Joseph Allen
Cleveland, OH
Case Western Reserve Universit

Last 5 blog entries: I guess this is it

Show latest update from from Joseph's blog I guess this is it My new Giant bike came two days ago and I put it together/worked out the kinks. I guess this is it. There are really no excuses for not training and riding now...unless the 15 degree weather counts? Training is going to be very hard at first but i'm almost positive that it will be something I look forward to as time passes. Especially during school. As of now, i'm setting my bike up on a trainer in my room for riding during the week, and planning on a 50+ ride each weekend. This will get me to my required distance in no time. I'm not a big fan of blogging about unimportant things like "what i did today". I'm going to use this as a way to document the steps along this trip that I want to remember. Maybe it will allow me and anyone reading a chance to feel the thrills and pain that go along with Biking Through America. After all, its not everyday that you spend 10 weeks riding 4000 miles with 3o strangers.

Joseph's bio: My name is Joseph Allen and I am a senior at Case Western Reserve University. My major is economics and although I love a robust discussion of diminishing marginal anything, my interests extend far and wide. Increasingly over the past several years I have become interested in biking. At the same time, I have been searching for a way to give back to those in need. Lucky for me, I found Bike and Build.  After hearing about Bike and Build from a friend, I did a little research and was fascinated by the opportunity to combine my passions together to accomplish an impressive feat. As others have already stressed, Bike and Build is appealing on two levels. First, it is a physical and mental challenge requiring an adventuresome and persistent spirit. To complete the cross-country trek would be extremely memorable. Second, it is rewarding through the satisfaction gained from helping others. I am not proud to say that I have a limited background in volunteering. This unfortunate truth is a further motivator for me. Growing up in Akron, a city with its fair share of problems, I have become aware to the challenge of finding affordable housing. In 2006, Akron addressed this problem through the preservation of 100 single family homes. I want to be a part of this process as communities around America follow suit.  I'll be the first to admit that I am nervous at the idea of biking across the country. I'm nervous about being the first rider to forget how to unhook his biking shoe from the pedal and tumble into some bushes. However, this insignificant fear is overshadowed by the excitement I feel when I think about bonding over the group's shared altruistic nature.  I guess all I can say now is, clip up, zip up, strap up, buckle up and let's ride.

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