Current Amount Raised: $850.00 + $10.65 per mile
I'm excited to share that on July 24-25, I'll be participating in my 3rd Agony Ride in Sierra Valley, California. The Agony Ride is a 24-hour cycling event that is physically and mentally taxing, but the purpose behind every mile is what makes it so meaningful.
The Agony Ride raises funds for students at Christian Encounter 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. While at The Ranch, they receive counseling, academic support, work training, and practical life skills. But above all else, they experience something many of them have never known before: people who love them consistently, sacrificially, and without expecting anything in return. Through the staff and counselors, they begin to see the love that Christ has for them—a love that has the power to change the course of a life.
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 the agony that others are putting themselves through, all in an effort to help them. Experiencing this act of love 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 proceeds from The Agony Ride directly support student scholarships. No student is turned away because of their financial situation, meaning many students rely on these needs-based scholarships in order to attend. Simply put, more money donated to The Agony Ride means more students able to attend and receive that life changing care. 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.
Would you consider helping in one of three ways?
1. Consider a donation to this awesome cause. There are flat donation options, as well as per mile donations. Riders especially appreciate the per mile donations as it is a great motivator to suck it up and get back on the bike when we don't feel like going any further. I achieved 252 miles in 2019, 339 miles in 2024, and am hoping to match or eclipse that this year.
2. Pray for me and the ministry during the Agony Ride. This ride is no joke, and on my first attempt it mentally broke me in the middle of the night. Pray for strength to keep pedaling, safety on the road, and that the students would see how loved they are.
3. Send messages of support. Throughout the ride, people will be able to track the progress of the riders as well as send messages of encouragement. Those messages are delivered to the riders, and make a huge difference to keep going when you want to stop.
I know not everyone is in a position to give financially, and that's completely okay. Whether you're able to donate, pray, send messages, or simply take a few minutes to read this, I'm truly grateful. Thank you for considering being part of what God is doing through this ministry.
With gratitude,
Austin Elliott
To make a pledge to support Austin now, click the Sponsor Austin button.
2024: 339 miles, $10,066.05 raised
2019: 252 miles, $5,238.40 raised
Let’s see what happens if you get over 300
Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am faint; heal me, LORD, for my bones are in agony. (Psalm 6:2)
Awesome! Praying for you!
This is an amazing opportunity Austin and I am proud of your participation in this ministry! Please be safe and have fun!
What a cool organization to be a part of and support! Best of luck to you on the ride and may it be His strength that carries you to the end.
Good luck and I will be praying for you. What a wonderful cause.
Go, Austin, go!
Go far, Austin!
I will be praying for your stamina and success. Love you, brother!!
Yay, Austin. So glad you're riding again! We know we'll see great things!!
Proud of you Austin for providing service for others. We hope you reach your goal!
Best of luck, Austin! What a great cause.
You can do anything through Him. Look to the Lord for your strength. We will be thinking about you and cheering you on!
Praying you have a very successful and safe ride Austin. May The Lord Bless you in this worthy endeavor.