Ride With Purpose. Run With Mission.

Team Samaritan Calls Colorado Catholics to Ride, Run and Serve

Team Samaritan gathers for a group photo before Ride the Rockies. (Photo courtesy of Catholic Charities)

As the days grow longer and Colorado begins to show off its best summer weather, many people are looking for new ways to get outside, stay active and connect with others. Team Samaritan offers the perfect opportunity to do all three, while making a real difference for those experiencing homelessness in our community. Now is a great time to join the team, invite others to participate and become part of a growing movement of faith, fellowship and service.

Whether you prefer two wheels or running shoes, Team Samaritan’s cycling and running teams are welcoming athletes of every age and ability to join their mission-driven community this season. New members are encouraged to come try a ride or run, meet the community and discover how their miles can help change lives. More than just training groups, the teams are built around fellowship, faith and supporting the life-changing work of Samaritan House.

For cyclists, summer means group rides through some of Colorado’s most beautiful scenery, from casual weekend rides to challenging training routes that prepare riders for signature events later in the season. Runners are also gearing up for races and community events throughout the summer and fall, encouraging one another mile after mile along local trails, neighborhood streets and race courses across the Front Range. Whether you are just getting started or already training regularly, Team Samaritan welcomes anyone looking for purpose alongside fitness.

This year, many Team Samaritan members are especially focused on preparing for Ride Across America, an ambitious cross-country cycling effort taking place in October and November through Samaritan Cycling USA. The ride aims to raise national awareness about the growing homelessness crisis while also generating critical funding for Samaritan House locations operated by Catholic Charities. Riders will spend weeks traveling across the country, using every mile as an opportunity to advocate for neighbors experiencing homelessness and invite communities nationwide to become part of the solution. Supporters can follow the journey, pray for riders, donate or even join portions of the effort along the way.

Guided by Catholic Charities’ mission to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to the poor and those in need, Team Samaritan sees athletics as a powerful way to serve others. Samaritan House, one of 18 ministries of Catholic Charities serving the Archdiocese of Denver, has been a place of refuge, hope and second chances since opening in 1986. In fact, it was the first building in the nation built specifically to shelter neighbors experiencing homelessness. Today, Samaritan House has expanded to five locations across Denver, Fort Collins and Greeley, where women, children, veterans and men facing crisis receive shelter, nutritious meals, compassionate care and pathways toward permanent housing every night.

The Ride Across America effort comes at a time when homelessness continues to rise across the country, affecting more individuals and families than ever before. Team Samaritan riders hope their journey will shine a light on the needs of vulnerable populations, including veterans, seniors, single women and families working hard to rebuild stability in their lives.

But Team Samaritan is about far more than fitness goals or finish lines. Every ride and every run helps raise awareness and support for Samaritan House and the people it serves. Team members know their training has a greater purpose: helping neighbors find dignity, stability and hope. Those interested in making a difference this summer are encouraged to take the first step by joining a ride, attending a training event or connecting with the team online.

One of the things that makes Team Samaritan special is its spirit of community. New members quickly discover a supportive group that celebrates personal milestones, encourages one another through challenges and shares a commitment to serving others. You do not need expensive gear, elite athletic ability or racing experience to participate — just a willingness to show up and be part of the mission. Parish groups, families and coworkers are also encouraged to participate together and support one another along the way.

Samaritan Cycling USA describes its mission simply but powerfully: “Through endurance rides and community support, every mile brings hope and opportunity to those rebuilding their lives.” Its vision is to inspire nationwide awareness, compassion and generosity that transforms how communities respond to homelessness across America.

Now is the perfect time to get involved. Whether you are an experienced cyclist, a casual runner, someone training for your next big event or simply looking for a meaningful community, Team Samaritan has a place for you. Invite your family members, friends, parish groups, coworkers and neighbors to join alongside you. Every new rider, runner, volunteer and supporter strengthens the mission and helps extend hope to more people in need. Even small steps — attending a group run, sharing the mission with a friend or volunteering at an event — can make a lasting impact.

Many participants say they originally joined for the exercise or charity aspect but stayed because of the friendships, faith and sense of purpose they found along the way. This summer, do more than stay active — become part of something bigger. 

Join Team Samaritan and help spread the word, encouraging others to lace up their shoes or hop on a bike in support of our most vulnerable neighbors.

To learn more about Team Samaritan’s cycling and running teams, Ride Across America or ways to support the mission, visit teamsamaritan.org.