Twenty-nine cyclists accompanied by a support team of 33 veered off the Natchez Trace Parkway into Kosciusko Friday afternoon for an overnight rest on their ride from Nashville to Jackson.
The First United Methodist Church hosted Fuller Center Bicycle Adventures, giving the group a meal and overnight accommodations in the fellowship hall.
Along the way, the group carried out the mission of The Fuller Center, an outgrowth of Habitat for Humanity, by stopping in Houston to make repairs and improvements to a home.
The Fuller Center for Housing is a non-profit, Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing. Habitat for Humanity was created by Millard Fuller and his wife in 1976. The Fuller Center was launched in 2005, and it currently builds and renovates homes in 16 countries, including more than 55 communities in the United States.
Jessica McClain of Americus, Ga., spokesperson for the group, said cyclists ranged in age from 22 to 81. Some bicyclists alternated between biking and riding in an accompanying van while others rode the entire distance.
The states of Colorado, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Illinois, Texas and others were represented in the group. They were complimentary of the hospitality they have received along their route.
“The Trace is absolutely beautiful. The wildlife kinda hangs out along the way and we have enjoyed that,” McClain said. “Hospitality of churches along the way has been incredible. We never cease to be amazed.”
The group left the church Saturday morning to cycle the last leg of the trip.
