I promised last year that if my fundraising goal was doubled I would not shave for an entire year. Through your support I tripled my initial goal! And yes I have not trimmed the length of my beard since pre July 2025…… Which means my goals need to change, as well as my promises. Here we go if I hit my set goal, I go clean shaven (all baby face). $2,000 over goal I will have friendly MASSIVE mutton chops for an entire month.( friendly means I leave the mustache) $5,000 Over and I will let you all pick the style and leave it for an entire month. IF I hit $15,000 over my set goal (30K! double my goal!!!) I will CONTINUE to not trim until 2027 Agony! Overall I can say I have NOT enjoyed having my beard this long,(both length and time) but I have been able to have so many more conversations with people who nothing of CER because of it, bringing awareness of this great organization and people who are saving lives. 100% worth the discomfort, just like the ride itself.
a HUGE thank you to all my sponsors! this organization truly changes lives and gives young adults freedom they didn't know existed. I am thankful to be a part of it in this way and thankful you have joined me in sponsorship and encouragement!
As always, I do something crazy…. Every year I usually shave my face completely if I reach my fundraising goal. I am keeping that promise to all my sponsors, however this year there is a twist, if you help me DOUBLE my fundraising goal I will not cut the length of my beard until the 2026 Agony ride! Current length is approximately 3” from the bottom of my chin. (don’t worry, I will keep everything trimmed save the length to look at least mostly professional at work)
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never quit, never assume failure. Push for more.
Please cut that beard!
Grow Paul, Grow!!!
Get that beard keep growing!
From your friends at Catalyst Builders
Good Luck Paul
I expect you to meet or exceed your 2025 mileage my friend. Do it for the kids!
Great job!
We love you, cousin, and are cheering you on from afar and will be praying for you and the entire event. Thank you for inspiring us with your grit and generosity.
We're pulling for you. Great success!
Hey Paul, Keep up the great work you do. Take care Mason
Paul! be joyous in the Lord ,have fun and be safe dad! You brother Fred! Ephesians 3:20 <><
Way to go Paul!
From your friends at DSM Concrete
I wish you the best in this, Paul, and thank you for enduring some physical agony for the sake of the kids! Greg
Go, Paul! We are cheering you on!
I see you!
Good job!!!!
For "The Zappa"...Oh and a good cause!
I really want to sponsor, especially due to Larry's pledge, but I hate to add to the goal of mutton chops...! ;-)
Praying for you Paul! God is with you!
Go Paulie, Go!!!
God bless you for what you're doing Paul!
Ramona Denoulin
Hi Paul, We just saw this email and it looks like the ride is over but we can still donate! Hope it went well and praying that next year your Dad will be able to make the ride with you! Ride On! Steve and Patti Lendzion
sorry so late
Come on! You can do it! Finish strong for the kids!
Whoooo keep going! Have fun- Jade Don't throw up- Mason
Paul and Lucas, Praying for miraculous/renewed endurance and strength over these last few hours! And for the hearts of the CYR kids to be softened, strengthened and forever changed because of today’s efforts. Finish strong, boys!
You're killing it bro! Keep pushing!
You are doing amazing Son, only 2 more laps to goal and 6 hours to do it. Keep it up!
Congrats on the second craziest thing you’ve done this week. Sunrise is coming and then you’re basically there. Enjoy the ride.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26 Over halfway! Keep on keeping on!
Also, thanks for riding brother! I’m about to rest very comfortably knowing your out there grinding the pavement on behalf of our Shield Lock :) <3
Keep it up dude! As you get sore and tired, let your mind consider Jesus’ journey from Gethsemane to the Cross. Truly agonizing. Yet, the same power that rose Him from the grave is in you. I’m praying the Holy Spirit gives you what you need to endure.
Quinn says, “don’t hit a tree” Hana says, “he’s okay… there are no trees out there”. Dom says, “dang that fundraising is impressive”. Keep chippin’ away at those miles. You are amazing. Amazing what you do year in and year out. Thank God for your commitment to the Ranch and Christian Encounter Ministries.
I've got a great joke for you: What do you get when you pick a pig's nose? Ham boogers. I know, I know, snot funny. :D Enjoy the ride. Stay hydrated and I hope the bugs stay out of your beard.
Way to go Son. 100 down, only 200 to go. You got this!
Proud of you, buddy! What you're doing is about so much more than riding a bike—it's making a real difference for the kids at Christian Encounter Ranch. We're so impressed by your commitment and all the hard work you've put into raising support. Praying for strength, safety, and an amazing ride. You've got this! 🚴♂️❤️ The O'Connors (Pat, Theresa, Jameson, Teagan)
Yoooooooo feel the wind in those locks!!!
Get them miles my friend!!! I’m praying for you!
Gadget: I was a little pissed when you picked me up on Thursday, but then I overheard some guys talk about how you participate and promote this Agony Ride every year, and make a huge difference for kids that need support, so I forgive you. Now do a good job, and don’t stink out there. 🦨🦨🦨🦨🦨🦨
Sorry I couldn’t be there cheering you on today. I decided to help out on the home front today with a double Q. I am thinking good thoughts for you. Looking forward to seeing what happens with the beard.
Whoooo Hooooo! This is great Paul! Praise the Lord for this precious ministry and your ministry in this most important work of living the Love or our Lord for theses youth!!
5 rides, 1,411 miles ridden, $26,090.15 raised
2025: 324 miles, $10,374.94 raised
2024: 312 miles, $5,909.16 raised
2023: 263 miles, $4,191.05 raised
2022: 284 miles, $4,907.00 raised
2013: 228 miles, $708.00 raised