Paul Anderson Youth Home, a fully accredited and licensed recovery program offering a second chance to troubled young men, is holding its 19th Annual Paul Anderson Bike Ride. Seven young men are preparing to bike more than 550 grueling miles over seven days, starting at the PAYH campus in Vidalia, Georgia. 

This year's ride starts on Saturday, July 13, and continues through Friday, July 19. The ride celebrates one of the most significant moments in the storied 63-year history of PAYH. In 1961, the year the Home was founded, Paul and Glenda Anderson were struggling to launch their youth development program and help transform the lives of troubled young people. Paul devised an idea, and his determination meant no one could stop him. He hopped on his bicycle in Vidalia and headed for Omaha, Nebraska, 1,200 miles away. Nationally famous for his feats of strength and work as an Olympic goodwill ambassador in the 1950s, Paul’s ride garnered media attention and needed funds for the Home. 

Today, PAYH young men participate in this charity bike ride to honor Paul’s memory, raise awareness of the Home’s mission, and critical funds. The bike ride also showcases the riders’ personal transformations from troubled teens facing incarceration to stable, emotionally healthy, physically fit young men with a future full of possibilities.

"I can still remember Paul getting on his bicycle heading for Omaha. It seemed crazy, but like everything Paul did, it worked out in the end. It is very special to see our young men today honor Paul’s commitment to Christ and to the Home on the annual bike ride,” said Glenda Anderson Leonard, Co-Founder and President of PAYH.

Each of the bicyclists exemplifies the mission of PAYH. They have overcome issues with discipline, substance abuse, legal trouble and emotional instability. Through education, mentoring, counseling and a second chance at life through Christ, they are trusted to take on the severe physical and mental challenge of a 550-mile ride.

These young men rely on sponsorships to complete the ride. You can donate through the PAYH donation 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.