Paul Carlson Partnership is thrilled to announce that this year’s Biking for Congo Challenge reached its ambitious goal of $50,000! Thanks to the incredible commitment of riders, fundraisers, and supporters across the country, families in DR Congo will have greater access to medicine, clean water, and trained medical staff—resources that are essential for life and health.
In DR Congo, many people bike more than 50 kilometers (31 miles) while sick or injured just to reach a hospital. Even then, they may not find the medicine or care they need. This challenge was created to change that reality—and together, we are making a difference.
How It All Started
The Biking for Congo Challenge began with a simple idea and a big heart for Congo. In 2016, Dennis Carlson and his brother Rod decided to combine their love of cycling with their passion for Congo.Although they lived miles apart, they shared a dream: to raise $10,000 for Paul Carlson Partnership’s healthcare needs in Congo. That first ride as Team Brothers Biking for Congo sparked something extraordinary.
Since then, Dennis and friends have raised more than $50,000. But they wanted to do more—to include more people and raise more for Congo. After they had conversations with the PCP team, the Biking for Congo Challenge was launched as an annual fundraising event for PCP’s healthcare fund, UCare4Congo. Today that dream is a reality: anyone can join, build a team, and ride for a cause that changes lives.
Celebrating Our Community
This year’s challenge brought together a passionate community of people who believe in hope and healing. From coast to coast, participants pedaled with purpose, raising awareness and funds to strengthen healthcare in Congo.
We are proud to recognize our top fundraising teams:
- Team Bethany Covenant Church from Mt. Vernon, Washington
- Team Samarkand, Covenant Living Community in Santa Barbara, California
- Team Spinning Wheels from Chicago, Illinois
And our top individual fundraisers:
- Kent Egging
- Dennis Carlson
- Kurt Holm
Your leadership and generosity inspired others and helped us cross the finish line.
Special Thanks to The Samarkand Community
More than 30 residents at The Samarkand Covenant Living Community prayed for the riders, cheered them on at departure, and donated more than $10,000! Four staff members rode the full 31-mile distance, symbolizing the journey many people in Congo make to reach a medical clinic. Their commitment and generosity were truly inspiring, and we’re thrilled they plan to join us again next year.
Eli’s Story: A Young Rider with a Big Heart
Among the many inspiring participants was Eli, a 12-year-old in Augusta, Georgia, who said, “My mom told me about the Biking for Congo challenge after she met Mr. Dennis Carlson last year. We’ve spent a lot of time on medical visits, so learning that some people in Congo have to bike more than 31 miles for medical care when they are sick has made me want to join in and help raise funds and awareness. Last year my whole family did the challenge, and we had a few friends across the country join in. This year, I rode by myself, but I enjoyed knowing that my biking had a bigger purpose than myself. I like to think about being a part of helping bring medical care to people who need it. I look forward to participating again next year.”
Eli’s story teaches us that this challenge is about more than biking—it’s about compassion, community, and making a lasting impact. Thank you, Eli!
Looking Ahead
Thanks to many supporters, we reached our annual $50,000 goal in 2025! We invite you to join us again next October for the next Biking for Congo Challenge. Together, we can keep making a difference—mile by mile, dollar by dollar.
Ride. Fundraise. Change lives.
Learn more and sign up at paulcarlson.org/biking4congo
Questions? Call us at (773) 907-3302 or email pcpinfo@paulcarlson.org.
