Quick Links: NUS | P2S | P2SF | CUS | SUS

Over 400 college-age students have participated with Bike and Build since our founding in 2003. We come from hometowns and colleges across the country with diverse social, academic and career interests. One thing we have in common? We’re all passionate about raising awareness for affordable housing issues and making concrete community changes by building with affordable housing organizations.

We encourage you to contact the alumni network to learn more about personal experiences with Bike and Build and gain a better understanding of our work and mission.

NUS

<!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->

Name: Elana Bannerman
Email:
Year and Route: NUS '05, Leader NUS '06
College and Program or current occupation: Dartmouth '05 alum, teacher in D.C.
Hometown: Montclair, NJ
Why became interested in Bike and Build: I love to bike, I wanted to get involved in a new service project, and I wanted to do something crazy after college.
Best Bike and Build Memory: Finishing my first century to Rochester, NY; 13 hrs after I started it!
Best advice to new riders: For every day you think that you can't make it, you can! Buy arm warmers. You can carry your cue sheet by attaching it by binder clip to the cable housing coming out of your shifters.

<!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->

Name: Mickey Begin

Year and Route: NUS'06
Email:
College and Program or current occupation: Providence College grad, soon to enlist in the United States Navy
Hometown: Lewiston, ME
Why became interested in Bike and Build: It was such a perfect opportunity to combine service and adventure all in one summer.
Best Bike and Build Memory: Too many to name just one! My two favorite places were Teddy Roosevelt National Park and Glacier National Park. The views were amazing and unlike anything I have ever seen. Also, wearing a lot of interesting “flair” made many of the days quite memorable (capes, suspenders and knee socks…)
Best advice to new riders: Learn as much as you can about your bike and proper maintenance, you'll start the trip with that much more confidence. Also if you have not been relatively athletic throughout HS or college, training will make the ride ten times more enjoyable; being really comfortable on your bike is a great feeling to have.

<!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->

Name: Lindsay Michel

Year and Route: NUS '05
Email:
College and Program or current occupation: University of North Carolina; Journalism and Mass Communication
Hometown: Durham, North Carolina
Why became interested in Bike and Build: I found out about Bike and Build through a UNC Habitat for Humanity listserv e-mail. I decided to sign up because I love challenging adventures, and raising awareness of housing inequities in America is really important to our country if we are going to raise the standard of living for every American.
Best Bike and Build Memory: Waking up at 4 a.m. to complete a 120-mile ride through Glacier National Park. It was our first, and only, day in the Rocky Mountains. The weather was perfect, we watched the sun rise behind as we headed toward the park entrance, and once we completed our 20 miles up hill it was 30 miles of coasting downhill to our campsite.
Best advice to new riders: Train beforehand so that you're not falling all over the place the first day, and use A&D ointment for your saddle sores everyday. It's the only way, folks.

<!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->

Name: Rebecca Stievater
Email:
Year and Route: NUS ‘05; Leader P2SF ’07
College and Program or current occupation: Cornell University ’07; animal science
Hometown: Brookline, MA
Why became interested in Bike and Build: It provides the chance to undertake an epic journey while helping a worthy cause at the same time.
Best Bike and Build Memory: Arriving at the top of Logan Pass (elevation 6646 ft) after an 11-mile climb in Glacier National Park, MT; having people who had just driven up the pass ask, "Did you just bike up here?" and being able to respond, "Yup, and about 3,000 miles before that, as well."
Best advice to new riders: Bring ear plugs...some of your fellow riders might snore.

P2S

<!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->

Name: Caroline Mailloux
Email:
Year and Route: P2S ‘04
College and Program or current occupation: Researcher: environmental and occupational health consulting, toxic tort litigation
Hometown: Raynham, MA
Why became interested in Bike and Build: I walked into my college gym in the fall of 2003 and saw a poster for an info session. The poster featured a rider standing on a mountain holding a bike over their head and read, "Want to make a different this summer?" I was sold from day one.
Best Bike and Build Memory: Raising the first wall of our Habitat House in Providence, RI the fall after we returned from Seattle. Raising it legitimized the months of challenging fundraising and cycling. All the work for one house, for one amazing local family. Second? The overflow of emotion upon arrival to the Pacific Ocean and diving head first into the icy waters... because we cycled 4,000 miles to get there.
Best advice to new riders: Bring a headlamp, it'll come in mega handy for evening bike maintenance and camping. Even on tough days, thank each of your leaders; they do so much behind the scenes that goes unnoticed and unthanked. Don't get discouraged with fundraising! You can do it! Take time to talk with the locals and your hosts. USE LOTS OF BUTT CREAM.

<!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->

Name: April Nilsen
Email:
Year and Route: P2S '06
College and Program or current occupation: University of Michigan;
Psychology major & Program in the Environment minor
Hometown: Bethesda, MD
Why became interested in Bike and Build: I care a lot about affordable housing, and the experience sounded too amazing to pass up. I had never ridden a road bike in my
life before I started training, but it’s become a huge interest of mine.
Best Bike and Build Memory: There are too many! One highlight was cycling to the
top of Teton Pass in Wyoming with my sweep partner to see our whole group waiting and cheering for us at the top. The view was breathtaking and just seeing our group like that definitely brought up the tears.
Best advice to new riders: Get comfortable on your bike! I think it is nearly impossible to get the real idea of what Bike & Build is like until it actually starts, but be as well prepared as possible. The trip is amazing and life changing, even if you’re sore during those first two weeks. Oh, and bring lots of sunscreen. And get ready to meet amazing people, both riders and people along the way.

<!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->

Name: Ericc Powell
Email:
Year and Route: P2S ‘06
College and Program or current occupation: AmeriCorps* VISTA Rhode Island Campus Compact Feinstein Service Learning Project Coordinator at Roger Williams University
Hometown: Agawam, MA
Why became interested in Bike and Build: I loved biking and working with Habitat for Humanity to build affordable housing. Habitat, in my opinion, is a great organization that I spent four years working with, and since my main mode of transportation in college was a bicycle, I rode it as much as possible. I also wanted to see the country (more than you can see in a car) and meet people as crazy as I am who set out on a 4,000 mile journey across the United States on two wheels and a hard seat.
Best Bike and Build Memory: Climbing to the top of Teton Pass (5.5 miles of a 10% uphill grade on the Rocky Mountains) and most of our group deciding we would wait for sweep, knowing that we would be waiting a long time. We all gathered around and screamed and cheered as riders were approaching the top. It was a huge celebration with laughs, screams, pictures, and one of our riders breaking out his saxophone and playing "Ain't no mountain high enough". We were a family, and still are.
Best advice to new riders:
1) Do not be worried about the physical exertion. At times it is painful, but you realize that there is no turning back, that you are riding with 29+ other riders who are doing it, and you finally come to terms with the fact that you are riding across the country.
2) Carry at least two spare tubes and a patch kit on you. Either you will need it on the road, or you will have to lend it to someone.
3) Do not be afraid to tell people and businesses what you are doing. Subway often gave us free or discounted subs and other places gave us free food as well. Make sure to capitalize on free bike checks. Some bike shops, after you tell them what you are doing and why you are doing it, are so amazed that they check out your bikes for free and give you discounted stuff. But research and call ahead. Some of them already know about Bike & Build from previous trips that have gone through there.
4) Be open to anything and everything. Try new things, sit and talk to different people on your trip, and MAKE SURE TO STIR THE PEANUT BUTTER! In the heat, the oil separates from the other stuff and you have to stir it well.
5) Stay in touch with us (alumni) and people in your group.
6) Bike & Build rocks!

<!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->

Name: Genevieve Hale-Case
Email:
Year and Route: Leader P2S '06
College and Program or current occupation: Colorado College '07;
Community Planning
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Why became interested in Bike and Build: When I found out about Bike and Build I immediately knew it was something I wanted to do. It brought my fascination with community development together with my love for cycling and I got to see the country while doing it. Plus how could you resist two months with 31 other people who wake up in the morning and say, "I'm gonna ride my bike across the USA!"
Best Bike and Build Memory: Oh there are so many...one of the best feelings though is arriving at a church after a long hot day of riding, totally exhausted, and being so warmly welcomed by perfect strangers who think you are just the best.
Best advice to new riders: Chamois Butter is your new best friend! Don't bring too much stuff and restrict yourself from peanut butter for about three months before you go, you'll be eating more than you ever thought possible.

<!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->

Name: Madeline Rake
Email:
Year and Route: P2S ‘04, Leader/Founder P2SF ’06
College and Program or current occupation: Brown University; human biology
Hometown: Lawrence, KS
Why became interested in Bike and Build: I've always been a cyclist and I had worked with Habitat for Humanity before. I'm always looking for a new adventure and this definitely fit the bill!
Best Bike and Build Memory: I have to pick just one???? One of my favorite memories from p2s was climbing Washington Pass through the fog. One of my favorites from p2sf is a two part memory. I biked up Trail Ridge Road by myself the day before everyone else did since I would be driving the van that day. It was amazing taking it all in by myself. Watching everyone else do it the next day and being able to cheer them on was really fantastic.
Best advice to new riders: Think of the trip as an adventure. Don't worry about miles missed or how fast or slow you are biking. Take it all in!

P2SF

<!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->

Name: Margaret Heidrick
Email:
Year/Route: P2S ’04, Leader/Founder P2SF ‘06
College: Brown University ’07; Education Policy
Hometown: Austin, TX
Why I became interested in Bike and Build: A friend emailed me about fundraising ideas for her trip. I checked out the program, decided there and then that sitting at a desk wasn't for me, and I signed up for the trip myself!
Best Bike and Build memory: Accidentally riding in an international bike race in rural Reading, PA and get yelled at, "Hey! That’s a girl! Now that’s what I’m talking about!"…it was absolutely hysterical. Also, riding over the highest continuously paved road in America.
Best advice to new riders: Ride your bike before the trip. Then just do the trip. Stop a lot, see the sweet things, and take more pictures than you thought was possible. Pack warm, warm clothes, because on that one cold day, it'll be worth lugging the fleece 3,000 miles.

<!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->

Name: Jes King
Email:
Year and Route: P2SF ‘06
College and Program or current occupation: Louisiana State University grad. Now I'm an architect in Memphis, TN
Hometown: Jackson, TN
Why became interested in Bike and Build: I love a good challenge! I was excited to share my thoughts and feelings about affordable housing. I love to meet people and I love to travel. Seemed like a great way to spend my last summer before work.
Best Bike and Build Memory: We had a day off in South Lake Tahoe and it was the most incredible day ever!!! We got up and made pancakes, spent the day on an amazing beach hanging out with each other, went on a sunset cruise on Lake Tahoe, and then got into a Paul Simon concert for free. It doesn't get much better than that! Good times with good friends!
Best advice to new riders: Pack light. Also really think about what you are about to do, I feel like most people were set physically but mentally if you've thought about the challenge of biking 80 miles then you're more prepared to deal with it when you are tired and fighting through.

<!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->

Name: Marylynn King
Email:
Year and Route: P2SF ‘06
College and Program or current occupation: Colgate University '06, currently working for the National Park Service at Mt. Rainier National Park (Ashford, WA)
Hometown: Winston-Salem, NC
Why became interested in Bike and Build: Gavin Gregory (P2S ‘04) is a good friend from school and told me about the organization.
Best Bike and Build Memory: Too many to choose from. One of the best was camping at a public park and having to move in the middle of the night because the sprinklers came on... everything's an adventure on a B&B trip.
Best advice to new riders: Invest in a good bike pump that has a gauge and flip-down foot holder-thingy... like this one: http://www.amazon.com/Topeak-Morph-Bicycle-Pump-Gauge/dp/B000FI6YOS . Also, get a good set of tire levers. Last, and perhaps most importantly, get a good pair of mountain shoes. You'll be able to walk around in them without wearing down the cleats. People with road shoes have much more trouble off the bike than those with mountain shoes.

<!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->

Name: Jacob Moore
Email:
Year and Route: P2SF '06
College and Program or current occupation: Columbia University grad, Architecture Major, Spanish Minor. Currently serving in the PeaceCorps in Guatemala
Hometown: Franklin, TN
Why became interested in Bike and Build: Good cause, exciting challenge, great way to see the country
Best Bike and Build Memory: Trail Ridge Road or the Twain train in Hannibal, MO.
Best advice to new riders: Do it! Don't be discouraged and take advantage of the incredible people you will undoubtedly meet on your team, as well as on the road!

CUS

<!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->

Name: Maddie Davis
Email:
Year and Route: CUS '06
College and Program or current occupation: Christopher Newport University
Hometown: Fairfax, VA
Why became interested in Bike and Build: Sounded like an amazing
adventure with an awesome cause!
Best Bike and Build Memory: everyday with TEAM SUNRISE. We had the best time on the road, everyday was an adventure- no joke!
Best advice to new riders: Take your time and enjoy everyday! (IT'S NOT
A RACE!) Explore, take as many breaks as you need, and never ride by
yourself.

<!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->

Name: Shannon Deoul
Email:
Year/Route: CUS ‘06
College: Kenyon College ‘08
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Why I became interested in Bike and Build: I heard about Bike and Build through another Kenyon student who had done it, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. It sounded awesome! I loved the idea of challenging myself and doing something so incredibly unique. And it didn’t hurt that it would also be benefiting a great cause.
Best Bike and Build memory: I have so many amazing memories I don’t even know how to choose just one. One of my best memories is the ride from Hinton WV to Madison WV. Our route nicknamed that ride “Hell Day” for the rest of the trip because it was so challenging riding 90 miles over 2 mountain passes. However, when I arrived at our campsite in Madison, I had never felt more accomplished or been more proud of myself. I had finished the ride, and finishing felt completely amazing. All the other riders cheered for us and congratulated us for finishing, even though they had all already been there for hours. I went into Bike & Build thinking that cycling was a very individual sport, but I quickly learned that we were a team, and we had to support and encourage each other to complete such a huge undertaking.
Best advice to new riders: You can do it. That’s the bottom line. It will be the most challenging thing you’ll ever do, both physically and mentally, but it can be done.

<!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->

Name: Natalie Hewitt
Email:
Year and Route: CUS ‘06
College and Program or current occupation: Student Brown University
Hometown: Richmond, Texas
Why became interested in Bike and Build: I heard about B&B at a Habitat for Humanity meeting.
Best Bike and Build Memory: The entire trip is the best memory. There was Hell Day in West Virginia; biking over two mountain passes. Finally getting out of Kansas and Utah were also big ordeals. The best 12 miles came from Nebraska though. I’ll never forget arriving at Pacific Ocean; still gives me goose bumps.
Best advice to new riders: Do It! It's nothing like I've ever done before and nothing will ever compare to it. I met 29 new friends in many different states and went in not knowing anyone.

<!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->

Name: Billy Mitchell
Email:   
Year and Route: CUS 2006
College and Program or current occupation: Northeastern Illinois University; English Secondary Education, part time chef.
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Why became interested in Bike and Build: I bike everywhere in the city, so biking all summer sounded great. I was also looking for a productive way to spend my summer away from an office job and actually helping people. Working on the houses and being to raise such a large sum of money seemed like a great way (and was a great way) to help out.
Best Bike and Build Memory: Going up a rocky mountain with the river by our side and knee high grass and the wind so quiet we could hear the grass move in and out with our breath. No-one said a word. We let the moment hold us as we moved up and up leaving behind all worries; just pumping up and down.
Best advice to new riders: Don't let any problems you might encounter on the road or any mistakes you'll make while biking or anything in general get you down because you get to a ride a bike every day and work with Habitat all summer with a bunch of amazing people. Every second you worry about something you're going to miss something great.

SUS

<!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->

Name: Danny Delcampo
Email:
Year and Route: SUS ‘05
College and Program or current occupation: University of Chicago, Music and Biology ‘08
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Why became interested in Bike and Build: Firstly, I love to ride around town. With the opportunity to combine such a relaxing sport with the potential to change other people's lives, Bike and Build attracted my attention. Also, there is so much of the United States that I have never quite seen. On a bicycle, you really get to enjoy every moment of the journey and see all the things that one could never quite see in a car.
Best Bike and Build Memory: After two physically hard days, the group's morale was a little low in North Carolina. Further, we knew that we had our first Century-ride (100 miles) the next day.... going through Smokey Mountain National Park! I was worried that my body could not do it - after all, it was 100 miles, a mountain climb, and a hot day?! The next day, we got to the National Park, and started the beautiful climb. Whenever we got tired, we helped each other keep on going and cheered on each other. It was a team going places, not just individuals. Once we made it to the top, I never felt more accomplished. That one day changed my view on what is "impossible."
Best advice to new riders: When something seems impossible, keep on going. We all can do more than we ever thought possible.

<!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->

Name: Jill Engels
Email:
Year and Route: SUS '06
College and Program or current occupation: Lehigh University, major in mechanical
engineering and minor in design arts
Hometown: New Rochelle, NY
Why became interested in Bike and Build: I love Habitat and have worked extensively with them in the past and wanted to do something different to support and raise awareness for affordable housing issues.
Best Bike and Build Memory: Oh so many! After we finished building on site in New Mexico, a homeowner thanked us from the bottom of his heart and was just in amazement that we would all give up our summers, our only vacation from school, to help strangers across the country. He said before he joined the program, he never realized how nice and giving people could be. Coming from the streets he only really knew violence and you could tell that this program really changed his view. Habitat is SOO much more than just a house. It improves the lives of the families, especially the children, in ways you could never imagine.
Best advice to new riders: Get the best saddle and spandex you can find. All of the other gear is fine to buy cheap. Protect your butt!

<!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->

Name: Jeanette Franko
Email:
Year and Route: SUS '05
College and Program or current occupation: TCNJ graduate, current Physical Education Teacher
Hometown: Metuchen, NJ
Why became interested in Bike and Build: I love being outdoors and adventures and cycling!
Best Bike and Build Memory: SO MANY! Riding in Utah and looking out into the canyons for the first time and then getting to ride down into them! Building: Putting the roof on our house in Colorado Springs with the beautiful mountains next to us and all of us working together to build the house!
Best advice to new riders: Take a ton of pictures and keep a journal!

<!--[if !supportAnnotations]-->