Towards Lake City

We rode out from Palatka on Friday with a 78 mile ahead of us and a delicious breakfast in our stomachs. I was a sweep rider, one of the two people that stays back and rides last to make sure everyone is on track and doesn't have any emergencies. Because we had to ride at the pace of the slowest group, we took it pretty easy up until lunch.

Lunch was donated by a Bike and Build alum, and we devoured it. Pastries, lunch meat and hummus is the way to a rider's heart.

On the way to Lake City we hit our first big rainstorm, which was both refreshing and nerve wrecking. On a brighter note I hit 31.7 mph on my bike during a downhill- my fastest so far but I'm sure it'll get faster :)

We arrived at a Presbyterian church and they had popsicles and taco salad waiting. It was heavenly and solidified my theory that we've been spoiled as far as food goes.

The ride itself felt great, we had such a high when we finished but the foam roller definitely relieved some pain when we settled down.

P-Town

We had a short day today only having to ride around 30 miles into Palatka, FL. There were lots of detours and fruit stands along the way, and we were determined to make the most of the day. We crossed the St John's River and had lunch sitting on the dock of a beautiful local park. After exploring the area and going on a mural tour around town we met up with our hosts, St Monica's Catholic Church. They provided us with the most incredible spaghetti and meatballs I've had in a long time.

We talked with a bunch of members of the church throughout the evening and I couldn't get over how much pride they had for Palatka. Their sense of community is so strong and shines through in their efforts to restore the historic district of the town.

As reigning foosball champion, we had our shoes strapped in by the runner ups this morning 

To St Augustine We Go

This morning we were up bright and early (5:30ish) to begin our first ride day. After cleaning the host houses and packing the trailer, we headed to the beach for our Atlantic Ocean wheel dip. Once we got there, we took a few moments to reflect and recognize the monumental journey we have ahead. We then dipped our back tires in the Atlantic Ocean, while saving our front ones for the Pacific.

After pictures and figuring out a few more logistics, we were off in small groups, with the beach still in sight and headed to St Augustine. I got one flat about four miles in, which was extremely frustrating because we were just settling into a pace. Then, about 5 miles until the lunch stop I got another, and was pretty fed up at that point with my back tire. Luckily after we met up with the van for some donated chipotle, the Bike and Build Program Director Natalie used her cycling excellence and found the problem. The majority of my flats have been because the rim tape (between the rim and tube) is loose and can pinch the tube when it shifts. She applied another roll of tape and that problem has been solved. Hopefully I won't have to deal with as many flats now...

Once we arrived in St Augustine after just over 35 miles we walked around town for a bit, then came back and watched the trip leaders give a presentation on Bike and Build to our hosts, the First Union Methodist Church. We then spent the rest of the night doing push up challenges, playing basketball and doing a crazy ab workout put on by Natalie (yes, doing all three after riding was a little tiring but I will sleep well tonight).

Today involved a lot of reflection and was definitely emotional but it felt so good to not have any other worries (That is only 97% true because sport club work never ends but is always worth it). One of the kids at the presentation asked us how long we have known each other and we laughed when we realized it's only been 4 days. Everyone has gotten along so well and we are functioning like one giant, 30 person family. 

(Far right in a stylish red bandana)

Orientation!

Mother's Day (Sunday) was drop off and the festivities began shortly after I said my goodbyes to M&D. It's only a few months until we meet again at the Pacific but I am so appreciative of everything they've done for me along the way.

The 30 of us began with ice breakers and then proceeded to have presentations on affordable housing (AH) and how to get the most out of our time at Bike and Build. We have been staying in two homes built by Habitat Beaches and have been fed incredibly well the entire time thanks to them!

Day 2 consisted of basic bike maintenance, safety drills, more presentations and a 20 mile shakedown ride around town. The ride felt amazingg because we really had to work as a team (in groups of 6) to do things like merge and own the lane (more on that another day). I must note that within 2 miles I got the first official flat of the trip but changed this one in under 10 minutes- a new PR. 

Today we partnered with Habitat Beaches and had our first build day! We worked from 8:30-4:30 on a 70 family housing complex that is just getting started. It was a lot of hammering as I braced the outer wall of one of the homes with fellow B&Ber Dylan. They were as grateful of the time we spent with them as we were to be there.

Tomorrow we do our Atlantic Ocean wheel dip and then are off to St Augustine!

Killing the flat game

Painting the trailer!!

My view for the majority of the day

FLL to JAX

After an undeniably perfect Mat Kearney concert with mom last night, we hit the road this morning in an awesome 2015 F150. I am fan girling this truck pretty hard (rent to own M&D?) and know it'll be my last car ride for quite some time.

I got in all of my Sweat Equity this week at Habitat of Broward's ReStore. Working in the warehouse meant 10 hours of moving cabinets, hurricane shutters, and other sorts of furniture. I'm glad I could go help make a difference and as a bonus, I spoke with a future Habitat Homeowner, Daniella. She was putting in some of her hours that are required as a future homeowner and it was really inspiring to hear her story. She was so optimistic to be placed in a home that she'll soon be able to call her own. 

These are the stories that I am looking forward to the most. I can't wait to share them with you all summer long :)

The List

Packing has been an adventure in and of itself, and trying to fit an entire summer into a 18 gallon bin has been a challenge for my self diagnosed Chronic Overpacking Syndrome (COpS). The list is as follows.

In the bin

-3 pairs of cycling shorts

-3 Bike and Build cycling jerseys

-3 pairs of Nike shorts

-3 tshirts (Freedom Friday shirt included, obviously)

-1 pair of sneakers

-1 pair of cycling shoes

-1 cycling cap

-Arm and leg sleeves

-6 pairs of socks (moisture wicking of course)

-1 sleeping bag

-1 thermarest (compact air mattress)

-1 FGCU hoodie (will double as pillow)

-1 quick dry towel

-Other normal toiletries

-5 extra tire tubes

-40 protein bars/packs of Sport Beans

-2 lbs of homemade beef jerky (thanks Sonny)

-iPad

-PVC muscle roller

In the backpack

-3 liter water bladder

-First aid kit

-GoPro

-Gloves

-Sunglasses

-Teva sandals

-Rain jacket

-Wallet

I'm sure I'm missing things but you get the idea, very minimalistic. There will also be mail drops along the way, almost every week. If you'd like to send me letters or goodies, the link to all of the places is below, and remember I'm on the Southern U.S. route! I know I will cherish notes greatly during the trip.

http://www.bikeandbuild.org/cms/component/option,com_wrapper/Itemid,347/

One week left

We are officially moved out of our apartment and back on the east coast! It was very weird packing up because as far as personal items go, all I need are three shirts and three pairs of shorts (we do laundry every third day). Saying goodbye has been hard, especially to those graduating or leaving Fort Myers, but I'm grateful for our friendship and know they will all do incredible things. Not looking forward to saying goodbye to the rents....

With one week out I took my bike to the shop for its first tune up. I will be learning how to do more adjustments on the road but I want it in tip top shape for the beginning. I've got two build days with Habitat for Humanity of Broward this week and have some final packing to get done. Am I pretty nervous? Yes. Can I hardly wait? No.