Sober Cycle (Second Edition): Pedaling Through Recovery One Day at a Time by Sherry Hoppen

Sober Cycle (Second Edition): Pedaling Through Recovery One Day at a Time

5/5

About The Book

In an era where stories of personal triumph and resilience are sought after more than ever, Sherry Hoppen's powerful memoir, Sober Cycle: Pedaling Through Recovery One Day at a Time, emerges as a beacon of hope for those battling the often silent and solitary struggle with addiction. Published by Redemption Press, this compelling narrative goes beyond the typical recovery story to offer a deeply personal account of overcoming alcohol addiction through an extraordinary physical and spiritual journey.

Sherry Hoppen, active church attendee, devoted wife & mother, and ministry worker, unveils the raw and unvarnished truth of her decade-long battle with alcoholism—a secret that consumed her life, faith, and family. In a moment of desperation, she embarked on a thousand-mile bike ride from Michigan to Texas, a grueling challenge that she hoped would mark the start of her journey toward sobriety. And it did--but it was truly just the beginning.

With a blend of no-holds-barred honesty and unexpected humor, Sherry takes readers through her secret double life as an addicted Christian, her numerous attempts and failures at achieving sobriety, the depths of her shame, and the moment of surrender that changed everything. Sober Cycle is not just a story about a bike ride; it is a testament to the power of faith, the importance of surrender, and the grace-filled reality of redemption.

Ten years sober, Sherry is now a passionate advocate for women struggling with addiction. Through her story, she offers a message of hope without judgment, clichés, or trite mantras. Sober Cycle assures readers that redemption and healing are possible and that one does not need to embark on a thousand-mile journey to find them.

“I started writing this book for anyone who is struggling with addiction, but it ended up bringing me healingand closure as well,” writes Sherry. “The grace that God showed me each and every day, even while I was drinking, was the only thing that rescued me from complete self-destruction and saved my life. If there isany takeaway in my story, it’s that you aren’t alone. In going back through my journals of the past ten years, I’ve learned so much about myself and how God stuck with me to guide me to this place of redemption.” This memoir is not only for those who are directly affected by addiction but also for anyone seeking a story of transformation and the strength of the human spirit. It serves as a reminder that change is possible, no matter how insurmountable the obstacles may seem.

About The Author

Sherry Hoppen

Sherry Hoppen has lived in West Michigan her entire life, never more than five miles from her childhood home. She worked in various areas of a pregnancy care ministry for over ten years, first as a volunteer, then as an employee. She and her husband have three adult children and four grandchildren and love being active in whatever they do. As empty nesters, they enjoy cycling and finding new trails to cycle together. Sherry is an avid reader who enjoys writing, decorating, and time spent on Michigan’s beautiful beaches.

Author's Note

My story begins with a descent into a secret life of addiction to alcohol. I tried for years to overcome the shame of being a Christian woman entangled in the nightmarish secrecy of addiction. When I finally found freedom from the bondage of alcoholism in November of 2013 by surrendering my life to God and telling him, "I will do whatever you want me to." It wasn't long before it was made very clear that He had no intention of keeping my addiction a secret that I could bury in my past. He called me to speak and write about my journey and share how I overcame the bondage of this secret sin and found freedom in this life that no longer relied on alcohol to get through the day. That as a Christian wife, mother, grandmother, and recovering alcoholic, I had a story to share and inspire others to live independently of a substance.

Sherry Hoppen
Sherry Hoppen

Quotes from... Sober Cycle (Second Edition): Pedaling Through Recovery One Day at a Time

I was surrounded by people but completely alone.

Do I believe I am worth fighting for? I ponder this question, and my conclusion saddens me— my honest answer is no. I am so tired of fighting this losing battle with myself.

I wish more than ever that they could be at the finish line to see me. To really see me and realize that even though I'm an alcoholic, I am not rotten to the core. Alcohol didn’t make me a bad person. I can be a Christian and love God and be an addict. I just can’t serve both God and my addiction, and maybe that’s what this ride revealed.

Quote from Sober Cycle "I was surrounded by people but completely alone."

God loves me the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, but I can feel his presence more when I am sober.

I am submissive, listening to whatever God tells me to do. So far he hasn’t asked for anything other than my time and an intention to do better. There is a peace in me I haven’t felt before.

Addiction looks like many things. A drug, a drink, a habit, an activity—the list is endless. Whatever that is for you, it’s time to leave it behind and start living. Really living. I promise you this: you will be amazed. Life will never be the same.

Quote from Sober Cycle "Addiction looks like many things. A drug, a drink, a habit, and activity - the list is endless. Whatever that is for you, it's time to leave it behind and start living. Really living. I promise you this: you will be amazed. Life will never be the same."

Connect with Sherry

Send an Email

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.