Bicyclists Ride 3,800 miles to Raise Funds for Mercy Housing

The self-proclaimed Mercy Riders are bicycling cross country—San Francisco to Washington, D.C.— to raise funds for Mercy Housing, a non-profit affordable housing organization with operations in Chicago and scattered spots around the country.

There are six actual bicycle riders, four of whom are from the Lincoln-Way communities, and they've raised nearly $50,000 so far. The local riders are all men in their 50s. Pedaling out of Frankfort are Greg Duffner, Emil McCauley and Bill Goldsmith along with Jim Andricopulos of Mokena. Two other biking-enthusiasts and friends, Mark Bucherl of Indianapolis and Keith Melbourne of Zurich, Switzerland—are also pedaling to raise funds for the many support services that Mercy Housing provides its clients.

The 3,800-mile cross-country tour began June 14 when they dipped their bicycle tires in the Pacific Ocean in San Francisco. The team intends to make Washington DC by July 24, said Duffner. Now three-quarters of the way through the journey, they took a two-day break. They landed in Frankfort on the evening of July 14.

Planning the trip 

While the trip may last only 40 days, it's been three years in the making. Duffner wanted a team bicycle trip, and McCauley stipulated that it should be for charity. Goldsmith, who is the president of Mercy Portfolio Services, identified Mercy Housing. Their drive to pedal for charity wasn't enough. They needed a support crew. That's where the family gets involved. All total, the Mercy Riders consist of an 11-person team, including McCauley's wife, Michelle, and the couple's two boys, along with Duffner's sister, Barb Duffner, and her two Siberian Huskies.

Michelle said she and Barb prepare meals and tote supplies in the van they bought specifically for the ride. They each chipped in to buy a $9,000 2007 Dodge Sprinter. They hope to sell it when the trip is over, added Greg.

Emil said the average ride per day is about 100 miles. The weather has been good, added Greg. "We've only lost one day," and that was due to high winds.

Surprises encountered along the way

The ride hasn't been without surprises, said Greg. The biggest one was encountering Claire Reinbold of St. Louis. Reinbold set out last month on a charity drive to support the World Pediatric program, which supplies medical services to needy children around the world. Turn to ClaireTheRoad.com to learn more about what drives her spirit. A lone bicyclist, she encountered the Mercy Riders in the Sierra Mountains and asked to accompany them.

The Mercy Riders make a point to promote their cause along the way. No one on the team is shy about sharing their mission. When they do, they find that they are invited to share meals and sleep overnight in homes and churches. "We're trying to keep the costs down," said Greg.

"Our favorite place to stay was Jose Diaz's house in Washington, Iowa. He met us in a park. He has two boys, ages 3 and 5. He works nights. And he just lets us —11 people plus two Siberian Huskies—stay in his apartment," said Greg.

The man was living very simply on a slim income. "He gave to us when he had nothing. It was very humbling."     

To follow Mercy Riders along the route or to donate, visit the Mercy Riders website.

 Get news alerts and Facebook updates from these Lincoln-Way Patch sites:

• New Lenox newsletter and New Lenox Patch Facebook

• Frankfort newsletter and Frankfort Patch Facebook

• Mokena newsletter and Mokena Patch Facebook