After 20 years, biking over 350,000 km, and raising over $12 million for Mully Children's Family (MCF) in Kenya, Arvid Loewen has finished his last ultramarathon cycling event with a celebration at his church in Winnipeg.
Every year since 2005, Loewen has done an intense cycling event to raise funds and awareness for orphans in Kenya. The first event was one of a kind in that, after helping bring three orphans from MCF in Kenya to Canada, Loewen rode for over 30 days from one end of Canada to the other with one of the orphans in the back of his tandem bicycle. He also spoke with 70 different media outlets along the way to share his passion and vision.
Since then he has ridden his bike in numerous Race Across America (RAAM) races, as well as winning the Guinness World Record for the fastest time cycled across Canada in 13 days 6 hours and 13 minutes in 2011. He broke another World Record in 2020 for the farthest distance cycled in one month, in which time he rode 11,617 km, during the heat and storms of July in Manitoba no less.
To finish off 20 years of ultramarathon cycling, Loewen and his crew held a parade and celebration event. On July 3, Loewen started his last event which included cycling 100 km a day for 20 days. For the last day, July 22, Loewen invited his family and friends to ride the last 8 km to end up at his church, North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church, while a trumpeter played 'Amazing Grace' as they crossed the finish line. A celebration ceremony was held at the church afterward.
"When Arvid wants to start something, he will finish it," said Frank, Loewen's old boss from Palliser Furniture and longtime supporter of his rides. "He will go to just about any length to do it. Agnes and I have driven many miles on your adventures, from delivering a van to the Yukon to bringing your bike to Oregon. But the highlight of our experience was watching him dip his toes into the Atlantic Ocean and thereby setting a Guinness World Record."
Over the years Loewen's support crew has consisted of 98 people, which always included his supportive wife, Ruth. One of the other crew members who has been there since the beginning is Loewen's nephew, Juergen.
"Arvid didn't give up," said Juergen during the celebration. "You have influenced and inspired me greatly. God has blessed your obedience. You didn't take the easy path. You followed God's call, always trusting that God would provide."
For God's Glory
Throughout his ultramarathon cycling, Loewen has used his platform to push his body to the limit physically, emotionally, and mentally to help orphans have a fighting chance in Kenya. In 2006, Loewen and his wife Ruth visited MCF, which Charles Mulli and his family run. Seeing the children face-to-face changed everything.
"He's been a gift, a miracle, to MCF, for the last 20 years," said Mulli's daughter in a video during the celebration.
It costs $3/day for one child at MCF to receive shelter, food, education, and Biblical studies. The money Loewen helped raise ended up changing thousands of Kenyan orphan's lives forever.
"I felt the spirit of God leading me to trust in him to work together for the sake of the children in Africa," says Charles Mulli in a video played during the evening celebration. "I knew him as a person who was so zealous to raise funds for the work of Mully Children's Family."
Family First
Paul, Loewen's son, hosted the evening celebration event. Paul reminisced about all the trips they took while he watched his dad push through some of the toughest conditions on his bike. Paul also mentioned that before Loewen stepped fully into retiring from his job and choosing to fundraise for MCF, Ruth and he sat their children down to make sure they were okay with it. If they were not, Loewen said he wouldn't do it, making sure his family came first.
The Loewen children, a son and two daughters, said they'd love to support him in these intense ultramarathon events in any way they could and the next 20 years are history.
"I think he's pretty amazing with all the stuff he does to raise money for MCF," says Oliver, Loewen's grandson. "My grandpa has made a huge difference by dedicating his life to helping kids in Kenya. Another way he has made a difference is that he won't quit. I remember when I heard that he raised over $12 million and I realized he made more of a difference than I thought."
"I think my grandpa is super cool because he's so determined and does crazy things on his bike that are super hard to do," says Niko, a grandson. "My grandpa has taught me that any race or challenge you're in, that you should always try your hardest and do it for God. My grandpa inspires me."
The legacy Loewen is leaving for his family, and so many others, was palpable during the celebration event.
"I think my grandpa has an amazing mindset to always keep on going," says Jayden, another grandson.
The grandkids came on stage and each took a turn talking about their grandpa Arvid, explaining in letters that spelt 'Go Grandpa Go,' how he's left an impact.
"He always wears his heart on his sleeve. A genetic trait I suppose," said one of Loewen's daughters on stage through tears. "Tonight will not be an end of Dad's efforts to make a difference to others. Thank you Dad for your perspective on life. It will continue to be an example for us."
Loewen's other daughter also spoke during the celebration and attributed her choice to foster children to her dad and the example he set for stepping into the uncomfortable things in life.
While Loewen won't be biking any more ultra marathons for MCF as he heads into getting his knee replaced, he will continue to support the ministry in different ways.
Anyone interested in donating to help MCF continue to raise thousands of orphans can do so here.