Now entering its 26th year, the Habitat for Humanity 500 is a bicycle ride and fundraiser that covers 500 miles over the course of seven days. Each rider raises funds and designates the Habitat for Humanity organization they wish to support (both locally and around the world). 

 

A key component of the ride is to raise awareness about the need for decent, safe, affordable housing. This ride is coordinated and hosted by Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota.

 

Each year is a new route — the group tours around the Midwest (mostly Minnesota) visiting HFH affiliates, work sites and homeowners along the way (in addition to roadside attractions). 

 

The 2018 HFH 500 will take place July 15-21, beginning in Becker and traveling through Royalton, Alexandria, Staples and Pierz. The ride has two options — full week or three-day. The full week ride lasts July 15-21. Three-day riders choose between riding July 15-17 or July 19-21, with the 18th as an optional day for either choice. The event limits total participation to 135 riders. Visit habitat500.org/register to register. 

 

 

The organization’s dedicated riders who pedal 500 miles each year couldn't make it to the finish line without the group’s equally committed volunteers. Volunteers play an integral role in making the Habitat for Humanity 500 a successful event. The HFH 500 needs the following positions filled for the 2018 ride:

 

• Route Marker.  Teams of two drive the route for the next day’s ride and put down spray paint arrows and signs to direct riders (two people needed).

 

• Gear Truck Driver. Drive the rented Penske truck that carries riders' belongings from town to town and help set up at the school (one person needed).

 

• "Hydro(wo)man". Set up a water stop at a couple locations between rest stops for riders to refill (one person needed).

 

• Massage Therapist. Certified massage therapist to help relieve riders' sore muscles (one to two people needed).

 

• Nurse. Medical professional to consult on health issues that arise (one person needed).

 

• Rest Stop #3 Volunteer. In a team of three-to-four, prepare and refill food and beverage for riders at a church or park location, setting up tables and tents when needed (one to two people needed).

 

Volunteer orientation is July 14, and then volunteers join the group for the week of the ride (July 15-21). Breakfast and dinner are provided, as well as space to camp or sleep in local schools and community centers along the route. 

 

“Let your friends, family members, neighbors, and coworkers know about this great opportunity to get involved in the Habitat 500 Bike Ride,” said Pastor Julie Anderson of Faith Lutheran Church in Becker. 

 

Email habitat500@hfhmn.org for more information about volunteer opportunities.

 

The Becker Ministerial is hosting the meals in Becker and is looking for volunteers to help prepare and serve meals or to donate toward the food.  Help is needed Sat., July 14 to assemble sack lunches, Sun., July 15 for breakfast (7 to 8 am) and dinner at 6:30 to 7:30 pm.  

 

Monday morning. the group will send the riders out with breakfast at six to seven a.m.  Contact Pastor Julie at pastorjulie@faithlutheran-becker.org to help or donate.  

 

“Let’s show some Becker hospitality to these riders,” she said.