2011 Bike 4 Habitat

Bikers and Walkers Make Big Effort for Bike 4 Habitat in Green County

Over 130 registered walkers and riders from around the area were treated to a beautiful spring day as they showed up in support of the 6^th Annual Bike for Habitat held in New Glarus in late May.   All together, the participants gathered pledges of nearly $8,000 for Green County Habitat for Humanity (GCHFH).  Many local business sponsors also chipped in another $8000 to make this event a huge success.  The top “Platinum” level sponsors for this years ride were Walmart, The Swiss Colony, Peace Lutheran Church and Thrivent for Lutherans of Green County.

Among the participants was Brenden Pittman, a 6^th year participant, who acted as Grand Marshal for this year’s  event .   Brenden road with a team of around 25 riders from the Swiss Church in New Glarus , who together helped raise over $3,000.  Other area churches also put teams of riders together.

“We were extremely pleased at the support we received this year from the faith community”, said Carol Holmes, chair of the Church Relations Committee of GCHFH and newly elected President.  “We had groups of riders and helpers from 10 churches in Green and Lafayette Counties, raising nearly half of the total funds.  We also had many of our church ladies volunteer to help prepare food to feed the participants.  The riders were treated to a meal that included barbeque, brats,  salads…and everyone’s favorite, home made pie!

The weather could have been better as rain threatened the ride, yet many riders opted for the 30 mile route that wound around country roads to Monticello and back to New Glarus.  Some of the brave soles took an additional 20 mile route north to complete a 50 mile ride.    Still there were many families who chose a leisurely 15 mile route that stayed primarily on the two State bike trails and included a ride through the tunnel. 

“By opening the event to walkers, we were able to surpass our goal of 100 paid participants for the first time since the ride was established 6 years ago.  We did see an increase over last year in both number of riders and pledges received” said Rob Frie, exiting  President of GCHFH and Chairman of the Fundraising committee, “but it was the walkers that helped put us over the top.  Each year we learn more about attracting riders and putting on an event that runs safe, smooth and is enjoyed by everyone involved.”

The all volunteer board of Green County Habitat for Humanity would like to take this opportunity to thank all the individual, businesses and churches that played a role in the success of this years event.  The Bike 4 Habitat is held each year on the Third Saturday in May and is the non-profit groups primary fundraiser of the year.