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. 

Three Weeks Out!

Hey all!

Two weekends ago I completed my 65 mile ride, which consisted of going up and down the same few roads near campus multiple times. Don't get me wrong, it was a blast but I can't wait for some new scenery! I stopped for lunch at Tijuana Flats (tacos are life) and finished up all in about 4.5 hours. I was again plagued with multiple flats but realized they are inevitable, like death and taxes.

Today I completed my first triathlon! Technically it was a Sprint Tri- a 1/4 mile swim, 10 mile bike, and 5k run and placed 4th in my division. I kicked booty on the swim and bike, but my legs decided they were over it come run time. It's events like these that really bring out the best in me. From the outside I am not a competitive person, but knowing that I am capable of more really drives me. I'm not sure if I want to get into the triathlon circuit but I do know that I want to dominate this race next year.

Even though our cross country trip is far from competitive, I will be challenging myself physically and mentally every step of the way. With finals and move out rapidly approaching, I just need to keep my eye on the prize for a few weeks longer.

NIRSA 2015

I have been given the opportunity to travel with FGCU's Campus Recreation Department to the Annual NIRSA Conference in Dallas, Texas. The National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association (or NIRSA) is pretty much the governing body for campus rec departments all across the country. This means that more than 500 colleges and universities are all staying in this beautiful hotel/conference center/campus/city named the Gaylord Texan.

It is yet another example of how in incredibly grateful I am that I can attend these events and participate in these learning experiences. Honestly, who else can just up and leave school and responsibilities for a week mid semester to go network and make connections that will hopefully last long into my professional career?

Needless to say, I am not on the bike this week, although I have my 65 mile ride on Saturday. I may plan to ride in and around Sarasota, FL for a change of scenery. We have been given the task of reading and reviewing articles on affordable housing, some of which have really touched me personally and put more meaning behind this summer's ride. I will go more in depth on that next time, back to business for now! 

Less than 50...

Just two months until it's me and the open roads- and the 30 other incredible people that I get to share this journey with.

I cannot wait for the days where my only job is to get from Point A to Point B in one piece. All of the school work and responsibilities are piling up and the reality that I will be virtually freed from them for 77 days is exactly what I need. Everything about my college experience feels perfect, but my only wish is that I hadn't confined myself to South Florida for so long.

Training has been great, my 65 mile ride is coming up soon and I am a little nervous to tackle that challenge alone. If anyone has any ideas of a good route or some scenic trails, please let me know- I'd love suggestions on a way to spend a Saturday!

An attempt to ride a friend's beach cruiser- almost rode it into the pool.

Spranngg Breakkk

Over break I went with friends from the East Coast on a 6 day camping/kayaking/biking trip in Apopka, FL, which is just north of Orlando. We called it Glamping (Glamorous Camping) because we stayed in a 14 bed dorm with access to bathrooms and showers. And Publix.

The setup was much how I imagine I'll be spending my summer- jumping in rivers in the afternoon, swinging in hammocks in the evening, all concluded by a great meal surrounded by amazing people.

We spent the days riding mountain bike trails- sliding in the sand from weak tread on old tires and riding down central Florida sinkholes.

We also rode in a 40 mile Catrike rally. A Catrike is a recumbent bike, usually with three wheels. Most of these riders have disabilities that prevent them from cycling on regular road bikes. It was incredibly inspiring nonetheless to see these riders cycle the West Orange Trail at an outstanding pace.