My name is Kelly Kraft (yes, like the cheese, no, I'm not related). I'm 28 and have been living in New York for about 4.5 years. I was born and raised in Indiana (Noblesville, in fact) and I'm proud of it! I went to school at the University of Dayton, and studied Communication/Journalism. I currently live in Brooklyn, and work as a project manager for an advertising agency in NYC. I love riding my bike to and from work. I am into hiking, playing volleyball, occasionally running, kayaking, yoga, and pretty much anything that involves being outside. I dig karaoke, coffee, being barefoot, hooded sweatshirts,flip flops, fall weather, ice cream, bonfires, cheeseburgers, the co-op. I love impromptu dance parties, and sometimes think life would be more interesting if it were a musical. I am really interested in green living and sustainability, and try to read and watch any and everything I can about the subject. My friends might say I'm a bit of a recycling freak. I love spending time with good friends and family (especially my niece who I like to call the Diddle). I try to enjoy every moment of my life as it's happening even though that can be somewhat of a challenge.
My brother and I had been talking about planning a cross-country road trip for summer 2010. In looking for an adventure to embark on next summer, I also had a goal of finding something that felt more meaningful to me. I wanted to find something that allowed me to be as Ghandi put it, "the change I wish to see in the world". I read about Bike and Build this past summer while browsing a book called Immersion Travel USA. As soon as I read about it, I knew I wanted to do it no questions asked. I have been stalking the website for the application ever since. I would much rather see this country on the seat of my bike than from a car. What a challenge! I love B+B's mission and what it stands for. Not only do they support low-income and sustainable housing with donations, but participants actually get to help out in communities, and get their hands dirty helping out on a more personal level. The world of affordable housing is new to me, and I look forward to learning more about it, and lending my time and support to such a great cause.
I am excited for this trip for a lot of reasons. It will be an experience of a lifetime. I'm excited to meet the riders that I will spend time on the road with. I am excited at the prospect of helping to plan the trip. I am most nervous about spending 2 months in spandex, and that I'll walk funny after 70+ miles on a bike every day. I am pumped to spend 2 months in the great outdoors, and to see parts of the country and National Parks I've only dreamed of. I was inspired to go on this trip by the organization, and my desire for adventure, and being an agent for change.
Bring it all on. I've been ready for this my whole life.
Kelly's photos
