For a quarter of a century, the Habitat 500 Bike Ride has sent cyclists across Minnesota, biking 500 miles to raise funds and awareness to help Habitat for Humanity build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. 

 

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the ride, which runs from July 9 through July 15. Cyclists will begin in Victoria with overnight stops in Hutchinson, Sauk Rapids, Forest Lake and Cannon Falls before returning to Victoria. 

 

Tues., July 11, the third day of the ride will take riders through Clearwater. Riders will stop at the Church of St. Luke between 10am and 2pm to eat and rest. When they arrive in Clearwater, riders will have already biked 57 miles that day! 

 

Since Habitat Minnesota took over coordination of the ride in 2002, the Habitat 500 Bike Ride has raised $4.6 million to support Habitat for Humanity home construction. The ride has contributed to Minnesota's local Habitat for Humanity offices building 2,500 homes with families across the state. Every rider, every donation, and every home are actions taken towards a world where everyone has a decent and affordable place to live. Habitat homes help families build financial stability, invest in education, and reach new education and employment opportunities. 

 

Such success would not have been possible without the dedication and support of the riders, volunteers, and local towns, many of who have been participating in the ride for years.

For more information on how to get involved, please visit www.habitat500.org.