Why I Ride

By Dennis Ketterman, Habitat for Humanity Lakeside volunteer

​On July 8, I’ll start my 22nd bike ride to raise money for Habitat for Humanity Lakeside. Over the years I’ve raised somewhere between $80,000 and $90,000 for the organization. It’s been quite a journey, literally and figuratively.

The first 19 rides were for Habitat 500, a 500-mile race sponsored by Habitat for Humanity Minnesota. I got involved when Richard Manny, a friend who had completed many rides, asked my wife to ask me to do the ride. Richard knew I was exercising but not riding my bike 500 miles a year, let alone in one week. Plus, Richard knew that if my wife asked me to participate, I could not turn her down.

After my first year, I was hooked. It was very surprising and satisfying to be able to ride that far in a week. Richard had promised that I’d have a chance to meet new friends, and he was right. I met good people and looked forward to seeing them every year. We had such a fun time pulling each other in the peloton (the row of riders) and telling stories of our lives and just having great conversations. At the end of each ride day, we were off to the local pubs for food and beverages. It was also great because with more than 125 riders, you could always find those who rode at the speed you did.

This is what has kept me coming back year after year. This year will be my third year participating in Bike. Build. Home 500, a 500-kilometer ride launched by interested riders in 2023 after Habitat for Humanity Minnesota decided to sponsor a different fundraising adventure.

All the remarkable things about the Habitat 500 are also true with the BBH 500 — the camaraderie, fun rides, new and old friends, and the chance to raise money for Habitat for Humanity Lakeside and Habitat for Humanity St. Cloud, Minnesota, which is sponsoring this year’s event. I have always relied on a small group of friends and relatives for sponsorship. You can find more info on riding on the BBH 500 website. I strongly encourage you to take part in this wonderful event. You’ll be happy you did.
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If you would like to support Dennis in this year's Bike.Build.Home 500, please send a check payable to Habitat for Humanity Lakeside, with “Dennis” in the memo line, to the office: 1911 N. 8th St., Sheboygan, WI, 53081. Thank you!