What is the Habitat 500?
Habitat 500 is a pledged 500-mile bicycle ride benefiting Habitat for Humanity, an internationally respected non-profit organization dedicated to building homes and creating home ownership opportunities for low-income families.
This is a fully supported ride which includes a professional bike mechanic and supplies, massage therapists, daily route maps, marked roads, emergency phone numbers, sag vehicles to carry your personal gear, and overnight camping sites with showers. Breakfast and dinner are provided by local groups in our host towns and there are regular food and water stops along each days route. Cyclists are responsible for supplying their own toiletries, sleeping bags/bedding, clothing, bikes and lunches.
It takes approximately $60,000 to build a Habitat house in the United States. Habitat homes are built and renovated with the combined efforts of volunteers, businesses, churches and the partner families. Since the Habitat 500 began 15 years ago, less than 3.5% of the funds raised have been used to cover the costs of the ride.
How is this possible? Donations and volunteers! Even the ride organizers are volunteers, participating in the ride or working as ride support. Your registration fee covers most of the ride costs.
"It is said that success can only be realized after challenge is overcome.”
Where do I sleep?
How much do I fundraise?
Do I ride alone? What if I have a flat tire?
Who participates?
What is the Habitat 500?
Can I ride 500 miles?
What is Habitat for Humanity?
What do I eat?
Can I ride 500 miles?
Yes! It may be a challenge depending on your experience and fitness, but the answer is yes. When you register, you will be sent a training plan and can participate in one, two, or all three group training rides in the Twin Cities. You will get the expert advice you want and helpful tips. Even if your legs are tired, your heart will be happy.
There will be more tips and information in the rides newsletter which you receive once you have registered. The newsletter is also available on this webpage. The important thing to remember is that you can do it and there are many who will help you along the way.
Who participates?
People like you! The riders on the Habitat 500 are a very committed group. Many have participated in multiple years of rides. Typically, riders range in age from teenagers to folks over 80. The greatest percentage of riders (70%) are between 40 and 60 years of age. Males comprise about 60% of riders. Nearly all riders are college graduates. Over 98% are on the internet. Nearly 80% identify themselves as being members of a church. Most riders are from Minnesota (68%) although 14 other states are regularly represented. Next to residents of Minnesota, the next most prevalent are: Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and South Dakota.
Do I ride alone? What if I have a flat tire?
Participants of the Habitat 500 are a very collegial group! It is likely that you will find many new friends to ride with throughout the week.
The ride is fully supported including a professional bike mechanic and supplies, massage therapists, daily route maps, marked roads, emergency phone numbers, sag vehicles to carry your personal gear, and overnight camping sites with showers. Breakfast and dinner are provided by local groups in our host towns and there are regular food and water stops along each days route. Cyclists supply their own toiletries, sleeping bags/bedding, clothing, bikes and lunches.
How much do I fundraise?
Each HABITAT 500 cyclist must raise a minimum of $850 to participate in the ride. However, we encourage each cyclist to raise as much money as time and resources allow. In previous rides, most riders were able to raise more than $1,000 each. Your extra efforts will insure even more net dollars for building simple, decent homes for families in need.
Before the start of the ride, each cyclist must turn in $850 in funds raised to Habitat for Humanity Minnesota. By ride day, contributions or a personal commitment totaling $850 must be turned in. The cyclist's personal commitment in lieu of unpaid pledges is a check (for amounts $150 or less) or a money order (for amounts over $150). This money will be refunded to the cyclist upon receipt of the paid pledges. All money must be received by July 31, 2008.
No matter which Habitat affiliate you are riding for, send your funds raised to HFH Minnesota with checks made out to HABITAT 500. After the ride, we will write to the affiliate you represented and send them a check totaling the funds you raised for them.
Where do I sleep and shower?
Local schools, churches, campgrounds, and parks provide our overnight camping locations. We ask that camping sites be quiet after 10:00 PM. We will have an indoor option each night for those who do not wish to sleep in a tent.
Showers and bathrooms will be available at each overnight stop. Cyclists will need to use public or private facilities during the day along the ride. Try to avoid the need for using private property as your bathroom. Respect others’ property and privacy.
What do I eat?
Cyclists will be provided with breakfasts and dinners each day. While breakfast will be served from 6:00AM to 7:00AM, cyclists may eat at their own pace and time. Supper will be served from 6:30PM to 7:30PM and we want all cyclists / volunteers to be ready to sit down to supper together. This is the only time in each day we will be gathered as a complete group and it is an important time for sharing, visiting, and staying focused on our purpose. Volunteers from local Habitat affiliates will join us during these evening meals.
Lunches are the responsibility of each cyclist at his/her own expense. PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE YOUR BODY WITH WHAT IT CRAVES. Energy snacks and beverages will be provided at daily rest stops. Cyclists should bring enough money for lunches, incidentals, souvenirs, etc.
