There were big smiles as the riders arrived in Rapid City to a cheering crowd that had gathered for a workshop before the Synod Assembly. Front row, from left: Betsy Hoium with Flat Jesus, Pat Eidsness and Michael Mortvedt. Back row, from left: Durk Thompson, Daryl Schubert, Jim Steen and Terry Knudson.
A ride to remember The cyclists are ready to ride! From left to right: Pat Eidsness, Roe Eidsness, Daryl Schubert, Betsy Hoium, Jim Steen, Marla Hawes, Arlen Hawes, Rubin Phillips, Joan Phillips, Durk Thompson, Gary Williams, Terry Knudson and Voni Durant. Their first day was a 75-mile ride along Highway 34 from Madison to Wessington Springs.

Betsy Hoium, associate pastor of faith formation at Peace Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, S.D., completed a 350-mile bike ride across South Dakota just before summer to raise funds and awareness for the ELCA Malaria Campaign. She rode alongside eight other cyclists who were accompanied by a five-person support crew. “Part of this trip was about personal challenge,” said Betsy. “Another part was about raising money and awareness for the ELCA Malaria Campaign. Because of this church, the ELCA is now over 95 percent of the way to its goal of raising $15 million by [the end of] 2015.” The six-day ride ended at Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid City for the South Dakota Synod Assembly. (Photos/Betsy Hoium)

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