It was less than two months ago that I first heard about this particular nonprofit organization called Bike & Build. Since 2003, this charitable organization has raised money and awareness for affordable housing, totaling over $4 million in contributions and 120,000 hours of service. This is all made possible through yearly cross-country fundraising cycling trips and the hard work and determination of young adults involved in them. Over the course of 2-3 months, the trip participants bicycle across the country and spread awareness about affordable housing by talking with locals, giving presentations, and donating time and labor at build sites with local affordable housing groups.
As for my story, once I heard about this organization, I immediately knew that I had to be a part of it! From not knowing a thing about it, I have since applied and been accepted to be one of the 30 riders covering a route crossing the Southern US (henceforth known as SUS) during the summer of 2014! I'll be heading out in mid-May from Jacksonville, FL and finishing up in Monterey, CA during the first week of August, completing 4000+ miles of bicycling with only 4 days of rest!
Words cannot quite describe how excited that I am for this trip! Not only will I get to travel the country by bicycle (a long-term goal of mine), but I'll get to support a very worthy cause along the way! I'm excited to spend 5 days straight building in New Orleans, where residents are still feeling the effects of Hurricane Katrina, and (if all goes well) to hike my way up Half Dome in Yosemite National Park! In order to cover all costs and to provide some worthwhile donations to charity organizations and along the route, very participant is responsible for raising at least $4500 in donations, so I ask wholeheartedly for your help. Please stay tuned on how you can help!
Thanks!
