Ride for the Dominican 2025 — North Dakota

 

I am apparently much better at riding bicycles than I am at keeping this blog updated.

So, before we start talking about another Ride for the Dominican, I need to go back and fill in a pretty significant gap: the 2025 ride through North Dakota.

Last year we once again loaded up the bikes and headed out for several days of riding. Our route took us roughly 350 miles through North Dakota, continuing a tradition that began more than a decade ago when we first decided to use our love of cycling to support the ministry of our friends in Santiago, Dominican Republic.

As always, the miles were only part of the story.

Why We Rode

Our goal for the 2025 ride was to raise $5,000 for two specific needs in Santiago.

Part of the money was designated to support a Theology School at Central Baptist Church, where men and women are being trained to better understand and the Word of God. At the time they had 10 participants in the school. Supporting the school looks like buying books and the things needed for class nights and supporting the various pastors that traveled from throughout the Dominican Republic to help teach the classes. 

The other portion was designated for cement work at Central Baptist Church.

The church sits on a hill and has a rock wall on one side and this cement covered side. The picture above is the sealing work that was necessary up top and the picture below shows the sealed concrete after the work was through. 

One of the things we have appreciated about our relationship with the church in Santiago is that these are not projects created to give Americans something to do. The church is there every week preaching the gospel, discipling people, serving its community, and training believers. We simply get the privilege of coming alongside them and helping with some of the needs they already have.

That has been the heart of the Ride for the Dominican from the beginning.

The Ride

The 2025 route took us through North Dakota on Highway 5, covering approximately 353.42 miles from Westby, Montana, to Minnesota border near Hallock.

This year was different in that the Morken family did not ride, but Michael Kohlmann joined me (Matthew) in the journey. Michael is an excellent rider and a brother in Christ from Veritas Church. 

As anyone who has followed these rides knows, bicycle touring has a way of producing stories. Some are great. Some are miserable while they are happening and become great stories about two weeks later.

A few things that stand out from this ride:

• Day 4 was the most intense headwind I've ever ridden into in my life! 22 miles into 25+ MPH wind. It was exhausting
• On day 5, we had an incredible tail wind! Fully loaded we were going 20 MPH!
• There was no rain in the forecast so Michael slept without his rainfly on the tent. When he got up to take a quick shower, it down poured for about 5 minutes. 
• We met so many wonderful people. Columbus, North Dakota is the place to BE!
• On the last day we dropped into the Red River Valley just east of Cavalier, North Dakota. What a beautiful descent! 

We also continue to learn that riding is about considerably more than accumulating miles. There are long days, tired legs, meals eaten wherever we can find them, campgrounds of varying quality, unexpected kindness from strangers, and a whole lot of time turning the cranks.

Those are some of the reasons we keep doing it.

What You Helped Accomplish

By the end of the ride, friends, family, churches, and supporters had given $4,939.48 toward the work in Santiago.

We are incredibly thankful.

Every year I am reminded that while our family(and a friend) may be the ones turning the pedals, this has never been something we have done by ourselves. Hundreds of people have prayed, followed along, shared our posts, encouraged our kids, and given generously over the years.

By God's grace, those miles have helped provide tangible support for ministry in the Dominican Republic.

And that is ultimately why we keep getting back on the bikes.

One More Ride in the Books

So, very belatedly, Ride for the Dominican 2025 is officially in the books.

About 352 miles across North Dakota.

$4,939.48 raised.

Theological training materials for 10 people. Teachers fully supported. 

Work at Central Baptist Church shoring up the concrete in the front of the building. 

A lot of miles ridden and another state accomplished.

And another reminder of God's kindness to us through the people who continue to support this strange little combination of bicycles, adventure, and ministry.

Thank you to everyone who was part of it.

And now that I have finally written about last year's ride...

it's probably time to tell you where I'll be riding this year.

Ride For the Dominican 2024

The 2024 Ride for the Dominican starts next weekend!

In 2012, our family had the privilege of connecting with a local Church in Santiago, Dominican Republic. What struck us most was their faithful dedication to preaching the Word and serving their community, regardless of outside support. It wasn’t about the presence of Americans; they were simply committed to God’s work.

Since then, this ministry has been close to our hearts, and we’ve wanted to do more to support them. Every year, we participate in a fundraising bike ride to raise awareness and funds for this incredible mission. It’s our way of staying connected, encouraging their work, and playing a small part in supporting their efforts as they continue to minister to their community with the same faithfulness we admired from the beginning.

As a cyclist, I spend countless hours on my bike, and I’ve often wondered how I could glorify God while riding. When I was reintroduced to cycling as an adult in 2012, I never imagined it would become such a passion. It all started with a dare to ride across Minnesota in 2013, and I’ve been taking on challenges ever since! That first ride took me from the Red River to Duluth and up to Canada on Scenic 61.

In 2014, my wife, Sharon joined me for the ride across Minnesota, and it was a wild four-day adventure! The following year, we did it again, this time crossing on Highway 200 and heading north to Canada. We then expanded beyond Minnesota, cycling through South Dakota in 2016, North Carolina in 2017, and Iowa in 2018.

In 2019, we decided to bring our kids along for the ride. With Ollie, Piper, and Finley—who were just 8, 9, and 11 at the time—we biked through Ohio together. It was an incredible experience to share as a family! Since then, we’ve embarked on an even bigger challenge: the Mississippi River Trail (MRT). Starting in 2020, we’ve been working our way from the Canadian border down to the Gulf of Mexico, crossing through states along the way. We’re now on the verge of completing the journey this year, Lord willing, as we plan to ride through Louisiana and finish at the Gulf.

Our rides are not just about the miles we cover, but about glorifying God in everything we do. By God’s grace and through the generosity of friends and family, we’ve raised over $110,000 to support various needs for the ministry in Santiago, Dominican Republic. This has helped fund teachers for a school, the construction of a church building for deaf Christians, a church kitchen, and a theological training course that provides books and teacher support.

This year, we’re excited to once again support the theological training of adults and help repair some damaged building support on the church property in Santiago. The work that needs to be done is difficult to explain, but we hope to share a video soon.

Our goal for this ride is 422 miles, with four riders (Sharon is driving the sag wagon) and $8,000 to raise. To reach this goal, we’re asking for sponsors for our miles—$5 per mile will help us get there. Would you consider sponsoring a mile to support the incredible work being done in Santiago? Every bit helps, and together, we can reach this goal! Not interested in sponsoring a mile… well, we accept ANY size donation!

You want to help? You want to sponsor a mile for theological students and help shore up the foundation of a church building in Santiago? We start pedaling the 21st of October through the state of Louisiana.

Please consider making a donation at the link below. Here are a few things to note about giving:

Your donation is tax deductible.


Veritas Church, where we attend, has graciously offered to help us with donations.


Veritas Church does not keep any of the money from your donation, and neither does our family.


The only non-ministry expense is the wiring of the funds to Santiago, Dominican Republic.


To help prevent credit card fraud, you will need to create an account with Veritas Church. While it’s an extra step, it’s important to protect against fraud.

Once you’ve created an account:

Select “Give” and then “Give Now.”


Scroll down to “Ride for the Dominican” and enter your donation amount.

Rest assured, Veritas will not add you to any mailing lists.

Thank you for considering partnering with us as we ride for this incredible cause!

The Morkens

Ride for the Dominican 2023

 

Hey Friends and Family,

It is that time of year once again. This year we are taking on the state of Arkansas! We will start in Wickliffe, Kentucky, head south for some miles into Tennessee, cross over into Missouri and trek all the way through Arkansas until we hit the state of Louisiana along the Mississippi River! It is certain to be an adventure. This trip will be around 500 miles. We start pedaling on October 2nd.

More than the trip is the friends we get the opportunity to support in Santiago, Dominican Republic. We are once again pairing up with our brother Pedro Juan Gonzalez and many others from the area to support a theological training center. More details on that are going to come but our goal is to launch them into the ministry season with the funds necessary to help with books, students and teachers. We have the opportunity to impact the next generation of the Church in the Dominican Republic. 

Will you join us in this endeavor? 

The math looks like this. 5 riders, 500 miles... $2 a mile = $5,000. That's the goal. 

The LINK TO DONATE is here for your ease. Please scroll down and find Ride for the Dominican. See comments in the Commonly asked questions below. 

Commonly Asked Questions

How much of my money goes toward the bikes, camping, and food etc? None. The Morkens have zero access to the money that is donated and all but the the fee to wire it goes to Pedro Juan in Santiago, Dominican Republic. 

Is this ride connected to Veritas Church in any way? No. This is not a ministry of Veritas church in any way, shape or form. While we both work for Veritas, they are not affiliated with this ride whatsoever. Veritas graciously allows us to use their giving system to help make it easier. In this is also built in accountability for your donation.

How much money does Veritas Church get from my donation? None. They graciously help us wire the money down to Santiago and do not take any percentage of what we receive. 

How else can I help? Pray! Pray for safety and for great weather. Share our posts. It is a task to get ahead of Facebooks algorithms. Help us by sharing our photos, stories, and updates. 

Ride for the Dominican 2022

 Hey all,

We are at it again. This year took a little bit to get nailed down. But Matthew (old) Finley (15), Piper (12) and Ollie (11) are ready to ride. Last month, Sharon had a bit of a crash which has placed her on injured reserve for this year's ride. She will be driving sag wagon.

Our ride will be the 3rd section of the Mississippi River trail. In year one we started at the Canadian border, went to Itasca State Park, the headwaters of the Mississippi River and rode down to Hastings, Minnesota. Last year we took off from Hastings, Minnesota; crossed into Wisconsin and road down to Keithsburg, Illinois. 

Well, 2022 is here and we are starting at Keithsburg, Illinois and heading to the very southern tip, Cairo, Illinois! Let's face it, the state of Illinois is VERY LONG! This will be approximately 415 miles. Last year we faced over 13,000 feet of climb and this year it is about half that. To say we are excited is an understatement! 

More than the ride though is the people we get to support. We have fallen in love with the Dominican Republic and a group of people in Santiago, Dominican Republic in particular. Once again we are partnering with Pastor Pedro Juan to bless the ministry of his church and other churches in the area. In particular, we hope to raise $7,000 toward education and equipping the next generation of the Church down there. The money will be used for pastors, churches, classes and all that goes into teaching people. 

This goal is a bit different than our previous couple of years. It won't be the finishing of a building which is easily seen, but an investment in the people of Santiago and the surrounding communities. The success of this ride and these donations won't result in images of completed buildings or fresh paint, it will result in stories from men and women who have been impacted by your gift.

We ride for the Dominican Republic and have continuously been humbled by your generosity. Join us once again in supporting the ride and the people of the Dominican Republic! Sponsor a mile for $4.25 or sponsor a hundred. A lump sum or a few dollars will edge us closer to our goal. 

LET'S RIDE! 

Donation Information and directions

Go to THIS LINK.

Click the button that says "Add Another Account" and then select "Ride For the Dominican. Follow the rest of the directions and click "next."

Commonly Asked Questions

How much of my money goes toward the bikes, camping, and food etc? None. The Morkens have zero access to the money that is donated and all but the the fee to wire it goes to Pedro Juan in Santiago, Dominican Republic. 

Is this ride connected to Veritas Church in any way? No.  This is not a ministry of Veritas church in any way, shape or form. While we both work for Veritas, they are not affiliated with this ride whatsoever. Veritas graciously allows us to use their giving system to help make it easier. In this is also built in accountability for your donation.

How much money does Veritas Church get from my donation? None. They graciously help us wire the money down to Santiago and do not take any percentage of what we receive. 

How else can I help? Pray! Pray for safety and for great weather. Share our posts. It is a task to get ahead of Facebooks algorithms. Help us by sharing our photos, stories, and updates. 

The Ride: 2021

 

Hey all, we are ready to ride and want to share with you our vision for this trip. Over the last 8 years we have been committed to supporting a Church in Santiago, Dominican Republic through bicycle rides. We hope to partner with them in ministry and support the work they are doing. In the last several years, through the money you have given, they have built a kitchen, put in functioning restrooms for mission teams to come and work, supported the salaries of teachers, built a church building for a deaf community in which to worship, and last year we had the opportunity to finish the deaf worship center.

The Project:

This year we want to finish the building. Part of the reason there are two worship centers on this site is so a group of deaf brothers and sisters in Christ can worship while those who can hear worship in another area. This allows for the children (who are all hearing) to sit together and learn from Sunday school teachers about the greatness of our God. The building we are working on used to contain walls for the school that is no more. In the past couple years the walls have been destroyed by bugs and they felt it best to remove them. With the influx of children there is a need for walls once again and really just a finished area. There are also some things in the works for the future... but we will discuss them perhaps in years to come. 

So here's the deal. To replace the walls and finish the floors and ceilings of these rooms will cost some money... $240,000... in Dominican Pesos. That's $6,000 in US dollars. We can do this.

The Plan: 

The plan on our end is to ride approximately 450 miles from Hastings, Minnesota down to Keithsburg, Illinois. During this ride we hope to "bring you along" on our bike ride and share more about what is happening in the Dominican Republic through this amazing ministry. In the past many have sponsored a mile or two... or ten. With a need of $6,000, and 5 riders going 450 miles to sponsor a mile would be only $2.67! What a deal! That would be a rate of $13.33 for the family to ride one mile. Whether you give by the mile or give another way, we will accept it and send it all to this project in the Dominican Republic. 

To give you can go to THIS LINK. On this page you can scroll down till you see the words "Add Other Account." Click on this and select "Ride for the Dominican" at the bottom then you are set! If you have any questions we will be happy to answer them.

Commonly Asked Questions:

How much of my money goes to the Dominican Republic? Aside from a wiring fee which is usually $50, EVERY PENNY goes to the Dominican Republic.

Will my donation be tax deductible? Yes

How much money does Veritas get from the donations? $0 (Thank you Veritas)

How much of my money goes toward camping, bike repair, food etc? $0

What do I do if I am not comfortable giving online? Write a check payable to Veritas Church and write "Ride for the Dominican" in the memo. You can send your check to 509 3rd Ave SE Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401

Getting Packed Up

 Wow, the day is here! In less than 12 hours we will role out toward Northern Minnesota. The plan is to spend a night with family then head for Baudette, MN. Like most trips, the plan is laid out and then before you know it the day is here. Packing a bike trip for 5 people is complicated to say the least! 

5 sleeping pads

5 sleeping bags

socks

underwear

bike shorts

sweatshirts

long pants

shorts

hats (cause it's gonna be cold)

The list goes on and on. Then there is food. We will blog about food in the future. As for now, it is complicated. The beginning of the trip is when you have the largest load and then after several days when you go stronger, you are out of everything and the trailer and bags feel so much lighter! Last year we found it helpful to freeze a few meals and use those meals as ice packs for our cold bag for a couple of days. Hamburger helper worked really well for this and this year we added taco meat. The plan will be to grab some chips at a grocery store prior to going to the camp site then pigging out once we get there. Anyway, here is a look at our preparation to camp. If you have any questions please feel free to ask below. 

We are nervous. It is going to be a big trip. It will come together.... it will. 

Ride for the Dominican 2020

 Check out this video for an update on our 2020 Ride! We look forward to having you follow along. As we have learned over the last several years, it is very difficult to ride lots of miles, camp, maintain social media and blog presence so therefore the blog gets the last of our energies. We are sorry if this is an inconvenience. Our goal will be to post our ride over time throughout the fall and winter. 

We love our friends in Santiago, Dominican Republic and look forward to seeing the completion of this worship center. If you are interested in supporting the mission please check out THIS LINK. 

If you have any questions about the Ride for the Dominican or about giving, please let us know in the comment section below. 

The Morkens