In 1996 I did my first Habitat 500 bicycle ride to raise money for a cause which I had learned about through my dad, Dick Lake. Dad was a builder who had learned of Habitat in 1975 and worked many hours on build sites all over the country for almost 25 years. He continued until Macular Degeneration robbed him of the vision he needed to travel and build. He supervised sites for Jimmy Carter work camps, led many Collegiate Challenge weeks and helped supervise construction of HFH International offices in Americus, GA. as well as leading many youth and adult work crews from his home church. After Mom's death in 1992, he continued the work they both loved and later met his second wife at a Habitat build!

Seven years ago a bicycling accident left me with a Traumatic Brain Injury which looked like the end of my two-wheeled adventures. Then in 2010 I became a subject in a research trial at the University of Wisconsin that has restored so much of my functioning that I can now balance two wheels and think fast enough to handle them! The restored ability to function, travel, etc. allowed me to be my Dad's caretaker in his final days. He died on April 4,2012, just 10 days short of his 90th birthday.

And so, this year I will do my best to once again ride the Habitat 500 in loving memory of my Dad who gave more to Habitat than I will ever be able to. With your help we could build a house in Dad's memory and in honor of all the homes he built for others.

Thanks for your support!