Paul Anderson Youth Home, a fully accredited and licensed recovery program offering a second chance to troubled young men, is set to host its 20th Annual Paul Anderson Bike Ride. Four young men from the program will embark on a challenging 550-mile journey over seven days, beginning Saturday, June 21, and concluding Friday, June 27. The ride starts at the PAYH campus in Vidalia, Ga., and will travel through towns and cities in both Georgia and Florida.

This year's ride is particularly significant as it marks two decades of this annual event, which celebrates a pivotal moment in the Home's 64-year history. In 1961, facing financial struggles to launch his youth development program, Olympic weightlifting gold medalist and PAYH co-founder Paul Anderson undertook a remarkable 1,200-mile bicycle ride from Vidalia to Omaha, Nebraska. His determination and national fame garnered crucial media attention and funding for the nascent organization.

Today, the annual charity bike ride serves as a tribute to Paul Anderson's enduring legacy and unwavering commitment to the Home's mission. It also provides a powerful platform to raise awareness and critical funds for PAYH. Beyond fundraising, the ride dramatically showcases the profound personal transformations of the young riders, who evolve from troubled teens to stable, emotionally healthy, and physically fit young men with promising futures.

Glenda Anderson Leonard, co-founder and president of PAYH, shared her reflections: "I can still vividly remember Paul getting on his bicycle heading for Omaha. It seemed like a wild idea at the time, but like everything Paul did, it worked out in the end. It's incredibly special to witness our young men today honor Paul's dedication to Christ and to the Home through this annual bike ride."

Each of the young men participating in the ride embodies the transformative power of PAYH. They have overcome significant personal challenges, including issues with discipline, substance abuse, legal troubles, and emotional instability. Through a comprehensive program of education, mentoring, counseling, and a faith-based approach, they are entrusted with the immense physical and mental challenge of completing the 551-mile journey.

These young men rely on sponsorships to complete the ride. You can contribute through the PAYH contribution page or text BIKERIDE to 71777. To see an updated list of sponsors, visit the bike ride page of the PAYH website.

Visit payh.org to learn more about Paul Anderson Youth Home and their residential programs for young men.