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Eight Cyclists Travel 3,000 Miles to Shine a Light on Child Trafficking Victims

June 20, 2025

Riding for Awareness: A 3,000-Mile Journey Against Child Trafficking

This week, a group of eight men has embarked on an incredible journey across the United States, cycling 3,000 miles through mountains and deserts. Their mission? To raise awareness and funds to combat the devastating issue of child trafficking.

The team is part of a Christian organization called Zoe International. They are participating in the Race Across America (RAAM), one of the most challenging cycling events globally. Starting from Oceanside, California, on June 14, they plan to reach Atlantic City, New Jersey, while enduring harsh weather conditions, all in the hopes of raising $750,000.

Interestingly, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Just recently, one of their support vans had a close encounter with a moose—an unexpected but thankfully minor incident.

In the past seven years, the Zoe Cycling team has frequently ranked among the top competitors in this grueling event, even clinching the first place in 2021. Brad Oltenzi, who once worked as an investigator tackling online child exploitation, now serves as Zoe’s team race director. He was deeply moved after witnessing the organization’s impactful work in Thailand back in 2014.

“The resilience of these children has truly impacted me,” he shared. “Each one is a fighter—I’m fighting to help them regain their lives. Their struggles inspire me and have forever changed my perspective.”

This week, Zoe USA’s national director, David Cox, expressed that this extensive ride will shed light on the reality of child trafficking. He pointed out that when awareness grows, so does the public’s desire to know how to combat the problem and protect the younger generation.

“This is why our mission is essential,” Cox remarked. “It’s rare to find someone willing to step away from their family, job, and comfort to raise awareness in such a daring way. This isn’t an event like any others.”

Since its inception in 2002, Zoe International has dedicated itself to preventing child trafficking by promoting love and hope throughout the world. Operating in five countries—Thailand, Mexico, Japan, Australia, and the USA—the organization aims to reach vulnerable communities in dire need of support and healing.