Two young men with connections to the Diocese of Peoria will lead a bicycle ride from New Orleans, La., to Champaign — a distance of 866 miles — to raise money and awareness for the pro-life cause.

Jimmy Becker and Mike Schaefer, both graduates of the University of Illinois, began “Biking for Babies” two years ago, riding more than 400 miles during their spring breaks.

This year’s ride is even more ambitious. From June 14 to 20 five riders will bike through countryside, cities and towns in the archdioceses of New Orleans and Louisville and the dioceses of Biloxi, Jackson, Memphis, Louisville, Belleville, Springfield (in Illinois), and Peoria.

The ride is scheduled to conclude late Monday afternoon, June 20, at St. John’s Catholic Newman Center at the University of Illinois.

“Thank you to all who are working to make this year’s ride happen — from our bike riders to family, friends, and contributors of financial and spiritual support,” writes Schaefer on the ride’s website bikingforbabies.com. The site includes profiles of the riders taking part, a listing of the charities supported (including a maternity home being built by the Champaign Pregnancy Resource Center and Students for Life of Illinois), invitations to contribute, and even a video documentary on the project.

As of June 8, the riders had raised more than $6,400 toward a goal of $15,000.

After the ride’s completion, Schaefer will become the Diocese of Peoria’s newest employee. He has been hired as campus minister at the St. Joseph Newman Center at Bradley University, succeeding Phillip Lee, who is becoming sacristan of St. Mary’s Cathedral.

As campus minister, Schaefer will run the day-to-day operation of the Newman Center, coordinate student activities, and assist Father Brian Brownsey, chaplain and director, and Father Kevin Lucas in the spiritual formation of students.

A native of Freeburg, Schaefer graduated from the University of Illinois last month. He has been active in the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, Illinois Students for Life, and Emmaus Days.

Joining Schaefer and Becker on the ride will be Eric Johannigmeier, Kevin Biese, and Stacy Hague.