CANFIELD Cross-country bicyclists make stop to raise awareness of poverty in U.S.

Every 53 minutes, a child dies in the United States of causes related to poverty.
By MATT BIXENSTINE
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
CANFIELD -- Bicyclist Rob Marco wrote in a diary the day he left San Francisco to embark on a 3,880-mile cross-country trek.
"The bicycle really can change the world," he wrote June 1. "I believe that -- the simplest, best invention of all time."
Ten states and 55 days later, his bike has been dependable, but it is actually Marco and the other 23 bicyclists who are making a difference.
The group is participating in "Brake the Cycle," a two-month bike tour to increase awareness about poverty in the United States as part of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, the domestic anti-poverty, social justice program of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The tour stopped at St. Michael Church, 350 N. Broad St., on Friday on its way to its final destination Aug. 1 in Washington, D.C.
Lisbon native Lee Anne Adams, an economic development specialist and one of two CCHD national staff members on the trip, said the bicyclists are using pledge cards to ask Catholics with financial resources to get involved in their communities and fight the root causes of poverty.
"So far, the trip's been better than expected," Adams said. "We've generated a lot of interest, and we have a great group of riders."
53-minute programs
The bicyclists host 53-minute poverty educational programs at their various destinations because "every 53 minutes in the U.S., a child dies of causes related to poverty."
Bicyclist John Molineaux, 58, has experienced the cyclic nature of poverty from aiding the impoverished through his home parish in Cheverly, Md.
"One of the things that really bothers me is having to give food to the grandchildren of impoverished people I fed 25 years ago," Molineaux said. "That's the cycle we need to break."
The bicyclists are students, teachers, executives and retirees from all over the nation, ranging in age from 19 to 72. Most did not know one another before meeting in San Francisco for the journey.
They have avoided major interstates in making their journey, at times choosing safe alternatives at the expense of direct routes. However, the bicyclists have resorted to highway travel when necessary.
"The American people are so gracious," Molineaux said. "If anything, the problem with highways is that people don't want to pass because they're afraid of endangering us."
The group has kept trip expenses minimal by lodging at various parishes or with families who offer hospitality.
Physical challenges
Although they have battled heat, snow and altitude during their journey, the bicyclists have yet to endure more than a drizzle of the rainfall that has plagued Northeast Ohio and other parts of the nation.
"The most challenging day was in California in the Sierras," Adams said. "For three miles, we had to walk our bikes through knee-deep snow."
Marco, 23, of Doylestown, Pa., decided to join the trip at the last minute when his original summer plans fell through. He said he is now in the best shape of his life physically, mentally and spiritually as a result of his participation.
"This is not a vacation or a free tour," Marco said. "We're riding for something more than ourselves."
mbixenstine@vindy.com