CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland has a new way the community can show its support — aboard a bicycle.
Habitat will hold its first local Bike to Build event on April 10 as a fundraiser.
For those registering before March 15, the cost is $30 per rider. After that the fee is $50.
PDF: Fact Sheet Graphic: Bradley County map
“The whole purpose is to raise funds and raise awareness,” Jamie Lynn Barks said.
There are 20-, 50- and 100-kilometer rides, she said, so there is a course for bicyclists from novices to seasoned riders.
The rides begin at the Century Village subdivision in south Cleveland and, depending on the selected course, wind through southern Bradley County’s countryside.
Matt Carlson, Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland’s executive director, said, “We need volunteers, even those not riding bikes. We will need volunteers to help out at Century Village and along the route.”
Bike to Build is part of this year’s overall fund drive for Habitat here. Organizers hope the event will raise enough money to build one home, which for the average Habitat house is $65,000 to $70,000. This is Habitat’s 20th anniversary year in Cleveland, and the organization has built more than 70 homes here.
Habitat was getting a boost Thursday from another source, Cleveland High School students. All juniors and seniors took the day to volunteer at a variety of local nonprofit organizations.
More than two dozen students chose to help Habitat for Humanity. They were busy all day helping get two homes off South Lee Highway ready to be dedicated next week.
ABOUT BIKE TO BUILD
* When: April 10
* Starts: Century Village subdivision. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.
* Course: Three courses, 20K, 50K and 100K
* Cost: $30 to register before March 15; $50 through April 5; $70 late registration up to April 10. Teams of four or more get $5 off individual registrations.
* For more information: www.habitatofcleveland.org.