Fundraising Bike Rides

Habitat for Humanity of Durham transforms lives and communities by making homeownership possible in partnership with people who care. It is committed to building and rehabbing simple, decent and affordable homes along side working families in the Durham communities. The Habitat Bike Rides further support the mission. Habitat of Durham hosts two annual bike rides- Habitat Bull Moon Ride and Habitat Halloween Bike Ride. Both of these unique bicycling events showcase the Durham community.

The Habitat Bull Moon Bike Ride is a unique night ride meanders through the streets of downtown Durham. Riders of all ages and abilities ride past Durham landmarks including Duke Chapel at twlight and the American Tobacco Trail as the moon rises. The ride starts at 8 p.m. and is fully supported by sherrif. Riders return to the sounds of live music and a party atmosphere. Mark your calendars for the Habitat Bull Moon Bike Ride on July 10 at 8 p.m.!

The Habitat Halloween Bike Ride is an all full day bicycling event. Riders choose 17, 31, 62 or 100 mile routes that wind through downtown Durham and into the countryside. See the colors of the Fall while you pedal to build affordable housing in Durham. The ride starts at 9 a.m. and is fully supported by sheriff and rest stops. Riders return to a party which includes live music and food. There is a route that is right for your abilities and interest. Be sure to join the fun for the Habitat Halloween Ride on October 30 at 9 a.m.!

2009's Rides
The goal of the 2009 Habitat Bike Rides, including the July Bull Moon Ride and the October Halloween Bike Ride, was to raise the $50,000 Habitat home sponsorship for the Billious family home and we DID IT! Lakenya Billious is the 33 year-old mother of a 13 year-old daughter. Lakenya's mother and nephew also live with her. Lakenya works as a child nutrition assistant with the Durham Public Schools and as a parking attendant with the City of Durham. The Billious family, pictured below with Peter Anlyan, is thrilled to have their home sponsored by the ride and to make their dream of homeownership come true.

The 2009 Habitat Bull Moon Ride was a huge success. On Saturday, July 18, 539 cyclists (354 pre-registered and 185 walk-ons) traveled around Durham by moonlight. More than $23,000 was raised to help the Billious family make their dream of homeownership come true. Click here to learn more about the ride and see photos from the event.

The sixth-annual Halloween Bike Ride on October 31 was simply SPOOKTACULAR! There was a total of 853 cyclists (713 pre-registered and140 walk-ons) registered to take off in the mist and the rainy morning of October 31. Talk about dedication and support for Habitat for Humanity of Durham’s mission! Over $50,000 was raised which completely sponsors the house of the Billious Family. Construction will begin on the Billious Family/Bike Ride home is later this month, Saturday, November 21st!

A rider's story
Halloween Bike Ride participant, Doug Nesmith (on the right with his riding friend, Ed Davis) a teacher at Parkwood Middle School in Monroe, NC, recently shared with Habitat why he rides:

A year and a half ago, I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes. My doctor told me that after weight loss, diet and exercise could help me keep my diabetes under control. After loosing 50 pounds, I took up cycling to help maintain my weight. I was hooked! Now, cycling is not just about fitness, it is about pushing myself to ride as far as I can. I set a personal goal to ride a century by the summer of 2010.
As I was looking for local century rides, I discovered the Habitat of Durham Halloween Ride. I thought that the 31 mile route would be a great first step towards my goal of completing a century ride. Additionally, I have always admired Habitat for helping families in need. As a public school teacher, I am excited that the family benefiting from the Halloween Ride includes a mom who works in the Durham school system.

After telling my students what I was doing, they have pitched in to help by donating money. Several fundraising suppers at my church and donations from members of the community have helped me raise $712 toward my $1,000 fundraising goal.