This year’s Habitat for Humanity of Clearfield County’s Bike2Build challenge has a new name, honoring its creator.
23 years ago, John Farr of DuBois started the bike-centered challenge to raise money for the organization that addresses the housing crisis in our area. Unfortunately, John passed away in February.
Executive Director Meri Collins explained that John’s “heart was so huge.”
The organization that was completely a volunteer group at that time, depended on John, who “did it all by himself” until 2020 when she was hired.
“He did this out of the goodness of his heart. He was so knowledgeable and the wisest man I ever met.”
It seemed appropriate for the challenge to now be called John’s Memorial Challenge.
John, a physics professor at Penn State DuBois, “touched so many lives. He was the face of Habitat for Humanity here for so long. This is a way to honor his legacy and keep it going forward.”
The Challenge began on Sept. 1 but continues through Oct. 31.
Those participating as riders can still set their own target and obtain pledges or donations from friends/family. You can also sponsor a rider or just make a donation toward their $50,000 goal.
“By joining us in John’s Memorial Bike Challenge, you are helping to carry forward the legacy of a remarkable man and ensuring that his vision for a better world continued to thrive. Together we can honor John Farr’s memory and make a positive impact on our community,” Meri said in a recent press release.
You can get in on the fun at www.charityfootprints.com/johnsride.
The bike challenge along with the other event John created, the King of the Mountain Bike Race, are the major fundraisers for the organization.
The race sets riders on the difficult task of riding from Clearfield over five miles up Rockton Mountain. As an avid bike rider, who always competed in other races, John chose the course.
This year the King of the Mountain Bike Race takes place on Sunday, Oct. 6. Registration begins at 11 a.m. at the Expo I Building at the Clearfield County Fairgrounds with the race starting at noon.
The course takes from 45 to 90 minutes to complete but the faster bikers have finished as quickly as 25 minutes, she said.
Since this is the first year without John, the hope is that these events will continue to be successful. Last year they raised $28,000.
John left quite a void and Meri noted that the core group of helpers that started with John 23 years ago, are getting older, and aging out of, or are more limited with their service. They are currently looking for volunteers and skilled workers.
They are also looking for more people to serve on their board. If you are interested, you can contact Meri at meri@clearfieldhabitat.com.
Habitat for Humanity of Clearfield County recently cut the ribbon on its 23rd home in the area.
“It is the national standard that we do one home a year,” Meri explained.
To keep up with their activities, you can follow Habitat for Humanity of Clearfield County on Facebook.