The letter below is from Jon Siman pictured here with his wife Sharon and son Jessie:

       "As I write this invitation, the weather is not exactly turning my thoughts to the prospects of warmer weather to come and life without winter coat, gloves, and something to cover my lack of natural insulation on the top of my head. But, I guess it's at least snowing like April showers.  And, it is time to plan ahead, that dreaded notion my wife likes to taunt me with!  I actually had a call last week from a friend who cross-country skis on a daily basis.  He asked if I was interested in a trip to the Boundary Waters. I immediately thought there was no way I could consider such a skiing trek given my non-existent readiness for such an adventure.  Then he added, this August. I was totally impressed with his desire to plan his summer. I am offering you such opportunity!!!

      July 12-18 is the 17th annual Habitat 500 -- "a fully supported 500-mile, 7-day bicycle ride benefiting Habitat for Humanity; the ride has raised over $3.25 million for Habitat home construction in

       Minnesota."  This is your "call" to plan your summer and feel a sense of order in your life.  Like me in my initial response to my friend's invitation, you could react like this consideration is beyond the realm of physical "do-ability” and the excuses would flow through your head like snow that should be melting off our roofs. So, you need to be convinced that you have the wherewithal to participate in such a worthy fund-raising event.

      By happenstance I engaged a veteran participant in at least 9 of the last 16 rides.  At the time, 6 rides ago for me, I was in my mid-fifties and entertaining a kind-of-midlife-crisis that involved awareness I could feel better if I were more physically fit.  This encourager appealed to my ego that if he could do it at our age, why not me. I accepted the challenge. On the ride I have encountered riders ranging in age from 13 to 70 who will accommodate any pace you can manage. And yes, there are older riders than me that I can’t keep up with.

      If you are already an avid rider and don’t need to be convinced about your physical wherewithal, join us on one of the best-supported, 7-day bicycle excursions described by participants as a summer camp family reunion. Over 60 percent of the riders return each year.  And, what makes this camaraderie so inviting for repeaters and first-timers is the spirit that underlies the volunteerism that makes Habitat for Humanity work – teamwork and commitment to the cause of funding and building affordable homes is truly a blessing to all involved in the effort."

             JOIN US – The North St. Louis County HFH riding team needs you!!!

Jon Siman

North St. Louis County Habitat for Humanity

www.nslchfh.org

218-749-8910

Toll free 866-749-8910

PO Box 24, Virginia, MN 55792