The day after A day off!

Im writing from Ohio! So far today I've been in three states- Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and now Ohio! I didn't get a chance to write yesterday: I was too busy relaxing. It was our first day off and I slept in until 9 (I know...so late!). I spent most of the morning bumming around the church, doing laundry, journaling, and calling people. Then in the afternoon Kyle, Lenny, Lindsay and I went to the science center and IMAX! We saw a movie about the Alps and everytime people climbed up the mountain I pretended it was me on my bike :). Anyways, we also ate some great Greek food and let our bodies rest...I feel like yesterday may have been the first day in my entire life that I didn't feel like exercising!!!

There are definately different types of riding...we have been doing mostly mountain climbing, but getting into downtown Pittsburg was intense. There were cars and people and noises everywhere- but we did it! I'm also REALLY proud of myself because I have now changed two flats on my own...to some people on this trip that's no big deal, but learning about bike upkeep is a big deal for me. Anyways, its on to Ohio and then Indiana...more later!

Love
Allie

A Tuesday update!

Its hard to decide what to write about, as so much happens each day here (especially since we get up around 5 or 6). We have been riding for four consecutive days, and each day brings more challenges (I try to only focus one day at a time). I have to say yesterday and today were the hardest: yesterday I completed my first century (100 miles!!!!) It was exhausting to say the least, but I'm so proud of myself for doing it! I thought today would be easier, until someone broke the news to me that today we were going to be riding 80 miles (I couldn't believe it). But its fun to take things one hill (I call them mountains) at a time.

Cool things I've seen on the rode:
-actually rode signs are really funny to look at. My favorite are down hill signs but I've seen them for tractors, ducks, cow crossings, you name it!
-did you know there are so many fricking mountains in the north east? We just finished crossing the Appalacians...holly shit that was hard!
-there are lots of ice cream stands and farm stands
-Ive seen two pigs, ducks, horses, rolly pollies, catepillars, badgers, deer, buffalo, hawks, dogs, cats, butterflies...just about everything
-Today at the top of the mountain pass there was a wind turbine park with at least 10 turbines, and when we were biking I could here them circling!
-Yesterday we biked through Amish country! I saw lots of horses and buggies and farms

Random thoughts:
-For me, this trip is not just about social justice in the realm of affordable housing. I think its really important to think about bike safety/cars sharing the road. Three days ago I was bumped (okay or hit) by a car. I only hit the side mirror, but it terrified me. I was also angry because I was on the shoulder. Being on the road all the time makes me realize how ignorant some drivers are about bikers, and how dangerous riding can be.
-Road kill is disgusting. I can now recognize the scent of it before I actually see it...road kill makes me never want to drive a car again...maybe when I grow up Ill be car free (!?).
-Attitude is everything (just like in any sport, or life really!). It really helps to sing or talk on the road, or play games (20 questions)
-I had no idea how beautiful this country is. I also had no idea what PA looked like- there are lots of hills and mountains, but also farmland with corn and cows and such
-No one told me about the Appalacian mountains, the Berkshires, and the Poconos
-Im still unsure where I belong in the riding group. Im not the slowest but not the fastest, it kinda just depends on the day and how much my legs hurt

I've been totally excited because almost every town we stay in, we shower at a Y. Which means theres a pool I can stretch out in, and I always feel at home in any pool!

All for now, theres a line! but thanks for reading my blog, and I just figured out the comment tab, and it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy that people actually read about my adventures!!!

love,
allie

85 miles, 50 dollars and the worst day ever!

hey friends!

So first my apologies for not writing more...there are 32 of us and not a lot of computers. anyways so much has happened that it's impossible to write about it all...some highlights:

-although hard with the hills (i call them mountains), the new england area is absolutely beautiful!
-i got to see amy drake and grandpa and uncle george...seeing them was fabulous and added to how great the trip is!
-we have eaten TONS of food...i never though i would like pb and j as much as i do
-the people here are amazing. they make me laugh, but are also there when you've had a hard day.
-people here think Im really upbeat and positive...they just havent seen my alter ego yet!!!

so about yesterday...yesterday was our hardest day by far. We rode 85 (I KNOW...SO MUCH!) miles. Not only the distance, but I had a really hard time as my gears weren't working correctly. My friend Dani helped my fix them. I was really pissy so I decided to bike by myself...which wouldve been fine except I missed a turn. I went about 6 miles out of the way (im not sure my odometer was working correctly) and pulled over to ask for directions. Luckily, the people I talked to were really friendly, and one of the guys gave me a ride back to the turn. And even better, one of the guys made a $50 donation to bike and build!!! So my mistake became good fortune. However, that was not the end of the hard times: at mile 70 I got a flat. As I started to change my first flat ever, a torrential downpour started. Then we got lost finding the host site. At 6:30 we rolled in, drenched and starving.

Despite Alexandra and the no good very bad day, it was worth it (which is easy to say now that I'm warm, have slept and been fed!). I got lots of hugs, and slept in a bed last night. Im really excited to be building today, because I enjoyed it so much last week ( i rock with hammer and nails).

Sorry if this post was poorly written, people are talking in the computer lounge and i have trouble multi tasking! Sending love and hugs to everyone

Our First Build!

So today was our first build with Habitat for Humanity! I have to admit I wasn't very excited about building (I just love biking), but ended up really enjoying myself. The first part of the morning we spent digging into the ground to make holes that would later be filled with concrete for a fence. Then in the afternoon I learned how to use a hammer (I've have no previous experience) and carrying 2x4s and other wood to builders. There is a lot of satisfaction in knowing that you are a small cog in helping someone have their own home. I also enjoyed working with dirt and building things, and it made me proud of Grandpa Bristol and Uncle Dan (geez Uncle Dan, we only put up two walls and a roof today, how do you do entire houses...!?)

This trip is also dedicated to Chris Webber, who was an active member of Bike and Build and died a year ago. We are currently staying in his elementary school and his parents have been providing delicious meals for us. Later in the trip we will be visiting Vassar, where he went to school. It has been an honor to get to know his family and help them remember the amazingness of their son.

Other thoughts...I'm really enjoying this group of people, and everyday I learn more about my teammates. Being in this group reminds me of my swimming days and growing together as a team.

Tire dipping and the first day

June 13

Orientation is coming to a close and today we are starting to ride. Orientation was a mix of bike safety, getting to know you games, and biking drills in the parking lot (traffic signals, emergency stops, etc...) However my favorite part of the orientation was our "shake-down ride" (essentially a test drive). We biked together from the church we were staying at to Deer Island. It was a gorgeous day and the ocean, view of Boston and all the surroundings were beautiful. Speaking of beautiful the 31 others on this trip seem amazing, and Im really enjoying to getting to know you process.

So today...its currently 7:30 (I got up at 5:30!!) and we are heading to the beach to dip our back tires in the Atlantic...when we get to the pacific we will dip our front tire in!

All for now, and lots of love!

First Day

hello friends!
Today is my official first day at Bike and Build. So far all I've done is...checked in. Still a little jet lagged from Israel, but excited none the least.