by Mike Knaak
editor@thenewsleaders.com
For bicycling enthusiast Gene Boysen of St. Joseph, the Habitat 500 offers two rewards: the physical challenge of a 500-mile, six-day ride and an opportunity to be part of an important fundraising cause.
The Habitat 500, a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity, begins July 14 in Hermantown. Riders follow a route through northeastern Minnesota that will take them to Hibbing and Aurora before returning to Hermantown.
Boysen rode for the first time last year.
“I had an outstanding experience. I had so much fun I wanted to do it this time,” Boysen said.
“It’s a physical challenge, but the neat part is the cause. The participants are so passionate about Habitat for Humanity. I like to ride my bike, but meeting the recipients of the homes was inspiring,” the St. Joseph veterinarian said.
“This event makes a difference in so many people’s lives. I’ll get a chance to reconnect with friends from last year,” he said.
To get ready for this year’s ride, Boysen has bicycled about 1,600 miles this summer.
“I’m hoping to train a little harder,” he said. “My legs were like Jell-O last year.”
He’s set a fundraising goal of $3,300 and as of last weekend, he was about halfway there.
Gene Boysen is getting ready to ride his second Habitat 500.
