I am extremely excited that for the second time, I will be riding in the Agony Ride in Sierra Valley California. The appropriately named Agony Ride is a 24 hour bike ride where each rider is given the simple purpose of riding as many miles as physically possible during the allotted time. But the ride is so much more than that.
The Agony Ride raises funds for what is affectionately called The Ranch. The Ranch houses at-risk teens through young adults who come from backgrounds of substance abuse, abandonment, neglect, and other forms of abuse and trauma. During these pivotal years, the residents of The Ranch will experience healing and hope, as well as guidance from the staff members. The counselors and interns at The Ranch will provide them with help in dealing with addictions, past hurt from family members, behavioral and emotional problems, and simultaneously teaching them practical life skills such as academic support and work training. More important than these is how the staff pours love into the lives of each student of The Ranch. For many, this may be the first time they have experienced love of this kind first hand, and it is often transformational in how their lives will unfold.
The ride itself accomplishes the goals of this ministry, not just through dollars raised, but in showing these students a small picture of unconditional love. Each student of The Ranch will work at one of the aid stations, assisting the riders with whatever they need during the ride. It may start with filling up water bottles or grabbing food, but as the hours roll on, they start to see the fatigue and pain set in on the riders. In the early AM hours, the students may have to physically help a rider off of their bike, or even more poignantly, back onto their bike... They see firsthand the agony that these strangers are putting themselves through, all in an effort to help The Ranch and the students of The Ranch. Experiencing this act of love firsthand can even be the turning point for some of these students in their journey of healing and beginning to understand the unconditional love that Christ Jesus has for them.
All of this is why I am so excited to be riding in the Agony Ride this year and helping to raise funds which will support these teens who need help the most.
Austin's Recent Events |
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Go get that 350 Austin!!!
Austin: Thanks for being my first sponsor and training partner so I show up ready to ride! Time to find out how Pikes Peak translates to the flats.
We’re rooting for you. Go get them miles!!
Austin: Thank you Newbills!!
Austin: Appreciate your generosity!
Austin you are an inspiration to us all. Thank you for putting your bike skills to such a great cause.
Austin: You and Jake inspired me to start riding to work every day and that's a huge reason why I'm able to do this, so thank YOU!
Such a great cause! Way to carry out Christ’s mission in such an impactful way. Go get that 300 miles (and don’t forget your ibuprofen)!
Austin: Thankful I get to be a part of that mission. Thanks for the generosity!
I'm jealous that you get to do this AGAIN (though if I ever get to do it, I don't think I'll feel very blessed). I'm proud of you and all you've been able to do, and the example you've set for me and so many. "I will rejoice and be glad in Your steadfast love, Because You have seen my affliction; You have known the distress of my soul, And You have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; You have set my feet in a broad place." - Psalm 31:7-8
Austin: Stop having heart attacks just to get out of this thing. I expect to see you next to me at a future start line.
Good luck! What an awesome cause! Cheering you on! Brooke and Tommy
Austin: Glad to have support from the AZ Wagners =)
What a great cause! Good luck and God bless!
Austin: Thanks for choosing to support my ride and the teens who are impacted by this ministry!
You've got this Austin!
Austin: COS volleyball crew represent! Thanks man.
Rooting for you! Good luck and keep pedaling! From Matt + Nat
Austin: Thank you and good luck on qualifying for Boston you studs!
Thankful you are doing this!
Austin: Thanks for the support from Peak View!
Austin: Thanks for helping bring hope and a second chance to these teens with your generous donation =)
Praying God will give you the strength to complete your goal!!
Austin: Awesome to have support from Beth Eden! Thank you for supporting both my 2019 ride and this one! =)
Thanks for riding, Austin! We're behind you all the way! You've got this!
Austin: Yay for being the first extended Versaw family member to support! Thankful to have you on board.
Donated in the name of Haije Zijlstra (Netherlands)
Austin: Great idea and awesome to have support from an international brother in Christ =) Now go get some homes renovated in Armenia!
Praying for a good and safe ride as you use your skills for a good cause!
Austin: Thank you Hoffmans for donating and making a difference in the lives of these teens!
Make it past 300 miles and I’ll add an unknown lump sum
Austin: Now I need to make it to 300 just to find out how much change Alana found in the couch cushions.
It is worth the pain and agony. It is our prayer that our Lord will give you the strength and stamina.
Austin: Thank you for your kind donation, but especially for your prayers. It IS worth the pain and agony.
Incredible cause! Cheering you on from Ohio!
Austin: Thanks for the support from Ohio!! 😊
Austin: In exchange for your generous support, I promise to come back to Thor... Eventually.
I know that you will do your best! God is faithful and will be with you during your journey. Love from "Mom" Wagner ❤️
Austin: Thank you!! It means a lot to have your support. Thanks for having fun bike trails to train on near your house.
Austin: Thank you Janae and Spencer! The Versaw support is growing 💪🏻💪🏻
It’s great to see you showing God’s love for these kids, Austin! I have a heart for them too! May God bless you and protect you as you serve Him in this way.
Austin: My mom was just telling me about your devotional for kids with a similar background. I LOVE that. Thanks for your support of these kids in many different ways! 😊
Austin: You know what I realized (and will probably be stewing over at 2am during the ride)? Doing this whole thing is fundamentally all your fault. So THANKS for that.
“I really wasn't gonna flaunt this. I have made a very sizable donation to Oscar's nephew's... walkathon. $25.“
Austin: Generosity and togetherness and community all convalescences into morale. That's what I say, so...
We’re cheering for you Austin, and we believe Heaven is doing the same!! Way to go!
Austin: Thanks for the kind words and the support, Lindsay and Josh!
Austin, So glad you are able to ride this year! You, Ted and Gary are our heroes but since you have been goofing off the last years we expect you to really make up for lost time! No pressure! Love, Aunt Becky & Uncle Dwayne
Austin: I'm interested to know that you think having two kids is goofing off 😉. Thanks for the support!
Many prayers are being sent your way! I understand what it takes to achieve something like this! What a great way to be able to minister to others :)
Austin: Yes you definitely do! Thank you so much for the support and the prayers.
Good luck! The Cooper’s are praying for you.
Austin: Thanks for the prayers while you all are traveling. Happy trails!
We will be tracking you as you ride. We are proud of you for all the work you did in preparation for this event. Love you!. Dad and Mom
Austin: Thanks for the message of support and generous per mile amount. I guess you're making it harder for me to take the easy way out and I guess that's a good thing... Love you Mom and Dad.
The man returns!! Very impressed! Don't let Uncle Gary beat you!
Austin: *Or Ted 😉🤫
We love you and are so proud of you and the love of Christ you're showing these teens. We are specifically praying 1 Corinthians 15:58 over your heart and mind as you ride. “ Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
Austin: Thank you both for the words of encouragement and for the support.
And being in AGONY, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. Luke 22:44 NKJV
The Prine family is cheering you on!! What an awesome organization to ride for!
As the night hours begin, know that you're loved and supported. God gives strength and hope in the darkest times. Mom
Praying for you. Rest as needed! You can do this
Praying for you, especially as you enter the next few hours. You're killing it and helping these kids. Just keep going “one more mile.”
Praying for you as I'm heading to bed soon and knowing you're still going to be on your bike even after I wake up. Stay strong in the brutal middle of the night hours and don't stop! You're amazing and your strength is an inspiration. Love you so much! ♥️
Nearly halfway to your goal! Praying for you tonight.
Way to go, Austin! "I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise. " Ps138:1 We praise God for all your hard work! Praying for you!
You’ve always been pretty good at pulling all nighters so this should be a piece of cake for you, right? You’re doing incredible!!! Keep up the hard work and we will continue our prayers!
132 honey!! Nice work!
Go Austin! Keep cranking.
120!!!! Praying for endurance as the night gets long and you want to stop. Don't stop!
Don’t quit. Don’t let that old man show you up! Btw my bed is so comfy
1/3 of the way toward your goal. Keep up the good work. Don't stop wont stop 👏🏻
Yay Austin!!! You’re doing great! God will use your faithfulness!! Keep looking to Him, the Author and Finisher of your race! We’re praying for you!
OVER 100!!! Great job 👏. You’ve got this!
Wow! I see you how you all are going to break the bank, riding together! Great idea, just don’t forget the naps during the night! Go! Go! Go!
You're killing it babe!! Keep it up. Love you tons!
Wow, I see a pattern here, you all are riding together and costing us money! Go ! Go! Better take long naps tonight!
7 hours in!!! Don't let the night wreck you. Stay steady and keep on keeping on!
$24/mile? Good grief man, ride!!
Keep up the good work! Get some good food and stay focused. 👏🏻
You're about 1/3 of the way to your mileage goal!!!
Almost to 100! Keep it up!
Keep it up! You're doing great!
You’re amazing!!! Doing great!!!!! Keep it up!!
You are such an inspiring athlete! Keep riding strong!
So, are you having a restful day not chasing toddlers?
Good night Daddy! Think about us while you're riding. We'll talk to you in the morning! You're our hero ♥️
Mike may have zoomed in pretty close but now we know your teeth are clean 😂. You’re doing fantastic!!! Keep up the good work.
We love you Daddy! I know it's hard, but it's so so good for you! 🍦🍦💦💦🍇🍓🍇🍇☀️🍊🍊💙
Friends in Buffalo are very impressed you're doing the Agony. And they think you're insane for doing it multiple times. Keep grinding!
Praying for you!
Keep up the awesome pace!!! Love you!
Praying for a great ride!
Reminder: if you haven't died yet, you can keep going.
You got this! Way too go!!!!!!!
Hour 2!!!!!! You're a stud!
Go Austin! Your athleticism and heart for others is an inspiration. You're doing great things. Good luck! 👏
You're an hour in!! You've got thos!
Praying for you Austin! You can do it!
You’ve got this! Consistent and steady. Praying for you!
Austin!!! Praying for you! Your hard work is going to make a huge impact on others lives. Go go go!!! 😊
Juuuuust easing in here, nothing to worry about. Keep it chill and relaxed. Have a great ride!
You're number 1️⃣ stay cool 🥶 💙
You got this babe!!!!!! I'm so proud of you! We love you
1 ride, 252 miles ridden, $5,238.40 raised
2019: 252 miles, $5,238.40 raised