Handlebars for the Homeless is a 16-mile guided bike tour of Detroit hosted by the Neighborhood Service Organization on August 16th. The NSO has been serving the community since 1955, and you can support their work by coming out to this event and cycling for a cause. Its an opportunity to do good, get a new perspective on the city, and learn about what the NSO has been up to.
“More than 16,000 men and women are estimated to be homeless in Detroit,” said NSO President and CEO Sheilah P. Clay. “Every day, our Homeless Recovery Services staff work to end, not just manage, homelessness and to give these individuals a second chance to transform their lives.”
Proceeds raised at the event will support NSO’s Homeless Recovery Services’ programs: The Road Home, Tumaini Center and NSO Bell Building, which seek to end homelessness in Detroit.
Detroit Bikes, a new sponsor this year, has donated an A-Type bike for NSO to raffle at the conclusion of the Handlebars. Retailing at $699.99, manufactured in Detroit, the company’s original model – a rich matte black powder coat finish. Detroit bikes will also provide demo bikes for participants to try out during the ride.
“Event participants can get a street-level view of the many positive things happening in Detroit, while also learning more about NSO’s life-saving homeless recovery programs that aim to get individuals living on the streets into permanent supportive housing,” said David Rudolph, a bicycle enthusiast, NSO board member and founder of Handlebars for the Homeless. “As the event starts and ends at the Bell Building, they have the opportunity to see first-hand NSO’s impact on 155 individuals living inside one-bedroom apartments they call home.”
The tour is expected to last until noon and will end with an after-ride yoga stretch provided by Detroit Community Yoga and a light lunch. Guided tours of the NSO Bell Building, which is home to 155 formerly homeless adults, will be available following the bike ride. Detroit Bikes also will be providing more than five demo bicycles that NSO consumers can use the day of the tour.
The raffle is open to all participants and the winner must be present to obtain a voucher to claim their bike at Detroit Bikes’ retail store.
Online registration for individuals is $30 through Sunday, August 9 after which the registration fee will be $35. Special Team Discount registration rates are also available based on the number of team members. For additional information, sponsorship opportunities and to register visit www.nso-mi.org.
All participants will receive morning refreshments, a high performance T-shirt, light lunch and after-ride Yoga stretch with Detroit Yoga Community. SAG (Support & Gear) will be available throughout the tour.
To learn more about NSO, call (313) 961-4890 or visit our website: www.nso-mi.org.