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| Quick Links: Before the trip | During the trip | After the trip
So you’re thinking about cycling across the country this summer? Here’s everything you need to know to make the decision and get started with fundraising and training. Bike &Build is a three-step process. The organization, Trip Leaders, and alumni network will support you throughout all three stages. We want this page to serve as an introduction to you about what rider responsibilities are, before and after the trip, and what life ‘on the road’ is like. After reading through this material please feel free to call or email with any other questions. Before the Trip - Select a Route - In 2008 Bike & Build will support seven cross-country rides. Don't worry if you've never cycled long-distances before; our riders range from beginners to seasoned cyclists and everyone makes it to the Pacific Ocean. With a little training, a lot of determination, and a huge network of supportive alumni you’re set to take off for the Pacific.
Our Trips (Dates are subject to change.)
- Apply Click here to apply - Meet your Trip Leaders, fellow riders, and local Alumni Network Click Here
- Learn about Affordable Housing - According to Habitat for Humanity (the world’s largest nonprofit affordable housing organization), over 5.1 million American families have "worst-case" housing needs in which they endure overcrowded conditions and/or live in physically deficient houses. Additionally, more than 13 million American households pay over 50% of their income for housing (www.habitat.org). It's okay if you don't know a lot about affordable housing issues prior to your trip; you'll learn a lot during your preparation before the trip, and on the road as you pass through towns where people combat these issues on a daily basis. You'll also speak with the community members and the media about this important national crisis.
- Fundraise - Each rider is responsible for raising at least $4,000 prior to departure. Bike & Build donates the majority of the money its participants raise to student-led affordable housing projects across the country. The money you raise will also help pay for trip expenses along the way - such as your bike, food, and fuel for the support van.
- Bike & Build will send you a detailed Fundraising Guide to help you work towards this goal.
- Trip Leaders will help facilitate group fundraising projects if possible.
- Alumni are available to share their creative ideas and offer support. Over 400 Alums have completed this challenge and you will too!
- Sweat Equity - Before the beginning of your trip you’ll be required to fulfill two volunteer requirements: at least 8 hours volunteering on a construction site with a local affordable housing group and another 8 hours helping Bike & Build produce the trip. Part of the Bike & Build sweat equity will include researching and preparing a presentation to give while on the road. We’ll provide you with more information about this aspect of sweat equity once you sign up, and will do our best to help you learn more about the cause and organization as you prepare for summer.
- Train - We'll do our best to acclimate you to the challenge ahead by easing you into the cycling. Before the trip begins we'll send you training materials to help you prepare, and if you live near one of partner schools our Trip Leaders will organize training rides on campus. During orientation we'll teach you how to care for your bike and make basic repairs. Daily mileage begins low and gradually builds to an average of 75 miles a day.
- Riding your Bike · Bike & Build will provide you with a bike as you reach your fundraising goals on time; this bike will be yours to keep at the end of the trip. Bike & Build encourages you to begin fundraising early so that you will receive your bike with ample time to train. - Getting used to your gear · Bike & Build will supply you with a list of gear that you will need for the trip, along with advice and discounts to help guide your purchases. Return to top.  During the Trip - Orientation - Prior to your trip departure you will have a multi-day orientation with your leaders and riders. During this time you will learn basic bike maintenance, complete a bike safety course, get to know your fellow riders, and finish preparations for the adventure ahead.
- Day in the Life - Each day on Bike & Build is different, however this outlines provides a rough idea of what to expect in a typical day.
6 AM – Wakeup--pack your bags, load the van, eat breakfast. 7:30 AM – Morning meeting – the point leader goes over the days route and distributes directions; everyone participates in a group stretch and then individually checks and tunes their bikes. Ride at your own pace – break up into groups of people you’re comfortable riding with- generally no more than 3-4 people; throughout the day stop to check out points of interest along the route. 11:30 – Lunch- support van will have set up a pre-arranged lunch stop. Everyone catches up with the group and takes a break to replenish and refuel! 3-4- Arrive- hosts will greet you at the pre-arranged nightly accommodation location and welcome you after a long day on the bike. - Shower- at locations pre-arranged
- Complete chore group responsibilities– riders are responsible for helping with day-to-day operations of trip. These responsibilities rotate on a weekly basis and range from cleaning the van to grocery shopping for the next day's lunch take ownership of the trip. This allows riders to take ownership of the trip and contribute to its success.
6 pm – Potluck dinner- eat, meet, and interact with local community members. 7 pm – Presentation- each trip has a PowerPoint presentation which it gives to community members at host locations. Riders share anecdotes from the trip, explain what life is like on the road, and what Bike & Build's mission is. These are a lot of fun and present an opportunity to spread awareness about the affordable housing crisis and learn about regional issues. FREE TIME! You will have PLENTY of opportunities throughout the day and after you arrive at your night's destination to get off your bike, explore, talk to locals and relax! - Build Days
- Each trip has several scheduled en-route “Build Days” where, instead of cycling, the group will spend a day (or even a week!) working on the construction of affordable homes and making a tangible difference for individuals and families in need.
- Days Off - In addition to Build Days, each trip includes multiple days off. Riders enjoy spending multiple nights in the same spot to sleep-in, explore, go whitewater rafting, attend a baseball game, swim or just relax!
- Hosts - Along the way your group will stay in churches, synagogues, schools, YMCAs, campgrounds, community centers, and more that are prearranged by your Trip Leaders. These hospitable hosts will also arrange for showering facilities and introduce you to the local food and culture.
- Food
- On many occasions, your dinners and breakfasts will be provided by your generous hosts. If your food is not provided, then you will shop and cook as a group. Picnic-style lunches will be provided for you each day on the road.
- Become lifelong advocates for the affordable housing cause: Get more involved with the organizations we support: - Build a Bike & Build House near your college campus: - Several Bike & Build trips are city-based. In addition to supporting affordable housing groups on the road, money raised goes to support an entirely student funded, student built house.
- Actively participate in Bike & Build's Alumni Network and Committees! - Bike & Build encourages alumni participation in a variety of different committees that work to improve our programming and work to identify new directions to accomplish our mission.
- Affordable Housing Curriculum
- Recruitment
- Gear and Safety Committee
- Public Relations
- Participate in one of our Alumni events. Bike & Build holds a yearly "JanPlan" event in January, where alumni from will meet in New Orleans and participate in the Katrina Relief effort on the Gulf Coast. In 2008 the alumni will be participating in the Chris Webber Memorial ride from Orlando, Florida to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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Prospective Riders
