About Us

The deCycles is a nonprofit ecumenical youth leadership program offering high spirited summer bicycle trips for teenagers and young adults. The history of the deCycles dates back to 1968 with over 1800 riders pedaling five million rider miles. The cyclists ride in groups of six on roads chosen for the best combination of riding surface, safety, facilities, and scenery. Several motorized sag vehicles monitor and support the entire group of riders throughout the day. Rest stops with food, juice, and water are planned every 20-25 miles. A cargo truck transports all luggage, equipment, and supplies.

Overnight accommodations are provided by church or school gyms and are prearranged. The group will often have free time in the evenings to tour the town, see a movie, or talk to townspeople about their adventures. Evenings are also spent singing songs, conversing and writing letters back home. And on the final day of the trip, a homecoming ceremony is scheduled for parents, relatives, friends and interested townspeople. This final celebration of music, tales, and testimony is extremely heartwarming and enjoyable by all. The hardest day of the trip is the last day, when it is over.

Basic Purpose

The deCycles bicycle trips are designed for participants to learn more about themselves physically, mentally, and spiritually. At first, some are hesitant or fearful about this challenge. To ride a bike this far may seem difficult or impossible. For the entire trip, the deCycles program will help them focus on maximizing their potential and discovering their own inner strength. Teamwork and attitude will help get them down the road. And ultimately, they can gain a clearer understanding of themselves, of others, and of their place in this world. The riders will enjoy tremendous satisfaction and self-esteem upon completing this journey. The personal rewards will last a lifetime! Beginner cyclists are welcome. In fact, most deCycles riders have no previous experience with long distance cycling.

What is deCycles?
The deCycles is a three week cross-country cycling adventure for teens, college students and young adults. The deCycles combines a physical and mental challenge with spiritual growth in the summer experience of a lifetime. This is much more than a bike trip. It is a powerful transforming and rewarding pilgrimage, a chance to do something really different. Many deCycles veterans can't wait to do it again.

What if I am not an experienced cyclist?
The deCycles roster includes students & young adults of all backgrounds and cycling abilities. In the 36-year history of the deCycles, over 1800 young cyclists from 12-30 years of age have successfully completed the ride. If you are in good health and know how to pedal, you can do this trip. Mental determination is as important as physical ability on deCycles. The noncompetitive nature of deCycles makes it attractive to a wide spectrum of people. Everyone's a winner when they finish the trip. You will certainly build awesome muscles and will grow in ways beyond mere physical strength and endurance.

What if I can't ride fast?
The deCycles trip is not a race. It is a chance to see our beautiful country at a slower pace. You will be averaging about 85 miles/day, without having to carry anything on your bike. You will be required to use a multi speed road bike with 700 x 23-25C wheels and tires. This is the easiest and most comfortable bike to ride for long distances. Practice rides scheduled before this trip will get you in shape and assist in your riding technique and safety. With the right equipment and preparation, an inexperienced cyclist is often surprised by their newfound capabilities in cycling.

Who rides on deCycles trips?
Most riders are students in college, high school and middle school. Several adults join the group also. Minimum age is 13 years. The roster is evenly divided between males and females. One third of the group is college students. One third of the group is high school students. And the final third is made up of middle school and adult riders. Most of the riders come from the Bloomington area and the state of Indiana. Previous rosters have included riders from over 25 states, Canada, Germany, Egypt and Australia. Nearly half of the roster is often made up of deCycles veterans. A few riders are serious racers, but most are just casual bike riders, and many rookies are brand new to the sport.

Who will carry my stuff?
Each rider will be given a packing list of personal gear and apparel. Your mid-sized duffle bag of gear and sleeping bag will be packed and transported daily in a cargo truck. This truck will be loaded and unloaded every day at the designated stopover location. Your biking equipment will be secured overnight.

Where do deCycles stay?
Overnight stopovers are mostly prearranged. You will unroll your sleeping bag in school gyms, YMCA's, churches, and public facilities. These trips are relatively inexpensive because our overnight accommodations are usually free of charge. The deCycles will always leave these facilities spotless and in good condition. Arrival and departure in towns and cities can be quite spectacular. A large group of cyclists always draws interest from townspeople. Weekend stay overs are especially fun and restful.

Is it Safe?
You will receive detailed information on safety when you register, and part of your orientation and practice rides will be devoted to maximizing safety on this deCycles trip. There will also be mandatory safety meetings scheduled during the trip. The deCycles will encourage many basic safety guidelines such as wearing a helmet & cycling gloves, and following "rules of the road." The riders will learn effective ways of riding in groups on flat/hilly terrain, cities and towns, highways and back roads. They will learn to communicate road hazards and traffic conditions to others.

The deCycles unique riding style has been refined and improved over the past 38 years. There are no road-hogging packs or disorderly clumps of riders. There are no stray riders spread out over long distances. All riders wear brightly colored shirts and helmets. Each bike has a flagpole and orange safety flag attached for high visibility. The cyclists are divided into 9-10 groups of six riders with even spacing between each group to allow safe traffic flow. They ride single file, in precision fashion, creating the appearance of a well-trained drill team. Riders communicate constantly between themselves to warn of road hazards and mechanical problems. Several support vehicles drive back and forth constantly monitoring the individual groups and assessing road surface, traffic flow, and weather conditions. The entire entourage is a spectacle similar to a parade and tends to slow traffic and attract motorist's interest. The deCycles support vehicles are equipped with first-aid supplies, cell phone, and CB radios for possible emergencies. Each group leader has a 2-way radio. Adult staff supervise and supply the riders with water, juice, fruit, trail food, lunch, sunscreen, and moral support. Rest stops are scheduled every 15-25 miles.

There are significant risks associated with bicycle riding in any situation. Road conditions, including bad weather and heavy traffic, can lead to unsafe cycling conditions which are beyond the control of the cyclist . The deCycles will do everything possible to help minimize the risks and have a safe and comfortable ride. You should realize, however, that you could find yourself in potentially dangerous situations. You must share the responsibility for your safety and that of other riders during your ride. You should understand that deCycles can only minimize risks to cyclists, but cannot eliminate them. Feel free to contact deCycles for any specific concerns on safety.

What is a Typical Day Like?
Every day on deCycles is a little different depending on mileage, terrain, pre-planned host activities, sightseeing points of interest, and unplanned situations that arise. The average day begins with wake-up call at 6:00am. Each rider will don their riding attire, pack up their sleeping bag and personal gear, eat a hearty breakfast and report for cleanup of the overnight facilities. Next, the riders prepare mentally, physically, and spiritually for the challenge of the day by stretching, focusing, and quieting themselves in a reverent manner.
Groups are picked randomly with a veteran group leader who has the riding information and map directions for the day. Departure is usually around 8:00am. Each group will ride approximately 15-25 miles to the first food and juice break. The riders will ride single file and usually average 14-15mph, but this speed depends on terrain, wind direction, weather, and traffic. Faster riders are often grouped together for their enjoyment. Lunch break is usually 45-60 minutes at the 40-50 mile mark. The afternoon food & water break is 15-25 miles after lunch. The group usually arrives at the overnight stopover around 3-4pm.

Riding through towns and major cities is very exciting and memorable. Police bicycle and motorcycle patrol units often escort the cyclists in parade fashion, riding double file through metropolitan areas. The deCycles have been escorted through more than 100 major cities in United States and Canada in the past. Several police escorts are anticipated in 2007. Roads are often chosen for scenery, safety and cycling thrills.

Now, after the daily biking adventure is over, the fun begins. Evenings on a deCycles trip can be special. After showers and supper, sing-a-longs, talent shows, talking with townspeople, going to a movie, writing postcards and trip journals, enjoying a stroll through a town park, and just plain friendship and discussion are all part of our overnight stays. Bikes needing mechanical work are tuned up at this time. Most riders zonk out about 10:30-11:00pm.

What will I learn on this trip?

You will learn that you can't always control what's on the outside, but you can often control what's on the inside! This is a challenging experience and will test your attitude and determination. By pulling together with others, you will quickly appreciate the value of teamwork. You will carry your own weight and learn to deal with others when you're tired, hungry, and frustrated. Rock-solid friendships often result from this journey with others. At least five married couples are deCycles veterans who first met on the bike trip. You will become an expert cyclist, and will have an increased "road sense". Most importantly, you can discover more inner strength, spirituality, and clearer understanding of who you are and your place in this world.

Are you hesitating? Responses to your concerns.

"I've never done anything like this. People who join events like deCycles do them all the time."

Not true! Very few of this summer's cyclists will have ever done anything like deCycles .   Some riders are good athletes, and some always finish last in sporting events or have never even been in a sport. Some can take a bike apart and rebuild it, others have just mastered pumping up their tires. The deCycles attracts participants from a variety of backgrounds, making it an extremely unique and diverse experience.

"I don't have a bike or the money to pay for this trip."

Much effort has been made to minimize the cost of this high adventure. It is an excellent price compared to similar programs. Sponsorships and scholarships may be available in your church or community to support your efforts to go on this trip. Fundraising events have been done in the past. Please contact deCycles if you would like to participate in these efforts. Also there are several ways to get a bike if you can't afford a new one. An investment in a bike will last longer than the summer. In Bloomington, there are used road bikes galore. If purchasing a bike is out of the question, try borrowing one from a friend.   You could also persuade a local bike shop to sponsor you by donating a bike in your name, or have local patrons of the shop pitch in to buy you a bike for this historic trek. You can also rent a bike from a local bike shop.

"I don't think I can make it. I've never biked 75-80 miles at once."

Yes, you can! The deCycles is challenging, but the pace is moderate, and you have the whole group behind you. You'll grind up and glide down hills, chat with co-cyclists, and enjoy every rest stop. One of the most exciting parts of the trip is being able to surpass expectations you previously held of your physical and mental capacity. The unique spiritual nature of the deCycles program will help you get through the day.   And you will probably lose weight and sport an awesome tan. You'll look better than ever!

Have the deCycles received any awards or acknowledgments?"

As a result of community effort and it's effects, the deCycles have earned several acknowledgments including the following:

deCycles Day Proclamation, June 24, 2005. City of Hartford City, Indiana

Chicken Soup For the Nature Lover's Soul - Inspirational deCycles story published in this international best-seller book released in March 2004.

deCycles Day Proclamation, June 30, 2003. City of West Palm Beach

Unrestricted passage of deCycles through Kennedy Spaceport, July 4, 2003.

College credit for participation through Indiana University HYPR Department.

deCycles Day Proclamation, June 22, 2002. City of Bloomington.               

Special visitor status at World Trade Center and Crash Site of Flight 93 in 2002.

Special visitor status at The White House in 1999.    

Ambassadors to Canada designation by Bloomington mayor in 1997.            

Key to Hartford City, Indiana.

Key to Indianapolis, Indiana.

Numerous newspaper articles, radio and TV broadcasts since 1996.

Leadership

The deCycles veteran leadership is totally unpaid and volunteer oriented. The following is a list of the people who have put this program together and moved over 500 young cyclists down the highways and byways of our great nation since 1996:   

NORM HOUZE is a doctor practicing in Bloomington, IN. A veteran of 20 cross-country deCycles trips, he is a former bike racer, coach of several cycling teams, sports medicine specialist   and trainer, and has organized multiple adult and youth bicycle trips. Norm has served as the tour director and on-road supervisor for the bike trips.

CRICKET HOUZE is an office supervisor and youth coordinator at her church. A former elementary school teacher, she is a veteran staff member of 14 deCycles bike trips.   Cricket spends countless hours securing overnight locations and pre-trip organization. She has served as the devotions leader and official "Mom" of deCycles .

BOB AUSTIN, a veteran of 13 deCycles trips, is a highly respected teacher/band director in Bloomington, IN and has served as the off-road supervisor overseeing cargo,   maintenance, security, and general youth supervision on the bike trips. Bob's devotion to the deCycles program has been priceless.

PENNY AUSTIN is an elementary school teacher in Bloomington and road support veteran of 8 deCycles trips. Penny has helped in the kitchen and has been a contact person for organizing police escorts, securing overnight stays, setting up send-off and arrival ceremonies, and countless other things. Her efforts have also been priceless.

ROBIN HOUZE is a data systems specialist for the University of Louisville. A 9-trip deCycles veteran and former bike racer, he has served as the official deCycles "Mapman" showing us the way. Robin also served as the communications specialist and spends countless hours before the trip searching for the best roads and the best maps.  

Adult Volunteers

The deCycles program has had numerous volunteers and staff members over the years. This program would be impossible without volunteer support. Many parents have helped with motorized support on the road, food preparation and clean-up, map reading, maintenance and repair of cycling equipment, and general adult supervision and guidance. Each trip requires an additional 4-6 adult leaders and volunteers. Please contact us if you are interested in helping full or partial time. There is no cost for adult volunteers. Several meetings will take place before the trip for staff orientation and description of duties. This can be a great experience!

Fundraising/Sponsorships 

Your trip can be financed through creative Fundraising and sponsorship opportunities. Many riders have received sponsorships from churches and community organizations in the past.   Please contact us if you would like more scholarship information.

Contact Information

For more information contact:

Norm Houze
4165 Judee Dr.
Bloomington, IN  47401
812-824-4567
normhouze@comcast.net
deCycles website: http://www.decyclesindiana.org

Donations and sponsorships accepted.

Make checks payable to:
deCyclesIndiana
deCyclesIndiana is nonprofit and is a registered corporation in the state of Indiana.

"I have cried every time I think about this bike trip. It means so very much to me."
-Venus McCoy, IU sophomore, 1998 deCycles Rider of the Year.

"I am so grateful for the support and guidance I received on the bike trip."
-Abbey Martin, BHSS senior. 1997 deCycles Rider of the Year.

"People are amazed when I tell them what we did. I'm amazed myself! I even feel more healthy. Until this trip, it's probably been 30 years since I ate a banana."
-Robin Houze, accountant. 1998 Staff Rider.

"Your arrival ceremony was very powerful for those parents & myself. The courage, fatigue, determination, solidarity, and love came across very clearly."
-Rick Owens MD. Parent of rider Emily Owens.

"The bike trip sounded so extreme. I didn't think it was for me. But once I decided to go, it was beyond all my expectations, more than I have ever done before. It's been the greatest experience of my life, and I have no regrets."
-Coraline Haitjema, BHSS senior.

"At first I didn't want to go. It didn't seem like fun at all. My seven deCycles trips have been an unforgettable and awesome experience. I'm glad my parents made me go on that first trip."
-Daphne Houze, IU freshman. 1995 deCycles Rookie of the Year.

"The first time I saw 60 riders with yellow shirts, flags, in riding formation in a big city police escort, it was so exciting. I wanted to be out there too!"
-Jennifer Adkins, 1998 Staff Driver.

"I saw you coming into Bloomington. It was a parade and looked like right out of a movie. All those yellow shirts, orange flags, and riders shouting out with joy that they were coming home. It was wonderful!"
-Marianne Ackerson, Pre-College Piano Teacher at IU.

"This trip will encourage you to spread eagle's wings. Fly like an eagle! It takes a special teamwork on a typical deCycles day of riding."
-Paul Arnesen, dentist. 1997-98 Staff Rider, 1972 deCycles Rider of the Year.

"There were advanced riders and beginner riders. The amazing thing is that they somehow got down the road together at the same time."
-Bob Austin, educator. 1997-98 Staff Rider.

"It's really special to be a part of this. This isn't something you see every day!"
-Hank Sonnenberg, educator. 1997-98 Staff Driver.

"I've never done anything in my life so enriching or meaningful than this trip!"
Jeannie Martin, BHSS sophomore. 1997 deCycles Rookie of the Year.

"I fell in love with the riders and staff. I'm closer to God because of this trip!"
-Tanya Seiling, missions. 1998 Staff Driver.

"It definitely pushes you! If you're too tired, it doesn't matter, you still have to do the mileage each day. After that experience everything else seems easy." It is such an incredible experience both mentally and physically. You have so many stories to bring back home. I have to come back. I can't imagine a summer without doing deCycles."
-Isabelle Seale, BHSS sophomore & 2-year veteran.

"It gives me something to do other than sitting around watching TV."
-Wes Monts, Batchelor 8th grader. Rookie in 2001.

"We're so used to being active now that while we watched TV, we ended up arranging the living room."
- Nadia and Annysa LaMantia, freshmen at BHSN and 2001 rookies.

"The trip helped me nutritionally and spiritually. It helps you grow as an athlete and as a person. If there are things you are not happy about yourself, you have plenty of time to reflect on them during the ride. I think I am more self-disciplined, and my social skills have much improved."
-Matt Jensen, Jackson Creek Middle School student and 2001 rookie.

"I will never forget the people I've met and the places I've gone on deCycles!"
-Matt Kull, Ft. Lauderdale HS student and 2001 rookie.

"Words cannot express my gratitude for the impact deCycles has had on my life. Thanks for everything."
-Kim Gerbers, IU sophomore, 2000 Rookie of the Year, 2001 Rider of the Year

"I would not be the same person without my experiences with deCycles. Thanks for getting me involved in this wonderful program."
-Wes Kelley, IU senior, 2000 Rookie of the Year, Chief Mechanic 2001.

"The deCycles is a fantastic, caring, loving group of people. Sarah has grown and she is adjusting to things in life much better. I know there will be many long-range effects in many areas of her life."
-Susan Stone, mother of 2001 rookie rider Sarah Stone.

"Chris came back a changed person, a man we are prouder of."
-Kathy Shickles, mother of 2001 rookie rider Chris Shickles.

"Thanks deCycles for guiding Jacob and Nick through such a wonderful journey. They both had a great time and I think have developed and matured in many ways. The journals and photos made this nervous Mom feel much better as I read them throughout the trip."
-Linda Sinex, mother of veteran Jacob and rookie Nick Sinex.

"We have just left the welcome home ceremony for the 2001 deCycles. Our kids our exhausted, and yet, we are so proud of all these kids who have grown so much....back home safely.....that none of us can sleep."
-Pat & Jane Martin, parents of veterans Abbey, Jeannie, and Wes. The entire family has a combined total of 15 deCycles trips in 6-years.

"The deCycles trip truly opens your eyes. It adds to your life and you really grow up on the trip."
-Isabelle Seale, 2000-2001 veteran interviewed by Bloomington newspaper.

"Everyday was a wonderful day. Being able to watch the kids mature and bloom was exciting. I loved watching their faces as they viewed the grandeur of Yellowstone National Park."
-David Donathen, adult road support volunteer on deCycles Rocky Mountains 2001.

"This is an amazing trip. Everyone here has a team riding mentality. Each group member is looking out for the other. This is very unique & rewarding."
- Scott Schroeder, 2001 rookie rider.

" I love deCycles!!!! I have had such a blast so far. It is tough, but the best part is growing together in spirit. I am so lucky to be on this trip."
-Gina Guido, IU junior and 2001 rookie rider.

"I've had a hard time riding and the only thing that keeps me going is this awesome group of people. If I was doing this trip alone, I would have quit already. The deCycles is my inspiration and their cheering me makes me cry knowing how wonderful everyone is. I am glad to be a part of this adventure."
-Chad Stephan, BHSN graduate and 2000-2001 veteran.

"I thought the trip would be a lot of biking and visiting neat places. We definitely do those things, but the people I'm surrounded by is what makes the trip. I've gotten to know so many great people. This is definitely an experience of a lifetime."
-Jay Minnier, IU junior and 2001 rookie.

"This is a chance of a lifetime for all these riders including me. It just gets better and better everyday."
-Neil Beuchlein, BHSN freshman and 2001 rookie.

"I am having the time of my life. I never want to go home! Mom, can we move to New York?"
-Maura Ratcliff, BHSS junior and 5-trip veteran

"It's awesome how so many people come up to you and ask what we are all about. We might seem all mushy when we say deCycles changed our lives. It seriously does! You learn so many skills on this trip. It will improve your life."
-Theo Maynard, Wisconsin sophomore and 3-trip veteran

"I have become close with people I would probably never encountered, and they have changed my life. It is soooo much fun to ride through big cities. The people cheer and whistle. I am so happy to be on this trip."
-Jessica Bush, BHSS sophomore

"One word to describe deCycles is "unbelievable". This is one of the best experiences I've ever had. It is also the greatest challenge of my life. This was everything I've ever expected, even more."
-Amanda Ludwig, Waterloo, Canada high school junior

"I've been writing my entire life and am at a loss. The deCycles is a gift and this trip has touched me. It's much more than a bike trip."
-Erin White, IU Junior in journalism

"It's still hard for me to believe I have pedaled a bike from Bloomington to New York. Most of us were chubby and weak before the trip. Now we are all lean, mean, cycling machines. I just know my new muscles and awesome tan will be babe magnets when I get back home."
-Eric Hodina, BHSS sophomore

"Cricket's phrase 'possibility junction' spins around in my head and everyday I learn that somehow 'it is possible'!
-Abbey Martin, Northwestern University senior and 6-trip veteran.

"We were taken out of our comfort zone many times in the last 3-weeks and we had the time of our lives"
-Norm Houze, deCycles Director in media interview.

"The toughest day of the trip is when it is over."
-Lauren Demming, George Washington University sophomore and 4-trip veteran.

"I feel like I should send a thank-you note every day because my life has changed since the trip. It's the little things, believing that I can tackle anything that comes my way. I brag about my trip in all my classes in college."
-Erin White, IU Junior in journalism.

"I can see a big improvement in Colin over his participation on the past four trips. It's going to make a big difference in his future."
-LeRoy Henry, 79, Colin's grandpa, deCycles Staff and oldest rider on 1999, 2002 trips.

"It gives us pride and blessings that Mark is part of such a wonderful organization."
-Holly Bourdon, mother of rookie rider Mark Bourdon.

"I'm having a good time explaining to my family and friends what deCycles is all about. Thanks so much for a trip that I will remember for the rest of my life".
-Aaron Rotman, Toronto, Canada HS sophomore

"Wow, are we impressed with deCycles! Amanda has told us so much about the trip. She absolutely loves it. She can't believe how well she is being treated."
-Susan Ludwig, mother of rookie rider Amanda Ludwig

"Thank you, thank you, thank you for helping our child grow."
-Betsy Merceron, mother of rookie rider and BHSN sophomore Laurent Merceron.

"Thanks for taking Eric on the trip of his life. He was extremely upbeat upon return and is eager to go next year."
-Wendy Hodina, mother of rookie rider and BHSS sophomore Eric Hodina.

"I can't imagine what it must be like to organize something of this magnitude. I'm sure this experience is something our daughter will treasure forever."
-Sharon Bitzer, mother of rookie rider and IU junior Corey Bitzer.

"The trip was an unbelievable experience that I'll never forget. You managed to get all of us down the road and home safely. Thanks so much."
-Corey Bitzer, IU junior

"The deCycles are an amazing group of people. I'm sure the trip is an experience that Aaron will never forget."
-Phil Rotman, father of rookie rider and Canadian HS student Aaron Rotman.

"All I do in school is dream of biking with deCycles next year."
-Aaron Rotman, Toronto HS junior.

"The Bloomington Bicycle Club wishes to express our thanks for supporting bicycling in the community and especially the impact of deCycles challenging teenagers to ride."
-Joe Anderson, Treasurer of Bloomington Bicycle Club.

"I have been following the trip non-stop every single day. The first thing I do each morning is check the deCycles website for the daily journals and photos. I wish I could be there to share the experience with you."
-Wes Kelley, deCycles 2000 Rookie of the Year.

"The daily journal on the website is wonderful and just about makes us cry when we read it."
-Laurel Bender, mother of rookie rider Joe Bender.

"I remember the log cabin church in Jackson, WY when Jack busted out the song 'In The Name Of Love' and 'All You Need Is Love'. I will remember that moment forever, because I experienced an incredible feeling of satisfaction and contentment on a trip of a lifetime."
-Kim Gerbers, IU senior and deCycles Rookie and Rider of the Years 2000-2001.           

"The video of the trip was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen. It serves as a wonderful salute to our country and is a cherished chronicle of the best summer adventure I've ever been on. The memories of our 'Ride For Peace' has inspired me and brought a smile to my face in the many days since."
-Jason Atwood, Georgetown University sophomore.

"I enjoyed the trip video so much that when I sensed that it was coming to an end, I said, 'Oh no, I want more!' With the subject matter itself, add in some great participants and leaders...how could the end result not be top notch. What a wonderful production!"
-Katy Ratcliff, mother of 5-trip veteran Maura Ratcliff.

"I was not sure what to expect. I didn't know a single person and was nervous. I was challenged in every way possible and made so many new friends. I am more motivated and positive-minded because of the trip. I realize that I can conquer my problems. I am so thankful."
-Dominic Freiburger, recent IU graduate.

"I have watched the deCycles video five times now and will never sicken of it."
-Susan Ludwig, mother of rookie rider Amanda Ludwig.

"Every time we came to a hill someone would come up behind me and give me a push up the hill. The biggest surprise that I got was when Sarah Johnson, who was just 15 years old pushed me up a couple of hills. I was really amazed at all of the help that I got from everyone."
-LeRoy Henry, 79 deCycles elder statesman.

"How long does the deCycles effect last? Our daughter eats right, makes her bed, cleans up, and is extremely happy since she returned from the trip."
Doug Johnson, parent of rookie rider and BHSS sophomore Sarah Johnson.

"deCycles is truly an experience I'll never forget."
-Jeremy Hess, IU Senior and deCycles 2002 Rookie of the Year.

"We rode 1500-miles with our bodies, 10,000-miles with our minds, and a million miles with our spirit."
-Norm Houze, deCycles Director.

"I could've made more money at my summer job.   Instead, I became richer by going on the deCycles trip."
-Zachary May, Vincennes University junior and deCycles 2002 Rider of the Year.

"I hereby proclaim the 22nd day of June 2002 as 'deCycles Day' and urge all of Bloomington to recognize this youth bicycling group and send them forth with speed and safety on their mission of peace."
-John Fernandez, Mayor of Bloomington during 2002 ceremonial sendoff downtown.

"Be the peace you want to see in this world!"
-Cricket Houze, deCycles devotions leader

"Life is like a bike. Some people don't have a bike!" I am thankful for deCycles.
-Jack Quigley, deCycles veteran songleader