Paul Anderson Youth Home, a fully accredited and licensed residential recovery program offering a second chance to troubled young men, will host its 21st Annual Paul Anderson Charity Bike Ride this summer.

Four young men from the program will embark on a challenging 500-plus mile journey over seven days, beginning Saturday, July 18, and concluding Friday, July 24. The ride will begin at the PAYH campus in Vidalia and travel through multiple towns and cities across Georgia.

This year’s ride carries special significance as it honors more than two decades of a tradition rooted in the ministry’s rich 64-year history. In 1961, facing financial hardship while launching his youth development program, Paul Anderson undertook an extraordinary 1,200-mile bicycle ride from Vidalia to Omaha, Nebraska. His determination, faith, and national recognition helped generate the awareness and support needed to sustain the newly founded organization.

Today, the annual charity bike ride continues to honor Anderson’s enduring legacy and unwavering commitment to helping young men find hope and restoration. The event also serves as a major awareness and fundraising initiative for PAYH while showcasing the life-changing transformation taking place within the program.

Through mentorship, counseling, education, structure, and a Christ-centered approach, the young men participating in the ride have overcome significant personal struggles, including substance abuse, legal issues, emotional instability, and disciplinary challenges. Completing the demanding over 500-mile journey symbolizes both their personal growth and their commitment to building a better future.

“I can still vividly remember Paul getting on his bicycle, heading for Omaha,” said Glenda Anderson Leonard, co-founder and president of PAYH. “I was driving the van that accompanied him, bearing the caption in large, bold, red letters ‘World’s Strongest Man.’ The journey was long and difficult, and often disappointing as a fundraiser. However, we often see God's hand in most of our adventures, and it was true for this original Bike Ride. It was through this journey that we met Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-A, which we believe was a divine appt. He provided us our very first contribution of $25.00. He also later served on our Board. He was not only a dear friend, but a generous benefactor through the years. The Bible declares in Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (NKJV). Through the reflection of that verse, and in retrospect, what initially appeared challenging, ultimately became a great blessing and resulted in a positive outcome. It’s incredibly special to witness our young men today honor our dedication to Christ and to the Home through this annual Bike Ride.”

The young riders depend on community sponsorships and donations to complete the journey and support the ministry’s ongoing work with young men and families.

Supporters can contribute by visiting the official PAYH donation page at  PAYH Contribution Page or by texting BIKERIDE to 71777.

For an updated list of sponsors and additional information about the ride, visit the PAYH Bike Ride Page.