Please take 5 minutes and share your memories.

6.28 - Biggs
7.2 - Stark
7.13 - McGinnis
7.16 - Kaminska
7.29 - Burke
7.30 - Bosco
7.31 - Biggs
8.1 - Torr
8.2 - Story
8.3 - Stokes
8.4 - Stark
8.5 - Siddall
8.6 - Shuman
8.8 - Rossi
8.9 - Reynolds

AUGUST 9th, 2010 - San Francisco, CA From the Southern US presentation at SPUR

Hans -

1848 hours ago this group of Bike & Builders met for the first time in Atlantic Beach, FL, dipped their rear wheels in the Atlantic Ocean, Smiled for pictures, and started pedaling west. Along the way we crossed through 13 states, spent 15 days building, and spread the word about the need for affordable housing to anybody that would listen.

Anyone figured out the math yet? If you haven’t, 1848 hours is almost 77 days. It was May 27 and I talk about it in hours because Bike & Builders Bike, Build, and Fundraise nonstop. Ok, maybe there is a little fun mixed in there and maybe a couple of NARDS.

THANK YOUS

I can’t go any further without sharing one of my greatest honors of the evening – Please help me in thanking the network of support that has helped to make our Journey possible.

THANK YOU TO OUR

Familes

Friends

Donors

Gracious host across the country

Local Bike Shops

Giant Bikes

David Baker

AND MANY MORE

In order to thank our gracious hosts in San Francisco, I have to take you back to March when I started planning this celebration – so simply known as the End of Trip Celebration. I was new the Date would be today, August 9th, I new the location would be San Francisco (a city I knew little about), I knew celebrating a successful cross country cycling trip would be very important, in fact I was told – “This celebration IS so important – Don’t screw it up!” and last I was told “You have to plan and pay for a celebration for 33 riders and family and friends with $400.”

Fortunately I was introduced to the right people. People who have gone out of their way to help welcome Bike & Build with big smiles, open arms and this great party

Thank you Allison Arief. Allison and I started talking about this celebration 5 months ago and it wouldn’t be what it is right now without her. From day one, Allison has been our ally, our connection in San Francisco, and a wonderful supporter. She always has an answer (I asked some pretty special questions) and I always know she will get back to me right away.

On behalf of SUS 2010 – Thank you. Please accept this token of our appreciation for all that you have done. This jewelry is made from chain parts used to ride across the country this summer.

JULIE KIM AND SPUR

Next I would like to thank our host – the San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association and the Young Urbanists for welcoming us to San Francisco with this wonderful reception. For the past few months our other San Francisco ally has been SPUR’s Public Engagement Director Julie Kim.

Julie’s support has been wonderful. She listened to me ramble on about how I was leading a team of 33 cross-country cyclists riding for charity and that we would end in San Francisco and that I was looking for a guest speaker to say something encouraging to our group and that I had a budget of $400.

Julie listened to all that, didn’t hang up the phone, and instead told me, “We’d be happy to host your End of Trip Celebration – but when you get here you will have just cycled 4,000 miles across the country for charity – you all are going to be the guest speaker and Southern US is the encouragement!”

On behalf of SUS 2010 – Thank you. Please accept this token of our appreciation for all that you have done.

And as a THANK YOU to SPUR, SUS 2010 would like to honor an old Cycling tradition with this autographed Bike & Build Jersey as a symbol of our appreciation for the support you have provided.

Thank you

BACKGROUND

Before I introduce to you Bike & Build’s 2010 Southern US route and our presentation Jacksonville to San Francisco: Our Journey Across America, I want to give you some background information.

The 2010 Southern US route is many things.

Is filled with adventure,
Is Southern hospitality
Is Cowboys
Is missing Spain win its first ever World Cup
Is hot
Is cold
Is a lawless swamp and an even more lawless dessert
Is missing Alberto Contador win his second consecutive Tour de France
Is Flat
Is Mountainous
Is Tragic heartbreak & the constant love and support of the B&B family
Is home cooked meals so good you can’t stop eating until you belly hurts

THE SOUTHERN US of 2010 IS A SUMMER FILLED WITH 33 INCREDIBLE FRIENDS

The 2010 Southern US uses the following slogans

SUS 2010 – The Magical Mystery Tour
SUS 2010 – If there isn’t a headwind … We don’t ride
SUS 2010 – Do you want to have slumber party in my basement
SUS 2010 – Always a hill before the host
SUS 2010 – Boutte Approved – adding integrity everywhere we go
SUS 2010 – First we NARD, Then we Rage
SUS 2010 – We’re not done until we’ve gone TOO far

It is difficult, but some people try to quantify the 2010 Southern US

A few miles on gravel roads
A handful of cue sheet changes
13 states
A hundred flat tires
A thousand “No, take one more picture with my camera!”
8,000 calories a day – per rider
128,700 combined miles pedaled
And best of all, a million laughs

When we add all of this together and add in some luck, I get to say to you that today, August 9th, 2010, the 33 riders of the 2010 SOUTHERN US route rode coast to coast, dipped their wheels in the Pacific Ocean and completed the journey of a lifetime.

MY STORY

Before I Turn it over to PRESENTATION CREW, I’d like to share a story a with you. If you don’t already know, Bike & Build is a wonderful experience

The miles always impress people
33 Giant bikes make us look like a team
the Money raised gets people talking
and the Spandex, Well the Spandex gets lots of attention

But for me, one of the most important parts of Bike & Build is when all of these things come together and we get to do what we are doing right now … Raising money and awareness for Affordable Housing.

Over the course of the summer this conversation has taken many forms. A small group of riders and locals in a coffee shop, the chance to visit with a host after dinner, meeting the owner of roadside fruit stand who always gave us more than a sample, some talkative fisherman in the Gulf concerned about their livelihood, and this … A presentation to a captive audience.

I’d like to take you back to early June and to one of my fondest memories on Bike & Build. Our host is the Southern Baptist Church of Sopchoppy, FL and Pastor Dr. Bill Jenkins. We spent the second half of the day chased by a thunderstorm that eventually drenched most of the riders only a few miles from the church.

Dripping wet and very exhausted, we where greeted with tremendous Southern Hospitality. I know I told them there would be 33 of us, but they insisted on making enough food for twice that many people.

After dinner we had seconds and then thirds and then peach cobbler and then we drank sweet tea and eventually we joined the congregation for the Wednesday night service. Dr. Jenkins gave Bike & Build a warm introduction and invites “Brother Hans” up to the front of the sanctuary.

There we are, Bike & Build is really happening. We are really biking across the country. We really are miles away from home and in a new town every night. And there I am, a Yankee, standing at the front of the sanctuary looking out at 100 Southern Baptists.

The next thing I know, I have thanked “Brother Bill” (not Dr. Jenkins, oops), Thanked the congregation for a wonderful dinner and was part way through a story about how I felt at home in Sopchoppy because I am from a city called Kalamazoo and that my cities motto is “Kalamazoo … it’s a real place” and how Bike & Build was in “Sopchoppy … It’s a real place”

Don’t worry they didn’t get it either

The next thing I remember is that I’ve invited the small group of riders known as “presentation crew” to join me at the front of the sanctuary and they are sharing the Bike & Build story. By the end, despite more warm words from Dr. Jenkins, I still sense a feeling of hesitation from the congregation.

He thanks us again and asks that if we didn’t mind the church would like to “Pray over us” for a safe journey. Of course I agree and as I walk down to join the rest of the group, I hear Dr. Jenkins behind my say, “Ok Brother Thomas, Please get the rattle snakes out!”

At first, I didn’t know what to think and but congregation joined him in a good laugh and then circled around us in the sanctuary and prayed for our safe journey across the country. They were fine with the fact that Bike & Build doesn’t have a religious affiliation. I was told, “The work that we were doing was good enough for them.”

I WANTED TO SHARE THIS STORY FOR A COUPLE OF REASONS.

First, It is an great example of the tremendous support that people, both friends and strangers have shown to this group and to the Affordable Housing Cause. Without this support, Bike & Build wouldn’t be possible.

Second, according to the calendar, this story took place two months ago. But before I introduce tonight’s presentation crew, I want to help you understand that on Bike & Build, time is different. We operate on Bike & Build time. There are Bike Days and there are Build Days. No Mondays, no Fridays, no weekdays, and certainly no weekends. Just Bike & Build time. Part of me remembers this story as happening last week. And part of me remembers this story as happening a year ago.

The 2010 Southern US route accomplished something great this summer. While you listen to our presentation, consider our relationship to time – 4,000 miles with a constant headwind never went by so fast.

Now for the real reason y’all are here.

Please help me welcome the Riders, Educators, Builders, and Fundraisers of Bike & Build’s 2010 Southern US route.

SORRY YOU HAD TO BE THERE FOR THIS PART

THANK YOU

In closing, I want to thank Bike & Build for giving me the opportunity to help lead this trip, the Southern US Program Director Kristian Sekse, Allison Arief, Julie Kim, Spur and the Young Urbanists, all our donors, supports, hosts and everyone here for helping us celebrate the completion of our cross country trip.

Last, THANK YOU to the riders of the 2010 Southern US route.
.
Thank you for being strong riders
Thank you for being hard workers
Thank you for being committed to service
Thank you for following Colin, Cassie, Agata and myself across the country
Thank you for being the greatest group of Bike & Builders ever
And Thank you for the best summer of my life!

CUE SHEET
POINT REYES, CA to SAN FRANCISCO, CA
AUGUST 9, 2010

2 p.m. - Arrive at BAKER BEACH – NOT OCEAN BEACH

Battery Chamberlin Road
Presidio of San Francisco, CA 94129

Dip wheels and celebrate with family and friends. Because of the cold temperatures we will keep this part short

Depart Beach for Overnight Host and/or Hotel Rooms

The EcoCenter at Heron’s Head Park
800 Innes Ave, Unit 11
San Francisco, CA 94124

5 p.m. – Arrive at SPUR

654 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94105

6 p.m. – Bike & Build’s 2010 Southern US presents From Jacksonville to San Francisco: Our Journey Across America

7:30 p.m. – SUS 2010 and guest will move downstairs for a private diner. Space is limited. Dinner $15. Please pay Hans at the evening of.
Dinner provided by the Mexican restaurant Tropisueno. Meat and Vegetarian options will be available. Beer and Wine Provided with dinner. Please feel free to BYO if you like.

What better place to have a day off than beautiful Napa Valley, CA. We were supposed to have a build day but unfortunately it was cancelled. So instead I will hang out with my close friends as our journey comes to an end. The ride into Napa Valley was insane. The day was full of beautiful scenery,massive ascents, and crazy descents with the tightest turns. We really had to lean into them. Unfortunately the turns took a toll on two of our comrades. Cassie and Kate went down. Luckily, they were not seriously injured and were able to be with us as we rolled over the Golden Gate Bridge.

The morning was spent lounging at the host sight desperately trying to find a winery close enough for us to tour. When I woke up everyone had pretty much left (needless to say I slept in). After a hearty breakfast, Meira and I met up with a crew of adventurers and we boarded a bus to go to a winery 30 miles outside of Napa. Honestly, I can’t remember the name but I do remember it was a in a beautiful castle built on this huge hill. While everyone was showing up in fancy sports cars we were walking up the driveway with our camelbaks. It was quite a sight. Shortly after being in this castle we realized that we were back in public and we needed to act accordingly. Flatulence and giggles are not entirely acceptable. Anyway, the tour was really cool but the best part was just being with the other Bike and Builders. We are all trying to spend as much time together as possible. We had a great chance to hang out when we missed our bus back into town and had to wait on the side of the road for over an hour. Much hackeysacking and trying to hitch a ride ensued.

It’s really hard to believe how little time we have left together. Just being in California together blows my mind. I would be lying if I told you I wasn’t a little ready to go home. Just being on the road for this long is pretty taxing, not to mention the crazy routine we keep. But at the same time we have this little travelling community going here. We live in our own Bike & Build world where we all have our roles and our duties. It will be a sad day when this ends. It has been a pleasure filling you all in on my experiences, hope you have found it as therapeutic as I have…

Yours truly,

Cory

We Biked & We Built
Now We Celebrate

Please Join Bike & Build in Welcoming the
2010 SOUTHERN US route at the Pacific Ocean

Monday, August 9 2010 – San Francisco, CA

PART I

We are riding into San Francisco from Point Reyes, CA and will cross the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco before dipping our wheels in the Pacific Ocean at Ocean Beach.

12 pm – Cross the Golden Gate Bridge
12:40 – Wheel Dipping Ceremony
1:00 – Gather with family and friends

With cool temperatures and very cold water, we will keep this part of the celebration brief.

Next, we’ll stop at our host, the EcoCenter at Heron’s Head Park to unload and clean up for a very exciting evening.

PART II

The Young Urbanists at SPUR, San Francisco Planning + Urban Research Association, welcome the 2010 Southern US route with a reception at their new building. This event is open to the Public and Free to SPUR members and guests of the Southern US.

SPUR
654 Mission St.
San Francisco, CA 94105

5 pm – Riders arrive, and we encourage family and friends to join us then.

6 pm – Architect David Baker, Pepsi Refresh Ambassador Allison Arieff, and SPUR Public Engagement Direct Julie Kim welcome the Southern US to San Francisco and introduce riders.

The Southern US Riders present - From Jacksonville to San Francisco: Our Journey Biking and Building Across America.

7:30 pm – Bike & Builders, Family and Friends move downstairs at SPUR for a private dinner. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by contacting Hans Juntunen at hjuntunen@bikeandbuild.org. Seating is limited, please reserve your seats no later than Monday, August 2nd.

Please respond if

1. You are able to join us for the Wheel Dipping Ceremony
2. You are able to join us for dinner - Space is limited
3. You are available to help shuttle riders from Ocean Beach to the EcoCenter and to SPUR

Find out more about SPUR at

http://www.spur.org/events/calendar/welcome_bike_build_san_francisco

This tiny url is a map of our three locations: Ocean Beach, the EcoCenter, and SPUR. We will be providing a “Cue Sheet” and final timeline as the date approaches.

http://tiny.cc/5azg3

It has been a pleasure to ride with the Southern US this year. I look forward to meeting the family and friends of all these amazing riders. Please feel free to direct questions to hjuntunen@bikeandbuild.org or 517.256.8967

Thanks Again,

Hans

Thank goodness for another day off! Yesterday was quite a difficult ride and our first taste of some real Nevada desert. I'm really pleased to see that Ely has a McDonalds. The way I see it, there's no better way to spend a day off than hanging with the dollar menu. What's more, the McDonalds has a RedBox, and we're renting Hot-tub Time Machine to watch later. Other plans include visiting the casino in town (which looks a little sketchy) and visiting the lake that we rode by on the way in. Hans did an extra 14 miles to take a peek at it yesterday and said it was worth visiting. In addition, yesterday we began our long journey down US Highway 50, or the loneliest road in America.

Apparently you can get a little passport thing somewhere here in town that you get stamped at every other town across Nevada, and when you reach the other side, you can mail it in to get a certificate that says, "I survived the loneliest road in America!" I think it will be extra meaningful having accomplished the feat on my bicycle. Per usual, we have a mountain of frozen pizzas, which I intend on cooking as soon as possible. This is the first time in a while that we've had internet, though, and everyone (myself included) is busy taking care of odds and ends. I'm not sure what to expect as we roll out tomorrow.

Exactly how lonely is the loneliest road in America? Eureka is the next stop and I believe we're staying in an elementary school. I'm on dinner crew, and to me that means that we will either have a full kitchen or have to cook on the sidewalk with our Coleman grill-master. I'm hoping the former.

Justin Butler

Wow—what a day. Today was my second century (my back went out before I could finish the last century), and it was filled with quite a range of emotions and energy. I definitely had not fully recovered from yesterday’s 94 mile ride; I woke up groggy and lethargic with almost zero will to get on the bike. The first 40 miles were very very very slow. While I did manage to stay awake the whole way, my eyes did shut for more than a few seconds, and I almost swerved into the gravel several times. Luckily, my friends Meira and Spoo were looking out for me and kept me at attention by singing at the top of their lungs.

After lunch, I rode with sweep (Z and Anna) the rest of the way. Although I was really discouraged at first to be riding with sweep because I just did not want to get into the host site super late, I enjoyed their company. I didn’t think I was going to finish today—I was so close to giving up and calling the van. Fortunately, Z reminded me that I had half a pack of Twizzlers in my pack. Oooh man did they do the trick. A few minutes after eating a couple, my energy boosted right up, and I felt confident enough again to finish 108 miles.

Towards the end of the ride around mile 80, we hit a mountain pass with a 6% grade ascent. Okay so by now, all of us SUS riders know Z is a bit crazy on the bike. While Anna and I slowly made our way up the mountain, Z rode ahead to catch another cross country cyclist we had a met a few minutes before. While I was halfway up, I saw Z riding back down to ride with me the rest of the way. When I got to the top, he rode back down to meet Anna, who was farther back behind me, to do it all over again. Crazy kid.

That’s probably one of the things I love most about Bike & Build—that everyone looks out for everyone else. Meira and Spoo could have gone ahead of me and finished the day earlier. Instead, they stayed back to make sure I made it to lunch alright. Thanks, girls. =D And Z—making sure Anna and I got up the mountain safely and pushing us to go faster. It made the climb so much more bearable.

But what really got me through was the thought of P2S and Paige Hicks. Before we left the host site this morning, Luke reminded us that P2S would joyfully do a ride two or three times harder than ours today if they could do it with every single person on their team. That hit me hard, and as exhausted as I was this morning, the thought of P2S’s decision to finish their route in honor of Paige kept me from calling Colin and getting in the van.

Christina

– Before I begin, I'd like to ask you all to please keep the Hicks family and the Providence to Seattle trip members in your thoughts and prayers. --

My legs are tired.

Today was the most difficult day of my summer so far. We finally entered Nevada, but not before muscling through 20mph headwinds (gusting at 1,000,000mph) and mashing up – and going painfully slowly down – countless hills. The last 10 miles was particularly difficult; we climbed at the snail's pace of 7mph. A four-year-old on a tricycle can go faster than that.

However, I am always amazed by the good cheer after a long and difficult ride. Despite the awful conditions, Zack, Justin, Z, Scott, Brandon and I managed to have a delicious dairy-filled feast and hilarious conversation on the lawn of our host, the Pioche Elementary School. At the final count, we each consumed approximately 2,000 calories and 100g of protein in a 15-minute span. And that was just a snack.

There are a lot of really funny people on this trip, and I am so thankful for that. It makes tough days like today so much better to swallow. Most of the humor comes in the form of sarcastic comments: today a lot of conversation centered around our 108-mile ride tomorrow through similar terrain. Nevada is clearly going to be our most difficult state, both physically and mentally. Our next week looks like this: 108-mile ride, day off, 80-mile ride, 70-mile ride, 110-mile ride, 102-mile ride. While you're doing the math, my legs are preemptively screaming in agony.

To the best of our knowledge, Nevada only has two things – Las Vegas and desert (sorry Nevadans). So we decided to get a bit creative to make our week less painful on the mind (our bodies are going to hurt no matter what). One thing is a scavenger hunt. We are in the process of writing a list of items/pictures/funny things to do during our week in the Silver State. We'll split into teams and collect points for our accomplishments. We will also be collecting passport-style stamps in towns between Ely and Reno. Apparently, if we collect every stamp and send them to the state, they will send us a certificate that says “I survived the loneliest road in America.” So that's cool.

Anyway, we are having an incredible journey. Seeing the Grand Canyon was absolutely spectacular (shout out to Uncle Steve and Aunt Sue for hooking us up!). It's sad to think we're only two weeks out from San Francisco (yikes!) so I think I speak for everyone when I say we are soaking it all in far past saturation. I'll miss my Bike and Build family when it's all said and done.

That's it from me for this summer. I hope you're enjoying our blog as much as we're enjoying our trip. It's been a pleasure sharing with you and I hope to see you in San Francisco!

Alex Cohen

Last night we camped at Camp Lutherwood in Long Valley Junction, UT. We started off the day’s ride by backtracking the 2.3 miles of gravel road that lead to the campsite. Some people charged the gravel road with no hesitation while others were more timid and chose to walk it instead. After making it through the gravel, the first 23 miles of the ride we almost all climbing. Our elevation in Long Valley Junction was about 5800 feet and the maximum elevation we reached was about 10,000 feet at the summit of the mountain.

The morning was challenging but we were rewarded after lunch with a sweet 15 mile long descent into Cedar City. The descent had grades varying from 4%-8%, which is pretty steep. There was one section of the descent where there was a tight S-curve in the road. It was exciting to see that your bike can actually take curves like that at a faster speed than cars can. I hit my personal fastest speed during the descent which was 46.6 mph. It’s really exhilarating to move that fast on a bike!

In Cedar City we were hosted by the Southern Utah University. We stayed in a dorm building which meant that we all got beds to sleep in! That was exciting for us because that rarely ever happens on Bike & Build. For dinner we got to eat in the campus dinning hall which brought back memories for all of us of our college experiences. The dinning hall also provided us with boxed breakfasts in the morning. We tried to enjoy the provided food while we could because for the next five days in Nevada we’re going to be making all of our own meals. Thanks Southern Utah University!

Kate Colberg

Saturday

Today was a bit of an anomaly because the Rivers of Life Fellowship Church at
the Kanab Senior’s Center provided breakfast a few miles away from the church
itself where we had spent the night. We were able to sleep in until 5:45 and
donned our helmets and cycling gear for a brisk morning ride to food. Despite
having eaten at the center last night, we took the scenic route to breakfast,
meandering our way through the town as it too woke from slumber.

Interestingly enough, there were quite a number of people out and about setting
up chairs along the sidewalk- turns out today is a state holiday here in Utah!
This is Pioneer Day, the day that Utah celebrates its statehood. Apparently the
celebrations are comparable to the 4th of July- there are parades, cookouts, and
sometimes fireworks too. A number of riders had the opportunity to ride their
bikes in a parade that ran along our route today. Decked out in our red, white,
and blue Bike & Build gear, we added a little flair and a few extra wheels to the
festivities.

The route itself was relatively short in mileage, 50 total which took us through
beautiful gorges between sand dunes and mountains speckled in small pines and
desert brush. The route’s challenge today wasn’t distance, but rather the climb
up to Long Valley Junction- our total ascent was 3400 ft and the sun was fierce.
Thankfully we passed through two towns that offered some relief from the road
where there were places to rest and even a rock shop where they sold all sorts of
beautiful handcrafted stonework from the nearby hills and mountains.
Arriving at our host, the Lutherwood Campground, was an adventure all its own.

The campground is situated about 3 miles off the main road, only accessible by a
gravel path that winds up and down and around the foothills. Some people opted
to ride, others walked, either way it was difficult. The trek was well worth it though
because we were greeted with warm smiles from the campground host and the
area is beautiful- open fields, picnic benches, and showers! There is nothing so
sweet as common luxury when you are on Bike & Build.
S
hout out to all the P2S riders and their families and friends. SUS rides with you.

Victoria Collins

Shirking the opportunity to write post cards and do rim trails, several of us decide to hike five miles into the Grand Canyon to play in the frigid water and natural waterslides of Roaring Springs; today we pay. The spring water was like an ice bath: shocking at first, but kind to our weary muscles after several tough days of riding and bushwhacking from the trail, scaling down cliffsides and boulders. Perhaps if the springs were at the top of the North Rim instead of halfway down, we would have adventured into the Canyon’s precipitous wonder past mules and travelers from all over, hiked back up, stood in the springs, and emerged refreshed and ready for our next 80 mile day, into Kanab, Utah. But the Springs weren’t at the top at all, and we made great time hiking back up, which is why, this morning, our small cadre – Alex, Scott, Colin, Annie, Kate, Josh, Jenn, Z, Justin, Chelsea, Luke, Brandon, and me – walks toward the showerhouse trying to avoid using our quads, calves, rear muscles, and just about anything needed for walking.

Despite our huffing and puffing, it’s a beautiful, crisp morning in the green, elevated forests of Arizona. We’re at 8800 feet, where the rain is plentiful, headed 3000 feet down the mountains back into the desert. We glide out of the place fast over rolling hills through the lined spruce and pine of the Kaibob National Forest and, which we see on the emerald grass, a curious herd of American buffalo.

I lose my traveling companions to the funny stares of the buffalo and, already ahead of them by a ways, take the opportunity to “crush it” the whole forty-two miles into Jacob Lake. I was in the van the other day when we rode this route, and mostly asleep in the van, so I am freshly stunned by the beauty and greenery of high-elevation Arizona – even in the broad areas scarred by natural burns – when I had only expected desert and ranchland from the place.

After famous cookies in the Jacob Lake Inn, I reconnect with Alex and Zack we painfully mount our bicycles (still paying for the hike yesterday) and take it easy over rollers while we talk about girlfriends and friends and plans and life, RVs owned and rented along with bike rack-equipped cars and motorcycles streaking toward the great gorge.

We descend nearly 4000 feet into a completely different scene: from the blasted, close rocks of the plateau road, we emerge into the stark desert, where beauty is to be found in backlit mesas and buttes, not trees, where cows look at us curiously as we pass by instead of furry woodland creatures and bison. The heat greets us too, quickly making us stop to strip off arm warmers and Under Armour and tights, a headwind hindering our progress but taking several degrees off of the oppressive 100+.

Later, Luke asks us if we were sad to emerge once again into the desert after experiencing such lushness on the plateau. For my part, I don’t think I’m sad. Experiencing this part of the country for the first time, every family’s pebble yard is intriguing, every rock formation glorious in its shrub-covered expansiveness, and every sunrise and sunset… well, they’re just awesome. While we are piling Jenny and Jill on Hans’ shoulders, making human pyramids, and dangling from the Utah sign – its slogan/catchphrase is “Life Elevated” – we’re told it’s going to be some of the most beautiful riding of the country, before a tumbleweed rolls toward us and, in mock danger, Zack dives in front of it to “save” us. Soon we’re washing clothes, singing karaoke at the church, and eating taco salad at the Senior Citizens’ Center, another Bike & Build day in the bank, another statefull of people kind and welcoming, stoked for what we are doing, all of us casting a disbelieving eye on the encroaching calendar boxes as we move day by day closer to San Francisco, only Nevada left to tame before the wilds of California and the cool breeze of the Pacific.

Adam Darragh

Today was a much needed day off for us riders as the last few ride days have been, to put it nicely, challenging. After hearing last night from some locals that the sunrise over the Grand Canyon is magnificent, a group of us decided to wake up at 4:45 am to walk the one mile over to the lookout point.

On days off people usually want to sleep in and when my alarm went off this morning so early I almost ignored it and went back to bed but it was so worth it. I couldn’t even feel how cold it was outside because the adrenaline of trying to make it over to the rim in time was flowing through my body. We climbed off the path onto a gathering of boulders and made it just in time for the sun to start rising. Honestly words can’t describe how beautiful the scenery was; even the million of pictures we all took will not do the sunrise justice.

After watching in awe of the canyon we all went inside the lodge and had a real breakfast; no bagel and peanut butter for me, I ordered myself a heaping portion of “Grand Canyon French Toast.” It was so nice to enjoy a meal with my fellow riders and now closest friends as we discussed how short of a time we actually have to spend with one another (18 days!). It was a conflicting feeling that came over me. Half of me is counting down the days till we finally reach our destination point, seeing my family, and sleeping in a real bed but the other half is wondering how I am going to survive without seeing all my new friends every minute of every day. I am really going to miss a lot of these people but I guess we will just have to focus on reunions which are already in the works.

But enough nostalgia for today; we still have about 3 weeks together. Back on topic…breakfast was delicious and we were completely content on our hike back to the campsite where we all instantly went back to sleep.

The rest of the day was rather quiet as the half of the group that decided not to watch the sunrise, hiked to some water springs during the day. My group relaxed in the campground store reading, writing a myriad of postcards, and for the most part just enjoying not riding our bikes and letting our very sore bodies take a break.

The evening was nicely wrapped up with a chili and hot dog dinner that was provided by Alex’s family. We appreciated it immensely. Now all there is to do is some routine maintenance on our bikes and roast some s’mores and head off to sleep for another day of riding tomorrow. Although, in my case at least, it has not been the most eventful day off it has definitely been the most relaxing and rewarding day off. I am already planning my next vacation to the Grand Canyon.

Thank you to all the families who continue to follow our journey and who offer their continued to support in all that we are doing. I also want everyone reading this to keep the family and friends of Paige Hicks in their prayers this week. Bike & Build as a whole has lost an amazing person and we are all mourning this horrible tragedy.

Lizz Doyle

After hearing the terribly sad news about Paige the night before, we all woke up with heavy hearts….an hour earlier than expected! Oops, someone accidentally set an alarm for 5am instead of 6am! The time changing so many times is really getting annoying! Some of us decided to just get up early, while others tried their hardest to get a few more zzz’s in before 6. A couple people decided to take the day off of riding under the circumstances. The group was still in a little shock, but coping well. To Paige’s family, P2S, and everyone affected by this accident, SUS is praying for you, and we send our sincere condolences.

After packing up all the tents and gear most of the group headed to the Inn to grab some coffee and food before heading out on the short 43 mile ride into the North Rim. It was a pretty morning, except for the massive massive headwind! The first 11 miles was all uphill, and the headwind did not make it any easier! At times, some gusts felt like they stopped you in your tracks! For a 43 mile ride, it definitely took a lot longer than any of us expected. I did not feel so great, and by the end I was dead! I think that epic climb the day before had caught up with me! The ride was beautiful with forests and meadows – no really, forests and meadows! At about half way, my group stopped to pick flowers. Each one of us picked a “bouquet” for each of the leaders. When we got to the campground at the North Rim, we set up and collected ourselves before going to the lodge to check out the Canyon!!!! For many of us this was our first time seeing it. It was unreal, and it looked like a painting! After sitting and staring in awe for a long time just enjoying the view, we headed back to camp to start dinner – burgers and s’mores! Man, the s’mores were tasty and brought back some great childhood memories! As it got dark outside, we gathered around the campfire telling stories, and then we hit the sack early. Most of us had plans to either get up at 4:45 to watch the sunrise over the Canyon or to wake up to start a 10 mile hike down 3,000 feet to Roaring Springs! Yay for a day off in the Grand Canyon!!!

Annie Ferguson

The goal for what was supposed to be our hardest day of riding yet, was to get to Jacob’s Lake (which doesn’t have a lake) and reward ourselves with the best cookies and milkshakes around. Let’s just say the day didn’t quite go like that…

Alia and I were scheduled to ride sweep on our most challenging ride day. We got off to a late start because of the chaos of having to change the two flats I had before we hit the road. However, this late start didn’t keep us from smiling and looking forward to smashing the mountain at the end. We were preparing mentally all day for this 13 mile climb that awaited us at the end of the ride. Most of the day we biked in a terrain that had canyons, canyons, and more canyons. Alia and I agreed that it almost looked like someone put perfectly rectangular slabs of red clay everywhere and watched it melt like ice cream into ripples cascading on the side of the road.

Obviously riding sweep can get lonely between two people. You’re cycling with the same person all day and you’re lucky to come up on riders who won’t sprint off away from you the second they see you. Today’s ride was far from lonely. Alia and I had such a blast. Our conversation about appreciating surprises or unexpected things got us to the top of a hill that had the tiniest crevice of rock where the road squeezed through. It was like entering a cave, but on the other side was an unexpected decent that winded it’s way down into a valley where we crossed the Colorado River. We got off our bikes to walk a bridge that gave us a better scenic view. It just so happens we ran into a college-aged guy who was studying condors. He told us about how they are practically extinct and only 180 still exist today. He showed us through his binoculars two of them that were camping out in the Canyon of the Colorado River. We actually got to see them take flight and glide over the River with their incredible wing span. The funniest thing about this guy was that he had applied for Bike and Build but missed the deadline. Hopefully we convinced him to give it another go.

We were in our last 25 miles when Alia and I were getting each other pumped up for our hardest climb yet. We wanted desperately to make it to the top and see everybody with our hearts racing because of all the adrenaline we were going to have after this tedious climb. As we were approaching the end, we saw a storm closing in on the mountain we were suppose to climb. The sky was progressively getting darker and fog was starting to consume the tips of the mountains. The storm was absolutely beautiful and docile as we chased it on our bikes. Rain or Sunshine we were going to take this mountain and make it even more epic. It wasn’t long before the van came up on us and at that moment my heart sank. I knew Hans was coming to pick us up, because the weather was just going to get worse. Everything all of sudden got very chaotic. We raced up the windy mountain road searching for riders to pick up. At first it was just drizzling but as we inched up the 13 miles, the drizzle turned to rain and the rain to hail. Who knew it could hail in July? It was like a huge frantic chase and every few miles we had to pile riders in the car. It was the first time we had to take 22 riders off the road in one day.

A common trend in the southwest is to see a double rainbow at the end of a storm. After letting the storm settle, Hans and I made the trek back down 18 miles to pick up 22 bikes that were left behind when riders had to jump in the van. As we picked up all the bikes, I felt lucky to see the two vibrant stripes in the sky symbolizing the completion of this one crazy hectic day. Although not getting to climb was a let down, the best part of the day was knowing that we all made it in to Jacob’s Lake exhausted, drenched, safe, and together.

Today was the longest ride of my life. Literally—the ride was 103 miles into Paige, AZ. We woke up bright and early in Kayenta 5:00 am. We had breakfast, loaded the trailer and headed West. I rode out with Rae-Leigh, Jenny, Jill and Kate. The start of the day was TOUGH. It was extremely windy. We pace lined and still only managed to keep an average of 11.

At mile 16 we made plans to keep going until mile 20 and then take a break. It motivated us to fight the wind. Right at mile 20 we were confronted by a ‘giant’ hill in the distance. We decided we ought to climb it before stopping, and have our break at the top of the hill. Reaching the top of the hill there was one of the most beautiful sights we had seen all day: a gas station.

We went to the gas station for our break and loaded up on sugar and ice. I had a hostess cake and it was delicious! Just after the gas station we turned onto a new highway and the wind changed from a head wind to a cross-wind. It was not great, but MUCH better than the crazy head wind. After a few miles back on the road, Kate’s bike broke. Sad face. The shifter cable frayed and broke. Jenny and Jill rolled ahead while Rae-Leigh, Kate and I waited for Agata. After Kate was picked up, Rae-Leigh and I crushed the last few miles to lunch.

After lunch Rae-Leigh and I rode and rode and rode. We cycled passed some beautiful scenery—including a rock, which looked like a pregnant woman lying on her back. Somewhere around mile 65, halfway up a “mountain” Rae-Leigh got a flat tire…another sad face. Once her tire was fixed we rolled forward once more.

At mile 75 we were greeted by a light show. The storm included massive amounts of lightening and some intense rain clouds. Fortunately for us, the storm shifted the winds, and the last twenty five miles included a pretty awesome tail wind. I rode the last twenty five miles with Jenn and Josh (who we met up with at second lunch). The best part of the ride was a 6 mile descent. It was AMAZING.

Once we got into town we headed toward the church. We were, of course, met with a nice ‘little’ climb to get to the church (climbs to the host seem to be a constant). Just as sweep rolled in, the sky opened up and it down poured!!! It even hailed! Our host told us that it only rains like that once every few years! Our host, St. David’s Episcopal Church, fixed an amazing super with lots and lots of pasta… and delicious ice cream sundaes.

After dinner, everyone passed out. It was a very long and intense day, but at the end of it I felt pretty accomplished. It is amazing that the body can physically bike 103 miles in one day. Good prep for the 110 mile day in Nevada……

Cassie Holtz

Teec Nos Pos to Kayenta

The most frustrating part about this trip is how many photographs I imagine taking but can’t. There are a number of reasons. 1.) My good camera—my Nikon, strains my back if I try to bring the 3 pound wonder up the monstrous hills. 2.) When you have 100 miles to go you can’t stop every 5 seconds to take a picture. 3.) My little point-and-shoot camera that I do bring with me doesn’t do the world justice and I lost it on the road today anyways…

No worries, someone found it. But still. There is a reason why they describe the west as having “painted deserts”. Arizona is glorious to the eye balls. You fly down canyons and see layers and layers of red rock and hazy, blue mountains to match the big open sky. Plants are sparse but a vibrant green. And prairie dogs rustle by when we ride past. It looks like a painting. And no photograph that I could ever take can help you understand that.

I just talked to a woman at a church we were staying at who said when she drove through the east coast she was claustrophobic because trees were surrounding her. It blows my mind that the desolate, open landscape is a comfort to those that grow up here. I mean it’s beautiful, but by the afternoon, I’m sick of it.

The heat. I recently went to the emergency room to get medicine for what the doctor described as, “WOW! Your nose looks angry! The whole inside is cracked.” Yes, the dry heat caused my nose to crack and bleed. Breathing in the over-100-degree heat is problematic. I often get goosebumbs in the boiling wheater and I can’t imagine that’s good. And the other day I could have sworn I saw a giant snow globe in the middle of the desert. Yeah.

But, it doesn’t take much to please this group. We rode 76 miles today—the whole way anticipating paradise—or Sonic, that awaited us in Kayenta, Arizona. And it did not disappoint. I bought 2 large iced drinks. And there were donkeys at the drive-up stations. No joke. With a desert background. It was a perfect shot for a photograph that I did get.

Jill Houser

New Mexico - Another state down. It's hard to believe, but today we leave the Land of Enchantment behind and ride into Arizona. I think I can speak for the whole group when I say that New Mexico has been our favorite state to ride through.

We did our first categorized climb on our way into Mosquero. Completed a 97 mile ride into Las Vegas, NM in 100 degrees. Enjoyed a much appreciated day off in Santa Fe. Swam in the very refreshing Abiquiu Lake. Built in Farmington. And fell in love with the landscape and people here.

Writing this, I am breaking a promise to a gentleman at our host in Farmington. He and I spoke about why he enjoyed New Mexico so much; the weather, landscape, and relaxed atmosphere. He made me promise not to tell anyone how nice it is here because if everyone knew, they would all move here too. So if anyone asks, Texas borders Arizona, not New Mexico.

Southern US would be content to stay in New Mexico forever, but adventure waits. Today we enter the Navaho Nation and will be at the Grand Canyon by the end of the week. As we enter the dessert and prepare for even longer and hotter days, spirits are very hi. I am fortunate to be with such a supportive family.

In the next few days, Southern US doesn’t expect to have internet access and there will be limited cell phone reception. Please know we are riding strong, staying safe, and will be in touch as soon as possible.

Please look for End of Trip Celebration plans on the Bike & Build website soon. August 9th San Francisco – I hope to see everyone there!

Thanks again for all your support.

Best,

Hans Juntunen

p.s. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM - I LOVE YOU

Cuba, NM to Farmington, NM
Flirting with the New Mexican High Desert at 7000 feet and the Big 100

Today was our first official century! And I am proud to announce that everyone completed the ride! The day began early, backtracking back up the last five miles of hills that we descended at the end of the previous day. We were lucky with a cool cloud cover for most of the morning and speedy rolling hills that allowed us to make some good time.

It certainly felt like we were starting to descend but to our surprise we saw at least five elevation signs for 7000 feet, so it turns out we were pretty much hovering around 7000 feet for the majority of the day. At some point in the fist part of the day we crossed the continental divide which separates the bodies of water that flow to the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Spectacular hydro-carved, rustic-colored landscapes turned into agricultural countryside.

Then, less than 15 miles to go: SURPRISE 8% CLIMB! Up we went and up we went and UP WE WENT and finally we get to the top and what an amazing view of the town laden valley below. Then down we went, 9% GRADE! Several people hit 40 mph down that descent, one person almost hit 50 mph, and another even passed a semi. Our day ended with an extremely warm welcome from the Farmington First Presbyterian Church and a fabulous potluck where we got to enjoy the company of church community members. Thank you First Presbyterian Church for making us feel so welcomed and for all your support.

Dear Diary,

Today I had a MAGNIFICENT ride. Nice and flat, with a cool tailwind, cute little monkeys chittering in the palms trees overhead, cabana boys waving to us from the side of the road, offering us ice cold lemonade and Clif Bars and shoulder rubs.

But then I woke up.

According to our cue sheet, we had 59.1 miles to go from Abiquiu to Cuba, NM. Normally the concept of a 60-ish-mile ride feels like cake. Today it was that fruitcake you get from Aunt Ethel for Christmas, put in the basement, and take out five years later to find that it looks exactly the same. Like a hard brick. Even mold is afraid to touch it. You might feel a little bad, but ugh, who really honestly wants that??

The entire ride consisted of hills, hills and more hills, with some headwind and construction and no shoulder thrown in for good measure. Getting to our lunch stop at mile 32 was possibly the hardest pedaling yet. I was so so tired. Maybe it was the dryness or thinner air due to elevation (~7000 ft), but I was feeling it. My whole body was screaming, “Stop torturing me!!"

BUT. Let it not be known that I am a whiner! I was actually smiling the entire time, thanks to my superb riding companion, Meira. Oh, I love that girl. She keeps me chugging along the entire time, constantly reprimanding me for not spinning on descents, telling me what mileage we are at (knowing that it is something I abhor to hear), asking me personal questions that I can’t help but answer, singing to me in her special little off-key voice that somehow gets higher and higher until my ears are ringing and I just want to cut them off… oh yes, I love her. I will not ride until she is by my side in the morning. I NEED her. She is my rock. When we arrive in San Francisco (together, of course), I will bawl like a little baby and hug her until she pops.

After lunch, it got easier. We cruised four or five miles to the town of Gillana(?), where Meira and I split a Red Bull (pronounced “red BULL”). 16 oz total, which means 8 oz each, which we guzzled down like animals. “Lightly carbonated”? I think that is questionable. Luckily everyone on this trip is past the honeymoon stage and now we can burp, flatulate, scratch, etc. around one another without a twinge of self-conciousness. Although I wish Jill would burp less and Colin would fart less. Just sayin’.

The woman who owned the convenience store was incredibly nice and interesting, as well as interested in Bike & Build. She showed us pictures of her grandson (who is adorable!) and it turns out that she is originally from Santa Fe, a city we just visited that has stolen a spot in my heart. THESE are the moments I live for, what makes this trip so rich. I love talking to strangers and learning their life story, having a cross-cultural exchange. Everywhere we go, people are so open and kind. And often we meet people who we have a connection with. Six degrees across the country. It’s crazy! There is always a person from one of our hometowns in the checkout line in some random store, or (like last night) a guy camping out in front of our chuch host site who just happens to be next door neighbors with one of our team leaders.

I may be writing too much. Our days are just so full, and yet simple; They can all be summarized with one sentence: we woke up and rode our bikes and then went to sleep exhausted. The end.

Hasta luego,
Spoo

Originally today was supposed to be a build day, however the Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity, like many H4H organizations, takes Sundays and Mondays off as their weekend because Saturday is the ideal day for volunteers to come to the build sites. While we were bummed the build day fell through, nobody was going to turn down a day off, especially in the picturesque city of Santa Fe.

Most of us slept in until 7 or 8. My first stop out on the town was Aztec Café. I ordered the Aztec mocha (your standard mocha with a hearty dash of cayenne pepper) and took advantage of the free wifi. The cayenne and coffee combination was a bit much for a few of my fellow riders, so I ended up an extra drink or so to enjoy. Some people headed to the library to use the internet, while others strolled along the plaza and explored the boutiques and small shops. Unfortunately those other cyclists across the pond also had the day off, so a much-desired Tour de France viewing would have to wait for another day.

Many of us took advantage of Santa Fe’s multiple bike shops to restock on the essentials before heading out to the desert. Big thanks to Melo Velo and Santa Fe Bike and Sport, both of which helped us out with discounts and gear advice. I made the obligatory bike shop visit, as well as trips to Trader Joes, Whole Foods and Target to stock up on supplies.

For dinner a handful of us ventured to Maria’s, a Santa Fe landmark known for its world-famous enchiladas and margaritas.

Caroline Moakley

Today was the last day of riding until we had a day off at our destination – Santa Fe. It was going to be a shorter day, only 68 miles, but we were mentally preparing ourselves for a lot of climbing. Breakfast in the morning was simply awesome. A restaurant/hotel donated breakfast burritos to us, and they were huge. I had already made myself a bagel with cream cheese before realizing how big they were, but ended up eating the biggest breakfast I’ve had throughout the trip. I ended up gorging down 2 of these huge breakfast burritos and the bagel with cream cheese. Those things sat in my stomach all the way past lunch. Riding with a tummy that full is not such a great idea.

This was another day of lots of climbing. Everybody is really getting much stronger, going up those hills faster and more efficiently. The day was made even tougher with a strong headwind, the same one that has been blowing in our faces for the past couple of days. It was slightly more tiring for me as well, as I was feeling the effects of being at a high altitude. I’ve always lived at sea level, so biking hard at altitude left me gasping for air. However all our hard work was rewarded with the amazingly beautiful scenery we were treated to the entire ride. The clouds looked like those from a postcard and the mountains in the background were just stunning. It’s also a great feeling looking back after climbing a big hill and getting the satisfaction of knowing “I was just down there”.

Going into Santa Fe was a treat for the eyes. The highway we were on overlooked the city, sitting in the shadow of the mountains behind. An interesting fact about the architecture in Santa Fe is that all the buildings are made from Adobe clay, and they all look like little brown marshmallows sitting neatly next to each other.

A special shout out to Trader Joes for donating sushi to us!

Zhiguang Ng

Mosquero, NM to Las Vegas, NM

Land of Enchantment!

Today was just our second full ride day in New Mexico, but the rolling
grasslands, red sandstone ridges, and classic canyons have made for what I
would say is the most amazing landscape we’ve seen yet. We started our warm-
up for the Grand Canyon back in Texas at Palo Duro (my favorite off the bike
experience, hands-down), but I am each time amazed as an otherwise flat and
featureless plain suddenly opens up beneath us to reveal what color and what
texture water (given a few thousand millennia) can coax from the rock under the
earth.

After our first 20 miles to Las Vegas we hit a few nice downhills, but a
significant headwind prevented us from reaping the full fruits of that momentum.
Around one sweeping curve a sign appeared to warn of an impending 8%
downgrade and I, separated from a group, pulled up to wait for some company on
what I hoped would be one of our faster descents. As I turned back to catch
some riders changing a flat, Colin came around the curve by himself. He sighted
the 8% sign, we exchanged a grin, shifted up, and started mashing towards the
drop. The slope and our speed increased gradually, but after a second warning
sign the road suddenly dropped like a stone towards the floor of a surprise
canyon (!) carved by the Canadian River. Colin’s heavier frame and slicker wheel
hubs had him rolling further ahead of me, but wide sweeps in the road let us both
pedal the straights and turns to approach and, in Colin’s case, exceed 50 MPH.

We screamed the mile down to the canyon floor in about 75 thrilling
seconds, and stopped there for a few war whoops and a glance up at the steep
stone walls now rising around us. Other riders descending gave us an additional
thrill, but that excitement was soon tempered by the acknowledgement that
canyons are, in a certain sense, just inverse mountains. So we had a serious
climb ahead of us! Still, there were no low spirits on the 2 miles up (at a slighter
grade, thankfully), and had it not been for the near-century set on our plate that
day I think more than a few of us would have turned around and, added climbing
notwithstanding, taken another trip from rim to floor for a second shot at a speed
record!

I wish there were more to say about the other 94 miles ridden today, but I
suppose it says something about what we’re doing and about cycling generally
that a 6-hour ride can pack all of its energy, adrenaline and amazement into that
one stunning minute!

Luke Parker

Today we conquered the world. Well not really the world, at least not quite yet, but we did conquer our first mountain! This morning I was assigned “sweep” with Alex. As the designated sweep, we are the last to leave our host that day and the last to arrive in our new location. This ensures that everyone arrives safely into our new host for the evening. At our cue sheet meeting in the morning we were given the directions for the day. We learned that today we would be climbing a total ascent of 2,156 feet of rolling hills, with a category 3 climb at mile 74. Now I’m not too familiar with category climbing and what that means, but I was told that this means it is a steep and long climb. Of course this would be at the end of the day!

To begin the day Alex and I followed the last group to leave to a local coffee shop in Clayton, NM. As a few of the riders were sipping there warm cups of coffee, we were able to converse with the locals and tell them about what we are doing. After leaving the coffee shop, it was time to embark on our journey across New Mexico. I have never seen land so beautiful and so open. There was nothing stopping us from our next destination of Mosquero. The first half of our day was beautiful rolling hills, the wind was a little strong and of course we were headed right into it. In the distance I could see what I thought were mountains, but in the words of the more experienced, they were just “big hills”. After lunch we approached a small town called Bueyeros (pronounced Wueyeros) which had a historic catholic church established in 1894. This was the only distinguishing thing in the town of approximately four houses. As I came up on it, I could see the history there from the brown adobe exterior with turquoise trim with stain glass windows lining the front and sides of the church. With the mountains in the background it was definitely picture perfect! After leaving the church, the mountains kept getting bigger and bigger. Alex and I knew what was coming ahead and that was “The Climb”!!

The last leg of our journey for the day entailed the mountain. When Alex and I approached it, we stopped before turning to climb it and did a little pre-warming stretch. After that, it was go time. I knew that I couldn’t stop going up this mountain, no matter how hard it was for me. We started to climb and I immediately got in my “granny gear” on my bike and started to spin my little legs like crazy. I felt like I wasn’t going anywhere, but as time went on we saw progress. Alex and I caught up with Chris and Alia and we all stuck together until the top of the mountain. I couldn’t have asked for better friends to climb my first mountain with. The boys were so encouraging to Alia and I and they definitely got us to the top. And on the plus side I didn’t stop! I wanted to and my body wanted me to, but I ignored it. The climb lasted two and half miles and was at a 7% grade which was our steepest grade yet. After the mountain we had approximately five more miles till we reached our host site and it was the best last five miles of any ride so far. I’ve never felt so accomplished and so excited to finish a ride with my family.

Leslie Pipkin

Our morning was a surprise with dark, chilly weather and took a grim turn when we witnessed a friendly dog get hit by a car. It was a bleak reminder that we are mere mortals and only as safe as the drivers on the road decide.
We¡¦ve been working with one another to instill responsibility in the way which we conduct ourselves on our bikes. Our ¡§family meetings¡¨ always cover issues of bike safety and efficiency as we strive to increase our familiarity on the road with hand signals and biking protocol.

On a happier note, we crossed into New Mexico, ¡§The Land of Enchantment¡¨ today and entered Mountain Time. Meira and I got a little thrill from gaining an hour and the city¡¦s elevation of 5,050 feet. Starting at 0 feet in Florida, this means that we¡¦ve climbed little less than a mile in elevation on this trip. The Baptist church in which we are staying took great care of us and we were lucky to eat a filling meal and conduct a bike clinic with some of the local children from the surrounding neighborhood. We instructed them in bike safety and hand signals while the young boys taught us cool tricks on their mountain bikes.

We also had a cooking party in the kitchen preparing banana bread, banana pudding (lotsa potassium on this trip), and a tuna casserole. We¡¦ve been so happy to receive packages upon packages from family members. It is a common Thursday tradition (we call it Bike & Build Christmas) to sit around, opening packages and munching on everyone else¡¦s goodies: trail mix, homemade cookies, candy, and a motley assortment of ethnic foods (thanks dad ƒº)

We¡¦re now more than halfway across the USA and find it a bit surreal with only 30 days left until we arrive in San Francisco. And as the days get hotter and harder, we¡¦re only getting stronger and closer. We thank you all for your support and love.

I better get to bed now. 89 miles tomorrow and an ostensible mountain!

Alia

p.s. Cool words I¡¦ve learned: lucubrate: to study/work late into the night, peripatetic: travelling from place to place, and nom de guerre: a fictitious name.

An isolated rainstorm kept the group under the shelter of the Habitat building (our host site) an extra 15 min, giving us a chance to go over last minute details and newly adjusted duties for the chore groups. As we pedaled out and began for the first few miles it was clear that the rest day had been hugely beneficial to everyone’s muscles and undercarriage. A combination of our recovered bodies and a renewed vigor after watching the third stage in the Tour de France (featuring the cobblestones) made for a brisk pace, a few racing.

I found myself redlining, pacing with Brandon to chase Z who had made a break from the pack in the first few miles. All the work to chase was lost with a flat 20 feet after catching Z. We thought the flat was a one off stroke of bad luck for the day. Pulling back onto the road a few miles down we passed a group fixing a flat and asked if they needed any help. A few more miles we passed another group with a flat, soon another, and then another. It was soon apparent that the day was going to be a strong candidate for the most flats in one day.

The ride turned out to be extremely scenic with incredible formations and landscapes. We all enjoyed the scenery knowing this was the last full ride day in Texas. The landscape and cattle was everything and more of what I had always envisioned Texas to be. The temperature stayed cooled making for the perfect ridding temperature. We are all going to miss Texas.

Scott Reynolds

108 miles

Wow—what a day. Today was my second century (my back went out before I could finish the last century), and it was filled with quite a range of emotions and energy. I definitely had not fully recovered from yesterday’s 94 mile ride; I woke up groggy and lethargic with almost zero will to get on the bike. The first 40 miles were very very very slow. While I did manage to stay awake the whole way, my eyes did shut for more than a few seconds, and I almost swerved into the gravel several times. Luckily, my friends Meira and Spoo were looking out for me and kept me at attention by singing at the top of their lungs.

After lunch, I rode with sweep (Z and Anna) the rest of the way. Although I was really discouraged at first to be riding with sweep because I just did not want to get into the host site super late, I enjoyed their company. I didn’t think I was going to finish today—I was so close to giving up and calling the van. Fortunately, Z reminded me that I had half a pack of Twizzlers in my pack. Oooh man did they do the trick. A few minutes after eating a couple, my energy boosted right up, and I felt confident enough again to finish 108 miles.

Towards the end of the ride around mile 80, we hit a mountain pass with a 6% grade ascent. Okay so by now, all of us SUS riders know Z is a bit crazy on the bike. While Anna and I slowly made our way up the mountain, Z rode ahead to catch another cross country cyclist we had a met a few minutes before. While I was halfway up, I saw Z riding back down to ride with me the rest of the way. When I got to the top, he rode back down to meet Anna, who was farther back behind me, to do it all over again. Crazy kid.

That’s probably one of the things I love most about Bike & Build—that everyone looks out for everyone else. Meira and Spoo could have gone ahead of me and finished the day earlier. Instead, they stayed back to make sure I made it to lunch alright. Thanks, girls. =D And Z—making sure Anna and I got up the mountain safely and pushing us to go faster. It made the climb so much more bearable.

But what really got me through was the thought of P2S and Paige Hicks. Before we left the host site this morning, Luke reminded us that P2S would joyfully do a ride two or three times harder than ours today if they could do it with every single person on their team. That hit me hard, and as exhausted as I was this morning, the thought of P2S’s decision to finish their route in honor of Paige kept me from calling Colin and getting in the van.

Christina

Ahh...a day off on B&B. Time to relax, sleep, and lay our weary derrieres to rest. I started my day with a late awakening to the sounds of silence; a lovely break from the usual 5am wake up call, sea of cell phone ring tones, and plethora of bodily noises. After a lovely egg and chocolate milk breakfast, Butts and I set off to locate the mob of B&Bers that were already watching the Stage 4 play back of the Tour at Chili's.

Upon arrival, we quickly asked for the manager, gave him the spiel, and were munching on some delicious appetizers for the low low price of $free.99. After the exciting conclusion of Perry Roubaix stage, we made a quick stop at the local bike shop and headed back home to dine on some frozen pizza for second lunch (a very important B&B meal). After a bit of rest, I proceeded to take Louise (our lovely trailer) to Young's Trailers for a little TLC. The guys there were great and gave the old girl the works for a steep discount.

Once I was back at the host, 15 of us gathered and set off for beautiful Palo Duro Canyon, second in size only to the Grand Canyon. Once we arrived at the park, I began to tell the tale of our philanthropic escapades to the gate keeper and in no time we were making our descent into the canyon at no cost. After enjoying some “world famous” burgers at the trading post, went ventured on to the trails and began our awesome hike through the tarantula riddled terrain.

Within a half a mile, we came to Capitol Peak. Before the question could even be asked, half of us were already charging the base of the peak with full intentions of reaching its summit. The climb up was steep and treacherous, but we all made it to the top unscathed, where we enjoyed a beautiful view and multiple photo ops. Once we all had our fill of adrenaline and unimaginable beauty, we scaled back down to the base and continued on to catch a glimpse of the Lighthouse Peak. Realizing we had only limited daylight left, we high-tailed it back to the van and began our trip back home to Amarillo. After a quick night cap of Wendy's frosty and A&W root beer floats, we arrived back at the host and went to sleep in a state of euphoria. All in all, this was one of my absolute favorite days of the trip so far. Until next time friends...

Colin Rossi

Back on the Train

So, some of you may know that I’m recovering from an injury. Five days ago (on my way to Decataur, TX), I rode into a groove, fell off my bike and sprained my wrist. I suffered a hairline fracture on my radius, which put me out of commission for three days. Halfway through our trip, it forced me to have an abundance of time to reflect on Bike and Build and what we’re doing. It’s very inspiring to be around a group of people who not only have given their summer to service, but also want to do more. It’s refreshing to meet people my age who are so involved in a cause and enthusiastic about challenging themselves. I think that the group is getting a lot tighter, even though we’re suffering from exhaustion; Everyone is still keeping a cool head and trying not to get on each other’s nerves.

It really sucked being in the van for the last three days. I just really wanted to ride. We’ve passed some beautiful scenery, and I just want to be on my bike with my comrades, enduring the rain and the wind and crappy roads. It doesn‘t sound like the most glamorous job, but it’s what we do every day. That being said, I did get a chance to get to know my leaders better. I learned the ins and outs of putting together a bike trip.

It felt so good to get back on my bike yesterday. Everyone I rode with and passed was so encouraging and genuinely cared about my well-being. Everyone said, “Cory, it’s good to see you back on your bike!” and I must admit, it felt good to be back in my chamois.

Cory Sherman

Sigh. That was a challenging day of riding. Exhilarating at times, torturous at others. Honestly, looking back at the whole 72.2+ miles of rain, hills and constant headwind, I cannot believe that I made it.

--As I write this, Christina is squealing in anger after Zach tricked her into eating cat food as a pre-dinner snack. I hope he is prepared for a thousand years of pain. –

Okay, back to the entry. Although I love our group dynamic. We’re all a bit nutty, but that’s what has allowed a trip like this to succeed. No sane person would do this. Not a day passes without my wanting to throw my bicycle under the next semi-truck that passes by. I rode all day long today with Spoo, and we laughed/sang/cried/cursed/screamed our way through every mile, even when one of us got a flat. I think she wanted to slap me when I became a bit deranged at times, but at least we made it!!!! Somehow, we made it!!! There was ONE mile of this whole ride that we took a right turn and had a tailwind, and that was the most bittersweet mile of them all.

I am soooo indescribably impressed by every single one of us. This is HARD work. It took every ounce of my willpower to put my head down and push my burning legs through the thick wall of headwind and daggers of rain for six hours. And I am an extremely stubborn person (ask my parents). I look around in awe of the other 32 people who have scrounged up the strength to do the same and find a deep appreciation that these people care enough about the problems in our country to feel inspired toward masochism. Our world is a mess right now, but perhaps this type of social consciousness will keep us afloat. I have hope. I also have pruney toes.

Behind me, dinner crew is washing dishes (oops, I should be helping, sorry guys) and splashing soap in one anothers’ eyes. “I hope it burns,” says mean Mr. Scott to poor Sassy Spoo. It really feels like one big family now, so I think it’s fair to apply my own family’s motto to this trip - Putting the “fun” in “dysfunctional”!

-Meira

P.S. Finally uploaded some pictures, after narrowing my 4000ish down to 250. Enjoy!

About a month has passed since I sat in front of this computer. While it’s only been a month it feels as though half a year has passed. Each day is packed to the breaking point with adventure and excitement. Bike and Build truly shows us all how to live one’s life to the fullest potential.

Today we stumbled into the American Southwest. We had been riding for about a week through the rolling hills of the Texas panhandle when we decided to jump up to Altus, Oklahoma for the night. The moment we crossed the Texas-Oklahoma line I saw the romanticized American Southwest unfold before me. The world seemed to toughen up and begin to turn into a scene out of an old John Wayne film. The beautiful flowers of Texas turned into the hardened thorns of a climate used to strong winds and sparse precipitation. This was the moment we were waiting for. Those hardened thorns were a symbol of why the 33 of us chose the Southern US route. You could see it on people’s faces as you passed (or more likely when they passed me), we were realizing how lucky we are to be spending our summer in such a beautiful part of the country.

In Altus, as well as in many of the other small towns we’ve stayed in, we had explored the city in its entirety about 25 minutes after arriving. Having little to do in the town itself we resorted to entertaining ourselves with humorous stories from the road and life. In just the one month since my last journal we have all grown and bonded so much. I cant wait to see what the next month has in store for us.

Zach Siddall

Today is the first day of July, and I cannot believe that it is June already over! I am also still baffled at the fact that we rode our bikes to Texas. Texas is so far away from Florida!

We woke up at 5am this morning, and after another delicious meal at Sally’s (the volunteer coordinator for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Garland), we got on our bikes again and began our 88 mile trek to Decatur. The morning the ride was pretty easy, but the road was 6 lanes and busy. It is crazy how much Dallas seems to be growing. All the development that we went through on the Northern and Western outskirts of the city seemed to have been built in the last 5ish years. Any land that wasn’t built on already had signs talking about the condos or shopping centers that would be in its place.

We rode about 30 miles before having a water stop in a Starbucks parking lot. The Starbucks donated each rider’s choice of a small drink – I got a soy latte, and the caffeine was greatly appreciated. One cool thing we saw, amongst streets full of single occupancy vehicles were HOV only parking spots. I’m not sure how these could be properly enforced, but it’s a good idea.

After the water stop we rode a quick 18 miles to lunch at the North Texas Bike Shop. The shop opened last April and part of their mission is to help at risk youth by taking them on month long mountain biking trips. Trips like this give them an opportunity to develop a hobby, make new friends and grow as an individual. The woman working was so nice, and she fed us a free delicious lunch of pasta, salad, bread, fruit and cupcakes. I bought a T-shirt from the bike shop, which will be a great souvenir! They even donated a water bottle to every member of our group. It was all so generous!

We left lunch around 12:30 to finish the last 40 miles of the ride. No matter how long the ride is, I think the last 5 miles or so is the worst. Overall, the day was a pretty easy ride since there were gently rolling hills and also a really nice tail wind to help push us there.

Build Day #2 in Dallas, TX

Today we woke up at 6 at Sunnyvalle Middle School to prepare for another build day. We are going back to the Habitat house sponsored by the Greater Garland Habitat affiliate to finish framing the walls. To start off the day, Sally – the most amazing woman in the world, cooked breakfast for us consisting of lil’ smoky sausages and pancakes along with an assortment of luscious fruit. Her provided breakfasts were the perfect way to start the day.

The building goal for the day was to finish the framing. Yesterday, we had just finished the majority of the exterior wall of the house so today we wanted to finish the interior walls and the garage. Before noon, we were done with constructing the walls and standing them up. For the rest of the time, we made sure and moved walls such that all the walls were level and standing straight up; however, by the end of the day there was still more to be done which would have to wait for another day.

Lunch was an amazing pizza buffet at a local restaurant. They had every type of pizza we could imagine as well as cinnamon buns and a salad bar. Before dinner, we had the chance to explore downtown Dallas and most of the group experienced the 6th floor JFK museum – the museum which told the story of JFK’s assassination in the exact room where Lee Harvey Oswald shot Kennedy while riding in his motorcade through downtown Dallas.

For dinner, Sally treated us to dinner at Southern Junction where I had an amazing steak. Southern Junction had a great atmosphere to it with a mechanical bull and a dance floor with a live country band. Overall the night’s atmosphere and food was amazing and gave us a real taste of Dallas and thank you so much Sally for that experience and your generosity.

That night, we all went back to the middle school to prepare for the next day as we are getting back in the saddle after 2 days of building. I hope my body is ready after the “relaxation” of building.

Chris Story

So today was our first build day in Garland, Texas. We started the day off with a house lot and a bare foundation. At the end of the day we had the entire exterior of the house framed and braced. It was a very well organized habitat for humanity and we were all pleased to see all of the progress we made today.

Another cool thing that happened today was when we were brought lunch by a local group of girl scouts. All of the people we ran into were so appreciative of what we were doing.

I think what most people will remember from today is the host we are staying with. Sally and Pete are the best hosts we have ever had. They have provided us with more than we could ever ask for. When we were done building for the day they had a pool party and cookout for us. We had a cornucopia of food and drinks and everyone had a great time. They are planning on coming out to see us in San Francisco at the end of our trip.

I’m not sure our bodies were ready for what today brought us, but the end of the day surprises made everything worth it. We started the day with a big breakfast at Elaine and Rick’s house followed by a day filled with huge rolling hills and an almost unbearable sun.

Lunch was at an awesome spot. Colin found a school with a lot of neat toys to play on, in the shade, and on a hill with the most refreshing breeze in the world. A group of us played on the merry-go-round of tricycles and practiced our “boot dance” (don’t worry, I’m sure videos of the dance will be posted online) .

At about mile 65, the hills and heat were starting to get to us, and Josh and I had to pull over to cool down. Hans caught up to us and after picking our spirits up got us into second lunch. Lunch was at an alums house, and her parents made us the most ridiculous amount of food, and allowed us to cool off in their pool…definitely made the day at least ten times better.

Lasagna and ice cold tea for dinner made us feel so much better after such a long day. During dinner we all got the news that we would be split up for the night. At first a little bit of sadness hit because none of us had been separated since before the start of the trip, however meeting our future hosts brought comfort among the group. Allison and I had the pleasure of staying with Toni, her husband Roy, their kids Madeline and Connor, and the four year old terrier, Tucker.

We couldn’t have asked for a better host. We had an abundance of food (and what Bike and Builder doesn’t enjoy ridiculous amounts of food?!), extremely warm showers, our own room (with a bed!!!) and the entire house to enjoy. After relaxing, stretching, and getting our things together for the next day we enjoyed a movie- The Blind Side- with the family (and Tucker of course) and got to feel at home. The next morning Tori, Madeline and Roy were kind enough to wake up at 5am, and cooked us a huge breakfast. We had eggs, bacon, toast, orange juice, and everything to make for a good day. After we got a blessing from the family we headed to the church to regroup and off we went…

Jenn Bosco

Today we entered Texas!

We woke up at 5am and rode 81 miles from Pelican, LA to Carthage, TX. Actually, most of us started out by adding 8-10 bonus miles after receiving faulty directions from a local and heading in the wrong direction immediately out of the church. It was unfortunate as those miles were comprised of fairly large hills and having to turn around to go back up them was a bit of an early morning spirit bruiser. It did, however, offer some of the most beautiful terrain we’ve seen thus far.

Once we got going in the proper direction, it was fairly trouble-free riding until lunch, with some gently rolling hills and pretty scenery. I rode with Rebekah instead of my usual Team Turtle, which was nice because I got to know her a bit better as we shared stories while pedaling. Lunch was held outside of a church after Cassie accidentally set off its alarm while trying to go inside to ask permission. Though I wasn’t feeling well, I really wanted to make it to the Texas border, which was another 7 miles, so I cut lunch short in order to slowly spin out of Louisiana. Nearing the border, we encountered “chip and seal” (the most atrocious form of paved road for cycling known to man) for the first time. It’s essentially little rocks glued together, making riding much slower and quite a bit rougher on our bottoms. But it was worth it because Texas has by far the most spectacular state welcoming sign we’ve seen: a huge rock sculpture of the state that we all climbed up for fun pictures.

Cassie and I took off in the van to set up a second lunch stop since it was extremely hot outside. While getting established in a pretty little picnic area, I saw my first cowboy! Or at least a guy in a cowboy hat and boots. Either way, it was very exciting. Unfortunately, we had managed to miss a turn and get on the wrong section of US-59 and didn’t realize until it started to become quite odd that no riders had passed. We got on the correct section of road and created impromptu water stops with every group of riders we came across.

Arriving at our hosts’, Elaine and Rick McPherson, house was a treat. They very generously opened up their home for our use and had even set up a lovely spread of food and refreshments for us in the foyer. Many of us watched the end of the USA vs. Ghana World Cup match while our hosts set a controlled brush fire in the front yard (which briefly became mildly out of control before Rick calmly doused it out). Afterward, we went in the hot tub for a bit and played with the two dogs, Sugar and Queso. A few of us had to clean the van because of getting to our host site after 4pm yesterday and therefore had to cut our relaxation period short. But now the van is sparkling clean and no longer smells like a foot. And, while cleaning, Elaine picked us some figs from her fig tree to try, so we did get a little treat out of it.

Dinner was a delicious array of goodness: brisket, pasta, a vegetable and noodle dish with creamy sauce, and fried okra (which was a first for several in our group), followed by banana pudding for desert. Amazing.

Thank you so much to the McPhersons for being such astounding hosts! We had a great time with you!

Allison Burke

Song of the day: Brian Wilson by Barenaked Ladies

Why didn’t late wake-up feel like a late wake-up? I don’t think I could ever get enough sleep, and I know I’m not alone. Luckily, we got an excellent breakfast from the family of one of Northwestern State University’s staff. He met us at the laundromat (which are called washeterias down here?) the night before and asked us what we might like. We ended up with pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, cereal, fruit, and cheese. Anything beyond a mini-bagel with warm cream cheese is like heaven to me, so I stuffed myself. Unfortunately, I went into a food coma.

It wouldn’t be the first of the day, either. Sometimes I feel like I get to know a place better through my stomach than through my eyes. In the middle of the day we found ourselves at a produce farm. The owner was so nice and gave us more food than we will ever be able to eat. We ate watermelon with table salt. I’ve never done that before, but it was pretty good. Ever eat sweet corn raw? That’s good, too.

After lunch we made our way into what the locals call “the hills.” The roads certainly changed a bit. After over 1,000 miles of flatness, it was weird to hit a little elevation. There were more trees too. The area reminded me of my home state of New Hampshire in the summer. Our host for the evening was a summer camp, and they had a pool with a little slide that was super fun.

For the third time in the day, I stuffed myself at dinner. The camp was hosting a catfish fry, and they had so much food. Chicken, French fries, beans, hush puppies, bread pudding, coleslaw, sweet tea, and a soft serve ice cream machine! So good! We’re in Texas now, and the rumor is that Texan hosts are super generous. Apparently we have many more provided meals coming up this week. I can’t wait!

Justin Butler

Into Natchitoches

I remember back in April when 50 miles seemed nearly impossible to finish, so it’s funny to think of 53 miles as being a “short day.” Today we rode into Natchitoches, Louisiana. In Alexandria, a local woman told us of a town somewhere along our route where it is said the entire population branched out from the same ancestors. She described them as “interesting” people and gave us a suggestive wink. Luckily, this town was located about where we were planning to eat lunch.

The name of the town slips my mind but the old plantation we ate at was really cool. We saw one of the two surviving cotton gins in the world. The machine that made such a huge impact in American history sat amid cobwebs and small heaps of hay and dirt in a dimly lit barn. It was okay.

Today was also the day we started pace lining! I don’t think my friends and I did it quite right because (at least) I didn’t feel much a difference in my output of energy. It was still exciting though to finally be able to try something that could potentially increase my speed and reduce the amount of energy I use to pedal. Pace lining requires riders and their bicycles to get up much closer to each other than normal, and this increases the likelihood of accidents. So the leaders made sure that we were prepped on the rules of safety before we were allowed to try it out on the road.

Our ride for the day ended in Northwestern State University. I think there was some kind of freshmen orientation going on because the campus seemed unusually busy for the summer. Pretty campus and nice administrators.

Unfortunately, I was not able to fully enjoy the campus because my crew was in charge of laundry. It is probably one of the dullest chores on this trip. My crew just sat at the laundromat for 3 hours counting the seconds- literally. Allison and I became a little upset when Brandon opened up the dryers before we could finish our countdown.

After laundry was done, we went back to the campus and gave the Bike & Build presentation to some students and professors. They really enjoyed it and asked us lots of questions. Hopefully some of them will try to sign up for B&B next summer!

Christina Chao

Wake up: 5am. The Garden State soundtrack is on. I vaguely recognized the track before it lulled me back to sleep. Wake up – for real this time – 5:10am. The bustling metropolis of Melville, LA (population 1600) has a multi-purpose civic center that they graciously offered for our sleeping quarters. It was as big as a high school gymnasium, and I could make out the shadowy figures of the other riders packing up their bags and bins before the lights were turned on. We’ve gotten mornings down to a science: wake up, get geared up, pack up, eat up, pump tires up, cue-sheet up, and roll out. Today we were saddled and riding in just over 90 minutes, quite the feat for 33 people in a building with two toilets.

Very early into our ride we all remarked on how wonderful the cycling was. The roads today were either terribly bumpy to baby’s-bottom smooth, but the weather was cool and the harsh rays of the sun were blocked by cloud cover. It was by far the best riding weather we’ve had, and the roads were tree-lined and wound around vast bogs and even larger farms and fields. It was beautiful to ride through, and I felt privileged to be traveling in such an amazing way.

If the United States consisted only of the states we’ve ridden through so far, Louisiana would win the nicest people award. We’ve gotten more happy honks that angry shouts, and every town we ride through has people that wave – and sometimes cheer – us through it. To illustrate Louisiana…ites’ kindness, a man we’d never met before drove up to us at lunch and handed us a bag of over 40 fresh plums. He said, “I like what y’all are doin’,” and drove off. That never gets old.

Louisiana is also a place where, in some places, it’s quite difficult to interpret the heavy Louisiana drawl. A stop for breakfast sandwiches at Stelly’s this morning satisfied our hunger, though I couldn’t quite make out whether the owner was going to give us a discount or not. He was apparently also into taxidermy – animals of all sorts adorned the walls, including a 3-foot-tall snapping turtle in a glass case on the ground.

Today I rode to lunch with Colin, Cory, and Justin, and we added Z and Luke to our bicycle phalanx in the afternoon. Riding with the guys has been great – most days we crush at a marginally insane and definitely unsustainable pace for a cross-country ride, but today we relaxed and enjoyed the scenery while chatting about anything and everything. One of the best parts of the trip has been getting to know everyone so well – we all have such amazing stories to share and the laughter on the trip is never-ending.

We rolled into Alexandria after 69 miles around 1:30pm. The St. James Episcopal church had snacks for us that we devoured before stretching. This will be home for the next 15(ish) hours before repeating the daily routine.

The first three-plus weeks have definitely been a whirlwind, but I’m enjoying every moment of it. Thank you to everyone who has made our trip possible – it’s definitely worth it!

Alex Cohen

Baton Rouge, LA to Melville, LA

Today we biked 53 miles from Baton Rouge, LA to Melville, LA. The people at our host site, St. James Episcopal Church, cooked us a hot breakfast that included biscuits, grits, eggs, yogurt, sausage, and fresh fruit. A hot breakfast is always a welcome change from our usual bagels and cream cheese.

Because a 53 mile day is a short ride day for us, we had some time to check out downtown Baton Rouge in the morning. Some of us started the morning by going to PJ’s Coffee for coffee and tea. We also went to see Louisiana’s capitol building since Baton Rouge is the capitol of Louisiana. The capitol building was beautiful with huge steps leading up to the entrance and standing about 30 stories tall. We were able to take an elevator all the way up to the top of the building where there was a wrap-around observation deck. The observation deck provided great views of the city and the Mississippi River below. We picked up a few Louisiana/ Baton Rouge postcards from the gift shop and then headed out on our ride.

We rode a quick 35 miles to our lunch stop where my group was able to take an hour long lunch in order to wait for the remaining riders to catch up with us. We needed to consolidate our group because a local sheriff offered to escort us across a nearby four mile bridge that didn’t have a shoulder. After finishing lunch our group got together and met the sheriff at the start of the bridge. However, before we could start across the bridge our group managed to get four flat tires in a row which delayed us about an hour.

After the sheriff escort we had a short ride into the small town of Melville. When our group arrived into town we met some of our fellow riders who had stopped to get sno balls at a snow cone stand. We joined them and got one dollar sno cones with about 20 different flavors to choose from. The snow cones provided a nice end to our ride. We then biked about one more mile to the Melville Civic Center where we stayed the night. We didn’t have showers or a kitchen so we made the best of it and took hose and sink “showers” and then made macaroni and cheese and hot dogs for dinner on our camp stove.

Kate Colberg

A Note From Hans - Sorry, We are a little behind, but more journals from previous days are now online. Please find new entries from New Orleans and Mississippi! Thanks

Today was our Baton Rouge build day and the work we completed was a testament to what a group of dedicated people can do. All 33 of us worked on the same build site, tackling siding, putting up windows, and setting trusses. Together, we made a lot of progress on the house; but at the end of the day we had forged friendships with the team of Americorps and the future home-owner, Frances and her friends. It was a great experience.

The 6:15 AM wake up call was brightened by a brilliant breakfast- scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, grits, and fruit! I was so excited by the fruit basket set out by our hosts that I ate an entire bowl of strawberries and grapefruit. I wasn’t the only one thrilled by our meal; near the end of our feast, we sang a thank you rendition of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” to our cooks.

We shuttled out to the build site in White Castle where we mingled with our new-found Americorps friends and divided ourselves into work groups. Allison, Brandon, and I started the day working on the roof, setting trusses. Allison and I steadied ourselves on ladders to hammer in the trusses while Brandon braved the catwalk. We quickly learned that the job took more patience than brawn as nail after nail bent. Much like the affordable housing issue at large, our task took more consideration and collaboration than we had at first assumed. We never had an optimal angle to hammer, but together we made things work, bracing the truss while others hammered and encouraging each other as we dealt with our particularly stubborn nails. Looking up from the ground and seeing the framework of the roof made my day.

I just wanted to give a quick shout out to all my fellow riders out there- we’re doing good ya’ll! Keep pedaling. Keep building. Keep on, keepin’ on. Also, thanks to the plurkers and everyone who has made this experience possible. Thank you to all the Bike & Build families and supporters, your good energy and overwhelming generosity continuously inspires and amazes me. Mom, Dad, and Christina, I love you- see you in Cali, baby!

V Collins

Baton Rouge

We get back to the host at 10:57, three minutes short of curfew, and we look it. The several of us—Z, Brandon, Alex, Christina, Zack, Justin, and me—are sopping wet from our sprint from the venue on Frenchman, straight across the entire French Quarter, to the nearest streetcar stop. During our two mile run, I think of a few things: how I would like to run a triathlon, that jeans and Rainbows (flip-flops) were a bad choice, and, finally, what an incredible night we’ve had.

Backstory: Brandon and others work on Ms. Boutté’s house all week, rebuilding both her house and the attached beauty parlor that were wiped out in Katrina. The Bouttés are jazz royalty in New Orleans and John Boutté—the jazz singer who just cameoed on the season finale of HBO’s Treme and sings the theme song—is her brother.

We get to his show on Frenchman Street, are let in for free and very soon the girl collecting tips for the band asks excitedly, “Are you the cyclists?” We say yes, just as several people near us turn and similarly ask, “Are you the cyclists?” Apparently he has talked about us earlier in the show, which we missed because of a meeting, and he has us raise our hands in the middle of the venue as he describes, from the stage, how incredibly much our service has meant to his sister and the people of New Orleans, and the concertgoers seem to know exactly the sentiment he’s talking about. Soon he’s back to his squirmy, incredible showmanship through New Orleans standards and his own stuff, a few covers, and after the show he takes a picture with us on stage and shakes all of our hands. When his manager turns her back, he digs into his bin and gives us a handful of albums. Then we swim through the people and run, run, run for the streetcar, make it, and stroll into the Clements’ house where we’re staying at three minutes before curfew.

In addition to a story about the mission of Bike & Build resonating with people, it’s also an explanation for why we have such a hard time getting up in the morning. The 5 AM wakeup catches us more harshly than usual and we mechanically pack our bins, clean our areas, and slug to an awesome pancake breakfast that breakfast crew has whipped up for us. We’re headed to Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana, and it’s our first day back on the bike in a week. There’s a general air of excitement and a little anticipation (as we’re a little out of shape after a week of not riding) as we go through the cue sheet meeting but, as it always does with our goodhearted and focused Bike & Build crew, excitement wins out in spite of a late night and a 108 degree heat index.

So we shoot down Highway 61 of Bob Dylan fame for fifty-five miles through the bayous and green swamps of southern Louisiana before we complete our eighty-seven to Baton Rouge and LSU and Mike the Tiger and the sleepiness of a summer term Sunday night. Brandon and I take pictures of us doing the Gator chomp in front of LSU stadium, Annie and I go to a service at the Episcopal church where we’re sleeping, and then my mom drops into down with an old friend from college bringing cookies, dessert, and vegetables. We build tomorrow, we love life, and we teach everyone how to play knockout on the basketball court where we’re staying, the long line of twentysomething of us ebbing and flowing, leapfrogging around each other, sore, but nicely utilizing different muscle groups.

Adam Darragh

Friday

I started off the day with a smile on my face after an amazing night of music. Thursday night a group of us traveled to a dive bar outside the Ninth Ward called Vohn’s to see Kermit Ruffins perform. According to the locals, it was a must-see with free red beans and rice cooked by Kermit himself. He has been playing here on Thursday night’s for the past 17 years. If anyone watches the HBO series Treme, you may recognize him! We were seriously a few feet from his horn, and my hip was inches from the keyboard! It was unbelievable music, and the atmosphere in this tiny bar was awesome. It was filled with people of all ages and races just having a good time listening to some great music! We even got a picture with him! (check back for that soon)!

On another note, Friday was my first time working on the East New Orleans site that some of our group has been working hard at this week. It was great to meet Jeffrey and his family after all the stories I had heard from the others. Unfortunately, Smokey, the family’s pit bull puppy was taken from the house sometime after the group left on Thursday afternoon. It was devastating to see Jeffrey’s face when he realized that he needed to tell his children what had happened. We spent some time looking around for him without any luck. Even though I, personally, never got to meet Smokey, I know that his absence at the build site was noted and was part of our “lows” for the week at Family Meeting time. Josh hunted around for a weed clipper to borrow from a neighbor. One gentleman was very generous to let us borrow his to clean up Jeffrey’s yard, but he didn’t leave out “I’ve got guns and bit bulls, so I want my stuff back!”

After a long day of sanding and mudding, the first coat of primer went up in the kitchen –it looked so good! We are all very excited to prime the rest of the house tomorrow and see Jeffrey’s and his wife’s face when they come by the house. Covered in dry wall, we all piled in the van for the very very bumpy ride back to John and Elaine’s.

Back at the house (yes, we all started calling it home at this point since John and Elaine truly took us in as family and made us feel at home), a bike and build alumna came over with tacos, salad, and brownies for dinner!! Thank you!!!! She had some tips for us, and she shared some insights about the upcoming parts of the trip – like how boring Nevada will be!

To conclude concisely, it was definitely a very rewarding day on Bike and Build here in NOLA!

Annie Ferguson

Aside from experiencing the rich smell of coffee that consumes the air, the constant sound of informal sidewalk jazz, and the tasty powdered begniets that are a must eat, I have spent the week literally “Down in the Treme”. This week I helped rebuild a house in the original historic neighborhood Treme. (The new HBO film series captures to depict life after Katrina in New Orleans.) A small group of us worked with homeowner, Lynette Boute, who is the sister of famous jazz musician John Boute (who also plays the theme song of the film series).

Lynette’s story changed when Katrina not only took out her home but also her job. Her beauty salon which sat adjacent to her home suffered from the massive flooding of the hurricane that took over many of the streets in New Orleans. Five years later, her beauty salon sits as a storage room for the sentimental belongings of her family, but each day her home is one step closer for the big move back into the Treme.

Lynette has a spicy personality which never makes for a dull moment. Her kind heart has allowed her to share her life over her mouth-watering carrot cake, which was a nice change from the everyday peanut butter and jelly. The hopes with any rebuild is to feel used at the end of the day because of all that could be accomplished for the family. Lynette’s home sparked challenges throughout the week that didn’t cause us to give up, but definitely left us feeling empty at first. Inadequate tools and the everyday 12 pm rain shower slowed down our progress. However, today we were able to knock out a lot of the soft gray exterior painting, and continue the task of cutting, sanding, and staining wood for Ms. Boute’s custom made cabinets.

With four days left in New Orleans, we have been searching for a new site to house 33 people to lay down their Thermarests and sleeping bags. Thanks to John and Elaine we had the luxury of spending our last days in New Orleans in their cozy vintage home. Their house has been around since the 1800’s with the original architecture and stain glass. During WWII, John explained to us that the house was split into three separate apartments for three families with the use of sheet rock. They call their home the big “treasure hunt” because it was only 20 years ago when the previous owners tore down the sheet rock and found rich wooden French doors and arches. Staying in John and Elaine’s home has been such a treat and they have gone out of their way to make us feel right at home.

As a first timer in New Orleans, I have been blown away by the culture. Out of all the places we have been on this trip this one has been the most intriguing. The streets of Bourbon and uptown makes anyone feel like they are in a different country. Last night a group of us got to hit up the House of Blues to see Passion Pit. It will definitely be a highlight of the trip.

Chelsea Flanagan

Today was amazing. It was my second day spent building at our build site, known as “New Orleans East.” The house belongs to a man named Jeffery and his family. Our main task was to fix minor drywall mishaps (which may or may not have been the result of Jeffery enlisting his three year old to assist in the drywall efforts…). We also worked on mudding and sanding. Our end of the week goal was to have the house ready to be primed—and maybe even apply the first coat of primer.

The day was VERY hot. The house was sticky and muggy—especially with all of us working and sweating so much inside! The drywall dust from all the sanding ended up everywhere. Our clothes were full of it, the van was full of it. It was in our hair, on our Camelbaks, basically a thin layer coated anything within a 10 yard radius of the home—including the dog.

The owner’s dog joined us for the day. Those who know me, know dogs are not always my favorite (they scare me a little…) But this dog was very cute! And very little… although he had quite the set of teeth (ask Jenn, she may have a few marks to prove it.) The dog’s name is Smoky and he is a pit bull puppy. He was the highlight of many people’s day.

My favorite part about the day was when Jeffery told us his story. He talked about his life after the storm and how Katrina affected his family. Hearing Jeffery’s story was incredible. It inspired us and reminded each of us why we chose to do Bike & Build.

After the work day, we returned to the UMC, and jumped on our bikes to head to the new host. A wonderful couple, Elaine and John, offered to host our group for the final few nights of our New Orleans stay. Dinner Crew fixed up some delicious spaghetti. We also sang happy birthday to Luke and consumed lots of delicious cookies and cake!

In the evening, some headed to the Passion Pit concert down town at the House of Blues, while others headed to a friend of Elaine’s to go swimming. I went along with the swimming crew. I didn’t swim (somehow I misplaced my swimsuit….) but I had fun hanging out. After, I met up with a friend of mine, Marcus, who is attending law school at LSU. We went to Wal-Mart (so I could get a new swimsuit) and while I was chatting with Marcus, paying no attention to where I was walking, I nearly ran right into Jesse Jackson!!! Jesse Jackson practically had no option, but to shake my hand and say hello!

It was amazing to catch up with my friend Marcus, and I really enjoyed my evening. I headed back to John and Elaine’s, read some of my book (The Undomestic Goddess), curled up on a REAL BED(!!!), and went to sleep. It was perfect.

Cassie Holtz

Jeff was holding a 7 week old grey Pit Bull when we arrived at his house in east New Orleans with our mudding and sanding tools.

Jeff works at a Dollar General store, attends college to become a 5th grade teacher and takes care of his 11-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter, wife and grandmother.

“Where is the best food in New Orleans?”

“My gramma’s house!” said Jeff.

After Hurricane Katrina, Jeff and his family moved to Texas. Soon they moved back because his grandmother was ill and wished to return to New Orleans.

“It’s only a shadow of what it was,” said Jeff. “There are still empty houses, empty neighborhoods. It’s not the same.”

It’s also hasn’t been the same since their son got shot in the head eight years ago when they lived in the lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans. (A poorer section of town that is also located next to where the levy broke after the hurricane.) That’s why they bought a new house in the (safer) east part of town.

They bought their new house two weeks before the storm hit.

“All I had were the clothes on my back. We’d just put all of our new things into the house,” he said.

As a result, Jeff and his family have been trying to fix up the house. He is thrilled and humbled that we are there. “I don’t like to ask for help,” he said timidly.

That makes me want to help him more. Jeff and his family have been trying to fix up the house for years. “I taught my 3-year-old how to use a drill,” he laughs. Jeff is happy for all the help and we are overjoyed to help someone like this week in New Orleans.

Jill

Monday morning in New Orleans! Our first of six build days here. As the Bike & Build days blend together like so many summer days, it was surprisingly refreshing to start the week on a Monday going to a job site.

We arrived in New Orleans on Saturday afternoon with smiles on our faces after riding 80 miles in 95 degrees and 1000% humidity. After a quick nap during the US v. England World Cup game, the group quickly found a second wind and went out exploring. I think the second wind was a result of our constantly increasing strength and stamina and knowing Sunday was a day off.

My day off on Sunday involved watching the final stage of the Tour de Louisiana at New Orleans City Park. The stage was a criterium (this spectator friendly style of racing takes place on a short course, usually 1 mile or less, and continues for a given amount of time). The race played out with multiple attacks but during the hour-long race and finished with an excellent sprint. Very exciting racing. Jambalaya for lunch at Daisy Dukes, then off to Uptown Tattoos … gotcha Mom … to watch friends get fleur de lis tattoos.

Sunday night, we returned to the host and friends recapped their adventures. Stories of the Seafood & Zydeco festival, the French Quarter, beignets from Café du Monde, and encounters with street performers stood out.

I had so much fun exploring New Orleans with friends. It was one of those weekends you need another weekend to recover from, but going to work on Monday morning felt great.

After a quick orientation at St. Anne’s Church, we split into three groups and were given our assignments. My group included Annie, Kate, Chelsea, Victoria, Justin, Alex, Brandon, Zach and Zinguang. We were sent to the home of Ms. Lynette Boutte. She is originally from New Orleans and the house we are working to get her back into is right around the corner from where she grew up. She stayed in her house during Hurricane Katrina and for five days after. She was one of people evacuated at gun point. Yes, she is still as sassy as you might expect.

She worked closely with contractors and volunteers throughout the renovation and is days away from getting an occupancy permit! What is standing in her way? Literally, the kitchen sink. So, tomorrow we’re building the cabinets. Step back – I’m a cabinetmaker by trade. I own Spalted Design Inc. in Michigan and design and build custom built-in cabinetry.

Today our team compiled an attack plan and material list. Tomorrow, SUS 2010 is going to design, build, and install a kitchen all on site with some pretty humble tools. I promise pictures will follow. And yes, I said we are doing all that “tomorrow”.

Our last work group shuttle made it back tonight right as a thunderstorm rolled in. The storm was drowned out as we feasted on dinner prepared by Brandon’s parents. Thanks again Michael and Susan, the jambalaya and red beans and rice were terrific!

I’d also like to apologize for the missing journal entries. I’ve heard lots of people are following the route tracker and I’m sorry we’ve kept you waiting. With some long and hot days on the road behind us, we’ll get caught up this week!

Cheers,

Hans

Saturday June 12, 2010

Never have I ever seen a group of young adults so exited to wake up at 5:00am as we all were this morning as we packed up our belongings at our cozy Gulfport, MS beach house and made our way to New Orleans, LA! We had a 70 mile ride beginning with our final stretch of riding along the Gulf Coast and into Louisiana (sadly no state sign) through the grassy bayous and stilted houses.

We stopped for lunch off the side of the road next to fishermen, alligators, and lots of bugs and other wildlife. Shortly after lunch we hopped on Route 90, which would take us into New Orleans. I’m sure we will all remember how frustrating it was to ride our bikes on this extremely bumpy road…

Rough roads aside, the group got to the city in record time. Some riders even arrived by 1:30pm to watch the US-England Soccer World Cup game. Later on after dinner and chores the group went out to explore New Orleans’ hottest tourist attraction: Bourbon Street in the French Quarter.

A large portion of the group actually checked into a hotel for the evening to get the full tourist experience, which would only last through the following day for our (much needed) day off. Excitement was certainly high today and it lasted long into the night. We are all looking forward to exploring the city and getting to spend close to a week helping to rebuild in this Katrina-stricken area.

Rebekah Kharrazi

After exploring Bourbon Street, eating jambalaya, gumbo, beignets, red beans and rice and getting a glimpse of the jazz scene on the night of our day off, some of us spent the night at the All Souls Episcopal Church in the Lower Ninth Ward, while others opted to stay at a hotel closer to the bustling nightlife of the French Quarter. The weather on our first real day off was perfect and everyone returned to our host in the evening completely infatuated with the city of New Orleans. Earlier that morning, we re-packed the trailer and dropped it off at the Urban Ministry Center of EDOLA. This host site was in the heart of the Garden District, just a short walk from the St. Charles trolley. The 3 story yellow Victorian house that housed us for the next 3 nights had a wonderful kitchen, beds for some(and vast floor space for the rest) and a wrap-a-round porch for our 33 bikes to cuddle on.

Annie, Adam, Christina and I spent the morning at St. Anna's Episcopal Church in the Treme neighborhood volunteering with the set-up of a Hispanic health fair that was to take place later that day. It was wonderful having the opportunity to chat with community members and realize how diverse New Orleans really is before starting to work at our build sites. Two of our Bike & Build crews ended up working in this particular neighborhood for the majority of our build week. At first glance, the neighborhood seemed fairly picturesque and ideal with its display of traditional New Orleans style houses on the tree-lined Esplanade ave. The social and housing problems that this area has had to deal with were rapidly discovered by venturing just a block away from the main avenue.

St. Anna's does a great deal to help the area; they have a wonderful mobile medical unit that travels to various areas of the city to provide medical care to those in need, a free weekly medical clinic at the church, they host a weekly "Mission to Musicians" program and also organize youth empowerment and tutoring programs for local kids. The "Awesome Girls" summer program, that some of us were lucky to take part in during our stay, was also introduced to us at that point. After learning more about St. Anna's, we returned to Bike & Build land; we were able to secure a gourmet pizza donation for later on in the week and get some grocery shopping done for the next day's breakfast/lunch. We ate a wonderful early dinner at a small vegetarian-friendly cafe in the heart of the Garden District on Magazine St. and began to mentally prepare for our 6 day build in the Big Easy.

Today I had an amazing ride to Long Beach, Mississippi. The short distance (for us that is less than 70 miles…I know!) was pretty satisfying since it allowed us to take it slow, ride in a good pace and explore some areas on the way to our destination.

We moved out of our lovely church in Mobile, Alabama and started our trek towards Mississippi. On the way we made sure to get a few photos of the state line (yay Mississippi!) and rode along facing the heat of the day.

On the way we passed a few casinos in a town called Biloxi, Mississippi. At the spur of the moment we decided to check out a casino called Grand Central and a few of us stopped, locked our bikes and walked in with all our gear. For me, this was the first time I have ever been to a casino, so in other words I was ecstatic! When we walked in we definitely got a few stares, we were after all in our sweaty gears, from top to bottom and looked particularly young in the crowd. But, we managed to scrounge up some money, place our bets and play some games! In the end, the experience was amazing. We talked more about our trip and why we are spreading awareness about the issue than really play the games and got a lot of people talking and becoming more interested about our cause.

We reached Long Beach, Mississippi and stayed in one of our leader’s friend’s house. The house was a beach house and was pretty small but had a nice homey feeling to it. After we settled, we all drove to get dinner which was provided graciously by a family who owned a burger restaurant. We all ate a satisfying meal and decided to explore the city of Long Beach, Mississippi. We got very lucky with our exploration and soon we found a live music restaurant, Darwell. This place was a great end to the day; beautiful music, tasty food and a cool weather to hang outdoors in.

Overall the day was what everyone in the trip needed, relaxing and enjoyable. Sometimes this is just what we need in our efforts to raise the issue of affordable housing.

Spoorthi Kumar

Today was our second build day in Mobile, AL. It was a typical morning(wake up at 6, get dressed, brush teeth)other than the ladies at the church made us PANCAKES with berries on top! This host has been absolutely amazing, especially with giving us delicious food. Last night we had not only had cake, we also got cookies and ice cream for dessert. Anyway, after our delicious breakfast, we headed out to the work site.

Our supervisor, Justin, told us the tasks for the day and we split up accordingly. One of the tasks was to make hurricane shutters. I knew I had to jump on board with that because I had never seen nor heard of hurricane shutters before. Luke, Zack, Hans and I set out to make them. I took measurements while the boys rallied up the tools and got ready to cut the wood. Hurricane shutters are pretty much what you would think- large pieces of wood cut to fit over and protect the windows if a hurricane were to occur. One of the most important parts of making them is numbering them so that it is extremely easy for the homeowner to put them up. The last thing a person needs in the event of a hurricane is to be spending their time scrambling to figure out what goes where.

We spent most of the day making the hurricane shutters and then there was more red dirt to level out! Sore and tired from the previous day, it didn’t matter! A crew of Bike and Builders went to take over for some people who had been leveling dirt all day.

At night, we all headed out to downtown Mobile. It was pretty quiet, but we took a walk down the main strip and looked at the shops. I thought we were headed to a bike shop, but then we ended up at The Bicycle Shop, which was a bar! It was a cool little bar and they gave a bunch of people t-shirts.

Overall, it was a really good day spent learning some new skills, working with power tools and exploring downtown Mobile! I am excited for the days to come.

Jenny McGinnis

6.9.2010

Today was the second build day of our trip. We worked with Mobile Habitat in the outskirts of Mobile in one of the first neighborhoods to be developed and marketed specifically for black families back in the 1950s. The neighborhood thrived until the local Air Force base was closed in the 1970s. The base was a crucial source of employment in the community; many families in the neighborhood lost their homes due to foreclosure or left Mobile for employment elsewhere. Recently revitalized, the neighborhood is home to dozens of Habitat-built homes. We worked on three lots today, two of which will soon be home to members of a large family of refugees.

When one stops to think about it, the logistics of a Bike and Build build day are insane: the leaders have to contact a local affordable housing organization that has a build site currently in progress when we are in town – a small and rigid time frame given our plans to get to California on-time. Even when the build day is penciled in on the schedule there is still the conundrum of finding tasks for 33 people to do on the build site. Having a small army of eager-beaver Bike and Builders show up at a build site is overwhelming for small affordable housing organizations that are used to maybe just a handful of volunteers and workers. Most of the morning was spent locating tools and materials and trying to find tasks for all of us. I went through a quick session of Caulking 101, and spent the rest of the day caulking doorways and baseboards in two of the houses. I’m a pretty solitary, detail-oriented person – future librarian writing here – so I really enjoyed caulking, a task that most people find tedious. The weather is hot and muggy, so most of the caulk and paint had not dried by the time we packed up at the end of the day. I’m guessing that most of the locals do their home renovations and painting in the winter, or the other times of the year when it doesn’t feel like a steam bath outside.

Our dinner was generously donated by Tres Banderas, a local Salvadorian restaurant. We had the rare opportunity to go out and actually eat at a restaurant, so some of the ladies wore makeup and some people even wore underwear for the occasion. Tomorrow we’re building again at the same site, and hopefully we’ll have a productive day. Rumor has it we might watch a movie tonight. Forrest Gump would be appropriate, after all, we are in Gump country.

Caroline Moakley

Sweet Home Alabama

After a de-lightful stay at the church in Gulf Breeze, we were finally headed off to Alabama! So glad that we’re leaving Florida after 9 long days in the saddle – 1 state down 9 more to go. Waking up at 5 was really tough, especially after having the most restful sleep that I’ve had since the beginning of the trip, due to that ultra soft and cushiony couch I’d slept on. However we had to get up early as this was going to be a looooong day. Looking at our cue-sheets, we had 88miles to go to Mobile, the longest ride that we’ve had so far. We were in for a big surprise.

HOT HOT HOT day. It wasn’t as bad as yesterday, but staying for a good 6-7 hours in the saddle out there, we all really felt it. In the morning, we were all treated to an air show! About 15miles into the day we had the privilege of having the Blue Angels do their practice flights right over our heads. They were so close we could literally see the paint job on individual planes as they did barrel rolls and aerial stunts right over us. Alabama was beautiful to ride through. Looking out over these big bridges along our route and looking over the gulf was mind boggling. The views were really stunning, but these booms and orange floats just hanging around in the water in an effort to contain the oil spill was a little saddening. We all stopped at the “Welcome to Alabama” sign to take pictures, but me and Luke were talking to this guy we met along the way, who happened to be the president of a Habitat somewhere near Dallas (pretty cool), and didn’t even see the sign. Its ok we’ll get it when we get out of Alabama.

So what’s the surprise about the 88miles? It actually became 95miles (at the least) for most of us, and playing mind games after going 80miles isn’t funny. There were some errors in the cue-sheet which didn’t include some miles. The last 10miles were KILLER. So far all the riding we’ve been doing has been flat, and so when we saw these rollers, they looked like the Himalayas. They literally crushed our souls. But getting to the church was worth every foot we climbed, catching whiffs of the delicious pasta that the hosts have so generously prepared for us.

My ride day was one of the worst, not because of the long distance or the rolling hills, but my right Achilles tendon had been hurting since the day before, probably from overcompensating from an injury I have in my left foot. Having pain there in every pedal stroke was tough to go through, but riding with Justin most of the day really helped to get my mind past the pain. I’m really thankful for his patience and slowing down to ride with me as I was going so slowly, and also for waiting while I had to fix my flats today.

This was the longest day of riding many of us have ever done in our lives, but nobody gave up and completed all 95miles, some even 99miles. Looking forward to a 2 day break off the saddle, but working hard building!

Z

Luke’s Journal, June 7, 2010

“Life. Is. Difficult!”

Today was probably our toughest to date. We put in nearly 90 miles to get from DeFuniak Springs, Florida (which boasts one of only two perfectly circular natural lakes in the world, and yes, we [unnecessarily] cycled the circumference) to Gulf Breeze, just outside Pensacola. We knew the day would be hot, and so got off to an early start, up at 0500 and rolling out on our bikes before 7AM. In the morning the wind was with us; I and a few others averaged a cool 20 mph and even with a couple stops (free coffee, used book store . . . yes!) put in almost 40 miles before stopping for lunch around 10:30.

Heading out from lunch we felt the heat building fast. Though the air temperature hovered in the mid-90s, the heat index approached 110, and we felt it. To compound our difficulties, we were pedaling an especially un-scenic, high-traffic, and gravel-ridden stretch of pavement re-radiating the noonday heat like a bed of hot coals. Agitated and saddle-sore, we regrouped for a water break and opted to cross the intra-coastal waterway and reroute across the thin spit of land between the waterway and the Gulf. It proved a good decision, as immediately the traffic died down and a broad and beautiful view of sand and sea opened up before us.

Still, the sun was on top of us and our hoped-for breeze came in the form of a bruising headwind. Our average speed sank and our legs soon felt like we were spinning our wheels in sand. As we made our way through the eerily deserted town of Navarre Beach, we noticed not just the dearth of beach-goers but a few dozen men in reflective vests patrolling the shore, looking for washed-up oil and tar balls.

If this was something of a desolate and depressing scene on an already draining day, I quickly reminded myself that in a matter of weeks our group would be facing longer rides through deserts hotter, drier, and emptier. There will still be sand, I thought, but no sign of water or wind or beach huts selling cold drinks.

We battled onward, but the strength faded from our bodies as the afternoon wore past four o’ clock. Finally, we sighted the high bridge which we knew would bring us just a few short blocks from our host, and with a burst of energy I mashed my gears to get to the top. It was at that point that the bit of adversity we had faced for the day came into perspective against the reason why we ride: we faced some unfavorable winds and weather, but suffered nothing like the troubles of those against whom our social order and prevailing economic conditions have stacked the odds and shorted their hand.

More than a few people have already responded to us with sneers and a diatribe against handouts for people “who need to do for themselves.” What they fail to realize (and what we try, respectfully, to point out) is that, first, the playing field is not level. More importantly, and to use a favorite Habitat catch phrase, what we’re aiming to accomplish is not a hand out but a hand up. The recipients of Habitat homes (funded more and more frequently with Bike and Build donations!), after a long and grueling application process, perform up to 400 hours of what is aptly termed “sweat equity.” This takes the form of labor at the construction site itself, volunteering on other H4H sites, and attending classes on financial management and the basics of home ownership. In short, the sweat expended by our 33 team members today (and that’s no small figure when every person rode every mile despite the heat, the distance, flat tires, etc.) is a drop in the bucket compared to the commitment of those who receive the “charity” we are working to offer.

As I learned on the playing fields of the Vassar College Rugby Football Club (many members of which have donated generously to this cause), “Life is Difficult!” (insert a Briton’s accent and emphasis.) Even if that is so, it is by overcoming its difficulties that we manifest life’s finer fruits, and we do it best when it’s done not just for ourselves.

A special thank you goes out to Sheryl and the Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church, which with their incredibly generous accommodations and provisions brought us like the Israelites out of the desert and into the land of milk and honey (and pleasantly raging a/c)!

Heading North to stay in the South!

Well today wasn’t like any typical Bike & Build day…but then again, what day is?! Today we were heading to Defuniak Springs and since I’m from Florida I actually can pronounce it! The ride was 67 miles and it started out as a rainy mess…luckily I was riding with some amazing people who brought up interesting topics of conversation. To begin the day, I rode with Adam, Cassie, Zack, and Christine. On the road Adam started the topic of discussion as to what instrument would we play in “our” band? It was determined that Adam would play the guitar/vocals, Cassie would be our symbols expert, Zack was on saxophone phone and would scat/rap, Christine would play the keyboard (because we needed some melodies) and sing as well and I would play the drums. Once determining our instruments we then figured out our style of music. We decided that our flavor of music was inspired from our so-near-future-trip to New Orleans. Zack came up with the official wording but our type of music is called “Scat-a-rappist jazz”. Now if only we had time to practice this new type of music…
When we finally got into Defuniak Springs, we found out that we did not have showers for the evening, but luckily there was a hose in the back. Must say I have had many firsts on this trip and it has been less than a week! One of them being showering from a hose and another was breaking my new land speed record! I now have a high speed of 31.4mph, this of course coming from going down a bridge.
One of my favorite things about riding is just being able to talk and hang out with this new family of mine. Nothing can compare to being on the open road discussing future plans of our new band!

Our day off in Panama City was just what we needed to rest our sore bottoms and weary heads. Although most of us had planned to sleep in late, our internal bike and build alarm clocks interfered with this hope. I felt funny when I realized we were all up, chipper and ready for the beach by 8AM.

Our breakfast crew had prepared us a hearty oatmeal with raisins and apples (though some of us added M&Ms to spice things up, ending with a delectable rainbow goo.) And as we prepared our bodies for the harsh Floridian light by slapping on gobs of sunscreen, we waited at a bus stop for the beach where we hoped to spend our day. The schedule said that we would be picked up at 10:15 AM, but by 11:30 we were hot, cranky, and eager to just get there already. Further research showed that the bus may or may not show up at 12:30 and it wouldn't be a direct ride. Note: don't rely on public transportation in the state of "La Florida," (Spanish for "flowery," coined by Ponce de Leon--who was searching for the fountain of youth in modern day St. Augustine for its lush landscape.) Eventually, we acquiesced to the tourist trap and all decided to chip in to buy a taxi/shuttle to the beach.

It was worth it. The sand was as fine as sugar and the waves were green, sparkly, and strong. Upon running into the ocean, I was surprised by how small and powerless I felt. This is the beauty for me of going to the ocean. It wraps you up and carries you. I like to think that the moon and the sea are part of a beautifully tragic love story. The ocean's waves are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon (this is a scientific fact!) and they can only see each other at nighttime. The ocean is always moving, coursing to reach the moon as she watches from the vast sky, but they can never be together. Sigh.

After some presentations about affordable housing and discussions that ensued, we spent some down time at the church and a few of us went off in pursuit of some books and some last-minute supplies (e.g. gold bond powder, a necessity after a day of swimming in our sweat.) Leslie, Jill, and I asked Chick-Fil-A to donate some of their extra food to us and they gave us TONS of chicken salad and veggies. SCORE!
It was a nice break. It was a nice break. And as we settled down in our sleeping bags, we prepared our minds to return to the norm-- a day on the saddle.

Alia

We have quickly learned to wake up to the sound of our neighbors alarms and use the rustling and shuffling of feet as our snooze. Perhaps we learned this too well. The assumption that some one else would set an alarm lead to no one setting an alarm and a half an hour sleep in. We were up at 6:30 and rolled out at 8:45 to leave the mold and funk behind. The weather forecast predicted rain to match yesterday so the shoe covers were kept on. After enjoying the city of Apalachicola so much the night before five of us decided to grab coffee and more breakfast in the same cafe that donated dinner. After picking up postcards to thank the donors that made this trip possible we rolled out of town and on the way to Panama City.

The weather proved the forecast completely wrong. The ride was amazing with bright sun making one of the warmer ride days so far. Z being as fast as he is on the bike managed to find himself far ahead and decided to stop on the bridge. A friendly fisherman started up conversation and showed Z his method for catching the local blue crab even offering Z to hold one of the crabs pinched between his thumb and index finger. Apparently the crabs love chicken! After peddling in the heat the water bottles and camelbacks were being consumed rapidly. A fill up at lunch of both gatorade and water proved incredibly useful and necessary but was running dangerously low near the end of the ride. After entering the city limits of Panama City I found myself with a few sips of liquid and 6 miles to go, a similar condition to a couple riders in the small group we had been riding with. To the excitement of everybody we found a peach stand at an intersection and pulled over. Never has a peach tasted so good or have I been so grateful for the juicy fruit.

After having dinner we broke up into two groups, one going to a local festival to see live music, the other to the Panama Beach bars. Everybody chipped in get a mini bus to drive us to the bars and provide a safe return home. The bars were amazing providing live country music and a first sight of the new dancing that we will be seeing for the next few weeks. The second bar was an imitation of the german beer halls with the big benches and beer mugs. We even sang, maybe american pop songs but sang nonetheless. We took the bus back and quickly fell asleep looking forward to the sleep in.

Biscuits n’ Gravy y’all!

What better way to start a ride than with a hot breakfast cooked by our lovely hosts, the Southern Baptist Church of Sopchoppy; eggs, bacon, grits, and biscuits n’ gravy…certainly beats the heck out of pb&j on cold bagels. Once our bellies were filled with overwhelming deliciousness, we set out for Apalachicola (Apalach to the locals). The route was beautiful I’m sure, winding along the Gulf coast for the better part of 45 miles. I say I’m sure because much of the Gulf was covered up by the thunderstorms that have seemed to follow us from town to town since we departed J-ville. Nevertheless, the ride was great fun as always and everyone finished the ride with smiles on their faces.
Once in town, Z, Caroline, Annie and I went to a lovely restaurant called That Place on 98, where we enjoyed delicious oysters and seafood gumbo which came complete with a 25% discount. In fact, many of my fellow brothers and sisters of the wheel enjoyed the hospitality that Apalach has to offer when they received a 4 course meal from an upscale restaurant in town; turkey and stuffing, salad, crab cakes, chocolate moose, all for the price of Free.99. And to top it all off, Rebekah came through in the clutch for dinner by soliciting a donation of seafood paella. To sum it all up, we ate like kings and queens all day long, which makes me nothing but happy. Of course, I could not end this journal without sending a special thanks to Meme, my grandmother, for sending me a lovely letter in the mail.

Colin “food donations rock my world” Rossi

The title of today’s ride is Habitat for HuMANATEE. If you can’t figure out why, it’s because we got to swim with Manatees today. You might be thinking, with all that biking and all that building, how do they have time to swim with sea cows? Well, I’ll take you through the day and you can see what it’s all about. It all started last night when a lot of the team went out for a night on the town in Perry, Florida. It was the first time we got to hang out NOT on our bikes, on a build site, or on a host site. We all got to relax in civilian clothes and get to know each other better. After that, I knew we had good times ahead. The day started early. After cleaning the middle school gym we slept in we headed to a coffeeshop called HEBREW. The proprietor was kind enough to donate coffees to about 15 riders. I’m not talking just some small black coffees. I’m talking about americana’s, cappuccinos, and pumpkin spice lattes galore. It was a great way to start the day.

The first stretch was on a nice, smooth road with plenty of shade. The second half was hot, hot, hot. BUT, I’m getting to the part you all want to hear about. My riding partner and I were riding over the Wakulla river when we decided to stop for a dip. Upon swimming in the cold, refreshing water, we were approached by…you guessed it… MANATEES. The friendliest, most calm creatures I have ever encountered. They came right up to us and let us pet them and even went in for a smooch. One of our teammates went in for wet one and he got just that. The manatee spit water in his face. After getting caught in a storm and hanging out at a gas station for an hour the rest of the ride was smooth sailing.

Thinking back on our experiences I am amazed at the kindness and hospitality we have been shown throughout our travels. People see us dressed in our getup and they want to know what we’re doing, why, and then a lot of them offer to help in any way they can. If it’s not coffee, it’s food, or a place to stay, or maybe a donation, or some people just offer blessings and words of wisdom. My goals for the next few weeks are to talk to more people and take things as they come. Our mission is to spread the word about affordable housing and we are going to do just that.

Cory

PHEW! Made it to Perry. First things first, as soon as we entered town I ran into CVS with Jill and bought a chocolate bar. Ritter’s chocolate-covered marizipan. Mmmmazing!! I ate it right there in the store while we walked around looking for Gold Bond powder (it’s a biker thing, don’t ask). OH MY GOSH the chocolate was PERFECT!!! Hit the spot. I almost went back for another, but -- Okay, enough about chocolate; I’m sure everyone reading this is more concerned about our ride than my food cravings… (but be warned I have a tendency to digress and ramble). 

The ride was pret-ty superb! Especially the first half, which consisted of rolling hills and beautiful farm countryside. It was hard to wake up at 5am, but we knew it would be crazy hot later in the day and wanted to get a headstart, so we quickly packed up our dewy tents under the light of the moon and set off. I decided to ride with “Team Hyena” since “Team Cheetah” was just too hardcore for me, and I was pretty well-rested after the previous day of sweeping (meaning that Spoo and I rode in the far rear to ensure that everyone makes it to our destination). It’s nice how we naturally fall into riding with people who want to go the same pace. It’s only been a couple days, but I’ve already made some amazingly deep connections to fellow riders. There’s something about riding together, whether in silence or loud raucous sing-a-longs, that really builds connections.

I was so enthralled by the hills, soft wind in my face, that I barely noticed how much myself and another girl had pulled ahead of our group. We made it to a lunch stop and regrouped while munching on more PB&J, pretzels and honey and bananas. I am surprisingly NOT sick of peanut butter yet! Check back with me again in 70 days and we’ll see if I feel the same.

An elderly couple came over to inquire about our odd herd/gaggle/pride(?) of riders. It was cool to see the excitement on someone else’s face when they hear about what we are doing. “Bike to WHERE? Doing WHAT??” They found out that one of our riders came from Harvard and commented on how he must have “good marks.” I only say this because that is the exact same wording my grandparents use when they talk about grades. “Mahks.” Everywhere we go, we meet people who feel like long-lost family members; They are so supportive and eager to hear about our adventures. So thank you to everyone who has added sunshine to our days (even if the day is full of thunderstorms, which the past few have).

When the first thunderstorm hit, we were in the town of Mayo. We saw the dark clouds rolling in and started scouting for shelter. We found a covering just in time before BAM! BOOM! down came buckets of rain. Lightning etched across the gray sky. More riders passed by and joined the posse. (If this picture loads, you can see our happy faces as we waited out the storm.)

Finally the torrent abated and we set off in our small packs. I fell behind the Cheetahs and immediately got a flat tire. No biggie. Colin had made sure we knew how to change a flat. So I did. But there was a hole in this tube too. When Colin, Jill and Alex showed up, I was still on the side of the road furiously pumping air into a doomed tire. Before I could say “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” he had fixed my flat and we were back on the road. Then he dropped the hammer and took off like a hurricane.

Okay, I’ll try to wrap this up because I’m getting mocked for my wordiness. (I’m writing so much for YOU, mom, because I know you’ll read this and then copy it and save it and maybe even print it out!!!)

We rode the rest of the way as a trio, stopping momentarily for a photoshoot with a giant tire and for a quick lunch of… I’ll give you three guesses! That’s right! Peanut butter!! After a DELICIOUS stop for a chocolate bar, we ended up at a middle school’s gymnasium to sleep for the night. Some place graciously donated a southern-style dinner (although us vegetarians needed to be supplemented by some leftovers of our lentil burritos from the previous night), which we consumed with the passion that comes from a long day of bicycling (about 80 miles). Some people went out on the town and enjoyed beers + jukebox music with the locals, some people passed out immediately. But in the end, we all passed out, thoroughly exhausted yet giddy. Hooray Bike & Build!!

Cheers,
Meira

Day 2 of riding. We awoke to the sun rising over our tent city on the outskirts of Callahan, Florida. Bananas and bagels filled our stomachs and fueled our spirits for the 79 mile ahead of us. We broke into groups of 5-10 and started out through some picturesque ruler straight Florida roads. The humidity held to the road so heavily that you could see it floating over the black top. It was 80 degrees by 9am (or apparently 115 degrees according to my broken bike computer’s thermometer).

I am not an avid cyclist and the thought of a 40 mile ride in my chilly home town of Kalamazoo, Michigan seems daunting. So imagine how I felt today during our 79 mile, 90+ degree ride. However, come mile 40 I was amazed to still feel energized and ready to go. Then around mile 60 I started to crash. We had been riding a single, insanely flat and straight road through Osceola State Forest for about 30 miles when I realized I was getting low on fluids (at this point I had already drank three bottles of Gatorade and finished off most of my 100 ounce Camel Back). Then when I was about to “bonk” we spotted the beautifully painted Bike & Build trailer in the distance. On of our fearless leaders Colin had set up a impromptu snack stop for us. After even more bananas (apparently the potassium keeps your legs from cramping) we were ready to crank out the final 19 miles.

A couple other key events from the day:

-Getting chased by dogs on multiple occasions. The best being when we were chased by 8 Jack Russell Terriers (there were probably more coming but we made it out just in time with our ankles bite free).

-Stopping for Ice Cream and chatting it up with the locals in Georgia. Then getting that “boy there’s something wrong with you look,” when we told them that our destination was San Francisco.

-Arriving in Lake City to be greeted at our campsite by a large, clean and very cold pool.

Tomorrow we rise at 5 am to start our 76 miles to the bustling metropolis of Perry, Florida.

Zack Siddall

On the road with “Team Turtle”…

Our first ride day, we’re off to San Francisco! The day began with a wheel dip on the beautiful coast of the Atlantic Ocean. The energy and high spirits of the group, the sun shining, and the families (a special shout-out to you all – thank you!!) who came to support us made for an exhilarating start to our journey.

To begin the ride we broke into smaller groups depending on the pace you wanted to ride that day. My chosen group was named “Team Turtle.” Can you guess why?? I don’t think I stopped smiling the entire ride. If you haven’t seen a group of cyclists riding by, it is a sight to see…or I should say hear. To help each other out you have to shout directional or course warnings. You’ll hear things like car back, car up, clear, turning right or left, stopping, slowing, debris, gravel, and last but not least, road kill. The morning ride was so scenic and the weather was perfect. We broke for lunch around mile 30 and enjoyed peanut butter sandwiches with whatever toppings we had on supply. Yum! It was really nice to enjoy some shade and rest our legs a bit.

After lunch we got back on the road to complete the other half of our journey. We took lots of pictures when we stopped and sang songs from the seat of our ‘cycles. There were a couple scattered showers along the way and they couldn’t have felt better in this Florida sun.

We arrived to the camp site around 3:00 p.m. We set up our tents and jumped in line for the shower. After showering and changing out of our beloved spandex Bike & Build attire we grabbed paint buckets and began painting our team trailer. It looks awesome! We have some really talented people in this group. You’ll have to see it; I think it beats any other Bike & Build trailer 

So, that was day 1 of our adventure. There will be more to come! Gotta go…the group made a fire outside and it is calling my name. Adios from Callahan, Florida!

05/29/2010

So today has been long, but overall a really good day. This morning (which seems like days ago) we woke up at 6am. I’m on the trailer crew, so my group had to load the trailer with everyone’s bags. Although it was hard to pack all my stuff for this entire summer into one duffel bag, I completely understand why. Loading the trailer takes a long time and you have to carefully pile everyone’s bags, as well as all the group stuff, so it all can fit.

After we did that we biked ~ 3 miles over to the new church we are staying at tonight, and had a bike safety clinic (at I think about 9am). It was really helpful. Some of the quick stops we had to do were pretty scary, but it is definitely something that is worth learning. When the safety clinic was over we ate lunch and then it was time for the shakedown ride!

The shakedown ride was a simple 20 miles right along the coast, and it was beautiful. We split into groups and rode it, and then we stopped in the middle for a full group photo. We used the ride to practice the signals we had gone over at the safety clinic earlier (like car up, car back, slowing, stopping etc). It is really important to say that you’re slowing down in a group so that the people behind you have time to prepare and slow down as well.

We had dinner at Beaches Habitat tonight. They made us burgers, pasta salad, baked beans, some really delicious corn bread and they even had a cake! The cake said “Thank You Bike & Build” on it. It is crazy that people are so supportive of what we’re doing that they would feed 32 people lunch one day, dinner they next and then give them a thank you cake (of course we thanked them profusely as well).

Two of the home owners whose houses we worked on yesterday were at the dinner too. It was nice to talk to them. They both seemed really nice and hardworking, and it reminds me why we are all here participating in Bike & Build this summer.

Today was the second official day of the Bike and Build adventure and the first build day of the trip. After a wake up call at 5:45 which consisted of an orchestra of random phone instruments, everyone was running around doing their respective chores. Luckily for everyone, we did not have to pack our bags as we were staying at the same church tonight – which translated to my task, trailer crew, not needing to be performed. Since things were casual, I simply enjoyed the morning breakfast of fresh fruit, a bagel, and a cup of coffee out behind the church near the playground with my 32 new friends as the sun burned through the morning fog.

Being the first build day of the trip, we partnered with Beaches Habitat for Humanity here in Jacksonville, Florida to help work on two communities. While most of the group went to one work site miles away from the church we called our home for the second day, my build site was right behind the church. Beaches Habitat was currently building a monster two-family duplex with five bedrooms each. While the six other Bike and Builders spent the day learning to and installing siding for the massive house, Cassie, one of the Bike and Build leaders, and I learned how to install shingles.

With the weather in Jacksonville being blistering hot - a little under 95 degrees and the sun having no clouds to hide behind - the task of installing shingles was brutal on the body. After learning all of the regulations and how to install shingles properly, Cassie and I spent the entire day slowly shingling up one quarter of the house. After spending several hours in the grueling sun laying one shingle at a time, Cassie and I managed to finish an entire quarter of the roof with some time to spare. The folks at Beaches Habitat were so accommodating to us – they even brought us popsicles on the roof while we were shingling.

After the day of building ended around 4:00 PM, we all managed to be shuttled to showers and clean ourselves before having an amazing and elaborate southern-style buffet dinner provided by a local Pastor at his church. The food which was plenty for 60 filled all of us more than we could have hoped.

That night, we had an extremely entertaining presentation on bicycle safety by Deb, an incredibly energetic woman passionate about cycling. She threw ridiculous trivia questions about bicycling our way and we simply hoped we could guess them right. We finished the enlightening trivia session with the singing (twice over) Queen’s hit song, “I want to ride my bicycle. After Deb's presentation and trivia, we were all exhausted and got to bed by 11:00 PM to make sure we could get up for our 6:00 AM wake-up call.

- Chris Story

What’s up? I’m not trying to brag, but yes, I was the chosen one to start off the Bike and Build journal. So I’m Josh and I will be going through our first day of Orientation in Jacksonville, Florida.

As I’m sure most of us were feeling on the first day, I was both anxious and excited. Not really knowing what to expect going into the trip left me with many unanswered questions about our incredible trek this summer. As I arrived at orientation it was plain to see that a lot of other people were feeling the same way I was.

Enough with all of the emotional thoughts prior to the start though. Orientation was awesome. The icebreakers were the best part. Learning about everyone’s prior experiences and what made them get involved with Bike and Build was stellar. I had a blast playing several games to get to know each other and learning more about Bike and Build. Oh yeah, dinner was great!