Habitat 500 Bike Ride

The importance of a good night's rest on the Habitat 500 by Little Ole

2011-05-05T15:44:00.003-05:00

You have seen many reminders on the importance of wearing your bike helmet while riding the Habitat 500. But, there are a two more things you should wear to insure a safe and enjoyable week--specifically, a sleep mask and ear plugs.

A good night's sleep will help you "ride safe and have fun" on the ride. Wearing a sleep mask and ear plugs will block out the unwelcome light and noise that can disturb you just when you are about to enter dreamland.

Whether you camp outside or sleep indoors, you are sharing your "bedroom" with many people. Sounds of zippers, creaking doors, shuffling feet, distant and not so distant train horns, air conditioner compressors and snoring may invariably disturb you. And then there are those pesky security lights--indoors and outdoors--that we can't shut off...

Since you probably don't use a mask and ear plugs at home, it's a good idea to try them out before the ride so they become part of your normal sleep routine. Like your favorite pillow, or comfy air mattress, a sleep mask and ear plugs will make your bedroom on the ride almost as comfortable as the one you left at home.

Sweet dreams,
Little Ole

Stats, Data and More!

2010-09-16T10:23:00.005-05:00

Curious about where riders came from and how many people were first time riders? Did you know that over 3,500 people donated to this event or that the average amount raised per rider is over $2,250? Read on to learn more fun facts about the 2010 Habitat 500!

Total Miles Traveled -- 505
Number of Volunteers -- 40
Number of Registered Cyclists and Teams -- 137

Number of Riders from Minnesota -- 88
Number of Riders from States other than Minnesota -- 54
Number of States Riders Hail From -- 18

Percentage of Repeat Riders -- 65%
Number of First-year Riders -- 48

Number of Fifteen-year Volunteers -- 1
Number of Ten-year Riders and Volunteers -- 7

Number of Habitat Affiliates Receiving Funds -- 60
Total Funds Raised (as of 9/3/10) -- $302,360
Average Donation Amount --
Average Amount Raised Per Rider -- $2,253
Funds Raised for the bike.home. -- $35,662 (A record high!!)
Number of Riders Raising Funds for the bike.home. -- 37

Youngest Cyclist Age -- 15 years old
Most Senior Rider Age -- 76 years young
Average Age of Riders -- 48

Total Fund Raised Over the Past 18 Years -- $4.1 million

Jan Plimpton's Reflection on 10 Years on the Habitat 500

2010-08-02T11:19:00.004-05:00

When I think about the Habitat 500 Bike Ride, I think of four main things: 1) the ride brings out the best in people, 2) what could be better than spending a week in July travelling around the state with 160 of your favorite folks, 3) the amazing dedication of our volunteers and our host communities, and 4) the good work we are doing building homes for families in need.

I think of Susan and Walter Baker dedicating a week every year for 18 years to providing our ride with the BEST ride support. I think of the people who get up SO very early in the morning to provide us with great breakfasts. I love that the HFH-MN staff can gather around at lunch any day and within minutes of starting to tell Hab 500 stories we are all in such good moods -- laughing so hard we cry. I treasure the beauty of the scenery, especially early in the morning when there is mist or fog in the valleys. I am amazed at the strength of the connections we form with folks we see only one week a year (but that is easier now that we have Facebook).

I am in awe of the good work the ride has accomplished! In the nine years HFH-MN has been managing the ride we have raised and distributed $2.4 million for Habitat homebuilding activities around the world. That is a lot of homes! And I am especially mindful of the impact of the bike.home. Since we implemented this element of the bike ride in 2006, we have raised over $120,000 and helped build 5 homes for families that we now have a very personal connection with.

It has been an honor to serve you all through our coordination of the ride. It is a labor of love and I am deeply appreciative of Jenni Ebert sharing this vision. The contribution she makes to the success of the ride is beyond measure in so many ways. The great teamwork of the HFH-MN staff in this effort must also noted!

Who knew that when we were little kids our passion for riding our bikes would take us to this place! The memories are priceless! So many come flooding into my brain. We have thrived in the cold, the heat, the headwinds, the hills, and the rain! Thanks for the memories!

Jennie Ross Remembers 10-Years of the H500

2010-06-29T11:35:00.000-05:00

Can it really be that this is my 10th Habitat 500 ride???? It doesn’t seem that long ago, when I was contemplating doing a week-long bike ride as a summer vacation, and I opened the Twin Cities Habitat newsletter to see the announcement about the Habitat 500. “Perfect”, I thought, “I can do my week-long ride, and if I have trouble raising the minimum pledges required, I’ll just pay the rest of the minimum myself, since I donate to Habitat anyway.” So, I signed up. And I trained and trained and trained and trained. And I send out fundraising letters – and found that it was pretty easy to get donations for Habitat for Humanity, since most people know about it and think it’s a good cause.

I did my first ride – Hastings to Decorah and back – and it was the most physically challenging thing I’d ever done…and the most rewarding. I started out the ride not knowing anyone else; but at the end of that week, I was part of a community of caring people: caring for each other on the ride, and caring about the Habitat families that we were there to help. And the community extends beyond the ride. It includes all of the families who have benefited from our collective fund-raising. It also includes the many people who have pledged their support for me over the years. I’ve shared my stories from the ride with them every year, and as a result, they have become part of my ride community, as well.

I’ve come back to the ride year after year to be with old friends – and to make new friends. I’ve come back for the sense of community; for the laughter; for the physical challenge; for the tears; and for the feeling of being part of something much larger than myself.

Jennie Ross
2010 rider #99

Hints from Helga—What to Bring on the Habitat 500

2010-06-29T11:34:00.001-05:00

Hello, all you Habitat 500 bicyclists and volunteer support staff! My name is Helga, the twin sister of Little Ole, and a distant relative of Heloise—the columnist who writes the “Hints from Heloise” in your local newspaper.

To carry on the family tradition, I thought I’d share a few hints for what to bring for the upcoming Habitat 500. Here are the top 7 hints:

**PLEASE PACK AS LIGHTLY AS POSSIBLE. WITH 135 RIDERS, SPACE IN THE GEAR TRUCK WILL BE LIMITED!!**

1. Sleep mask and ear plugs. You will get a good night’s rest by blocking out those security lights that never turn off. Ear plugs will reduce and may even eliminate the noise of any car/train traffic nearby and possibly your fellow cyclists☺

2. A small amount of Woolite detergent in a tight container. Cold water Woolite will keep your cycling clothes smelling fresh as a daisy instead of like lutefisk!! Make sure the container is tight as Woolite full strength smeared in your luggage is not good. It’s best to put it in small zip lock bag just in case your bottle cap loosens.

3. A clothes line and a few clothes pins. After washing your bike clothes, hang them out to dry on your clothes line. Favorite spots for lines are on chain link fences since they typically are at the schools we stay at. The pins keep your freshly laundered duds from slipping off the line. Take your laundry inside to dry if it hasn’t dried by the time the sun sets. The morning dew will just get it wet again if you leave it outside all night.

4. Sunscreen. It’s not fun to get a sunburn. Lather up early and often—especially on the backs of your legs, and the tops of your ears.

5. Rain jacket. We hope it doesn’t rain, but it’s Minnesota—any kind of weather is possible. Since we are in the Great North Land, the jacket will keep you warm on those cool mornings and in camp.

6. A bit of mosquito repellant. Our state bird is quite common in July. “Skin So Soft” lotion works well as a mosquito repellant and has other benefits too!

7. Lots of donations from your family, friends and friends of friends to help provide safe, affordable housing for all.

As they say in Norway, “good tur!” (good trip!) to you on your bicycling adventure.

For more packing lips and suggested packing lists, check out the Rider Handbook and New Rider Notes at: http://www.habitat500.org/Habitat500/regpacket.html

Helga

Habitat 500: Thoughts on Year Ten by Beth Alexander

2010-06-17T11:05:00.006-05:00

When my good friend, Kay Schwebke, asked me if I wanted to do a 500 mile bike ride with her in 1999, I was hesitant to commit. Although I was very supportive of the work of Habitat for Humanity, I didn't think I could bike that far anywhere, let alone in the bluff country of southeastern Minnesota. Not to mention the intimidating fundraising matter! As the end of May was approaching and I still hadn't registered, Kay helped nudge me into action...she told the folks that we worked with that I was doing the ride with her. With no respectable way to back out, I started training and fundraising in earnest:-).

That first ride was very challenging physically, and is now referred to by Habitat 500 veteran riders as "the Decorah ride". The most difficult day that year was a very hilly stint between Rochester and Decorah into a strong headwind all day long. As the day wore on, it grew more hot and windy and I was contemplating giving up. Just as I was daydreaming of a cool ride from rest stop 3 into Decorah in the SAG wagon, fellow Habitat 500 rider Charlie passed me and gave me a chipper greeting. Charlie was easily twice my age, rode a heavier bike than me, preferred riding in street clothes to comfortable padded bike shorts and wicking fabrics, and thought clip in pedals were overrated. Right then I decided that if Charlie could pedal up those hills into the wind with such good cheer, so could I! That day continues to be the 10 on my 0 to 10 scale of biking challenges, but as I returned to my home in St. Paul after the ride, the true value of the Habitat ride was clear. If a few days of challenging biking could help families purchase a safe, affordable Habitat home, it was more than worth the effort of pedaling.

Two years later, Kay asked me if I wanted to do the Habitat 500 again. The route was beautiful and there were more inspiring moments both on and off the bike. At about mile 495, my tire went flat. A very kind and helpful gentleman stopped to help me change my tire and we rode the last five miles into Hastings together. We've been biking buddies ever since and tied the knot 2 years later. Seeing the infusion of hope that comes with Habitat home ownership is so rewarding and inspiring. I still remember Charlie and the Habitat homeowners I've met along the way when the biking challenge scale gets on the high side. As I train for my tenth Habitat 500, I look forward to spending time with the amazing people who take a week out of their routine to ride or volunteer each July for a cause that speaks to their heart. I have been inspired, entertained, supported, and challenged by all who participate. Since the need for safe, affordable housing remains, I keep pedaling to build a cycle of hope.

Sue's 10-Year Letter

2010-06-01T16:28:00.004-05:00

Would You like to Ride or Would you Rather Sponsor Me?

They say that time goes fast when you’re having fun, so what can I say about doing the Habitat 500 nine times already with my 10th Habby just weeks away? I started out way back in ’98 and now there’s hardly a small town in MN that I haven’t ridden my bike through, or hill that I haven’t put into my rearview mirror! This summer’s ride, my 10th, is coming up on me really fast and I still need to compose the 10th version of my Would You Like to Ride or Would You Rather Sponsor Me? letter. Yikes! It’s already Memorial Day Weekend!

My experience of the Habitat 500 has mainly been as a rider, but I think it was midway through the ’03 ride that my legs succumbed to the dreaded Achilles Heel Tendonitis! (I guess it really is important to keep stretching those calf muscles!) I sure was disappointed that I had to quit riding but instead of quitting the ride all together, I simply switched roles.

I was immediately welcomed into the Habitat 500 support staff, and what an eye opener that was! For the 2nd half of that’s summer’s ride I found myself working at rest stops and riding in the cars that keep track of the riders. In the evenings while the riders were relaxing, as support staff we were loading up supplies for the next day’s ride.

What a blessing in disguise my injured legs turned out to be for me. Now when I ride (and make sure I do my stretching) I have a whole new appreciation for how our support people work so hard and so happily on behalf of us riders! I discovered how much work goes into preparing the food we eat at rest stops. And though as a rider there might be times I find myself being separated from other riders and wondering, “Did I somehow missed a route marker?” I now know that our Habitat 500 route drivers are constantly looking for each one of us with checklists in hand to be sure no one goes missing!

One lesson learned is to not blow off the need to keep stretching those calf muscles. But the 2nd lesson is much more important: always receive with humility and gratitude the generous and often hidden service offered by those who support us riders in ways we may not even be aware of.

So Habitat 500 – 2010 is fast approaching; a time to celebrate the many untold contributions made to the whole Habitat 500 enterprise by riders, volunteers, the community and church meal-makers, our sponsors, and Habitat staff alike! So as I finally begin to compose my 10th “begging letter” this Memorial Day Weekend, I will have a lot of gratitude to express for all the wonders of human kindness that go into the fabulous experience of the Habitat 500!

Sue Torgersen – ’98, ’99, ’00, ’01, ’02, ’03, ’05, ’06, ’09, and soon ‘10

A Typical Day on the Habitat 500

2010-05-04T10:22:00.003-05:00

By Randy Oppelt (Habitat 500 rider) and Arne Stefferud (Habitat 500 volunteer)

The day starts at 5:00 AM to 5:30 AM, the earlier time for those camping and/or those who like to get an early start. The first thing on the agenda is to pack up your stuff and haul it out to the gear truck (a 26 ft Penske truck). This is followed by breakfast, which is usually a short bike ride to a local church. Breakfast is served from 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM. Some riders prefer an early start and so are standing in the breakfast line by 6:00 AM. (Please, no earlier than 6 though!) Those who prefer a more leisurely beginning to their day need to be in line by around 6:45 AM. Breakfasts are donated by local churches and usually consist of an egg dish or pancakes with there almost always being the choice of cereal, yogurt, fruit and pastries. Coffee is usually provided at breakfast, but those who enjoy a strong morning brew usually find a way to put a coffee stop in their morning bike schedule.

The length of a day’s ride varies from 60 to 100 miles, with the normal being between 75 and 85. One of the most important things to remember is this event is NOT A RACE. Each rider sets his/her own pace – typically an average of 10 to 20 mph. It is good to note that the many volunteers who watch over riders have to be on duty until the last rider is in (that sometimes means working from 7 AM to 6 PM) so keeping a reasonable pace is much appreciated by volunteers!

A detail route map is provided each day, but most riders depend upon the Habitat 500 road markings to find their way. This includes yellow arrows spray painted onto the pavement. There are directional arrows before and at each turn, reassuring arrows on long sections between turns, and “in” / “out” arrows at each reststop along the way.

Occasionally riders "miss" an arrow and end up wondering if they are still on route. If in doubt, check the route map, and if necessary backtrack until you find an arrow or some other riders who can work with you to confirm you are where you are supposed to be. Also feel free to call the ride hotline for assistance (the number is on your route maps and bike ID plate). The road and trail marking system works well, but does require attentiveness on the part of each rider.

There are rest stops approximately every 20 miles. Food and water are provided at each rest stop. Food usually consists of fresh and dried fruit, nuts, potato chips and pickles for their salt, snack bars of various types and other assorted snack type foods. Water is available as well as a sports beverage dry mix. There is plenty of food and water, but riders are encouraged to supplement their diet to fuel their bodies with what their body craves with stops a gas station / convenience stores and occasionally restaurants.

The majority of riders are off the road between 1:00 PM and 4:30 PM on most days. Since dinner is always at 6:30 PM each night, this leaves time for chores and some personal time. After setting up your tent or finding your sleeping spot in the building, taking a much needed shower (!!!), washing your riding cloths, then there is time for things such as a nap, finding ice cream or other activities of your choice. Since replacing the used up calories is critical after the day of riding, there is usually eating and drinking water involved, and that is a very good thing. (Refueling your body is much more effective within the first hour after finishing your ride.)

Dinner is donated and hosted usually at a local church and can range from a typical church potluck to spaghetti dinners to a barbecued chicken / pork / beef. There are about 160 riders and volunteers so you can image the types of practical options a church has. There is usually enough variety of dishes that you can find something you are delighted to put on your plate for the few minutes before it gets devoured.

There is always a vegetarian option, but your preference needs to be stated ahead of time on your registration forms if you want this option. Riders are asked to not eat the vegetarian dishes unless they requested this option on their registration forms. Immediately after dinner comes the evening news, which is a blend of critical announcements and route information for the next day as well as ride related stories and humor. It is the one time of day when everyone is together, and so it is important that everyone be there!

Lights are turned off at 10:00 PM, although many head to bed earlier than that. One thing to note when sleeping in the building/school, it is important to bring along an eye mask and ear plugs. It may not be possible to turn off all building lights and so you may end up under a lighting fixture (hallway security light) that is on all night. As for the ear plugs, I guess you can figure out that one for yourself -- you are sharing a “bedroom” with a lot of other folks! Some site awareness and sleeping spot pre-planning will help: e.g., avoid noisy pop machines and drinking fountain coolers, bathroom doors that squeak and flood the room with light when opened, gym lights of a different sort than the majority which may be security lighting, etc. Usually buildings are air conditioned, but some also find bringing along a small, battery powered personal fan helps with the occasional hot, stuffy gym.

This is a snippet of what to anticipate during the Habitat 500 bike ride. There is more to come such as What to Expect on the Road! If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Habitat Minnesota staff, Jenni Ebert at Habitat500@hfhmn.org.

Fundraising Tips

2010-05-04T10:14:00.003-05:00

How’s the fundraising going? Have you hit a lull after soliciting all of your close friends and family? Don’t dismay. Our communities extend much farther than the circle of those closest to us. You may be surprised to find that it is those members of our extended communities that will support your ride. Here are some ideas to tap into your community for easier fundraising.

1) Consider your social circles – churches, clubs, or classmates for example. Ask your church if they will do an announcement on your behalf. Better yet, request that a special donation be gathered for your ride.

2) Spread the word. Consider using local media as a way to spread the news of your ride. You may discover friends and donors who you overlooked when sending out your original fund-raising letters. If your local community already knows about your efforts before you ask them, it becomes a lot easier to raise $$$. Your personal mission and the mission of Habitat will be spread further with greater media coverage. So don’t hesitate to call up your local newspaper/radio station today!

3) Have a kick-off fund raising dinner with plenty of pasta. Give your donors a taste of all the carbohydrates you’ll need to ride 500 miles. Or else plan for an after ride party for all of those donors who give over $50 -$100 dollars. Use this opportunity to tell about your experience, share photos or stories, and to develop good relations with your donors for next year (after all, you can’t stop at just one Habitat 500).

4) Send an email to your contact list and ask them to make a donation online at www.Habitat500.org using Network for Good. Direct them to click on the Make a Donation link for instructions on how to make a credit card donation online. Your donors will be linked to the Network for Good website where they can enter their credit card information over a secure server. They will also be asked to specify who the donation is for (they must enter your name and / or rider number). Please note - Network for Good takes 4.75 percent of every donation as a processing fee. Donors are given the option of paying this fee in addition to their donation. (Our experience so far is that most donors do pay the fee!) You will be credited for the actual funds received (the donation minus the 4.75 percent fee if not paid by the donor).

If you haven’t checked it out yet, get on a computer and go to www.habitat500.org. Click the “Rider” button for a link valuable fundraising resources and entertaining reading material.

Andrea's First Training Ride

2010-04-23T13:40:00.001-05:00

On Saturday, April 17th I heard there was going to be a training ride for the Habitat 500 in Minneapolis. Since I would be down in the cities that weekend anyway, I decided to check it out. Since my old mountain probably wouldn't have made it through the ride, Habitat 500 Committee Member Paul Reasoner talked to Jamie McDonald about setting me up with a bike for the day. So I headed over to Sunrise Cyclery and Jamie set me up with a bike to use, I thought he might have intended for me to just use it that day, but he said I could keep it through the end of the ride. SWEET!

I was super nervous because this bike felt totally different from what I was used to and I was worried I was going to wipe out really bad. I was also really nervous because the three others that were doing the training ride were far more experienced than me and I was worried I would slow them down or just be a nuisance. But as the ride got going, I very quickly got used to the road bike and it was SO much better than my old bike!

The group kept a nice steady pace and I never felt in the way, or rushed. Perhaps one of the best things about it was I finally got a chance to learns some tips about riding with others, like ways to communicate with each other, how to ride respectfully and how to keep pace with others. It was also just really great to get tips about riding and gear, and simply get to know some of the other riders. Thanks to Morgan, Mary and Meghan for making the ride so great! I feel like I learned a lot and I feel much more confident and excited about the ride.

By Andrea Hills, first year rider

People : Biking for a cause - Capital Journal Pierre, SD newspaper since 1881

2010-03-26T08:58:00.001-05:00

People : Biking for a cause - Capital Journal Pierre, SD newspaper since 1881

Posted using ShareThis

States, Data and More!

2009-09-21T09:56:00.003-05:00

Curious about where riders came from and how many people were first time riders? Did you know that over 3,000 people donated to this event or that the average amount raised per rider is $2,331? Keep reading to learn more fun facts about the 2009 Habitat 500!

Total Miles Traveled -- 516
Number of Volunteers -- 39
Number of Registered Cyclists and Teams -- 116

Number of Riders from Minnesota -- 67
Number of Riders from States other than Minnesota -- 49
Number of States Riders Hail From -- 15

Percentage of Repeat Riders -- 74%
Number of First-year Riders -- 30

Number of Fifteen-year Riders and Volunteers -- 2
Number of Ten-year Riders and Volunteers -- 12

Number of Habitat Affiliates Receiving Funds -- 57
Total Funds Raised (as of 8/31/09) -- $258,192
Average Donation Amount -- $76.46
Average Amount Raised Per Rider -- $2,321
Funds Raised for the bike.home. -- $20,785
Number of Riders Raising Funds for the bike.home. -- 27

Youngest Cyclist Age -- 13 years old
Most Senior Rider Age -- 76 years young
Average Age of Riders -- 49

Total Fund Raised Over the Past 17 Years -- $3.8 million

2009-09-03T16:16:00.001-05:00

What is your favorite Habitat 500 memory from 2009?(answers)

Jane's 10 Years of Pedaling

2009-07-02T15:53:00.002-05:00

Jane Gilmore is celebrating her 10th year with the Habitat 500! Her husband, Tom, provided the following lovely reflection:

Interest in the ride began shortly after the blitz build that happened at Eagle Butte. A second stimulus to get started was the fact that one of our nieces had started a cross country ride from the pacific ocean to the Atlantic. Life intervened and she had to stop the ride near her home in Kentucky. Then she (the niece) developed a problem with metastatic breast cancer. One of her goals was to complete the ride that she had started. One of the things she needed was a riding companion, therefore Jane volunteered.

Having made that commitment she also decided that she might as well use that as a training device to get ready for a bigger ride that would benefit others as well. Hence she signed up for her first habitat 500. That happened to include the infamous ride to Decorah. There has been a rather steep learning curve since then. The first ride was made on an old timers balloon tired bike with big tread. T

There was also the need to learn about the advantages of riding in biking clothes rather than regular everyday attire. Experienced riders can appreciate where the blisters developed because of that mistake. Then began her encouragement of other riders including Beth Mikkelsen, Barb Mechtenberg, Howard Grinager and several family members including an initially reluctant husband.

The only thing that has disrupted the chain of rides was a fall from a horse that resulted in a broken neck (a hangman's fracture much like Christopher Reeve). Fortunately the results were different and here we are on the third ride since that event. The funds that have been raised since she started riding have been used to help in the building of 24 of the 29 houses that the Yankton county chapter has built.

Recently the officials of the local chapter have told us that the bike team has been the largest non-commercial contributor to their efforts to raise money for more new housing. We are proud of that fact. We are also pleased that two of Jane’s siblings (John Allison and Mary Bowers) have decided to come from as far as Georgia and Florida to enjoy the ride with us. I guess that means that we have talked about the ride in a positive way.

We are pleased that the staff continues to provide such an excellent opportunity in which we can participate each summer. The safety, food, and the fellowship are always exceptional. Without your hard and dedicated work we would not be so excited about continuing to participate. Many thanks to all of you!

Kathleen Splitt's 10-Year Reflection

2009-06-30T08:53:00.002-05:00

My reason for riding the Habitat 500 the first year was not so noble . . . I wanted to spend the time with Jim (my soon-to-be husband) who had already ridden the 500 three times before we met (face to face). We met online and he told me about the ride from Louisville to Atlanta. Though I was a student at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary at the time I was working near Estes Park for the summer, so I missed that opportunity to meet him face to face. We finally met in October of that year ('96), and the rest is history.

When springtime of "97" arrived, Jim invited me to join him in training for the "Superior Ride". I'll never forget our first training ride . . . (before meeting Jim, I thought five miles was a VERY long ride on a bicycle) . . . . at the end of that grueling 20 mile ride was a long, steep hill, and it was a very hot day. I have some asthma, and by the time we finally returned to his apartment at the top of that tortuous hill I thought I would surely die before I was able to breathe freely again. Fortunately I didn't.

Not long after meeting in person we began talking of marriage, and the Habitat 500 seemed like a great honeymoon possibility. So we set the date for our wedding to precede the ride for which we had been training. Some of the veteran riders will remember the silk gladiola that we were awarded our first night on the ride. We were instructed to use it to mark "the honeymoon tent." We have since passed it on to other Habitat 500 honeymooners.

Ten years of rides have provided many great memories and friends: too many to list in a brief letter. The companionship of the people who ride for HFH is awesome. I don't believe I've ever experienced a more Christ-like community than on the Hab 500. Meeting partner families is always a treat, especially when there are children. The recent additional custom of providing the bike.home. family with brand new bikes for every member of the family has added a moment we veterans await with eager anticipation. Only bikers who will sit on a tiny little bike seat for 500 miles can truly appreciate the joy of a new bicycle!

The year I was working as a chaplain at Children's Hospital in Cincinnati the Clermont County HFH was building a home for a young woman with numerous handicaps, including blindness. I knew Laura and her mother from visiting them in her hospital room, so when I learned that they were the newest partner family I was especially excited to be raising money for their build. There were five of us from the Christ Presbyterian Church riding that year. One of them was Michael Hain, who has been blind most of his life. His Stephen Minister, Steve Applegate, took it upon himself to train with Michael on a tandem bike. So we were the team where a blind rider rode for a blind homeowner-to-be. The Cincinnati Enquirer ran a column and, as you may imagine, we were able to raise more than the average amount that year. We actually succeeded in financing that home entirely with the donations for the Habitat 500!

This is only one of many heartwarming and hope-filling stories that result from Habitat 500 every year. Habitat for Humanity has become a well-known and highly respected cause, and therefore raising the bucks to ride is never an insurmountable challenge. This year Jim and I sent requests to all our Facebook friends, and quickly received several checks for $50.00. That was easy!

There are many reasons we return every year for the Habitat 500: physical fitness (or some semblance thereof), being in the outdoors and seeing the beauty of the countryside from a bicycle seat, renewing the joy of our honeymoon, gentle breezes in our faces, seeing Hab 500 friends, meeting partner families, etc. etc. etc. But the best reason of all is the joy of knowing we are "pedaling to build a cycle of hope."

See you on the ride.
Kathleen Splitt, Rider #95

Floyd Landis buddies up with Habitat 500 Ride Director, Jan Pimpton at the Nature Valley Grand Prix!

2009-06-15T16:50:00.004-05:00

Julie Fedeler Looks Back at 10 Years on the H500

2009-05-30T20:02:00.002-05:00

Back in 1999 I was training to ride in my 6th TRAM (The Ride Across Minnesota, a fund-raiser for the MS Society) by biking on the Sakatah Trail. I ran into a couple of bikers who were training for another ride called The Habitat 500. The additional biking challenge (200 more miles in 2 more days) and being able to raise funds for a local cause (the St. Peter Chapter of Habitat for Humanity) really got my interest. So, I checked it out and the next summer rode in my first Habitat 500. And I was hooked!

2000 was my first year and we rode from Stillwater, to Cambridge, Little Falls, Aitkin, Carlton, Pine City and Anoka. The most memorable day that year was Tuesday. It was cold and rainy and we had hot chocolate at the first and second rest stops to help us stay warm!

Over the years I have continued this ride because of the people. There is a wonderful sense of community among the Habitat 500 riders and support crew. The support I received from family, friends and the St. Peter Chapter. My goal the first year was to raise twice the minimum needed to do the ride ($1,500). Over $3,000 came in! And the notes from donors were so encouraging!

My favorite memory to tell people is when we had a rest stop at the SPAM Museum in Austin. Helping the rest stop crew was a local Habitat family with a little girl and boy. The kid’s job was to fill our water bottles. They filled them when we rolled in and they filled them before we left! The enthusiasm of the kids to do that job as part of their sweat equity was just so heart-warming. I will always remember those kids!

The most unusual incidents happen in Little Falls. Staying at Little Falls always means rain. We have stayed overnight there 3 times over the past 10 years and it has rained the day after every time! We stay at the St. Francis Convent and it’s a wonderful place to stay; we just get wet!

Each year the challenge I face is time! Making time to train each week, getting my fund-raising letter out and then keeping up-to-date with tracking donations. In May and June my house isn’t as tidy and the weeds in my yard will sometimes take over, but I always figure I can tackle those jobs in August!

The first year I rode there was an 11 week training schedule published and I have followed that every year. The training gets a bit tough when you are trying to get the longer mileage rides in during the 3rd and 4th weeks of June (I try to do a couple of 80 mile rides by the end of June) and you’ve reached a training “plateau.” But, I keep at it knowing that if I don’t train I’ll pay for it in July!

The best part of doing the ride each year is reconnecting with the veteran riders and meeting new riders. We are an interesting group of people, all with a common bond of biking and building! I am most looking forward to this year is doing my 10th year riding alongside Tom (Olin) and Dave (Oltmans)! The 3 of us have put on a lot of miles together over the years. For me, it’s like having a couple of big brothers for the week. My goal each year is to raise a few more dollars for my local chapter and for the Bike.Home. For 2009 I increased my goal by 10% of what I raised last year. Whether I make the goal or not, the funds raised will still help lower income families to live in a save, decent home. That’s what matters.

Renee Cosgrove's Video Reflection

2009-05-26T11:55:00.001-05:00

bike.home. Groundbreaking

2009-05-13T09:25:00.006-05:00

On Thursday, April 23rd, Habitat for Humanity of Winona County broke ground on the first Habitat Home in Fillmore County in Rushford.

This home is also the 2009 bike.home.! Visit the Habitat 500 website to learn more about the Ekern family and follow their journey as they become a Habitat for Humanity partner family.

Habitat 500 memories by Steven Steuck

2009-04-23T10:54:00.003-05:00

My first Habitat ride was 1995. A year before, I had upgraded from a 1960's 40+ pound steel single speed with coaster brakes. On the 1995 Habitat 500, I was riding a 21-speed hybrid. My latest bicycle is a 24-speed hybrid about half the weight of the 1994 bicycle.

I knew the Habitat ride would be challenging, but I didn't know how challenging. This was my first multi-day bicycle tour. When I heard about the route, I had to try it. The route ran along the Mississippi from Minneapolis to Winona, along the Great River, Trempealeau and Elroy-Sparta Trails in Wisconsin and back along the Gateway Trail. One memorable part of the trip was watching fire trucks spray down turkeys to cool them down in the record heat. We also passed through Wisconsin's cranberry growing area. Another memory is watching Apollo 13 in the Black River Falls theater (the only real chance to cool down on the trip). The route was as beautiful as expected. The tunnels along the Elroy-Sparta trail were wonderfully cool inside. I could feel the cool air coming out from 15 feet away. The ride concluded when riders gathered about a mile from the end. We rode in side by side in our black ride T-shirts to the finish.

After the 1995 Habitat 500, I needed a few years off to see whether I wanted to try again and was physically capable of doing this kind of mileage. In 1999, and 2000, I was back. Since 2003, I have done every ride. The friends made with riders and volunteers, the beautiful and interesting routes, and opportunities to visit Habitat projects across the state keep me coming back.

These are some things I have learned on the Habitat 500:

Do not wear tank tops on long bike trips. My shoulders were so sunburned I could hardly stand to wear a shirt for the week after the 1995 Habitat 500.
Bar ends are essential on flat handlebar bicycles. It took about three months for the numbness in my hands to completely disappear after the first Habitat 500. I didn't know about bar ends then, but I have used them ever since.
The life expectancy of a bicycle wheel is about 25,000 miles or less. It's better to replace worn parts before the ride than have them fall apart on the last day of the ride.
Don't be afraid to look like a glutton. I discovered this on the 1999 ride. We had a 90 mile day from Rochester to Decorah, Iowa. The headwinds were a steady 20+ mph with some stronger gusts. Between the significant hill climbing and headwinds, we were burning enormous amounts of energy. I don't ride in pacelines, so I was using even more calories. I should have been eating more during the day and I might have been able to finish the last 15 miles.
Singing out loud can distract one from headwinds and make the miles go faster. In 2004, anyone passing me between Lake Lillian and Willmar may have heard me singing Christmas carols.
Doing some advance research on the overnight stops can make for a more interesting trip. McGregor was an overnight stop on one of the rides. Since I learned there was a winery nearby, I stopped there after completing the day's route. One source which I like is the Minnesota Historical Society website. Check the section on "roadside architecture."
The opposite is also true. I have found many fun places without knowing ahead of time that they were there. By looking around the rest stop towns, you may find a cafe for lunch, a good bakery, the Pease windmill, a beautiful mural or the Polish weather station in Harding.
If you want to sightsee in overnight towns, get out early. Many museums and historical sites close by 4 pm. Many businesses are closed by 5pm. In Long Prairie, I arrived at the Christie House museum at 3:30 and barely made the last tour of the day.
Good rain gear can turn a miserable day into a tolerable ride. Lightweight booties to keep the feet dry are definitely worth the price. Biking in soggy, cold shoes can be very uncomfortable after an hour or two. When we were biking through the woods near Bena, the sky went from partly cloudy to heavy rain in about 15 minutes. The nearest shelter was 10 miles away.
A swimsuit is another item to consider carrying along. If there is a beach at the third rest stop, a few minutes in the water can be very refreshing. On a hot day, it's a chance to wash off some sweat and grime. It makes the last 20 miles more pleasant.

My favorite memories include the delicious pie at the Old Bank Cafe in Pierz, fish sculptures around Lake Mille Lacs, working on a Habitat house in Perham, bicycling the Lake Woebegone spur to Holdingford, bicycling through the Restore in Winona, the route through Sibley State Park, seeing six murals and the Fishing Museum in Little Falls, the five mile downhill into Two Harbors, Spam Museum rest stop, Rock in the House in Wisconsin, free smoothies in Albert Lea after an 11 hour day, and at he wonderful vegetarian feast prepared by the Habitat chefs in Long Prairie.

My favorite towns along the way are Hibbing and Perham. Hibbing has murals in the courthouse, Greyhound museum, a bakery which sells fruitcake year-round, a good county museum and access to the wonderful Mesabi Trail. Perham has two day spas--I tried one of them. It also has three museums, friendly local Habitat volunteers and several good restaurants.

By Steven Steuck, Habitat 500 Rider

A Note From 10-Year Rider, Kim Ponder

2008-07-01T16:50:00.002-05:00

To My Habitat Family,

WOW!!! I cannot believe I have had the privilege to be a part of this fantastic group for an entire decade!!

Ten years ago, Jeri Lake talked me into going on a “fun little week of riding bikes that raised funds for Habitat for Humanity.” Before the start of the week, the farthest I had ridden was 50 miles. On flat Illinois roads.

I will never forget my first Habitat ride- the infamous 1999 ride to Decorah, Iowa. I was new to the whole biking scene, and was riding a trek hybrid. (Thankfully, Jamie put skinny tires on it after a few days.) I was just too naive to realize how horrible and challenging that ride was. Jeri encouraged me and pushed through to the end. To this day, I wear my 1999 habitat t-shirt as a “badge of courage.” But, the craziest part? I LOVED IT!! And kept returning year after year. And even dragged my husband, Cliff, along.

I miss riding bikes with Jeri. We could solve the world’s problems and then seamlessly switch to singing show tunes; whatever it took to get to the finish! I am certain she has no idea what an impact she made and what an incredible gift she gave me. She couldn’t possibly have predicted how passionate and obsessed I would become about bicycling.

So, what does the Habitat 500 mean to me?

It’s about raising money and awareness for Habitat for Humanity, obviously. But there is soooo much more.
It’s about friendships, both old and new that I have made along the way. This is the week I have highlighted on my calendar. I count down the days until our departure. I guess Hab 500 has replaced Christmas as my favorite time of the year. The friendships forged here get stronger each year. And we ARE a diverse crowd. We may disagree about politics and such, and come from sometimes strikingly different walks of life, but for seven days in July, we put our differences aside.
It’s about seeing people come together to help a stranger in need, whether that be to take part in a Habitat house build or just change someone’s flat tire.
It’s about togetherness. We ride together. We eat together. We sleep together in school gyms, we even shower together. Seriously, though, it’s about setting a goal and having an amazing support group to help us make and even surpass it. We all whine about our aching body parts, but we survive to ride another day.

My good buddy Steve Reis summed it up best when he called this week SUMMER CAMP FOR GROWN UPS.

You guys have changed my life. I am and will continue to be, forever grateful for that.

Here’s to at least 10 more years,
Kim Ponder, Habitat 500 Rider

Fundraising In Action: Tips From Tim Dellett (Part 2)

2008-05-01T16:46:00.000-05:00

UTILIZE LOCAL MEDIA. Call your local newspaper and public radio station to schedule an interview. You have a newsworthy story to share. It can inspire others. Who knows who you might reach? A donor? A future Habitat homeowner?

WRITE A LETTER. A written appeal is a great way to reach out to your donors. Make it personal and include photos.

SHOW ENTHUSIASM!!! It takes a lot of energy to ride 500 miles. Be sure and show some of that energy when talking with others. Smile, laugh and make it fun. Tell a story from the road and bring your audience along on the ride. Here’s one for you -- First day of the Habitat 500, 2006. Riding into Duluth, I was looking for a library and had gotten turned around and stopped at a house to ask for directions. I had just gotten off my bike when a boy who looked no older than four came bursting through the front door and onto the porch. He was jumping up and down, could not contain his excitement. He shouted with joy, “Mommy! Mommy! The pizza man is here! The pizza man is here!!!” When I found the library, it was closed. It didn’t matter. I was the pizza man.

THROW A PARTY. You can generate a great deal of excitement and pledges around an event. If possible, partner with your local affiliate. Think big - food, music, local artists, performers, include local businesses. Set aside time during the festivities to give a brief presentation. Set up a donation table by the door.

PLAN. Block off your schedule. We all know the physical training for the Habitat 500 takes time. I like to block off my training time with a yellow highlighter. Fundraising also takes time and it’s even easier for me to put off than training. I use the same method with fundraising time. I block it off on my schedule. Whether it’s an hour and a half on a weekday after work going door to door or a Sunday morning church service, it’s blocked off and on the schedule. Plan a little fundraising each week. Pace yourself.

GO TEAM! Are you the type of rider that likes to have a friend along on a ride? Someone to chat with while the miles roll along? Someone to point out the pothole up ahead or help out with a flat tire? I know I am. It’s a big reason I keep coming back to the Habitat 500 - the spirit of community. Just like the ride, you can create a spirit of community around fundraising. I have recruited friends to go door to door. We’ll meet at the end of the block to see who collected the most pledges, share stories and encourage each other. Friends have joined me for presentations and tended to a donation and information table, taking questions and helping with paperwork. Friends can make fundraising more fun.

COLLECT PLEDGES. When I present to an assembly or go door to door, I always take a clipboard, pen, pledge sheets, and a large brown envelope with a clasp (to hold all those pledges). A common question after someone decides they would like to make a pledge is, “When do you need the money?“ Here is the best answer: “Now.“ If at all possible, leave with a pledge in hand. If not, clearly record the amount pledged and a contact number for the donor. It feels great to have a long list of pledges committed on paper, but committed pledges do not count towards your total. In the end, only collected pledges count! A pledge in hand is worth... you get the idea.

SHOW THANKS. So, you’ve collected your pledges, met your goal and had a fantastic time on the Habitat 500. Thank those who supported your ride and were with you in spirit. It was a group effort. It’s fun for donors to receive postcards or pictures from the route. One year I sent everyone postcards from the SPAM museum in Austin, Minnesota, who had pledged my ride. They were a huge hit. Everyone likes being appreciated, and with a heartfelt thanks, they will remember you with a smile should you ask for a pledge again next year! Fellow riders, I sincerely hope these concepts were like a well needed rest stop on the route and you are now feeling energized and ready to get back on the bike. Happy fundraising and I’ll see you all in Minnesota! ~ Tim Dellet, Habitat 500 Rider

Fundraising In Action: Tips From Tim Dellett (Part 1)

2008-05-01T16:44:00.000-05:00

Greetings fellow Habitat 500 cyclists! I am happy to say that I am signed up for this year’s ride and can’t wait to see you in Minnesota in July. Whether you need more training on the bike or more funds to reach your personal and community goals, you are not alone. What follows are a few fundraising concepts that I’ve drawn from my experience over the past twelve years. These time-tested tips have worked for me and I hope they bring you great success.

KEEP IT SIMPLE. Refine your introductory message down to its basic elements. Develop a few simple sentences telling those across from you 1) Who you are, 2) What you are doing, 3) Why you are doing it and 4) How they can be a part of what you are doing.

ASK, ASK, ASK. I can’t stress this one enough, my fellow bikers. The good news is that most people are happy to contribute some amount. Some donors will approach you, but most of those who are willing to give won’t give until they are asked. Instead of thinking that you are burdening others by asking for a pledge, think of it as inviting others to be a part of something exciting: An adventure, a mission, riding 500 miles in a week, showing love in action, being of service to others, helping a family to grow, strengthening a community! Give the gift of including others.

SET A GOAL. Your goal needs to be a specific dollar amount. Be realistic, but stretch yourself. State with confidence the specific amount you are raising. Donors will respond if you have a set amount and you know what you want. Imagine what it would be like if someone were to ask you to sponsor them for a bike ride. Just a bike ride, with no set distance. Not very inspiring, is it? Just as your biking goal is to ride 500 miles in a week, set a specific dollar amount that you will raise for Habitat for Humanity. You may find you achieve your dollar amount sooner than you thought. If this happens - GREAT JOB!!! Now, reset your goal and keep going.

EXPRESS YOURSELF. Think of three heartfelt reasons why you are involved in the mission of Habitat for Humanity and are riding 500 miles in a week during the heat and humidity of July in Minnesota. Some of my reasons: I ride as a way to express my love in action, pedaling as an act of faith. I ride to be a part of a larger community working to make a difference in the world. I ride because everyone needs a home. You have compelling reasons; don’t keep them to yourself. Share them.

SPEAK UP. You know what you want to say, you know how you want to say it, now find an audience. Be creative. Churches, business groups, and civic groups are all good places to start. Ask to speak for seven minutes. That’s plenty of time to get your message across. Don’t be surprised if there are lots of questions. Be prepared with answers. A question that frequently comes up is “What do you eat when you are riding?” During my first Habitat 500 I was in the habit of eating oatmeal pies while riding. I was pedaling around with a whole box of oatmeal pies strapped onto the rear rack of my bike!

When you present to others, bring a visual, such as a route map, bike helmet, water bottle, energy bar, your bike, or a picture of a Habitat home and family. Having something to look at can inspire others and it adds another dimension to your presentation. I always bring along my bike helmet; sometimes I’ll wear a bike jersey from a Habitat 500 ride and when I can, I bring my bike.

Ready for this one? Try the old fashioned method of going door to door. Talk to strangers. Challenge yourself and move beyond the circle of those you already know. Knocking on that door is one of the more effective ways to share your message and improve your presentation skills, not to mention raise pledges. I have raised significant pledge amounts on the spot from people I didn’t know before I knocked on their door. I’ll always remember one house where I made a presentation to an older couple. I gave it my best effort, but couldn’t tell how I was being received. There was a moment when I thought that I should just thank them and head out the door. The moment passed, and they said they would make a pledge. I left with greater confidence and a five hundred dollar check! Surprise yourself. What’s behind door number one?

(Continued in Part 2)

Reflections on the 2006 Habitat 500

2006-09-01T16:13:00.000-05:00

It’s been about two weeks since I completed my fourth Habitat 500 ride. As the days have past since completing the “Stars of the North” Habitat fundraiser for 2006, I began to struggle with the notion that since I had not journaled on the ride, the potential for this “Star” to remember significant aspects was dimming. But last night one of Bill Moyer’s guests on his PBS series, “Faith and Reason”, gave me a wonderful rationalization for delaying my update to faithful supporters: after an event of particular emotional significance, a writer (in my case referring to any time I put anything down on paper) needs to digest the emotional impact.

In truth, I think I was struggling with the notion that there had been a good deal of predictability. Yet, in making this observation, I realize this is a lot about my familiarity with the route, daily routine and overall expectations for the week. I was past three previous rides: the first day anxiety from my first Hab500 when I was facing 57 miles, farther than I had ever been on a bicycle; making it through my first 100 mile day (2003); seeing the magic Jamie (the patron saint of bicycle repair) performed on son Tim’s “potato-chip” rim using only his Explorer bumper (2003); breaking a seatpost bolt and surviving a meeting with the pavement (2004); and, facing the challenge of trying to keep up with son Jesse in riding to survive the heat and hills of the infamous “River Ride of 2005.”

So what were the personal challenges of Hab2006? Let’s just say that when you haven’t trained adequately because you have lulled yourself into believing all was very manageable, I encountered my first test in attempting to ride with a 65-year-old who had very quietly guarded his true identity – Flash Gordon. In addition, I was quick to experience the prime reason for training mileage, conditioning your “rear” to avoid “That Ring of Fire.”

Oh, also, you can be familiar with the terrain, but the weather and especially the wind are another matter. Facing 14 miles of gently rolling hills into a 20-25 mile headwind in 95 degree heat, there is no such thing as coasting. And finally, on Thursday, on what should have been a piece-of-cake day, I had a rear flat tire and would you believe my seatpost bolt snapped again. But this time, I was miraculously spared contact with Mother Earth. I had been up on my pedals accelerating to get going after my flat and as soon as I went to sit down, pop! However, what ensued was a little strange. I rode about a mile on the Soo Trail to Reststop Three without a seat expecting that Saint James would provide the replacement for the bolt he had repaired my bike with following my 2004 crash, enabling me to complete the 26 miles to Mora. Yet, as saints are still only human, Jamie had no such bolt and suggested I “sag in.” WHAT? BE SENSIBLE? Pretend I’m not driven by pride! Besides, my riding buddy had told me he trains with a guy who never rides with a seat.

As Reststop One volunteer, my wife was heard to say, “Do you think he would ever listen to me?” Bottom-line, this just-turned 60-year-old was bitten by the classical–old-fool syndrome, looking to add to his Grandkids repertoire of “Grandpa Legends.” Looking back on my 20-mile without-a-seat adventure, I’m glad that not too many fellow riders observed me. No, I did not stand on my pedals for the duration, but would pedal hard and then sit down on the cross-bar and coast as long as I could. With 5 miles left, my determined-to-save-me wife caught me at a water break with a new bolt. I must confess, initially I had thoughts that now “my climb to the summit” had been thwarted, but luckily the pain in my knees, which I would fully appreciate on the final day to Sandstone, slapped me back to reality – “Old fools want to be able to walk, don’t they?”

Like Dick M., I want to be able to come back for the next ? years; but, I cannot be taking anything for granted. And even if I begin to get that “been-there, done-that” attitude, my “I-want-to-ride-with-the-big-boys” desire will probably urge me to do something beyond good sense.

So, before this looks like it’s all about foolish male ego - duh, what does motivate me to take on the most intense week of physical labor that I encounter all year? When I completed my first ride, it was definitely a personal milestone that I could have walked away from feeling that I had met a challenge that many comment they could never do. And yes, I know it’s about raising money for a super cause, but something occurred that I hadn’t anticipated. Pastor Brian Birk, who had initially talked me into riding, was a multiple year veteran as were many on the ride. It was a committed group, some older and more physically able than me. Yet, beyond the appeal of this healthy group spanning teenagers to Baby Boomers, this group of 130+ riders had raised over $200,000 for Habitat MN.

Beyond the individual accomplishment was an outcome that could only be achieved through combined efforts. Participation in the Hab500 for me has become being part of a committed team that has national community impact, this year raising over $275,000. Each ride we have been privileged to hear the tugging impact of how a Habitat partner family has been blessed by the hope generated by homeownership. And, the celebration in Virginia, MN, for the 1400th HabHome demonstrated the true spirit of what community can be. Similarly, the Hab500 ride is about a “rolling community” that emulates the mission of Habitat – forming an extended family system that works together to demonstrate how God works through His people to make good things happen.

Jon Siman, Habitat 500 Rider

500 Miles From a 13-Year-Old's Perspective...

2006-08-08T16:25:00.000-05:00

On the first day of the bike ride we drove into sandstone. When we got to the high school we saw some people who my parents apparently knew. They talked for a long time. While I was waiting I met Chuck. He told me that he was the guy who drove the gear truck. Then my mom introduced me to Sara Wessling and Brianna. They were really nice. We had the nightly news then my parents and I set up the tent and went to bed.

On the first real day of riding we got up really early. My dad said we had to be first in line. Although we were not first in line we were second and got to go in early. Once we managed to get our bike out of the school (which was tricky) we went out and got our picture taken. After that every one left altogether. When we got to rest stop #1 we ate really quick and left first. We were riding alone for a while before the fast people caught up to us. We were in the front for most of the rest of the day. When we got past the next two rest stops we found that they had failed to mention that the last few miles were straight up hill. We made it though.

When we got in we got fresh cold water bottles. We drank them. After I took a shower I went to find something to do. I met the people who did the nightly news. They were really nice and let me stay and watch them make the news. Then my parents and I went to McDonalds. I got a Sprite; boy did that hit the spot. I took a nap in the tent after that. When I got up it was almost time for supper. We had hamburgers, they were good. After that we got ice cream, I LOVE ice cream!! Then we went and watched the nightly news. The story of the day was an egg ranch.

On the second day we got up even earlier. We had breakfast at the school. It was oatmeal. I liked it a lot and found that it was very filling. I was a little nervous about the longer day, but by the time we had reached rest stop one I was not worried. It was a really pretty ride and I was sooooo glad we had good weather. I remember that a train went by us and I thought that was cool.

My parents had decided that we were going to stay at our house that night so instead of finishing the trek to Virginia we went to our house. I got to eat ice cream bars and take a shower in my own shower. Then my parents and I all drove to Virginia for the block party. The block party was awesome. We got the best food ever. They had great music and loads to drink (I mean water.) We ate and talked for a long time until the mayor of Virginia and a lot of other important people spoke. It was very interesting. After it was done my parents and I went home.

On the third day you had the choice to build on the house or to ride 100 miles. Since my Dad needed to be at the house, and we were kind of tired we decided to build. Dad and I rode out to Virginia to start building.

There were about 30 other people there and we all put up four walls. It was really exciting to do, because I had never built on a house before. At about noon we got some hamburgers for lunch. They were good but we soon set out for Hibbing.

The ride to Hibbing was really pretty too. I liked the lake that they put the rest stop at. My dad and I almost fell over on a really tricky curve, but Dad caught us in time so we were ok. We saw this cool view at the top of Chisholm. Then we finally made it to Hibbing.

At Hibbing we had a good time. The news guys let me watch them again which was really cool. We had super good food including root beer floats. Then my mom dad and I all turned in.

On the fourth day we went from Hibbing to McGregor It was a hard day, in the morning when I woke up I was really tired and I felt kind of crabby. I didn’t want to get on the bike again but I did anyway. By the end of the day I had gotten over my anger issues and decided that this was the time my Dad was talking about during training when it turned from fun to work. I decided that I would just go with it.

So when we got in to McGregor my parents and the Simons decided to go and get ice cream. I did not want to go so I stayed at the school, while I was there waiting, I met Chelsea and her little sister. They introduced me to Sam and Bjorn and chelea's little sister was obsessed with them so we passed time by bugging them. That night I went to a park with them and we played for a while before I went to bed.

On the fifth day, we were going from McGregor to Mora; it was even harder than the day before. But I had decided that I would be okay with it and that I wouldn’t be crabby anymore. It is amazing how much of a difference your attitude makes. We were going really fast we were up with all the fast people for the first two rest stops then the wind started to pick up a little bit and it took us a little longer to get to the third one, by the time we got to rest stop 3 the wind was blowing full force into our faces . When we were at the rest stop people were challenging the wind going “Come on is that the best you got” The wind would answer by blowing even harder, then we had to leave the rest stop I really didn’t want to leave the rest stop. So as we began moving we slowly approached the first hill. It was really hard to go up because the wind was so bad. We finally reached the top of the hill and were looking forward to coasting down and relaxing. Yeah, Right!! The wind was blowing so hard in our faces that we had to pedal down hill to get anywhere. By the time we reached the school at the end of the day I was really tired hot and sun burned. Fortunately Chelsea and her sister had found a cold air return that was on the floor and we could lay under an overhanging wall in the cool air.

We hung out there for about ½ hour and I was finally cool enough to begin to function. There had been rumors going around about a terrible hail bearing storm that was going to terrorize all the people who were camping out in tents. So Chelsea and I went to ask the weather man Julian who was in the nightly news. He also told us there was going to be a big storm. Chelsea and I went to her parents and were begging them to let her sleep inside. But they refused. My parents decided we were camping out too. We both set up our tents and I went in to eat supper and they went back to their van. We promised to meet each other in the cafeteria by the columns that they had painted like color crayons for the folly’s. Supper was really good and the follies were funny, but we still had the foreboding storm approaching. By the time the folly’s were over we were going to get in our tents and the rain was falling lightly, I don’t know how bad the storm was because I was so tired that I slept right through it.

This was the last long day (day six) and I was feeling kind of sad that it was all bringing to come to a close. Riding was pretty easy because we got an early start and beat the wind by getting in at 12:00. At the school my parents went to get pizza and while they were gone jenny had found yoga the dog that belonged to the people at rest stop two so I began looking for them. A guy named Zach helped me find them, by the time my Mom and Dad got back with the pizza I realized I had not seen Chelsea or her little sister. When they came in they told me they had been at a water park. We played with Julian’s walkie talkies. It was fun. Then we all went in to the class room where Sam and Bjorn were. We were talking there and found out that Sam and Bjorn had gotten chased by a dog for 3 blocks and Julian was junior policeman. We ate supper and went to bed.

On the last day it was easy because we only had to go 40 miles and the one rest stop was good, I ate a bunch of liquorish. Then after a long ride my dad decided to stop at a gas station and get a sprite to celebrate. I was in a hurry because I wanted to say good buy to Chelsea and her sister before they left. But we still made in on time before they left. I said good buy to them and then they pulled out and headed back to North Dakota. There was a little ceremony before we left and Noelle, my cousin had brought Amy and Margie there along with my present. It was a really Big poster Just the kind they have in the Movie Theater. The picture was of Pirates of the Caribbean my aunt had got me it and had framed it.

Everyone was really nostalgic as we were leaving because we wouldn’t see each other for another year, but we did leave and I have very fond memories of a great adventure.

10-Year Veteran: Frank Powers

2004-06-01T16:29:00.001-05:00

I had ridden RAGBRAI (Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) 5 1/7 times when Susan & Walter Baker told me about the 1994 Habitat 500 to South Dakota. In a moment of weakness I decided it sounded good so I signed up for the trip. Since then I have done all the rides, although in 1996 I drove a sag vehicle, after I realized that climbing the Allegheny Mountains, not Allegheny Hills, in August might not be too good an idea. I can also honestly say every trip has had memorable moments, wonderful people, great fun, and superb food. I am certain there was an occasional bad time but the moment is quickly forgotten.

I have also learned many articles of faith on the rides. There are many wonderful people in this country. You can see and appreciate more of the country from a bike seat than an automobile. It is possible to sleep with lights on and in your face. Hot showers are wonderful. Water is a Gift From The Gods. For every up hill there is a corresponding down hill. A cold ice cream cone at the end of the day's ride is truly one of the world's great taste treats. Standards slip throughout the week, i.e. “it's relatively clean so I'll wear it.” The Habitat 500 banner at the rest stops and at the end of the day is a beautiful sight. There are no hills, just a change in elevation. There are no atheists on bikes when one discusses weather. Volunteers in the sag wagons and rest stops are magnificent and under appreciated people. All pain is temporary and only the good memories remain.

I have been asked why I do this ride, as there are other rides available. Once I became involved with the Habitat 500 I was impressed by the dedication of those who make it possible on a very limited budget. Too many fundraisers use a substantial amount of the money for the ride with too little going to the designated goal. In 1994 I went to the corner of a church basement to turn in my funds and saw old computers, battered metal desks (a.k.a. Salvation Army Expendable), and people working in a very crowded room. I was more impressed than if they had everything set up in a luxurious setting. Habitat 500 still has the same goal and is still working on a bare bones budget, as it should be.

In addition, as a bleeding heart liberal, I believe every person living in the richest country with the highest standard of living in the history of the world should have a democratic government, decent housing, 3 square meals a day, good medical coverage, and a safe environment for living. Until that time I shall, in any way I can, continue to help those who are less fortunate than my family and myself.

Through the years there have been some very memorable moments. In Ashland, Wisconsin, we had dinner with volunteers from the very new local chapter. I was visiting with a woman who was on the selection committee. She told me that she felt it would be a relatively easy assignment. The committee started with over 30 families and now was down to 7 remaining on the list. As we talked, I could see her emotions taking control, because the families were, in her words, now friends, not just people looking for a home. She knew they would have to tell 6 families they would have to wait until later. She was in tears by then and she finished by saying she would do other jobs, but never again on the selection committee.

I also remember a rider at the end of the 95 ride when we were greeted by a welcoming committee comprised of people who had been working on houses all week. As the band played and people cheered, I turned to a first time rider and asked, "Do you think maybe they worked harder than we did?" He was very serious and in an emotionally laden voice said, "Don't you dare try to take one moment of this away from me."

The ten years I have been involved with this ride have been wonderful. No matter how many times I say, "This is the last time I will ever do this ride. And this time I really mean it." I know I will be back again pushing pedals in a circle, breathing hard, talking to myself under my breath, and enjoying all of the amazing experiences.

Frank Powers, Habitat 500 Rider

10 Years of Dedication

2004-06-01T16:27:00.000-05:00

I really have enjoyed every bit of it. The first time I heard of the ride I was working at Freewheel my first year fulltime, the second year I had heard the mechanic from somewhere couldn't make it but I couldn't go either. Then came the dead turkey incident my first year 1995. 115-degree heat index hills and a long ride year. I think I averaged 4hrs of sleep a night I remember fixing bikes in front of one of those giant gym fans in an open doorway by light from a fixture must have been thirty feet up.

Then came 1996 a banner year for Habitat an myself I met my wife on the ride this year, she kept falling down and I kept picking her up [Ha-Ha!]. Since 1999 I have been riding along with Susan Baker, a.k.a. Ma Baker, and a better advocate we could not have on the airwaves. Even I have the speech memorized by now. Habitat 500 emergency hotline how can I help you rings through my brain for weeks after each ride.

I am a better mechanic because of this ride I have learned so much of myself and my craft through out the last ten years I have made great friends from all over seen parts of the country I hadn't before and had lots of fun along the way. This ride is the highlight of my year. I get together with a group of dedicated individuals who through their cooperation and strength make the world a much better place to live. It has been my honor to be your mechanic the last decade now I have a shop of my own I hope I can be your
mechanic for the next ten years!

Jamie Mc Donald, Volunteer Ride Mechanic

10 years with Habitat 500 - Jennie Leete

2004-04-19T16:21:00.000-05:00

I first become aware of volunteer opportunities with Habitat for Humanity through my church, Peace United Methodist in Shoreview. I worked with groups from my church on tasks at rehabs and new builds, mostly in NE Minneapolis. As representatives of our church, my husband Sean and I attended a meeting in the Fall of 1993 where other aspects of Habitat for Humanity were highlighted and what really caught my attention was all the talk about the recently completed 1st Habitat 500 ride to the Carter Blitz-build in Winnipeg. I was sad I hadn't known about the ride, but was encouraged that it would be possible to sign up for the next ride - also to a Carter Blitz-build, this time in South Dakota.

I was a complete novice who had never even had a flat tire on my bike (ancient 10-speed) yet. Lucky for me the training rides were led by understanding and patient people who taught me how to plan ahead for shifting, how to change that first flat, and gave me suggestions about
what to look for in the new bike I soon bought. That first ride included my first 100 mile ride (and 70, 80, and 90, too).

Fundraising was pretty easy to begin with. People were so stunned I would try such a thing, they were eager to sponsor me. All I had to do was have the courage to ask.

The second year, having seen that I had not killed myself and even seemed to be having a good time without him, my husband decided to ride, and we've been at it ever since.

Our fundraising is more inventive now because of all the competition for charitable dollars. We've sent out letters to all of our previous donors, we've baked cookies and put them into decorated bags and offered them for a minimum donation at church and at work. At Easter we made "Cookies in a Jar" using Easter M&Ms and decorated the jars. We made a presentation about the Habitat 500 at church using the photos from last year.

Over the years I've learned a few things: Support staff love being told how much they are appreciated. It's OK to sag, and a 30-mph headwind really makes it OK. There is no shame in being last (but riding with our oldest rider Ed is good cover). It's bad to run out of water - check
your supply before you give the passing sag vehicle the thumbs-up. Early starts are good.

Memories of a Would-be 10 year Habitat 500 Veteran

2003-04-08T16:19:00.000-05:00

It is a pleasure to make a few remarks about my hoped-for 10th Habitat 500 ride and share a little history. Unlike last year's veteran, Patty Hanson, I must confess that some of my rides were actually Habitat 465s or, on that dread ride to southern Minnesota, Iowa and back in face of a 50 mph headwind one day, then a day so cold and rainy that many riders could no longer operate their gear shifters, and finally a day of what seemed like 110 degrees in the shade, I recall that I only managed a Habitat 380!

But I must say that I make this confession with the greatest gratitude for my wonderful good fortune in life. As some of you know, I was a "weak kid," the first one "out" in childhood sports, the last one chosen for teams. I later learned that there was a good reason. I was born with grave heart defects and I only am alive and healthy today because of two major heart operations, the first 45 years ago. But when I was 12, my Dad gave me a second hand one-speed bike with skinny, high-pressure tubeless tires; not the expensive and glamorous but heavy and cumbersome big balloon tires that were then the fad. That bike gave me wings! I rode all over our gravel country roads, sometimes alone, sometimes with a friend from a neighboring farm. I was completely innocent of how fast or how far a great athlete should be able to ride. I rode on my own terms. That's the way it's been ever since.

So in 1992 I signed up for the 150 mile 2-day KARE11 bike ride, a fund raiser for our local Unity and Mercy hospitals. But in January 1993, I fell on the ice and, because of the medications I have to take, I ended up in the hospital with hemorrhaging in both legs, one extremely serious. Again, I experienced the very best of fortune and in a few days I was discharged. I was encouraged to start riding my exercise bike, but found I had to start by just rocking the pedals back and forth for a week, then pedaling backward with no resistance for another week before I could even pedal against a small resistance. After a couple months of practice in the Spring, I found that I could ride the 14 miles a day to and from work, but two 25 mile training rides convinced me there would be no KARE11 for me in 1993. It was about then that I heard about the first Habitat 500 ride that summer, and being the highly rational person I am, I immediately signed up for the 1994 ride to Eagle Butte, South Dakota. After all, I had a whole year to recuperate and prepare!

So here I am, ready for Number 10. Why do I keep doing it? Well, there are a lot of reasons. As I already told you, when it comes to athletics, long-distance biking is my one and only "thing." I still loathe any other kind of exercise or sports, but give me a bike on the hottest or rainiest day, and I will think, "Only a fool would start out today," and then I will jump on the bike without further thoughts or misgivings and ride the whole way.

Of course there is also the cause for which we ride. As far as I'm concerned, affordable housing should be a non-issue in a country so wealthy that many of our most common people can squander their earnings on gas-guzzlers, second houses, snowmobiles, gambling, etc, etc -- not just one of these things but all of them. Why isn't decent housing a human right, like a competent police force, stable, honest, and democratic government, and so many other blessings? But it isn't, so here I am, doing a very small thing.

And there is more to Habitat 500 than merely fund-raising. Those local chapters we visit face frustrating and daunting obstacles -- lack of money, difficulty finding volunteers, the "Not in my backyard" disease that manifests itself in obvious in-the-face bigotry and also in sanctimonious and subtle bureaucratic obstacles that make even acquiring a site and building a small house an endless legalistic hassle. One of the most emotional speeches I ever heard was the greeting given to us by the chairman of one of our outstate chapters. To these people, our mere presence represents a hope and support that money cannot buy! And finally, there are the riders themselves.

Every year I look forward to greeting old friends and meeting new. Our common cause erases our many differences of personalities and creeds. I feel surrounded by a mutual respect and love that all of us wish might embrace everybody in the world. Sadly, that is not the way the world is, but for one week every year, the Habitat 500 gives me the world I wish were everywhere and always.

Jim Koerner, Habitat 500 Rider