Posted at: 07/12/2009 9:54 PM
Updated at: 07/13/2009 7:40 AM
By: Dietrich Nissen

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Ride to Rebuild Rolls Through Southern Minnesota

(ABC 6 NEWS) -- More than one hundred bicyclists are on a ride to rebuild. 
    
They are pedaling to build a cycle of hope and raising money and awareness for Habitat for Humanity.
    
It's a 500-mile, 7-day trip through Southern Minnesota.

For the last 12 years in a row, Steve O'Malley has rode in the Habitat 500 bike ride.

"It's a way to tie in my athletic activities for the benefit of other people instead of just riding,” said O'Malley.

Messages like that encourage first time riders like 13-year-old Amy Thompson to join.

"I don't really mind being the youngest rider cause you know everybody treats me the same,” said Thompson.

Although this is her first time riding, it's not the first time she's helped Habitat for Humanity.

"My dad, he's the Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity in Northern Minnesota, and so I get to do a lot of dedications and like be there,” she said.

This is not only the 17th year they've done this ride, they're also building their 1,700th home.

"Our theme of the ride this year is ride to rebuild so on the second day we're there essentially, riders can choose to bike or build," said Volunteer Arne Stefferud.
 
Stefferud says the first place they'll stop is Rushford, a city devastated by floodwaters two years ago.
    
He says the group's raised $154,000 but they hope to double that amount by the time the ride is over.

"It's just a lot of fun. It's, as one rider said, it's basically adult summer camp," said Stefferud.
    
A comparison that both veteran and first-time riders can agree on.

"It's fun to raise money for it,” said Thompson.

"It's, my best time of the year, every July, I'm here doing this," said O’Malley.
 
And as the two head off to their next rest stop, they say they can't wait to get to Rushford where they'll get a chance to build homes.

Tonight the group is staying at the YMCA in downtown Rochester before continuing on to Rushford, Grand Meadow, Albert Lea, Lake Crystal and finally back to Faribault.