Under clear skies with a calming breeze blowing, cycling enthusiast and team captain of the Patterson-Schwartz Wheeltors, Dick Christopher began his uphill ascent through the woods of Bellvue State Park, while other members of the Wheeltors rode along side or behind him. On Saturday, June 12, Christopher and his team of nearly 70 riders made up one of dozens of teams and over 260 cyclists out for either a 14, 25 or 50 mile ride to raise funds and awareness for Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County as part of the 2010 Bike to Build Ride Honoring Rev. Chad Miller. The event's net proceeds of $120,000 was an increase of 4x compared to last year’s $30,000.

In the event's third year, but first year as Habitat being the lone event promoter,  Habitat NCC executive director pointed to a strong Bike to Build committee, a network of committed volunteers and outstanding community corporate sponsorship. "We’re extremely blessed to be supported by great Delaware companies such as Bank of America, ING DIRECT, Astra Zeneca, Delmarva Power, Patterson-Schwartz, State Farm, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Seasons Pizza and W. L. Gore, who all understand the problem of substandard housing and the importance of community involvement.”

The committee saw to it that riders on the route were well fed and watered, before, during and after the race. Wawa provided the light pre-race spread with their iced tea, water, pretzels and ice. Local political candidates John Carney, Michelle Rollins, Chris Coons and Mike Castle  staffed and supplied the four rest stops along the route and Season’s Pizza supplied their signature pizza for the post-race celebration.

Proceeds from the Bike to Build will be used to begin construction on Mill Stone, Habitat’s first multi-income level development consisting of 21 new townhomes located on Vanderver Avenue in Norteast Wilmington. Meeting and greeting individual riders were Darin Thomas and family, selected by the committee to be the recipient of the first home built in Mill Stone.

“On behalf of my family, we would like to thank all of the riders, volunteers, sponsors and committee members for all of their hard work, financial support and time to make this event successful.” said Thomas. My family and I look forward to participating in the event next year, hopefully as riders!”  

DONOR PRIVACY POLICY: We DO NOT sell or share our mailing list, not even with Habitat for Humanity International. We also subscribe to the "Donor Bill of Rights."