The History of Cycle of Hope
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The story of Cycle of Hope began with a moment that changed everything.
In July 1993, Habitat for Humanity Manitoba hosted the Jimmy Carter Work Project (JCWP)—the first time the project had ever taken place outside the United States. More than 1,500 volunteers from four countries gathered in a north Winnipeg school gymnasium for orientation, buzzing with excitement and purpose. Then the gym doors opened, and in rolled 75 cyclists from Minneapolis, known as the Cycle 500.
They hadn’t just chosen to pedal all the way to Winnipeg - they also tithed 10% of the funds they raised to support the build. Their generosity, determination, and joyful spirit captured the hearts of everyone in the room. Among those inspired were two Manitoba volunteers and avid cyclists, Lorraine Petkau and Olenka Antymniuk. Watching the Cycle 500 arrive planted the seed for something that would become a life-changing legacy.
In 1994, with the next JCWP set for Eagle Butte, South Dakota, Lorraine and Olenka began dreaming of a Winnipeg-to-Eagle Butte ride to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity Manitoba. Lorraine and her husband, Erv, set out on a scouting trip armed with little more than a handful of letters, determination, and a deep belief in Habitat’s mission. They mapped the route, connected with communities, and built the foundations of what would become the first ever Habitat for Humanity cycling fundraiser in Manitoba.
The ride was sanctioned by the Habitat for Humanity Manitoba Board of Directors and officially named Bike to Butte - a modest 1,000-kilometre journey down the highway.
Twelve cyclists and nine support crew members signed up for that first nine-day adventure. They launched from the 1993 JCWP build site in Winnipeg, receiving a heartfelt send-off and a musical blessing from local artist Steve Bell, who performed “On the Wings of an Eagle.” It was the perfect anthem for what lay ahead.
When the riders arrived in Eagle Butte, they were welcomed with thunderous applause by the Cycle 500 team and JCWP volunteers. Each cyclist was personally greeted by President and Mrs. Carter, which was an unforgettable moment etched into the soul of the event.
That first ride raised $36,000 - enough to build foundations for four Habitat homes. A powerful beginning, fueled by courage, kindness, and community.
With plans for the 1995 JCWP already underway in Los Angeles, the second ride - Bike LA ’95, came to life, and with it, the name that would define this growing movement: Cycle of Hope.
Since then, Cycle of Hope riders have pedaled thousands of kilometres through breathtaking places including the Canadian Shield, Kelowna, Chicago, Green Bay, Kansas City, Fernie, Denver, Nashville, Marquette, Niagara Falls, the Lewis & Clark Trail, Yellowstone Park, Waterton, Jasper, and two legs of the TransAmerica Trail.
Today, Cycle of Hope stands as Habitat Manitoba’s longest-running fundraising event.
To date, the ride has raised more than $4.5 million, helping 28 families build strength, stability, and independence through safe and affordable homeownership.
Each summer, up to 50 cyclists and a dedicated team of volunteers come together to be part of something bigger than themselves, an experience filled with camaraderie, challenge, beauty, and purpose.
If you love to cycle, whether you’re seasoned or just discovering the joy of the open road and you want to make a real, lasting difference for a local family, we invite you to join us.
