview hosted a team of recent William and Mary (Williamsburg, VA) college graduates, who are biking cross-country in a fundraiser for cancer support. (Details below) The seven bicyclists started their fundraising ride in Virginia on May 23. Nearly two months later, the group arrived at Parkview on Tuesday after riding from Placerville that morning. You may be wondering how Parkview came to host these delightful young men. After church on July 13, I received an email from a pastor friend who knows a Presbyterian pastor in Wisconsin who happens to be the dad of one of the bikers. They asked if Parkview might be available to host the bicyclists on July 22, Parkview’s session voted to host the group.
Since Parkview doesn’t have showers, Donna had a great idea to ask the local YMCA if the guys could shower there after their long ride. Tia, a fitness instructor at the Y, gave me contact info for Bob Young at the Capital Y. Just a phone call and email later, Bob kindly gave the bicyclists day passes to use the facilities. Parkview was ready to host!

The Food

For lunch that day, Haruko and Jonathan picked up some Oto’s bento boxes and extra pork, and Haruko prepared lots of delicious sides and a beautiful lemon tart cake to make sure the guys had plenty of food. Sachiko provided a bountiful green salad, and Donna bought fresh plums and watermelon. Thanks to all who provided the delicious food!
Phillip Chew, aka Biking Beast, kindly offered to cook a spaghetti dinner with garlic bread for the guys on Tuesday night. Phillip and his crew of Neil, Judy F., Tak, and one of Phillip’s biking buddies fed the guys spaghetti featuring Julie’s homemade sauce. Sachiko brought another of her massive healthy salads for their dinner. Judy F. brought two homemade breakfast casseroles and lots of bagels and cream cheese, bananas, and OJ for the guys’ breakfast. These bikers feasted like kings! They were so appreciative of Parkview’s outstanding kindness and hospitality, and everyone who met them remarked on how friendly and polite the young men were.
Phillip returned to Parkview bright and early Wednesday morning to see the group on their way and clean up the kitchen and sweep the social hall. The bicyclists planned to end their ride on Thursday in San Francisco, after riding to Napa on Wednesday. As of this week, they have raised $44,040, surpassing their 40K goal. Thank you, Parkview Church, for your legendary hospitality! The young men were so impressed and appreciative of the welcome, and great food, they received. They were blessed by Parkview’s kindness, and we were blessed by the opportunity to be a small part of their exciting fundraising efforts.

How You Can Help

The bicyclists are associated with the Ulman Foundation, which provides support for young people with cancer. This foundation used to sponsor a cross-country fundraiser bike rides, but they no longer do. So, these guys organized their own fundraising bike ride. Their info can be found on Facebook and Instagram @4Kforcancer2025. If you would like to help their cause, their fundraising page is triberideforcancer.com. Maybe we can help them get to $50k!
– Pastor Sarah

The Photos