Climbing our way out of Flagstaff on our way to the Grand Canyon (Lenny, Sophie, me)
Friday, August 22, 2008
Sunday, August 17, 2008
California Love
We made it to Santa Barbara! We arrived on Thursday, to fanfare and media and families and friends galore. It was a really fun celebration, we had our tire-dipping, did some reflective closing activities, and enjoyed an amazing beach potluck lunch thanks to the families. It is impossible to describe how it felt to reach the Pacific after so long on the road. It even now seems hard to believe that we started at the other (much colder) ocean and got all the way here on our bikes, through rain, hail, gravel, and mountains. I can remember each individual ride from host to host, but it still doesn't seem possible that those days all strung together got us from one coast to the other.
I know that it has been an egregiously long time since I have updated, and many stories are missing. For this I apologize and blame the craziness that was our end of trip, and general lack of internet in the desert through which we passed. I will write more exhaustive posts later detailing Vegas, Death Canyon, and our California days, and I plan to put all my photos up online, but for now just wanted to say that we all made it, alive, well and triumphant.
The group has now dispersed, and I miss everyone terribly already. I have never been part of something quite so amazing and with such an unsurpassable group of people. I firmly believe that B2SB 2008 is and forever will be the best Bike and Build trip of all time, and I know we will keep in touch. In short, this was the best summer of my life. I have learned a lot about affordable housing, and Habitat for Humanity, and gained some construction skills. I have stories and memories that will last a lifetime and then some. I have a beat-up blue jersey that probably won't last quite so long, but I will never forget what it felt like to put it on every day, two hours before sunrise, and hit the road with our unstoppable posse of energy legs. Thanks to all who helped me get here, and love to all.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Ash Fork, Arizona
Since last I wrote, much has happened. I saw Roden Crater, the Grand Canyon, and ate some amazing pie. Roden Crater is one of the most amazing places I have ever seen, the blend of science (astronomy) and art was unbelievably creative and impressive. I can't really ever hope to explain in a blog what the crater is like or why it is so beautiful, but if it ever gets finished and/or opens to the public, you all should do your best to get there. I for one plan to go back.
Then we biked to the Grand Canyon, where we made camp and had a day off. The Grand Canyon was one of the main reasons I chose this route, so it is hard to underestimate how excited I was about it. Despite all the hype you hear about the Grand Canyon, it can never be overstated, and I was amazed. It almost didn't look real. We watched the sunset on the day we biked in, which was a little cloudy but still beautiful. We made a campfire and smores and slept outside under the stars. This was our first (and will be only) real time camping outdoors, and it was glorious. It has been too long since I have camped. On the day off, a few of us went on a hike down inside the rim, descending for a mile and a half into the canyon before coming back up again. Luckily for us, it was not too sunny, and we started around 7:30am, so it wasn't too hot. I really loved being able to go into the canyon, because it gives you much more a sense of the enormity of it all, and you can see the rock layers up close. The rest of the day we relaxed and enjoyed our free time. I feel so lucky to have gotten to see the Grand Canyon, I loved it, it fulfilled all my expectations and then some.
Today we biked from the Canyon to Ash Fork, 80 miles away. It was a nice ride and we stopped in Williams for the best pie ever. I had chocolate dipped strawberry, and suffice it to say that if I had had more cash on me, I might have never left. So we realized today that we have only 8 more days of biking left after today... I can't quite imagine that. We have already passed the Grand Canyon, and it still doesn't seem possible that we might actually reach California. Next exciting stop is in Vegas, which comes this Thursday. Our leader Skip hooked us up with some crazy connections and thus we are staying in a supersweet hotel (with beds!!!!!) on the strip (!!!) across from the Mirage (!!!) and with free buffet (!!!). We are all beyond thrilled, and crazy stories to follow.
Then we biked to the Grand Canyon, where we made camp and had a day off. The Grand Canyon was one of the main reasons I chose this route, so it is hard to underestimate how excited I was about it. Despite all the hype you hear about the Grand Canyon, it can never be overstated, and I was amazed. It almost didn't look real. We watched the sunset on the day we biked in, which was a little cloudy but still beautiful. We made a campfire and smores and slept outside under the stars. This was our first (and will be only) real time camping outdoors, and it was glorious. It has been too long since I have camped. On the day off, a few of us went on a hike down inside the rim, descending for a mile and a half into the canyon before coming back up again. Luckily for us, it was not too sunny, and we started around 7:30am, so it wasn't too hot. I really loved being able to go into the canyon, because it gives you much more a sense of the enormity of it all, and you can see the rock layers up close. The rest of the day we relaxed and enjoyed our free time. I feel so lucky to have gotten to see the Grand Canyon, I loved it, it fulfilled all my expectations and then some.
Today we biked from the Canyon to Ash Fork, 80 miles away. It was a nice ride and we stopped in Williams for the best pie ever. I had chocolate dipped strawberry, and suffice it to say that if I had had more cash on me, I might have never left. So we realized today that we have only 8 more days of biking left after today... I can't quite imagine that. We have already passed the Grand Canyon, and it still doesn't seem possible that we might actually reach California. Next exciting stop is in Vegas, which comes this Thursday. Our leader Skip hooked us up with some crazy connections and thus we are staying in a supersweet hotel (with beds!!!!!) on the strip (!!!) across from the Mirage (!!!) and with free buffet (!!!). We are all beyond thrilled, and crazy stories to follow.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Standin' On the Corner...
Yes, we went through Winslow, Arizona, which is exceedingly proud of that song, to the extent that they have a mural with a girl in a flatbed truck and a statue of Don Henley (even though apparently Jackson Browne actually wrote the song). Many photos were taken, and the song is still stuck in most of our heads.
To backtrack slightly, on our way here, after Pietown, we crossed into Arizona, which is beautiful and desertlike. We stayed a night on a Navajo Reservation, at Houck (I think that's the spelling), which was really interesting. We got to make flatbread with some of the women, got to see some old pueblo ruins, and treasure hunted for shards of old pottery and petrified wood around the church which hosted us.
We biked by the entrance to the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert National Park, but it was a twenty mile detour to actually ride through to see these things. Since it was already a century day, and a hot and windy one at that, it didn't make a lot of sense. But being stubborn by nature (would I have made it this far otherwise?) and having the willing accomplice of Kyle (R.), I set off to fulfill my geology nerd dreams. It turned into a 122 mile day, certainly my longest yet. It also was perhaps my favorite Bike and Build memory so far. I can't really describe how beautiful it was, or how amazing to be biking right through the middle of the Painted Desert, or what it was like to sit on petrified logs, but suffice it to say, it was unforgettable and I don't regret the extra mileage for a second.
A few days later, we are now in Flagstaff, on an unexpected day off due to some craziness at the local Habitat chapter which was thus unable to give us work to do. Since we have just done seven days of riding in a row, no one is too upset about this change. We have had an awesome time already, complete with an artwalk last night (tons of galleries open their doors and have cool stuff like refreshments, sweet art, and glassblowing demos), diner this morning, and a thrift shop where we spent hours picking out Vegas outfits. An added bonus, Smokey came to visit for the weekend and we have decided to make him an honorary member of B2SB so he can follow in his car for the rest of the journey and toss chocolate chip cookies into our mouths as we bike.
This afternoon we have been granted the most amazing opportunity to see Roden Crater, an unbelievable land art project under construction by one of our leader's fathers. It won't be open to the public until at least 2011, and we can't take photos, but here is a story about it:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/25/arts/design/25fink.html?_r=1&emc=eta1&oref=slogin
That's it for now, I can't believe how close we are, or that it is already August, but many adventures remain. Tomorrow we bike to the Grand Canyon! After how much I loved the geologic wonders I have witnessed so far, I can only imagine I will perish from awe. Not a bad way to go...
To backtrack slightly, on our way here, after Pietown, we crossed into Arizona, which is beautiful and desertlike. We stayed a night on a Navajo Reservation, at Houck (I think that's the spelling), which was really interesting. We got to make flatbread with some of the women, got to see some old pueblo ruins, and treasure hunted for shards of old pottery and petrified wood around the church which hosted us.
We biked by the entrance to the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert National Park, but it was a twenty mile detour to actually ride through to see these things. Since it was already a century day, and a hot and windy one at that, it didn't make a lot of sense. But being stubborn by nature (would I have made it this far otherwise?) and having the willing accomplice of Kyle (R.), I set off to fulfill my geology nerd dreams. It turned into a 122 mile day, certainly my longest yet. It also was perhaps my favorite Bike and Build memory so far. I can't really describe how beautiful it was, or how amazing to be biking right through the middle of the Painted Desert, or what it was like to sit on petrified logs, but suffice it to say, it was unforgettable and I don't regret the extra mileage for a second.
A few days later, we are now in Flagstaff, on an unexpected day off due to some craziness at the local Habitat chapter which was thus unable to give us work to do. Since we have just done seven days of riding in a row, no one is too upset about this change. We have had an awesome time already, complete with an artwalk last night (tons of galleries open their doors and have cool stuff like refreshments, sweet art, and glassblowing demos), diner this morning, and a thrift shop where we spent hours picking out Vegas outfits. An added bonus, Smokey came to visit for the weekend and we have decided to make him an honorary member of B2SB so he can follow in his car for the rest of the journey and toss chocolate chip cookies into our mouths as we bike.
This afternoon we have been granted the most amazing opportunity to see Roden Crater, an unbelievable land art project under construction by one of our leader's fathers. It won't be open to the public until at least 2011, and we can't take photos, but here is a story about it:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/25/arts/design/25fink.html?_r=1&emc=eta1&oref=slogin
That's it for now, I can't believe how close we are, or that it is already August, but many adventures remain. Tomorrow we bike to the Grand Canyon! After how much I loved the geologic wonders I have witnessed so far, I can only imagine I will perish from awe. Not a bad way to go...
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Mountains Beyond Mountains
(I've decided it's ok to rip off the title from this post from that of one of my favorite books, but for the record, it was Tracy Kidder's idea.)
So New Mexico treated me pretty well all in all, although the ride from Socorro to Pietown almost broke my spirit (we gained 4000 ft of elevation, ending near 8000 ft.) I definitely felt the altitude, and the beauty of the mountains and the scenery was almost worth it, but I can't lie, yesterday was the hardest day yet. I am incredibly happy to have made it all the way through (it was about 93 miles altogether). On the way a bunch of us detoured to the Very Large Array (of radio telescopes), which were truly incredible. There are 27 of them, they are huge (230 tons each), and they can be rolled around to configure into any number of formations for various purposes. It is located in the middle of nowhere, in a flat desert with no buildings within twenty miles of it, and it is surrounded by mountains, so that interference from cell phone towers etc is minimal. We got to watch a video, walk up to one of the telescopes, learn about quasars (Kaylea, I'll be asking you more about that later) etc. If you've seen the movie Contact, parts were filmed there. The rest of the day was really hard, more climbing, but the views were incredible. In the past few days we have been seeing a lot of old volcanic relics, which the geo nerd in me loved.
Pietown, when after much sweat blood and tears we reached it, was awesome. It has a population of 60, but they put us up in style with a lovely dinner and PIE! It was a glorious way to end a hard day. Today we headed into Arizona, and our final time change of the trip. I can't believe how far we have come, and how close we are to the Grand Canyon! Internet is hard to come by, but I will try to keep posting, and until then, love to all, and thanks for all the support!
So New Mexico treated me pretty well all in all, although the ride from Socorro to Pietown almost broke my spirit (we gained 4000 ft of elevation, ending near 8000 ft.) I definitely felt the altitude, and the beauty of the mountains and the scenery was almost worth it, but I can't lie, yesterday was the hardest day yet. I am incredibly happy to have made it all the way through (it was about 93 miles altogether). On the way a bunch of us detoured to the Very Large Array (of radio telescopes), which were truly incredible. There are 27 of them, they are huge (230 tons each), and they can be rolled around to configure into any number of formations for various purposes. It is located in the middle of nowhere, in a flat desert with no buildings within twenty miles of it, and it is surrounded by mountains, so that interference from cell phone towers etc is minimal. We got to watch a video, walk up to one of the telescopes, learn about quasars (Kaylea, I'll be asking you more about that later) etc. If you've seen the movie Contact, parts were filmed there. The rest of the day was really hard, more climbing, but the views were incredible. In the past few days we have been seeing a lot of old volcanic relics, which the geo nerd in me loved.
Pietown, when after much sweat blood and tears we reached it, was awesome. It has a population of 60, but they put us up in style with a lovely dinner and PIE! It was a glorious way to end a hard day. Today we headed into Arizona, and our final time change of the trip. I can't believe how far we have come, and how close we are to the Grand Canyon! Internet is hard to come by, but I will try to keep posting, and until then, love to all, and thanks for all the support!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Land of Enchantment
I'm on Mountain time! Ever so slowly, we creep west towards California, and now I am in New Mexico, the land of enchantment, with only three states left to go. Yesterday we took a detour to Palo Duro on our way outside Amarillo, the second largest canyon in the US, which was gorgeous (proof above). I loved it, and it whetted my appetite for the Grand Canyon, coming up soon. I rode sweep today into Portales, and had relatively few incidents. We did experience one epic fight with a tire that took the wiles of five of us to wrestly back on to Erin's wheel. Tomorrow we head to Roswell, where, in addition to scoping out the alien invasion, I plan to hit up the world's largest mozzarella cheese factory.
Thanks to much leg work on behalf of a couple girls in my crew, Bike and Build has been getting a lot of publicity. Here are some of the sites and stories :
http://www.fox23.com/mostpopular/story.aspx?content_id=CFDE90B7-369D-4C1E-B914-05CB8BD10B81&gsa=true
http://www.newschannel10.com/Global/story.aspS=8711508
http://myhighplains.com/content/fulltext/?cid=14221
http://www.amarillo.com/stories/072208/new_news4.shtml
http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?articleID=20080716_11_A1_hWHEEL136056
Sunday, July 20, 2008
I'm in Texas! I can't believe I made it all the way here, it feels like a different world. (One man here, when we told him we were from Boston, said "Oh, is that in America? This here is Texas".) The landscape is unlike the ones I am familiar with, very empty and dry. The southwest is undiscovered territory for me, and I find it beautiful. We have been leaving early in the morning, before the sunrise. I love seeing the sun rise over the cattle farms and oil rigs.
So I finally arrived in Amarillo today after a long, hot, windy century full of flats and other small surprises. It took the group I was with about eleven hours to get it all done, which is a long time to be in the saddle, but all's well that ends well. Consequently, I am very glad to be building and not biking tomorrow. Texas has been pretty great so far, last night we stayed in Wheeler, a small town with a cool youth group who hung out with us and took some of our crew out shooting last night. Now we are off to the Big Texan restaurant, where Jorge will attempt to eat a 72 ounce steak (if he succeeds, it's free.) Wish us luck!
So I finally arrived in Amarillo today after a long, hot, windy century full of flats and other small surprises. It took the group I was with about eleven hours to get it all done, which is a long time to be in the saddle, but all's well that ends well. Consequently, I am very glad to be building and not biking tomorrow. Texas has been pretty great so far, last night we stayed in Wheeler, a small town with a cool youth group who hung out with us and took some of our crew out shooting last night. Now we are off to the Big Texan restaurant, where Jorge will attempt to eat a 72 ounce steak (if he succeeds, it's free.) Wish us luck!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Oklahoma, OK
We are in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which I have recently decided is one of the best states in the union. We have had a wonderful past couple of days, between the fun couple miles in Kansas, a swim stop in an Oklahoma river, the world's largest McDonald's, a field of glorious sunflowers, and a fun build day here in Tulsa. I love the flat country here, it is pretty hot, but less humid (we haven't had rain since Missouri!) All in all, I am enjoying the West greatly!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
The Show Me State
Currently, I am in Joplin, Missouri, after a perfectly lovely 8o mile ride. We rode on old route 66 for quite some time, which was fun. The amazing thing is how short 80 miles feels; our last two biking days were back to back centuries (over 100 miles), and they both involved some rain. Luckily the Ozarks, such as we experienced them, are mostly rolling hills, which made it a lot easier. We had a great time in St. Louis, we ascended the arch, went to the zoo, and had some ethnic food.
Yesterday, after our two centuries, we had a much appreciated break from the saddle when we helped with a build day in Springfield, MO. It was a blitz build, piloted by a construction crew, so we helped with the less skill-requiring stuff like lifting trusses, nailing them in place, anf helping with the styrofoam siding. It was a really hot day, but we cooled off afterwards with some glorious Andy's frozen custard. We also got to experience the joys of the Bass Pro Shop, full of hunting gear, stuffed animals (the real kind) and camping gear.
I will try to post pictures soon, our access to the internet is unpredictable, but I will try, we have some good shots...
Yesterday, after our two centuries, we had a much appreciated break from the saddle when we helped with a build day in Springfield, MO. It was a blitz build, piloted by a construction crew, so we helped with the less skill-requiring stuff like lifting trusses, nailing them in place, anf helping with the styrofoam siding. It was a really hot day, but we cooled off afterwards with some glorious Andy's frozen custard. We also got to experience the joys of the Bass Pro Shop, full of hunting gear, stuffed animals (the real kind) and camping gear.
I will try to post pictures soon, our access to the internet is unpredictable, but I will try, we have some good shots...
Monday, July 7, 2008
St.Louis
I'm back on the bike after a short hiatus due to stitches. It felt great to bike again yesterday, and it was awesome to cross the Mississippi into St.Louis (and Missouri, our ninth state!), where we currently have a day off. I have only two minutes left on my library time, but wanted to say that things are healing and going well, we ascended the arch, had some great food, and are planning an assault on the zoo. I'm officially in the West now!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Hoosier Hospitality
I have been remiss in posting due to lack of easy internet, but I will try to fill in the holes now. I am currently in Bloomington Indiana, after a couple of the most beautiful sunny days we have seen in quite some time. We are all happy that our endless rain seems to have stopped, although judging from the floods visible along today's route, that is not neccessarily a guarantee in these parts.
So since I last posted we have come through Ohio, featuring some thunderstorms and general monsoonesque weather going into Columbus. It seems like a really great city, and it was too bad we weren't there longer. We also had a crazy day there where we spent the morning building with the Columbus Habitat chapter (I can install a mean venetian blind), and then biked 60 miles to our hosts in Yellow Springs. The ride into Yellow Springs was beautiful, and gave me a newfound appreciation for the aesthetics of the midwest. I am sure I will tire of corn and farmhouses, but for now I am enjoying their charms. (Also Katie and I rescued an adorable kitten, so that may have given me rose-colored glasses for a while.)
Yesterday we had beautiful weather for biking, a godsend on a 96 mile day. I was having a great day up until mile 92, just outside our final destination of Rushville. I was in a paceline with my usual crew, and the person in front of me hit a hole, skidded and fell, and I didn't have time to steer around her. I hit her bike, flew (with my bike) over her and landed, mostly on my hands, chin, and left knee. I got off the road quickly and no cars came right away so we were lucky. Long story short, I can definitely say that the good people of Rushville Indiana are some of the nicest around. I have six stitches in my chin (and a rocking huge bandage that makes everyone I pass look at me funny) and five in my knee, with only minor wounds elsewhere. People helped and took me to the ER, one woman from our host took me to her house to shower, helped me get all rebandaged when I couldn't keep my dressings dry, and sent me off with plenty of new first aid supplies. Everyone is so amazingly generous to us, everywhere we go!
I am really bummed that I couldn't ride today, but I was lucky all in all. I am fine, and only my face hurts. I have to go easy on the knee ones, because the stitches can tear, so I will see how that all goes. Cycling is not the lightest on the knees. For now I am taking it easy, luckily we have a build day here tomorrow, so I am sure I can find a chore that requires little bending. Wish me luck, and fast healing!
So since I last posted we have come through Ohio, featuring some thunderstorms and general monsoonesque weather going into Columbus. It seems like a really great city, and it was too bad we weren't there longer. We also had a crazy day there where we spent the morning building with the Columbus Habitat chapter (I can install a mean venetian blind), and then biked 60 miles to our hosts in Yellow Springs. The ride into Yellow Springs was beautiful, and gave me a newfound appreciation for the aesthetics of the midwest. I am sure I will tire of corn and farmhouses, but for now I am enjoying their charms. (Also Katie and I rescued an adorable kitten, so that may have given me rose-colored glasses for a while.)
Yesterday we had beautiful weather for biking, a godsend on a 96 mile day. I was having a great day up until mile 92, just outside our final destination of Rushville. I was in a paceline with my usual crew, and the person in front of me hit a hole, skidded and fell, and I didn't have time to steer around her. I hit her bike, flew (with my bike) over her and landed, mostly on my hands, chin, and left knee. I got off the road quickly and no cars came right away so we were lucky. Long story short, I can definitely say that the good people of Rushville Indiana are some of the nicest around. I have six stitches in my chin (and a rocking huge bandage that makes everyone I pass look at me funny) and five in my knee, with only minor wounds elsewhere. People helped and took me to the ER, one woman from our host took me to her house to shower, helped me get all rebandaged when I couldn't keep my dressings dry, and sent me off with plenty of new first aid supplies. Everyone is so amazingly generous to us, everywhere we go!
I am really bummed that I couldn't ride today, but I was lucky all in all. I am fine, and only my face hurts. I have to go easy on the knee ones, because the stitches can tear, so I will see how that all goes. Cycling is not the lightest on the knees. For now I am taking it easy, luckily we have a build day here tomorrow, so I am sure I can find a chore that requires little bending. Wish me luck, and fast healing!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
DAY OFF
Wow, we all really need this.
So we're in Pittsburgh, right downtown. It was a harrowing ride into the city, at the end of another 80 mile day (We have ridden 260 miles in the past 3 days, no wonder we need a break). I need to get to bike shop, I have some shifter needs and there are rumors of amazing cheese and bakery places nearby, so I am looking forward to it. Next we head to the real midwest!
I kind of can't believe we have made it this far, some days it seems like we have barely made progress, but I am so proud of all of us. This is the most amazing group of people, and I know I could never have done this alone. I feel so supported by everyone, and it is amazing to see what we can accomplish when we work together, whether on the road or on the build site. Love to the fellow B2SBers and all the people supporting me from farther away.
ttc: 23 !!!
So we're in Pittsburgh, right downtown. It was a harrowing ride into the city, at the end of another 80 mile day (We have ridden 260 miles in the past 3 days, no wonder we need a break). I need to get to bike shop, I have some shifter needs and there are rumors of amazing cheese and bakery places nearby, so I am looking forward to it. Next we head to the real midwest!
I kind of can't believe we have made it this far, some days it seems like we have barely made progress, but I am so proud of all of us. This is the most amazing group of people, and I know I could never have done this alone. I feel so supported by everyone, and it is amazing to see what we can accomplish when we work together, whether on the road or on the build site. Love to the fellow B2SBers and all the people supporting me from farther away.
ttc: 23 !!!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Pennsylvania, the epic state
So I haven't posted in a while, it is hard to get internet access around these parts. This will also be a short one since many people are waiting for turns. It has been a crazy few days, hilly and long. A few days ago we crossed the Hudson, which was a major highlight. We have now also crossed the Susquehanna.
I am currently in Johnstown, PA, after an epic couple of days. Yesterday was a century from Berwick to State College, which was long, but beautiful Amish country, and I stopped with some people at a state park and swam. We eventually conquered many hills and arrived victorious. Today was the hardest day yet, 80 miles and lots of very steep hills. The terrain was harder, and we were more tired. The very end was a downhill at 16% grade with turns that was no doubt the scariest couple of minutes of my life. One highlight of the day was a free ice cream stop with my riding lady buddies. My body is pretty angry with me, but at least sleep will come easy. Soon, we will be in Pittsburgh, where we have our first DAY OFF!! Can't wait. Love to all! Also, thanks for reading, your comments mean so much to me!
I am currently in Johnstown, PA, after an epic couple of days. Yesterday was a century from Berwick to State College, which was long, but beautiful Amish country, and I stopped with some people at a state park and swam. We eventually conquered many hills and arrived victorious. Today was the hardest day yet, 80 miles and lots of very steep hills. The terrain was harder, and we were more tired. The very end was a downhill at 16% grade with turns that was no doubt the scariest couple of minutes of my life. One highlight of the day was a free ice cream stop with my riding lady buddies. My body is pretty angry with me, but at least sleep will come easy. Soon, we will be in Pittsburgh, where we have our first DAY OFF!! Can't wait. Love to all! Also, thanks for reading, your comments mean so much to me!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Up, up, and away
So we have been climbing the Berkshires, it has been an exhausting and steep couple days. (We climbed on 17% grade, which was unfortunate.) To boot, it has been rainy and somewhat chilly. They were some very hard days, but I am proud to have gotten through both of them, and arriving on the early side to boot.
Yesterday we had our longest day, 85 miles from Pittsfield MA to Poughkeepsie NY. We crossed our first state line! Photos to follow. Kyle and I were sweep, which means we have to stay in the back and help with flats, other repairs, falls, or just support going up hills. It can be frustrating and difficult to have to climb at someone else's pace, but for most of the time we had fun. We chatted, had frequent food stops, stopped at a farmstand to buy strawberries, where I chugged a waterbottle to make space for them, took a lot of pictures of the gorgeous scenery, and generally frolicked. Even the hills didn't seem so bad after the last couple days of mountains. But then we got stuck in a bunch of rainstorms, had some scary dirt roads, and traffic. Naturally we got lost, both in downtown Poughkeepsie, and on the large campus of the school where we were staying, as no one could give us directions to the actual dorm. We finally got to the host location in the midst of a thunderstorm which we stubbornly biked through. Coming in with the last group of riders, it ended up being almost 11 hours on the road. Quite an epic adventure. We were all pretty tired and a little frustrated, but a hot shower and chinese food helped enormously.
Today we are off to the build site in Poughkeepsie, I am waiting for the van to pick up a second group. Love to all and thanks for the support!
Yesterday we had our longest day, 85 miles from Pittsfield MA to Poughkeepsie NY. We crossed our first state line! Photos to follow. Kyle and I were sweep, which means we have to stay in the back and help with flats, other repairs, falls, or just support going up hills. It can be frustrating and difficult to have to climb at someone else's pace, but for most of the time we had fun. We chatted, had frequent food stops, stopped at a farmstand to buy strawberries, where I chugged a waterbottle to make space for them, took a lot of pictures of the gorgeous scenery, and generally frolicked. Even the hills didn't seem so bad after the last couple days of mountains. But then we got stuck in a bunch of rainstorms, had some scary dirt roads, and traffic. Naturally we got lost, both in downtown Poughkeepsie, and on the large campus of the school where we were staying, as no one could give us directions to the actual dorm. We finally got to the host location in the midst of a thunderstorm which we stubbornly biked through. Coming in with the last group of riders, it ended up being almost 11 hours on the road. Quite an epic adventure. We were all pretty tired and a little frustrated, but a hot shower and chinese food helped enormously.
Today we are off to the build site in Poughkeepsie, I am waiting for the van to pick up a second group. Love to all and thanks for the support!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
The gang's all here!
(I am in the very middle of the top row, the tall girl in the blue helmet. Along with 30 of my identical twins.)
Team Concrete
I don't know when the internet will be available again, so let the post blitz continue.
So we had our first day on a build site! First I have to officially commend the generosity shown to us by the Webber family, who hosted us all for an amazing dinner last night. We met Tony, who spoke to us about the Merrimack chapter of Habitat for Humanity, which is active in this area. He was very inspirational, and made us all feel like we were the most awesome human beings for helping out with this cause, even though we are only here for one day. We have allocated some of this year's Bike and Build funds (about $110,000) to cover the costs of one house's construction in this chapter, which is really exciting. The more I learn about the affordable housing cause, and the more people I meet who are already involved, the more I want to do all I can.
In that vein, we headed to Lawrence today, where we split between two build sites. I went to a group of Habitat houses which were mostly all finished, but which needed fences. I thought, foolishly, that the build days would be a nice, relatively relaxing break from biking. Turns out, digging two foot holes in stony soil and mixing concrete to fill them is hot, time-consuming work. But Team Concrete conquered in the end, and our fence posts are looking great. We got to work with a future Habitat house owner, which was a lot of fun. All Habitat house owners, in addition to paying for their house (at cost), must complete 500 hours of "sweat equity" working. We helped out a little back at the other build site, where they are reconstructing a couple of houses that had been completed, but tragically burned in a fire earlier this year.
Tonight, we go back to the Webber's, where they have prepared a Thanksgiving dinner for us. To put this miracle in perspective, keep in mind that "us" is 31 ravenous, locust-like young people. It's really quite incredible. Thanks also to all of you, I wouldn't be here without your help!
(And tomorrow, back on the bike and on to Fitchburg.)
So we had our first day on a build site! First I have to officially commend the generosity shown to us by the Webber family, who hosted us all for an amazing dinner last night. We met Tony, who spoke to us about the Merrimack chapter of Habitat for Humanity, which is active in this area. He was very inspirational, and made us all feel like we were the most awesome human beings for helping out with this cause, even though we are only here for one day. We have allocated some of this year's Bike and Build funds (about $110,000) to cover the costs of one house's construction in this chapter, which is really exciting. The more I learn about the affordable housing cause, and the more people I meet who are already involved, the more I want to do all I can.
In that vein, we headed to Lawrence today, where we split between two build sites. I went to a group of Habitat houses which were mostly all finished, but which needed fences. I thought, foolishly, that the build days would be a nice, relatively relaxing break from biking. Turns out, digging two foot holes in stony soil and mixing concrete to fill them is hot, time-consuming work. But Team Concrete conquered in the end, and our fence posts are looking great. We got to work with a future Habitat house owner, which was a lot of fun. All Habitat house owners, in addition to paying for their house (at cost), must complete 500 hours of "sweat equity" working. We helped out a little back at the other build site, where they are reconstructing a couple of houses that had been completed, but tragically burned in a fire earlier this year.
Tonight, we go back to the Webber's, where they have prepared a Thanksgiving dinner for us. To put this miracle in perspective, keep in mind that "us" is 31 ravenous, locust-like young people. It's really quite incredible. Thanks also to all of you, I wouldn't be here without your help!
(And tomorrow, back on the bike and on to Fitchburg.)
Friday, June 13, 2008
The Journey Begins!
So, Bike and Build begins!
At orientation, I met all my sweet and hardcore biking buddies, took a beautifully coastal "shakedown ride", and chilled with the awesome and generous people of St. Anthony's church. Today was our first official ride - Revere to Andover MA. We started off with a little ceremony at the Atlantic Ocean, dipping our rear tires in the water before we got in the road. We had a little existential moment when we realized we would be literally be riding in the same direction (roughly) until we can bike no further...
The daily route was not too lengthy in terms of miles (23), and not too hilly, although the first part was tricky, with much starting and stopping for traffic signals, had its moments. We did manage to take some wrong turns, but we arrived in time for a quick jaunt to town looking for bike stuff, as well as a glorious (although hard to find) pond swim.
I am so excited about this whole trip, and happy to be headed away from the first big city - I have decided city biking is definitely inferior to its rural counterpart. Tomorrow we have our first build day, and I think it will be a lot of fun to hammer, paint, and work on my weird tan lines with everyone.
ttc: 22i
At orientation, I met all my sweet and hardcore biking buddies, took a beautifully coastal "shakedown ride", and chilled with the awesome and generous people of St. Anthony's church. Today was our first official ride - Revere to Andover MA. We started off with a little ceremony at the Atlantic Ocean, dipping our rear tires in the water before we got in the road. We had a little existential moment when we realized we would be literally be riding in the same direction (roughly) until we can bike no further...
The daily route was not too lengthy in terms of miles (23), and not too hilly, although the first part was tricky, with much starting and stopping for traffic signals, had its moments. We did manage to take some wrong turns, but we arrived in time for a quick jaunt to town looking for bike stuff, as well as a glorious (although hard to find) pond swim.
I am so excited about this whole trip, and happy to be headed away from the first big city - I have decided city biking is definitely inferior to its rural counterpart. Tomorrow we have our first build day, and I think it will be a lot of fun to hammer, paint, and work on my weird tan lines with everyone.
ttc: 22i
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Salutations
Hello to all!
Welcome to my blog, and thanks for all your support, and for reading!
My plan is to keep up with this to the best of my ability throughout the summer, so check back for the latest stories, photos etc. I will certainly post at least once a week, and will do my best to keep it as updated as possible. Also check out our route tracker and communal Bike & Build blog, to which I will contribute as well. I would love to hear from all of you, so post back!
My bike trip starts on June 11, and right now life is a flurry of unpacking from school (I just got home), repacking for B&B, assembling my bicycling ingredients, and of course, biking. I am very excited, and have lots to do prepare, so this will be a short inaugural post.
Love to all,
Charlotte
ttc: 22i
Welcome to my blog, and thanks for all your support, and for reading!
My plan is to keep up with this to the best of my ability throughout the summer, so check back for the latest stories, photos etc. I will certainly post at least once a week, and will do my best to keep it as updated as possible. Also check out our route tracker and communal Bike & Build blog, to which I will contribute as well. I would love to hear from all of you, so post back!
My bike trip starts on June 11, and right now life is a flurry of unpacking from school (I just got home), repacking for B&B, assembling my bicycling ingredients, and of course, biking. I am very excited, and have lots to do prepare, so this will be a short inaugural post.
Love to all,
Charlotte
ttc: 22i
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