## Addiction in the Family - A message of Love and Hope

September 10, 2025 by Dave Cooke Leave a Comment

As I bicycle across the country, I have had several wonderful opportunities to share the story of my journey with my son’s addiction and the powerful testimony of my transformation experiences from it. I finally took the opportunity to record one of these talks in order to share it with those who were not able to attend these talks or have the chance to hear this message. I hope you will find this message insightful and inspiring.

http://theaddictionconversation.libsyn.com/addiction-in-the-family-a-message-of-love-and-hope

I have been truly blessed on this Cycling for Recovery ministry in many ways. As I shared in last week’s post we have had numerous informal interactions along the rides that have all been significant God moments. This week we had several others which were all God. Each one of these serves as a reminder that God has me on the road with a definite mission and purpose. I praise Him for the opportunities he has given me to serve and glorify Him on this journey.

As I move through Chicago this weekend and on to Detroit, Pittsburgh and New York, we are perilously close to cutting this mission short as funding and support has not quite kept up with our daily requirements. While I know that missionaries often return home earlier than expected because their funding runs out, I am hoping that you have experienced something in this ministry that would move you to support me to the end of this ride. Our objective is to raise at least $2500 before next weekend. If we are able to achieve that outcome, I am confident we will be positioned to see this ministry through to New York on October 2.

If you able to contribute, your donations can be made to: http://gofundme.com/cyclingforrecovery.

Thank you for your encouragement and support up to this point. It has made a huge difference in the lives of many!

## “I wanted to see what was special about this…”

September 5, 2025 by Dave Cooke Leave a Comment

Sometimes I need to remember this is a special journey. Some days the routine can be and is a little mundane until I am reminded there is nothing ordinary about this Cycling for Recovery mission.

It doesn’t happen every day, but it has occurred enough that as I begin to reflect on all impromptu conversations I have had during the first five weeks, it is apparent there is something special happening here. Instead of rambling on about my personal experiences regarding these interactions, I am simply going to share a memorable quote from the ones that most readily come to mind.

“Changing your life begins with Jesus.” - Robert, Winslow, AZ

“My brother is so different today than he was before he went in, I don’t even recognize him. It is amazing. Too bad he had to go to prison for this to happen.” – John, Holbrook, AZ

“I have been sober for fifteen years, still have my house, and kept my teaching certificate. Thankfully, I didn’t screw up my life completely.” – Anonymous, Grants, NM

“You’re riding your bike across the country? That is amazing. Can I donate to your mission?” as she hands my wife $20 and drives off. – Unknown, Albuquerque

“I am an addict, I love what you’re doing.” Cade, Sayre, OK. Cade was so excited about meeting with us he shouted that out to us before he even put his truck in park. Of all the conversations so far, this one had the profoundest impact on me. We had this amazing conversation, shared a snippet of our stories, and had a word of prayer. I know God moved each of us in that moment.

“Are you riding your bike across the country to help others with addictions? I am in recovery from alcohol for thirty-two years. God bless you on your mission.” – Unknown, Stroud, OK

“I just had to stop and tell you I was a meth addict. I have been clean for six and a half years. When I saw your van, I googled your website and found out what you were about. I just had to stop and tell you I love what you’re doing.” Unknown - Tulsa

“I am biking from Chicago to Santa Monica. I just turned fifty and decided to do it. My goal is fifty miles a day for fifty days.” - Unknown, Springfield, MO

“I wanted to see what was so special about this…My sister had a bad addiction…It got so bad she was even homeless..She turned it around years ago and now she is a college professor…I know its complicated, but I do belief Faith needs to part of the equation.” – Ray, Waynesville, MO

“People today are disconnected and in a hurry. They need to slow down and enjoy where they are.” – Norm, Wildwood, MO

Every person I have the opportunity to speak with has a story, a dream, and hope. I am grateful for these interactions and for the slow motion experiences that come with cycling across the country. While some days are easier than others and the energy and joy that come from riding fluctuates, there is always a moment where God pulls me aside and reminds me why I am doing this. When he does and I listen, the experience that follows is incredible.

Wherever you are in your life, please take time to appreciate the gifts in your life today. Focus not on what is missing, not what you wish was different, or where you could be instead of where you are. For in that moment of gratitude, you will realize and discover that God has you exactly where you are supposed to be; that is the moment when you will be able to celebrate the work that he has begun in you. Trust in Him and give thanks for the gifts which are part of your journey.

“being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;” - Philippians 1: 6

****

Dave Cooke’s Cycling for Recovery ministry is solely dependent upon the generous support of independent donations. The mission of this 3600 mile cross country cycling journey is to provide support and love to those who are dealing with the addiction of loved one in their lives, while providing education and awareness to others regarding the impact of substance abuse and addiction in our communities. Please help keep this ministry on the road by donating to Cycling for Recovery - http://GoFundMe.com/CyclingforRecovery. Your support is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

## It was a milestone week!!

August 20, 2025 by Dave Cooke Leave a Comment

Today, I am enjoying a welcomed rest day from the routine of my daily cycling activities. It is not a complete rest day as I took some time to participate in a highly engaging, informative event with fifteen participants at Lighthouse Church in Amarillo, TX. As is typical of previous rest days there was also a period of transition. Today’s transition was saying good-by to my oldest son, David who traveled with me this past week and provided wonderful, encouraging support as I rode while engaging in enjoyable conversation and personal time between the rides. I relish every moment I receive to hang with my adult children, so I consider it a wonderful blessing to have had David along for an entire week.

Another part of the transition process is welcoming a new support partner, Herman Bell. Herman and I have never met and have only communicated through email. Yet, God introduced us and brought us together for this week. I am looking forward to the blessings that will come from meeting and travelling with this brother in Christ.

As I reflect upon the events and experiences of week three, I noticed that many are affiliated with the achievement of several milestones associated with the ride:

- 1000 miles: Shortly before arriving in Tucumcari, NM, I celebrated the 1000th mile ridden on this trip. Even though I have been cautioned not to keep track of progress relative to the overall objective, I couldn’t help but feel some sense of satisfaction knowing that I have now cycled over 1,000 miles.
- Coldest plunge: Yes, the swim in the Colorado River at 72 degrees was a refreshing break from the 103 degree temperatures in the desert. However, diving into the Blue Hole in Santa Rosa, with a temperature of 61 degrees brought refreshingly cold to an entirely different level. I definitely didn’t just jump in and get out; instead, I treated this plunge as an ice bath and spent at least ten minutes simply soaking in the healing benefits of the cold water on aching, aging joints.
- Fourth state: California, Arizona, New Mexico and now, Texas. Crossing state lines are a great way to measure and mark progress. With every state line I cross, I get closer to my destination. As you can see in the picture, I happily celebrated my arrival in Texas.
- Halfway to Chicago: There is a café in Adrian, TX that is considered the official halfway point of Route 66 between Chicago and Santa Monica. The Midpoint Café has quite a display highlighting this fact. It is also famous for its ugly crust pies. Needless to say, after posing for the obligatory midpoint pictures, David and I found ourselves inside the café enjoying a tasty piece of ugly crust pie.
- A fabulously engaging, interactive event: Despite the best efforts of local event organizers, not all of the planned Cycling for Recovery events go as desired or planned. Today, at Lighthouse Church, we had a well attended and highly engaging program. I am grateful to Stephanie of Young People in Recovery – Amarillo, for bringing together such a great group willing to share their experiences, concerns, and questions. It was a great change of pace from the Cycling for Recovery routine.

Yesterday, I interacted with a man from New Zealand who was riding from Chicago to Santa Monica, unsupported (alone). This will be his third cross country venture. When I talked with him about his experiences on his journey, he shared a pearl of wisdom that you will hear more from me later. However, his message was so precise I couldn’t wait to share it.

“Every day I ride. I start around 7AM, may times end around 7 at night. I simply keep moving. After a few days, I am somewhere else.”

What a great message about cycling and life. Change doesn’t happen without a constant, consistent, and focused effort. If you keep moving and stay with it, eventually you will find yourself standing in an entirely different spot. That, my friends, is the essence of 100Pedals – make a commitment to move towards your desired outcomes without stopping or interruption, even if it is in small incremental steps; when you do so, you will find yourself in a different place and your life will be changed. True change is about time, effort, persistence, and patience; it never comes easy, fast, or without effort.

Peace!

****

Did you know Dave Cooke is riding his bike across the country? Cycling for Recovery is a cross country 3600 mile cycling mission to provide support and love to those who are dealing with the addiction of loved one in their lives, while providing education and awareness to others regarding the impact of substance abuse and addiction in our communities. This mission is funded solely by individual donations. Please consider making donation to Cycling for Recovery ministry. To make your personal contribution, please go http://GoFundMe.com/CyclingforRecovery. Your support is greatly appreciated.

## Eight Hundred Miles and a Dozen Thoughts

August 13, 2025 by Dave Cooke 6 Comments

With two weeks down on the Cycling for Recovery Mission, I finally had a moment long enough to capture the experiences of the first eight hundred miles cycling across the country. I have traveled from Santa Monica to Albuquerque over much of I-40 and old Route 66. While there have been many experiences, the following are the twelve I could readily and easily list as most memorable:

1. Touring LA: My first day of the journey was a 90-mile jaunt from Santa Monica to San Bernardino. This ride took me through Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Chinatown, Pasadena, and Claremont to name a few. It was the most enjoyable ride through LA ever.
2. Amboy, CA: Few will ever know how hard it was to ride to Amboy, CA from Barstow, CA on day 3. There was a stretch of road that was so rough that I could hardly ride my bike. After pushing through the heat, the headwind, the bad road, and the 83 miles, I finally made it to Amboy, CA in the middle of the Mohave Desert.
3. Swimming the Colorado: After three days of 100 degree, five hour rides in the desert nothing hit the spot more than a dip in the 72 degree Colorado River. It cured all my aches and pains.
4. Donkeys running wild: I had no idea that in the middle of nowhere in Oatman, AZ that donkeys freely roam the city streets. Well, they do. Throughout my twenty mile, two thousand foot climb, I saw virtually zero vehicles. Imagine my surprise as I limped into Oatman to discover a town alive with tourists everywhere photographing donkeys standing in the middle of the streets.
5. Four Wheeling: Even though the sign said “road closed,” I was convinced we could get around that. I encouraged Mark to drive the vehicle around both “road closed” signs until we found ourselves in the middle of a muddy, flooded wash. Thankfully, the sheriff who was standing there didn’t give us a ticket, instead he offered directions for getting around the closure and returning to the route.
6. Tackling a steep, challenging climb: I often wondered what it was like to ride a steep 7% grade with switchbacks like those cyclists on the Tour de France do. Mine wasn’t nearly as long or any steeper than 7%. But, I did tackle a pretty long, slow climb of 20 miles and 2,000 feet which ended with a 2 mile, 7% push. Feeling pretty proud of the accomplishment and tired, too.
7. Standing on a corner in Winslow, AZ: It was all downhill and fast from Flagstaff to Winslow. When we got there, we stopped past the most touristy part. As we parked, Robert came out to greet us. Seeing the signage on the van, he knew exactly what we were there for. We talked Jesus and Recovery and he offered us his blessings for our journey. So far, this interaction has been the most memorable highlight of the trip.
8. “You made my day”: My fortune cookie at dinner said “you will make someone’s day.” We stopped at a gas station for ice in Grants, AZ and decided to have an ice cream cone there, as well. While placing our order a woman was standing behind us and we offered to buy her cone. She was overjoyed, gave each of us a hug, and said “you made my day.” Happy we were there for her. (not pictured)
9. Petrified Forest: I have driven by the Petrified Forest exit dozens of times, not realizing how close or how cool this park could be. Tooling through the Forest and the Painted Desert was an extra special treat and quite a surprise.
10. Yvonne: When my wife volunteered to drive the support vehicle for week two, I didn’t know what to expect. Turns out we had a wonderful week, she was incredibly efficient and supportive while I was riding, and we got to spend some quality alone time that we haven’t had in several years. While it was a working vacation for both of us, this was a great week and an awesome adventure for both of us.
11. Gallup newspaper: I was pretty excited when the reporter emailed me and wanted to cover me riding into town. As I drove into Gallup on Route 66 there was a photographer snapping pictures at different spots along the three miles I rode through Gallup. The interview, the photos, and the article were all very well done. Happy to know that Cycling for Recovery was getting some press.
12. Knowing I was never alone: As I have shared earlier, we are taking a giant leap of faith with this underfunded journey. There are times where I know I have gotten way to caught up in the cost of the mission and not the opportunity and the calling with this ministry. The most beautiful aspect of this journey is that everywhere I turn, from the messages, the interactions, the experiences, the sights, or the words God shares with me, I know that He is with me, He too is encouraging me, and the strength I receive to push through the daily rides comes from Him working in my heart. It may not always be easy, but there is something powerful going on when I know God is behind this.

****

Cycling for Recovery needs your support! Please donate to Cycling for Recovery. If you have ever received any benefit from my blogs or articles, please help pay it forward with a contribution. Cycling for Recovery is a 100Pedals ministry. The mission of this 3600 mile, cross country bike ride is to bring a message of hope and love to family members who have been struggling with the addiction of a loved one while providing education and awareness to others regarding the issue of addiction in our families and communities. Click here to donate. Thank you!

## How to get unstuck and moving forward again!

August 12, 2025 by Dave Cooke Leave a Comment

Those who are negatively addicted embrace a reality in their darkness that “this is a good at it gets.” In that mindset they lose hope and settle in to the situation they are in rather than move out of it. (Positive Addiction, Willam Glasser)

Those who are positively addicted look at their life and say “there has got to be an answer.” They spend their lives doing things that move them forward in pursuit of the answer. (Positive Addiction, Willam Glasser)

Last night I was reflecting on this journey, Cycling for Recovery and how it all evolved. Five years ago my bicycle became the mechanism that moved me to a complete transformation in my life. It began with a bike riding challenge because I knew that my life wasn’t going to be as it was, I knew there had to be an answer and something had to change. I got on my bike, rode it for one hundred consecutive days, and now I am riding it across the country because I know how powerful this approach is.

This transformational journey was prompted by a quest to find peace and clarity through the darkness and pain of my son’s heroin addiction. For a while, the parallel path of his addiction battles and my evolution as parent of a child with an addiction was the story. Now, his addiction is not the story. The story is of this journey I am on as I continue to move out of that dark place that was in control of everything. My life or my story is not about my children and their successes, failings, or struggles; my story is about the transformational journey that comes from a pursuit to embrace a life that celebrates and embraces all the gifts that have been placed in it.

As I look back on the last five years, so much has happened. I am developing a profound and awesome relationship with my heavenly Father, my relationship with my wife has improved tremendously, my children all comment on how much I have changed, I am tackling projects that scare me with a commitment that doesn’t deter me, and I have found peace and joy, even though life isn’t perfect or comfortable.

Stuck is that place where a loss of hope prevents someone from moving forward to the point they accept the situation for what it is and surrender to its power.

Don’t get stuck. Wherever you are tell yourself there is an answer and make a commitment to seek it out. Find an activity that mentally, physically, emotionally allows your mind to move away from the chaos to a quieter place where you can think, listen, and recharge. Follow your heart when you are called into action and block the fear, doubt and worry that often accompanies the call to action. Finally, trust and believe that God loves you, cares for you, and has a wonderful plan for you and your life. When you are actively taking care of yourself, moving forward in courage, and embracing authentic love in your daily routine, you are moving forward in very powerful ways. It will change your life!

****

Please donate to Cycling for Recovery. If you have ever received any benefit from these blogs or articles, please help pay it forward with a contribution. Cycling for Recovery is a 100Pedals ministry. The mission of this 3600 mile, cross country bike ride is to bring a message of hope and love to family members who have been struggling with the addiction of a loved one while providing education and awareness to others regarding the issue of addiction in our families and communities. Click here to donate.

- 1
- 2
- Next Page »