At LifeCycles, a simple bike ride is the start of something bigger. With every mile, young riders build confidence, courage and resilience, skills that carry far beyond the road ahead. The nonprofit, which offers free long-distance cycling experiences for boys and girls ages 12 to 18, just kicked off its 12th season of transforming lives, one ride at a time.

Teams meet on Tuesdays at Riverfront Park, 551 Vinegar Ferry Road, Marietta, and on Thursdays at Amos Herr Park, 1700 Nissley Road, Landisville. Both groups gather at 5:45 p.m. and finish up at 8 p.m. The season runs through mid-October.

"There are separate girls' teams and boys' teams, and each team has multiple ride groups based on skill level and strength, so there's a place for teens of any level of development, including beginners," said Lee DeRemer, LifeCycles director.

Each evening, participants experience a ride, mentoring, a hot meal and lots of encouraging coaching while making new friends.

"We provide free 24-speed bicycles, helmets, uniform shirts, safety lights, everything," Lee said. "Each evening, approximately 25 girls and 10 women ride together, and 45 boys and 20 men ride together in ride groups of six to nine riders. We use a separate curriculum for girls and boys - the curriculum is focused on character development, life skills and spiritual growth."

While riders of any skill level are encouraged to join LifeCycles, the more advanced riders are invited to participate in one of four summer challenge rides. Destinations will be Cape Cod and the Great Allegheny Passage, and two groups will travel from the Adirondack Mountains to northern Vermont and northern New Hampshire.

Based in Lancaster, LifeCycles is supported by Community Fellowship Church of Lancaster and by more than 100 people who believe in the organization's mission. LifeCycles began in 2015, when Lee and his wife, Marcie, created the program to provide friendship, mentoring and bike riding, all with a faith focus.

LifeCycles is open to youths throughout Lancaster County. Kids can join the program at any time during the season, Lee said, noting that many people join throughout the spring and summer as other commitments at school end and their calendars open up.

"LifeCycles is a great way to meet friends, grow and do something you probably already enjoy," he remarked. "Come to improve your skills, see new parts of Lancaster County and beyond in a safe and positive environment."

Beyond supporting biking skills, LifeCycles provides encouragement for kids to step out of their comfort zone and believe in their ability to "do hard things," the organization's motto.

"You can expect to be seen, valued and encouraged as you grow physically and spiritually," Lee commented. "Many parents tell us that LifeCycles is the first thing that has captured their son's or daughter's attention, that they actually look forward to the next gathering."

He encourages anyone who is interested in learning more to come out and try LifeCycles.

"We meet teens where they are and help them challenge themselves at their own pace of growth, physically, spiritually and mentally," he said. "We focus intensely on safety and proper cycling skills to equip the teens for a life of enjoyable riding. ... Come and try it. It's free, and there are no tryouts. What have you got to lose?"

To learn more about LifeCycles, visit http://www.lifecyclesteam.org or call 717-586-2511.