Cycle of Hope is Habitat for Humanity Manitoba’s signature cycling fundraiser. Whether you’re riding across Southern Manitoba or participating virtually from home, this FAQ is here to help you feel informed, prepared, and excited.
What is Habitat for Humanity Manitoba?
Habitat for Humanity Manitoba is a non-profit organization that helps families build strength, stability, and independence through affordable homeownership. Founded in 1987, Habitat Manitoba works across the province to partner with families who are working hard but cannot access safe, affordable housing through traditional means.
Habitat does not give away homes. Instead, we partner with families and communities to create a hand-up, not a hand-out solution to housing challenges.
Who does Habitat for Humanity Manitoba serve?
Habitat for Humanity Manitoba serves working, low-income families who:
· Are unable to qualify for conventional mortgage financing
· Are living in unsafe, overcrowded, or unstable housing
· Are committed to long-term homeownership and community involvement
Partner families come from diverse backgrounds and family structures, including single-parent households, multi-generational families, and families with children who benefit greatly from the stability of a permanent home.
How does the Habitat mortgage model work in Manitoba?
Habitat Manitoba uses an affordable homeownership model designed to keep housing costs manageable and sustainable:
As mortgage payments are made, those funds are reinvested into Habitat’s programs to help build homes for future families.
Where does Habitat for Humanity Manitoba build homes?
Habitat for Humanity Manitoba builds homes in Winnipeg and communities across rural Manitoba, ensuring families throughout the province have access to safe and affordable housing.
What are Habitat for Humanity Manitoba Chapters?
Habitat Manitoba works with 10 rural Chapters that support local builds, fundraising, and volunteer engagement in their communities. These Chapters are led by dedicated volunteers who help bring Habitat’s mission to life outside Winnipeg.
Current rural Chapters include:
· Brandon
· Carman-Dufferin
· Dauphin
· Gimli & District
· Killarney
· Neepawa
· Portage la Prairie
· Selkirk
· Virden
· Winkler-Morden
Together, these Chapters help ensure Habitat’s impact reaches families across Manitoba from larger centres to smaller rural communities.
How does Cycle of Hope support Habitat for Humanity Manitoba?
Funds raised through Cycle of Hope directly support Habitat for Humanity Manitoba’s homebuilding and family partnership programs. Every kilometre ridden and every dollar raised helps provide families with a safe, stable place to call home - strengthening communities across Manitoba for generations to come.
What is Cycle of Hope?
Cycle of Hope is a multi-day cycling fundraiser in support of Habitat for Humanity Manitoba. Funds raised help build safe, affordable homes for families across the province.
When does Cycle of Hope take place?
Cycle of Hope runs from August 3 to August 9, 2026. The virtual tour option starts when you sign up and can include any activity until November 30, 2026.
What are the registration options?
There are two ways to participate:
- Cycle of Hope: An epic, in-person, 7-day, 800 km journey across Southern Manitoba with a team of approximately 50 cyclists.
- Cycle of Hope - Virtual: A virtual option, where you can ride as much or as little as you like, on your own schedule, while fundraising and participating as part of the Cycle of Hope community.
Where does the event take place?
The Cycle of Hope travels approximately 800 km across Southern Manitoba. The virtual tour can be completed anywhere you choose (even online with apps like Zwift or Rouvy if you want).
How far do I have to ride?
The Cycle of Hope includes both “long” and “short” options for each day of the ride. Riders who choose the “long” option each day will ride up to approximately 800 km over the 7 days of the tour. Riders who choose the “short” option each day will ride approximately 400 km over the 7 days of the tour. On any given day, you can choose to ride the long option, the short option, or even less if you want.
The point of this is not to struggle or suffer, but rather to challenge yourself in a safe way and to enjoy the ride as much as possible. How far you ride on the Virtual Tour is entirely up to you – anywhere from a few kilometers to hundreds of kilometers over the period of the campaign.
Do I have to be an experienced cyclist?
No. Cycle of Hope welcomes riders of varying abilities, but participants should be comfortable riding on roadways with traffic and be capable of riding for extended periods of time. Participants should choose the option that best suits their comfort, fitness level, and availability. On any given day, a participant can choose to ride a longer or shorter route (or not at all) to match their ability on that day.
I’ve never done this kind of ride before – how do I prepare?
In the months leading up to the event, we’ll host monthly information sessions covering everything you need to know, including:
· What to expect on the ride
· What to pack (and what not to pack)
· How to prepare your bike
· Safe cycling in groups
· Fundraising tips and support
These sessions are also a great opportunity to meet your fellow cyclists and volunteers, ask questions, and build confidence. If you’re unable to attend in person, you’ll be able to join the information sessions by video conference. You don’t have to figure this out on your own, we’ll help you every step of the way.
How much physical training should I do?
Cycle of Hope is not a race. It’s a multi-day tour designed to be inclusive and supportive, allowing cyclists of different abilities to challenge themselves at their own pace.
Your training will depend on your current fitness level and how much you already ride. Some participants choose to follow a structured training plan, while others simply focus on riding their bike regularly. Both approaches are completely valid.
If you’d like guidance, experienced team members are happy to help you develop a training plan that works for you. There are also weekly group rides in Winnipeg, which are a great way to build fitness, practice riding with others, and boost confidence in a supportive environment.
Remember: consistency matters more than speed, and every ride helps you prepare.
What is the Virtual Cycle of Hope?
The virtual event that allows participants to ride anywhere, anytime, while fundraising and engaging with the Cycle of Hope community.
Is there a minimum distance for the Virtual Cycle of Hope?
No. Virtual participants can ride as much or as little as they choose.
How do I track my rides?
Virtual participants can manually log their rides through the OneCause platform or connect to Strava to automatically upload your activities.
Can Virtual participants join teams?
Yes. Virtual riders can create or join teams.
How do I register?
Registration is completed online through the Cycle of Hope website using the OneCause fundraising platform. Click HERE to register: https://p2p.onecause.com/coh2026
Is there a registration fee?
Yes. Registration fees vary by participation option and help cover event costs. Details will be outlined during registration.
Is my registration fee refundable?
Life happens - we get it. Even with the best intentions, plans can change and you may need to cancel your participation in Cycle of Hope. To help you plan with confidence, our registration fee refund policy is outlined below. Refunds are based on when you let us know relative to the departure date:
· 100% refund: More than 8 weeks before departure
· 50% refund: 6 - 8 weeks before departure
· 25% refund: 4 - 6 weeks before departure
· No refund: Within 4 weeks of departure
If you’re unable to participate, please reach out to the event team - we’re always happy to talk through your options.
Please note: Virtual Registration fees are non-refundable.
Is there a registration deadline?
Yes. Registration deadlines will be communicated on the event website. Early registration is encouraged.
Do I need to sign a waiver?
Yes. All participants must complete an event waiver during registration.
Is fundraising required?
Cycle of Hope is a fundraising event. In-person participants are required to meet a minimum fundraising goal and encouraged to raise funds over that level. Virtual participants have no set minimum fundraising goal, but as you fundraise, there are incentives. Raise $150, you will receive a commemorative t-shirt, raise $500+, you will receive a team jersey.
What is the minimum fundraising requirement?
Minimum fundraising targets vary by participation option and will be clearly communicated during registration.
Why is fundraising important?
Funds raised directly support Habitat for Humanity Manitoba’s homebuilding programs, helping local families access safe and affordable housing.
How do I fundraise?
Once registered, you’ll receive a personalized fundraising page through OneCause, which you can share with friends, family, and colleagues. We will provide you with fundraising tips and suggestions to help you get donations.
Can I accept offline donations (cash or cheque)?
Yes. Offline donations are accepted. Instructions on how to submit offline donations will be provided to registered participants.
Are donations tax receiptable?
Yes. Eligible donations will receive an official tax receipt in accordance with CRA guidelines.
When will tax receipts be issued?
Tax receipts are typically issued automatically by email after a donation is processed through OneCause. Donations that are received via cash or cheque will be mailed by Habitat for Humanity Manitoba once the funds are processed (typically, two weeks).
Does my employer offer matching gifts?
Many employers offer matching gift programs. Participants are encouraged to check with their employer and submit any required documentation.
What support is provided during the Cycle of Hope?
Cycle of Hope includes a group of dedicated volunteers who provide on-route support, which includes dedicated support vehicles, basic mechanical support, transportation, rest stops, hydration, snacks, and planned meal stops.
The Food Support volunteers will provide healthy meals each day, and in some cases local organizations in the towns we are visiting will host a meal.
I have specific food requirements – can you support this?
In most cases, yes. Our food support volunteers will do their best to ensure that any dietary needs are met, provided they are aware of them before the tour begins. In some rare cases, you may be asked to bring your own food, which the food support team can store and prepare for you.
Where do we sleep at the end of each day?
The organizing committee works closely with the communities we visit to arrange for local accommodations. In most cases this will be “camping” on the floor in a local gym, church, or community centre. You will be expected to bring sleeping gear (sleeping bag, cot or air mattress, etc.) and to set it up each evening and pack it up each morning. The support crew will transport your sleeping gear (and other luggage) to the next stop.
Is mechanical or medical support available?
Yes. Limited mechanical and first-aid support will be available along the route. All support team volunteers are trained in basic first aid and CPR. All of the support vehicles include first aid kits, automated external defibrillators (AED), snacks, water and essential supplies.
What if I can’t complete the entire distance?
Participant safety always comes first. Cycle of Hope is about showing up, doing your best, and being part of something bigger, not about pushing through at all costs.
If you’re unable to complete a segment for any reason, our support vehicles and event staff are there to help. They will transport you and your bike safely to the next stop or rest area. There is absolutely no shame in needing support - listening to your body, weather conditions, or personal limits is part of being a responsible rider.
Are training resources provided?
Yes. Registered participants will receive training tips, and preparation resources. There are also weekly group rides in Winnipeg to help you prepare.
Do I need to have an expensive road bike?
Not at all. You need to have a bike that you are comfortable riding, potentially for many kilometers per day. Many Cycle of Hope participants will have road bikes, but mountain bikes and other types of bikes are fine as well. We recommend against unicycles…
Are eBikes allowed?
Yes. eBikes are welcome for both Cycle of Hope and virtual tour participants.
Are there rules for eBike use?
All eBike riders must follow provincial regulations, ride responsibly, and ensure their bike is in good working condition.
Will charging opportunities be available on the Cycle of Hope?
Charging opportunities may be limited. eBike participants should plan accordingly, bring extra batteries and review guidance provided by the event team.
Can I join or create a team?
Yes. Participants can register as individuals or as part of a team.
Do team members need to ride together?
No. Team members can participate in different locations and at different distances while contributing to a shared fundraising goal.
How are team fundraising totals calculated?
Team totals reflect the combined fundraising of all team members.
Do you need volunteers for Cycle of Hope?
Yes. Volunteers play a vital role in supporting riders, logistics, and event operations.
How can I volunteer?
Volunteer opportunities and sign-up details will be shared closer to the event.
Are there age requirements for volunteers?
Some roles may have age requirements. Details will be provided with volunteer registration.
Is a helmet required?
Yes. Helmets are mandatory for all cyclists.
Are lights required?
Yes. All bikes must be equipped with front (white) and rear (red) lights for safety on the road.
Are we riding on bike paths or roads?
Cycle of Hope takes place on public roads and highways. The route is planned to avoid major highways where possible, but this is not always possible. Because the route is on public roads, it is important that riders obey the Highway Traffic Act, riding on the shoulder when possible and avoiding dangerous situations.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Cycle of Hope will proceed rain or shine, unless conditions are deemed unsafe. Any changes will be communicated promptly. If a segment has to be cancelled or shortened because of weather, support crews will transport all the riders and their bikes to the next stop.
Can donors give anonymously?
Yes. Donors can choose to remain anonymous when making a donation.
What if a donation is made to the wrong participant?
Please contact the Cycle of Hope team for assistance.
Who can I contact if I still have questions?
For additional questions, please contact the Cycle of Hope team at Habitat for Humanity Manitoba using the contact information provided on the event website.
Thank you for supporting Cycle of Hope and helping build safe, affordable homes for Manitoba families.