About 40 riders from around the area braved the cold windy weather and showed up in support of the 4^th Annual Bike for Habitat held in Brodhead on Saturday, May 16th.  All together, the bikers received pledges of nearly $5,000 for Green County Habitat for Humanity (GCHFH). Many local business sponsors chipped in over $9000 to make this event a big success. 

Among the riders was Scott Garwick, a 4^th year participant, who acted as Grand Marshal for this year’s event .   Scott road his recumbent bike along with other family members on the 15 mile road route. Most of the riders opted for the more  leisurely 15 or 30 mile routes through Albany and Monticello because of the strong winds, but we did have a couple of riders who tackled the head winds for 25 miles of a 50 mile route. 

The funds raised by Bike 4 Habitat this year will go toward building a home in Monticello this summer. The home will be built in partnership with current Monticello residents, Todd and Leah Neuenschwander and their 4 teenage daughters. Along with 500 hours of sweat equity, our partner family will pay back a no interest mortgage. The loan payments  they make will be used to build more homes in Green County. The money raised by this event and other Habitat for Humanity fund raisers are truly gifts that just keep on giving. 

Grace Church of New Glarus where the Neuenschwander’s are members sent a team of riders and raised around $1,600 towards the home. Their neighboring Swiss Church of New Glarus also produced a team of riders and comparable dollars in pledges.   “We were extremely pleased at the support we received this year from the faith community”, said Carol Holmes, past president and chair of the Church Relations Committee of the Green County Habitat Affiliate. “We had groups of riders from at least 5 area churches, raising a significant portion of the funds.

“While we didn’t meet our goal of 100 riders this year, we did see an increase in the funds pledged by the riders and local businesses” said Rob Frie, President of GCHFH 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. The only thing that could have been better is the weather.” I believe the cold morning temperatures kept many of our local riders home.

To volunteer to help build the Neuenschwander’s home in Monticello this summer, please call 608-325-4024 and leave your name, address and phone number to be added to the volunteer list, or go to our website and complete the volunteer interest form and mail it back.