On Oct. 4, 2026, thirteen Colorado cyclists will roll their bikes to the edge of the Pacific Ocean in San Diego, dip their tires into the water and begin a journey few people would ever attempt.
For the next 45 days, they will pedal nearly 3,000 miles across America, climbing mountains, battling headwinds and enduring long days in the saddle before finally reaching the Atlantic Ocean in St. Augustine, Fla.
But this isn’t about setting a record or crossing an item off a bucket list.
It’s about serving neighbors experiencing homelessness.
The cyclists are members of Samaritan Cycling USA, a ministry of Catholic Charities of Denver that combines faith, endurance and service to raise awareness and funding for Samaritan House shelters in Denver, Fort Collins and Greeley.
For founder Tom Schwein, every mile is an opportunity to live out the Gospel.
“What began in 2011 as a small step of faith through Samaritan Cycling has become a lifelong commitment to serve,” Schwein said. “Through cycling, we put faith into action, transforming physical endurance into meaningful impact and heartfelt passion into real provision. We ride because we are called to be bearers of hope, and every mile is a testament to that calling.”
Since its founding, Samaritan Cycling has raised more than $2.2 million to support men, women and families working to rebuild their lives after experiencing homelessness. Along this year’s cross-country journey, the riders will also stop to volunteer with Catholic Charities agencies across the country, sharing both their time and their witness to the dignity of every person.
The ride comes at a meaningful moment in Catholic Charities’ history.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Samaritan House in downtown Denver, the first building in the nation constructed specifically to shelter people experiencing homelessness. Next year, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Denver will celebrate its 100th anniversary, honoring a century of answering Christ’s call to serve neighbors in need.
Together, those milestones tell the story of an organization that has spent generations putting faith into action.
“The Samaritan Cycling team embodies the Gospel call to serve our neighbors through sacrifice, compassion and action,” said Darren Walsh, President and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Denver. “Their willingness to undertake this extraordinary journey will not only raise critical support for Samaritan House programs but also help communities across the country recognize the dignity and potential of every person we serve.”
While the cyclists will measure the trip in miles, the true impact won’t be found on a map.
It will be seen in the mother who finds a safe place to sleep with her children. The Veteran who receives support to regain stability. The individual who discovers that homelessness does not define their future.
Those are the people the riders will carry with them every day.
Every sunrise. Every climb. Every mile.
As Catholic Charities prepares to begin its second century of service, Samaritan Cycling reminds us that hope isn’t simply something we believe in.
Sometimes, hope rides a bicycle.
Want to follow the journey?
Samaritan Cycling USA departs from San Diego on Oct. 4 and is expected to arrive in St. Augustine, Fla., on Nov. 16 after traveling nearly 3,000 miles across the United States. Along the way, the team will raise awareness and support for Samaritan House ministries serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness throughout Northern Colorado.
Learn more, follow the ride and support the team’s mission at SamaritanCycling.org.