Bike and Build Cyclists log 3000+ miles to reach Chinook

Last Sunday the Bike and Build cyclists riding the cross-country bike route that follows along the Canadian border, arrived in Chinook. The group left Malta around 7:30 am and with a helpful tailwind were in Chinook shortly after noon. One tall, lanky rider said, "I clocked myself at 40mph, with the level terrain and tailwind that was a record speed for me." The 36 twenty-somethings are 61 days and 3000 miles into their 81-day trip that raises money and awareness for affordable housing. They also spend 15 days helping build houses along the route. The group left for Chester the next morning and expect to arrive in Bellingham, Washington on September 1. They left Portsmouth, New Hampshire in mid-June.

Bike and Build

by the numbers

Based in Philadelphia, the non-profit Bike and Build group was started by a college student in 2003. His idea was to create a "rolling service group" that would combine pedaling across the U.S. and 'doing' affordable housing by building and raising funds. Since its first organized trip, the same route the current group is riding, Bike and Build riders have raised $6.2 million for affordable housing projects, logged 225,000 volunteer hours building houses and pedaled 10.5 million miles (that's one third the distance to Mars). Each year since the ride began a group has stayed overnight in Chinook and been hosted with shelter and meals by local church congregations.

How the program works

Riders are selected through an application process and must be between the ages of 18-26. On this trip, there was one rider who had just graduated high school, all the others were older and most had completed college. The high school student said he was doing a 'gap year,' a new term for not heading directly to a career or higher education, rather taking time to think about one's future. Tour groups are often hosted, housed and fed by churches and other community groups. Occasionally the group camps out, but not often.

Prospective riders make application (all by phone apps, now) and list their preferred routes. One rider told, "The north route was not my first choice. I applied late and got a call there was only a vacancy for this route. Now I'm glad I came north, it's been a great experience." Recently Bike and Build has organized some 'drift rides,' regional trips of shorter duration. The focus is still the same but the shorter trips allow participation by people who have limited time to ride and build.

Once selected for the program, cyclists have a number or prerequisites they must meet. To fund their ride and support affordable housing projects, every rider must raise $4800. Part of that fee buys them a Giant bicycle. The Giant company discounts the bikes to Bike and Build cyclists.

About half the money goes to support building projects, the remainder supports the cost of the trip-gas for two vans that haul gear and clothing and food that has to be purchased. To be properly outfitted for the weather and conditions of riding cross country, cyclists need about $650 in gear.

Before the ride begins, cyclists must complete 500 miles of outside riding (not miles on a stationary bike), a one -day ride of at least 65 miles, a ride in rain and a ride with a group. They also master information about affordable housing and must volunteer 10 hours, before the trip, with a housing group.

I'm always interested to learn how cyclists, especially those still in college, raise the $4800. Most rely on "lots of letters to friends and relatives asking for help." One college student, who works in a bar in Wisconsin, did a 'cup night.' Bar customers buy a special cup (Solo plastic cup) for a fee, then use the cup throughout the evening for discounted beer. She said,

"I got the fee for the cup and the bar got the income from the drinks. It worked very well."

Another rider, already in a career, said she rode a stationary bike for 12 hours in a fitness facility while passers-by could contribute for her trip. Several riders had sponsors who would pay "$1 for each mile we ride on a designated day." Most days are at least 70 miles so those sponsors added up quickly. The recent high school grad, from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, convinced several upscale restaurants to let him sell cupcakes to customers finishing their meal. These kids get pretty creative.

This was the fourth group of cyclists I've visited with. All talk about what a profound experience bonding with other riders and seeing the country up close has been. Asked what was the worst day of the ride, several agreed, "The day we rode near Buffalo, New York. It was our first century day (100 miles or more) and we weren't really used to such a long ride. Then it rained and hailed on us. Then we had a series of flat tires." One rider, from North Carolina, said, "For me it was the best day because I survived it."

Most of the riders are extroverts, one can tell they enjoy visiting and learning about other people. Several commented that they particularly enjoyed the build days because, "We spend an extended amount of time getting to know the people we are working with." A number commented on Montana and the western states, "We have enjoyed seeing there is a part of the country that is not totally paved and jam packed with people and traffic." One said, "We had horses running alongside us as we were coming from Malta. That was so cool. We never see that in Philadelphia."

You can learn more about Bike and Build, their programming and how to apply at their website: bikeandbuild.org.