MANKATO — Cyclists from across the Midwest will trade four wheels in for two as they roll into and around Mankato for the Bike. Build. Home 500, a five-day event featuring scenic rides through southern Minnesota while raising money for Habitat for Humanity and other affordable housing organizations.
With Habitat for Humanity South Central Minnesota serving as the 2026 host affiliate for the first time, and the ride taking place between July 14-19, the event totals about 500 kilometers of trails through river valleys, farm country and likely some leg-testing hills for the roughly 70 riders currently registered.
Director of development for the south central affiliate Riley Hardel said the event traces its roots to the longtime Habitat 500 ride, which began in 1999 under Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota. Long-time participants and volunteers created Bike. Build. Home 500 as an independent nonprofit to continue raising money for Habitat affiliates and other affordable housing organizations throughout the region.
“Having such a network here and the support of people that have come out over the years to help build the homes, to help give back to the families that we have, they’re excited and they want to be a part of something bigger. So it’s been fun to see everyone step up and get excited about this event because it’s different,” she said.
Riders will be hosted by Bethany Lutheran College as the event offers them a chance to stay in one location while exploring southern Minnesota on daily routes ranging from roughly 40 miles to just under 100. Each day includes two or three route options designed to accommodate different experience levels while showcasing the region’s nature and communities.
“Every route is different,” Hardel said. “They’ll get to see the history, the trails and the beauty that we have here in southern Minnesota.”
This year’s riders will travel from Mankato to destinations including the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail to Faribault, routes through New Ulm, St. Peter, Le Sueur and surrounding communities. Route coordinator and Mankato local Adam Marti Rock has been riding in the event since 2023. He said the courses were designed to highlight what makes the area unique while giving cyclists options that fit a range of abilities.
Registration fees cover lodging, meals and operations and the event will boast fully supported rides, with fundraising proceeds that can be directed either to the host affiliate or to affordable housing organizations in participants’ own communities.
The event also incorporates activities beyond cycling.
On July 16, participants can spend part of the day volunteering at a Habitat home in St. Peter as part of the organization’s annual Build Day.
The Veteran’s Ride Day on July 18 is something organizers and riders alike are especially excited for, Hardel said. The Cleveland American Legion donated $2,500 so veterans can participate at no cost and will also provide the evening meal. Organizers have planned programming highlighting veterans’ housing challenges and a new initiative.
In recognition of the organization’s first ‘Veterans Build’, which officially broke ground July 9 in Eagle Lake, the project marks the launch of a new initiative focused on helping military veterans achieve affordable homeownership.
“With the increase in cost for homes, where people are just profiting off of others’ requirement to have a house,” Rock said, who is a veteran himself after 28 years of service, “organizations that help affordable housing are critical.”
Throughout the week, other evening programs will feature presentations from local leaders, community organizations and others discussing regional history, trails and affordable housing.
“There’s so much education to be done around affordable housing and what we do as Habitat,” said Sondra Herman, CEO of the south central affiliate.
Increasing public understanding of Habitat’s mission remains one of the organization’s ongoing goals, especially as affordable housing continues to be a growing challenge across the region due to rising construction costs, limited housing inventory and a shortage of buildable land.
Habitat for Humanity’s homeownership model is often misunderstood as being a giveaway, when in reality, they operate on a principle of “hand-ups, not hand-outs”, where buyers pay for and work on their own home, Hardel said.
“Getting to hear these families talk and the emotional side of it too has just been amazing,” Hardel said on listening to families they work with discuss “things that we don’t know or understand or may not be experiencing.”
Organizers continue to seek additional volunteers, particularly for two-hour rest stop shifts and the July 16 Build Day. Registration remains open and riders may participate for the full event or choose individual days. More information, ride details and registration are available at BikeBuildHome500.org.