Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity, which includes Douglas County, is one of four northeastern Minnesota affiliates to welcome the Habitat 500 bike ride this year.
About 135 riders will participate in the week-long, 500-mile ride organized by Habitat of Minnesota. The annual event, which rotates among different regions of Minnesota, raises money and awareness for 31 Habitat affiliates across the state to support partnerships with families to build and improve housing. The goal this year is to raise more than $400,000 to support housing programs.
Riders gather Saturday in Proctor before departing the next morning for MacGregor.
Monday they pedal to Grand Rapids and then Hibbing for Tuesday evening. On Wednesday, some riders will do a century loop ride while others participate in a house build in Aurora. Thursday all the riders travel from Hibbing to Aurora. Friday is mostly downhill with the destination being Two Harbors. As the final day, Saturday is relatively short, closing the loop to Proctor by mid to late mornings as riders disperse to their home communities.
Riders will take the Scenic Shore Route before heading up to Glenwood, Woodland and Martin Roads and then descending into Proctor by Midway Road.
Riders stay at local schools each night. Evening and morning meals are provided by community churches, with evening providing time for the riders and support team to explore the communities.
This year Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity is hosting a special “Almost Home” concert the final night on the road in Two Harbors to welcome and thank the riders. The Castle Danger Brewery serves as a venue for Trampled By Turtles’ Erik Berry who will entertain with mandolin and song.
Eight sponsors from Two Harbors and the Twin Ports are helping Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity host the event to celebrate Habitat, cycling, and craft brewing united in community service. Sponsors include Bent Paddle Brewing, Castle Danger, Red Rock Radio, Two Harbors Federal Credit Union, Twin Ports Cyclery, Spokengear Cyclery, Barcodes Plus, and the Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Superior.
SUBSCRIBE NOW
