Pedal for Protein: On the Road Again

In the words of the 1980’s Willie Nelson song “On the Road Again”, that merry bunch of bikers named Pedal for Protein (P4P) hit the pavement for the eighth year to raise money for protein-rich food to feed those in need.

RFP’s Dan Sanders, Craig Zimmerman, Kenton De Vries, and nine other riders from Nor Cal churches rode a 350 mile circuitous route starting and ending at Westminster Woods with stops along the way in places such as Inverness, Cloverdale, Sonoma, Novato, and Santa Rosa.

Ride Director Dan The Man Sanders said that this year’s ride raised nearly $50,000 to buy food. According to P4P official Patty Sanders, $322,305 in eight years has been raised for P4P. Dan emphasizes that every dollar raised goes towards getting food into the hands of those most in need.

RFP, being “The Little Church That Can,” will finish second among churches in the Presbytery to San Rafael Presbyterian. “They see how much money we have raised, then a donor writes a check that puts them over the top. It’s a win-win situation for PFP.”

What many don’t know is that each rider needs to PAY $500 to ride in the annual event, then RAISE another $500 to match. Dan, Craig, and Kenton typically raise more; for example, Craig’s employer Shell Oil matches whatever he raises.

All P4P money passes through Redwoods Presbytery and The Hunger Strike Force for money distribution. Once RFP gets its money, John Hom purchases food such as peanut butter, tuna, canned meats, and other protein-rich food for the needy from the Contra Costa-Solano Food Bank.

P4P is currently looking for younger riders. “We are in our seventies and can’t sleep on church pews anymore,” says Dan.

Younger riders with mix with mature riders in the future to keep Pedal For Protein “On the Road Again.”