On Sunday, July 15, the 15th Annual Habitat 500 Bike Ride will start in St. Joseph. Over 7 days, 120 riders ranging in age from 14 to 76 and from across the United States, will ride 500 miles with the goal of raising $500,000.
The kick-off event is at the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph on July 15. The cyclists will gather for breakfast and depart on their journey beginning at the Lake Wobegon Trailhead and Picnic Shelter in St. Joseph.
St. Henry's Catholic Church and Calvary Lutheran will host the cyclists for breakfast and dinner, July 16-17.
The ride will cover 500 miles, making stops in Alexandria, Perham (2 nights), Park Rapids, Baxter, Long Prairie and return to St. Cloud.
The 15th Annual Habitat 500 Bike Ride benefits Habitat for Humanity, an internationally respected non-profit organization dedicated to building homes and creating homeowner opportunities for low income families.
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This year's ride celebrates the 1,500th Habitat home built in Minnesota. This home will also be the second official Bike Home. The Habitat home is all about bicycling. It will be located on this year's route, near a bike path. The Habitat family selected for the home will receive donated bikes and bike supplies. While in Perham, riders will help on the construction of this 1,500th Habitat home. Representatives will be on-site from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or by appointment if necessary.
The cyclists return to St. Joseph, St. Benedict College, on July 23 between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. A celebration will be held at the college to honor participants on their completion of the ride. Area Habitat homeowners and volunteers, and riders' family and friends will be on-site to welcome returning riders.
