70 cyclists celebrate 70 years by riding 70 kilometers for ADRA

A group of 70 cyclists and their support crew embarked on a cycling adventure through the streets of Bayside (Brisbane) and North Stradbroke Island on November 1st to commemorate the life and contributions of Pastor Malcolm Potts and to raise money for the vital work of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA).

In partnership with 25000Spins, an Adventist charity cycling organization founded by Craig Shipton, “70 for Seventy” evolved from casual birthday conversations amongst friends and family to a coordinated cycling event—riding 70 kilometers for 70 years of life. Fittingly, there were exactly 70 riders participating.

The event brought together young and old riders on a sunny Sunday morning on Stradbroke Island. Pastor Potts, as he so often has, shepherded the group as they rode over the hills together and celebrated God-given life and vigor.

Pastor Potts began cycling 12 years ago, at the age of 58. Since then, he has raised over $A26,000 for ADRA, rode over 80,000km, and participated in multiple cycling challenges. Inspiring many along the way, he quips that “life is better on a bike”, and emphatically states that he feels better now at 70 than he did at 50.

While the hills get a little harder with age, he has long relinquished any pressure to perform and says he simply rides for well-being, joy, and good health.

“The wind will not always be at our backs. When it is in our faces we need to slow down, spin at a higher cadence, and battle into it. But a headwind will not last forever. When it turns to our backs, we should fly and enjoy the ride,” he says.

Since its beginnings, 25000Spins has raised over $A2 million (matched by charities to equal $A7 million) for various charities including ADRA, and it continues to organize and run cycling charity events in Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.

Cyclists from all over Australia and New Zealand are signing up for future events run by 25000Spins. The next exciting adventure is from the Alps to Ocean in New Zealand in January 2021, and the Adelaide Classic in March 2021.

This article was originally published on the website of Adventist Record