Adam Rivard

My name is Adam Rivard and I live in upstate Connecticut.  I’m 22 years old and just graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.  While at school I also became interested in business and entrepreneurship which led me to start my own web and IT services company as a junior.  Outside of school and work I spend most of my time training for triathlons or with my family.  I got started in triathlons two years ago while living in Boston during an internship.  Up to that point I had never ran, rode, or swam competitively, but it seemed like a great challenge.  After spending three months training, I completed my first sprint triathlon and haven’t looked back since.  I’ve now raced in 8 triathlons at the sprint and Olympic distance and will be completing a half ironman in the spring.  Many people think that triathletes are crazy and most of the time I would have to agree.  This “crazy” mindset is what led me to pursue a cross country bike trip.

Originally I planned to ride across on my own with three friends, but after stumbling upon Bike and Build I could not think of a better way to do it.  Throughout college I was involved with many different service projects to benefit various groups and I’ve found these experiences to be very rewarding.  No matter if it’s helping at a local soup kitchen once a week, mentoring middle school students with Lego robotics, or organizing community cleanup projects, there is no better feeling than seeing the smile of someone you have helped.  I was not involved in the affordable housing cause until I became friends with a middle aged man who was once homeless.  After graduating from college with a degree and finance and business he was diagnosed with cancer and couldn’t pay the bills.  Before long he was out on the street with no roof over his head.  At this moment I realized that there are people everywhere without a place to stay and we can help them.  I am very excited to contribute to this cause and increase awareness around the country.

While many people look at our generation and see laziness and selfishness, I see the potential to change the world.  I’m eager to meet and spend the greatest ten weeks of my life on a bicycle crossing the country for a great cause with other people who are going to realize their own potential.  There will be many challenges, but the reward for both the group and the people in need of affordable housing will keep us driving through.  I cannot wait to begin this amazing journey.

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Boston to SB