BRODHEAD - More than 60 riders from around the area showed up in support of the 3rd Annual Bike for Habitat held in Brodhead on Saturday, May 17. All together, the bikers received pledges of over $7,000 for Green County Habitat for Humanity (GCHFH). Many local business sponsors chipped in over $6,000 to make this event a big success.
Among the riders was Morgan Blum, a native of Monroe, who acted as Grand Marshal for this year's event. Morgan rode in the Minnesota 500, a multi-day 500 mile bike ride held in July, for the last 2 years and has personally raised over $4,000 for GCHFH. Morgan and just a few others ventured out on a very aggressive 100 mile route. Another handful of experienced riders tackled a 50 mile route that took them to Monticello and back. For most, the ride was a more leisurely 15 or 30 mile route through Albany and Attica.
Frederic Blanc, 78, of Monroe was the oldest rider, who saw the article in the paper last week and thought it sounded like a good time. He rode 15 miles to Albany and back on the Sugar River trail with about a dozen other riders. The youngest solo rider was Galen Giese, age 9 of Monroe. Eve Palmer, age 7 of Belleville, rode tandem with her father Jeff, and is also a three time participant. This year the tandem bike they rode required Eve to pedal whenever her father pedaled, so she worked hard on the 30 mile route they rode to Attica and back.
The Swiss Church of New Glarus produced 16 riders, with both adults and youth getting involved to raise about $1,800. "We were extremely pleased at the support we received this year from the faith community", said Carol Holmes, president of the Green County Habitat Affiliate. "We had groups of riders from at least 10 area churches, raising a significant portion of the funds."
"While we didn't meet our goal of 100 riders this year, we did see a significant increase in the funds pledged by the riders we had," said Rob Frie, Habitat board member and Chairman of the Fundraising committee. "Each year we learn more about attracting riders and putting on an event that runs safe, smooth and is enjoyed by everyone involved. I couldn't be more pleased with this year's event."
The funds raised by Bike 4 Habitat will go toward the building of two homes in Browntown this summer. The two new partner families, who also participated in this event, will pay back a no interest mortgage and the loan payments will be used to build more homes.
To volunteer to help build these two homes in Browntown this summer, call 325-4024 and leave a name, address and phone number to be added to the volunteer list. For more information go to www.greencountyhabitat.org.
Among the riders was Morgan Blum, a native of Monroe, who acted as Grand Marshal for this year's event. Morgan rode in the Minnesota 500, a multi-day 500 mile bike ride held in July, for the last 2 years and has personally raised over $4,000 for GCHFH. Morgan and just a few others ventured out on a very aggressive 100 mile route. Another handful of experienced riders tackled a 50 mile route that took them to Monticello and back. For most, the ride was a more leisurely 15 or 30 mile route through Albany and Attica.
Frederic Blanc, 78, of Monroe was the oldest rider, who saw the article in the paper last week and thought it sounded like a good time. He rode 15 miles to Albany and back on the Sugar River trail with about a dozen other riders. The youngest solo rider was Galen Giese, age 9 of Monroe. Eve Palmer, age 7 of Belleville, rode tandem with her father Jeff, and is also a three time participant. This year the tandem bike they rode required Eve to pedal whenever her father pedaled, so she worked hard on the 30 mile route they rode to Attica and back.
The Swiss Church of New Glarus produced 16 riders, with both adults and youth getting involved to raise about $1,800. "We were extremely pleased at the support we received this year from the faith community", said Carol Holmes, president of the Green County Habitat Affiliate. "We had groups of riders from at least 10 area churches, raising a significant portion of the funds."
"While we didn't meet our goal of 100 riders this year, we did see a significant increase in the funds pledged by the riders we had," said Rob Frie, Habitat board member and Chairman of the Fundraising committee. "Each year we learn more about attracting riders and putting on an event that runs safe, smooth and is enjoyed by everyone involved. I couldn't be more pleased with this year's event."
The funds raised by Bike 4 Habitat will go toward the building of two homes in Browntown this summer. The two new partner families, who also participated in this event, will pay back a no interest mortgage and the loan payments will be used to build more homes.
To volunteer to help build these two homes in Browntown this summer, call 325-4024 and leave a name, address and phone number to be added to the volunteer list. For more information go to www.greencountyhabitat.org.
