"Nail it, Lady!"

Day 12-

What a day. When a hill says a 13% grade, it has nothing to do with a test score.

Aside from that accomplishment, we did cross state lines into Ohio.

Riding into Youngstown, the roads were terrible, but the church we stayed in was beautiful. It recently celebrated it’s 150^th birthday. Stained glass lined the walls of the sanctuary dating back to the late 1800s. I love exploring churches; it’s something I have come accustom to. Not coming from a religious background, I always get surprised by the basement kitchens and the hallways full of Sunday school classrooms. They all have a similar feeling, but very unique to the church. The only downside to this church was that EVERY 15mins the bell tower would go off. Not just from say 7am to 10pm, no, all hours of the day the bells would be ringing. Logic? Who knows.

Day 13- We finally deserve the title, Bike and BUILD

So Saturday was our first real build day on the road. We met up with two volunteers, Sunny, a spunky Italian man who wasn’t afraid to say he loved you and talk about the local mob scene, and Rick, a interesting fellow who liked to use the phrase, “Nail it, lady!” every time I used the nail gun. By the way, I was dominating the nail gun that day when we put a whole new roof on the house.

Though I was stuck on a roof all day in the hot sun, this was one of the most fun experiences I have had on the trip thus far. Everyone was in great spirits and three different news affiliates came to interview us. Check out this link below, there is a great news clip from our work day! The next day we even had strangers ask if we were the people on the news! We are famous!

http://www.wkbn.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=10506@wkbn.dayport.com&navCatId=10

Day 14-

An easy 50 miles from Youngstown to Akron, OH. Despite a downpour half-way through, the ride amazing. Limited hills kept my knees happy and I was not drenching myself in sweat for once. A group of us stopped at a house to check out a massive Turkey wondering around. Before we knew it, we were petting a turkey, a toy rat terrier, a white fluffy cat, and a goat. The owner of all these animals was a bubbly woman who was eager to hear about our cause as well as have us bowl in the bowling alley. Yes, she had a bowling alley. She took us up to the top floor of the at least 150 year old barn and gave us a little history. Apparently her house was Rutherford B Hayes’ summerhouse back in his presidential days. It started out as a log cabin by the lake, got moved to this location and built up around. We rolled a couple balls while Winston, the dog chased and barked at them. Tom, the turkey was very friendly and liked all the attention.

Tanning in the shade

Day 10-

Though we have done 90 miles, the 80 miles from Coutersport to Warren were hard to say the least. The sun was hitting us for the first time in awhile, and hills somehow crept themselves into the scene. With lunch not till miles 40, I was aching for something to eat. We stopped in the town of Smethport where a group of us enjoyed ice cream at the 1930s original ice cream parlor/visitor center/senior center, all in one. The little old ladies working there had us come into the back and see the senior center. Walking down the hallway, the music got louder and louder until I saw a room full of white hair and a tiny old woman playing the keyboard on the organ setting. I was tempted to take video of the scene, but I felt that might have been a little too much.

Ali, Ariela, and I continued our long journey, ate a much deserved lunch and set back out on the road. Riding through the town of Kane, PA we couldn't believe how adorable it was. We stopped at the health food store to work our donation magic. We got two frozen TV dinners and a bag of frozen mangos. About 5 miles later we consumed those mangos licking the bag clean. As the miles got smaller our energy heightened. I have found that when I am 20 miles away, I want to give up, but as soon as 15 hits, I am reenergized.

Day 11- Terrible mood = terrible cycling

The first half of the day wasn't too bad. A 60 mile ride doesn't seem to phase me anymore, but today was an exception. I tagged along with a new group of bike and builders (I find that I just float around until I can keep up with someone). We made a strawberry stop and played some golf; amazing combination. We also took a what seemed like 2 hour lunch break, not so good. After that I crashed. I couldn't pedal and I brought myself into the worse mood. I felt like giving up and riding in the van. But I just kept in mind the EFI club (Every "Frickin" Mile). Yes, it may be dumb, but I only want to ride in the van if it's injury related, not me feeling like complete blah. Even mile 15 didn't seem to do what it usually does for me.

Eventually, I got into the town of Franklin, PA, a grand total of 61 miles. This town is adorable and the the pastor from the church is very generous. Our dinner in Subway, anything we want, "on Sam's tab." Tomorrow, a 70 mile ride into Ohio. Crossing state boarders!

Happy belated father's day/happy birthday mom!

Sweeping up the crew

Day 8-

Yesterday we rode 63 miles from Wysox, PA to Wellsboro, PA. The weather was gorgeous. The hills were... interesting, and my knees, they were fun. I spent about 90% of the day alone. It can be nice, but in the end, it's just plain lonely. I haven't found that group of people that I can stick with yet. Instead, I end up getting stuck between two groups not knowing if I should slow down or speed up. But enough of my self pity.

Pennsylvania seems to have a whole lot of nothing. Yes, there are some gorgeous fields and adorable little towns, but so far, I hadn't seen anything "photo worthy." Maybe I'm just being an elitist, but Connecticut country blew Pennsylvania country way out the water.

Wellsboro on the other hand was too cute for words. The church we were staying at was on the corner of Main street next to a cinema (where we saw Hangover) and across the street for a quaint sports bar. Down the street was a candy shop where the owner decided to force free fudge on us. Life is hard.

Day 9-

Today I was sweep. It's exactly how it sounds. I stay behind with my partner, Jake and made sure all the people in the group were in front of me. Essentially, sweeping them up. And because we were sweep, we took our sweet time. We stopped at the Wellsboro Diner and enjoyed a delicious egg muffin sandwich, sat at lunch for two and half hours and went up the hills at about 5 mph. Luxury. I could probably do sweep everyday, but I would also loose all endurance and biking ability. Not so good.

The weather was once again amazing. Not too hot, but sunny the whole way. A nice and easy day, 46 miles. Trevor, another fellow Bike and Builder decided to be sweep as well, or maybe he was just being lazy. We played 20 questions (he totally didn't know who Hermione Granger was) and at one point switched our bikes around. Jake had mine, he had Jake's, and I had Trevor's bike. After riding it for about 5 miles, I had to get off due to his sliver of a seat. I just don't understand men's butts.

Once again, another amazing host provided a filling meal and great conversation. The sun was out bringing everyone to the massive church field. Some were playing volleyball, others were lying in the grass getting a surprise from the fire ants. I'm surrounded by people on computers right now (it is a rare occasion to find internet out in the middle of nowhere aka all the towns we stop in). Every couple of minutes I get a a Facebook notification from Kristie as she tags me in yet another picture. The group as a whole is starting to get much closer. You know these things when you can share your chaffing stories with anyone (guy or girl), enjoy taking group showers, and every couple of minutes someone looks over my should and reads this post. Tomorrow we are off to Warren, PA, listed as 80 miles but possible 70 if we can take a shortcut.

-Alie

Catching up, big time.

Day 4-

It was such a relief to hear we only had 35 miles from Kent to Poughkeepsie, NY. Sore legs and disgruntled knees were getting to everyone. At lunch, Walter waited patiently to tell everyone where we were eating.

Getting into Poughkeepsie at noon instead of our usual 4pm deadline, I met up with my aunt and uncle from the Catskills. After seeing FDR’s house and eating at the CIA (Culinary Institute of America) we parted ways and I passed out.

Day 5- The hardest day?

Poughkeepsie to Roscoe, NY = 80 miles of hills, rain and dehydration. Supposedly the hardest stretch in our whole entire trip, we set out in the pouring rain. Soaked within the first 5 minutes, things were miserable to say the least. Lunch was cancelled due to lots of people needing van rides. My shoes formed their own great lakes, and I was hit with the realization that I was incredibly dehydrated with 20 miles to go. Geez, I’m such a complainer. Though we didn’t have lunch, Ali and I checked out an adorable diner in the village of Ellenville. I stayed somewhat warm in a rain jacket that Natalie lent to me, and even though a felt like crap for 15 of those 20 miles, it felt amazing to make it to the church, even if it was 7:30pm.

Day 6-

It could have been a century, but it was 10 miles short. From Roscoe to Binghamton, NY, we rode 90 miles. Straight to showers off our bikes, most of us just had to put our sweaty chamois back on and biked to the next destination, a house dedication. It was a beautiful house that habitat had recently finished for a mother and her son. As tired as I was, the ceremony was beautiful. The sun peaked out and the new family cut the ribbon to their new home. Cake and house tours followed the dedication showing us what we have chosen to do with our summer.

The next day was supposed to be our first build day, but due to raining weather, the garden we were going to work on was postponed. Instead, we took a trip to the zoo where to cleaned out animal habitats and took adorable pictures on penguins and otters.

Day 7- One week down

This was a beautiful ride with only a light mist. From Binghamton to Wysox, PA, I entered yet another new state! The view from Wysox was incredible.

Greeted with lots of food and a shower trip to the Y, everyone took advantage of the sun’s rays. Knees seem to be getting to everyone, but we all know it will soon be getting easier. Our first week was incredible. The group as a whole is already much closer and we are all finally starting to get used to this crazy food/sleep schedule. I apologize for not updating on a regular basis. There are no excuses. Plan to hear from me tonight, we are riding 50 something miles to Wellsboro, PA.

-Alie

ali mae's first post-YAY!!!

Haha, so...I know I have been bad about posting so far on the blog, but Alie and I are sharing her computer so I/we are posting stuff when time permits and the innawebs (slang for internet) is available. My goal was to do a photo per day for the trip and so far I'm doing alright. I only have one photo to post for today because I am in the process of editing through some stuff but I promise there is more to come!!!

Anyway, about the trip. It has only been three days on the road but so far it has been AMAZING!! Our whole group gets along really well, New England is b-e-a-utiful, and I am overwhelmed by the generosity of all of the people at the places we have stayed. I think that has been my favorite part...just seeing everyones' faces light up when we talk about what we're doing and why we believe in the affordable housing cause...it's kind of unexplainable honestly. Every day we've been waking up around 6am or 7, loading our bags into the trailer furiously, eating about 5 pounds of carbs, and getting started with the day's ride. The lengths have varied from day to day, but nothing over 60 miles yet. I would say it hasn't been tooooo too harsh, but if you asked me that while I was biking up a mile-long climb I would have a different answer haha.

The rides have been great. I feel like every town in New England is the cutest place on earth. The architecture is so classic and everything is well kept. I love it. We've had quite a few roadside adventures as well. There's been laser tag, rope swinging!, jumping in waterfalls, and MUCH much more. I wish I could write more but I am crunched for time. I've got ohhhh so many stories to tell though, so keep reading!!! <33alimae

OH and the picture (below) was taken just outside of Kent, CT today when Alie and I were riding. We aren't even sure what it is haha...just a small cemetery? A memorial? who knows....

There's a first for everything

Day 3 of riding

Before I get to today’s riding, I should probably touch on the first two days.

Day 1- With not so promising weather, we left Providence after dipping our tires in the Atlantic.

We proceeded to immediately get lost in downtown Providence, lovely. And unfortunately, when we got out of Providence, we took a beautiful 12 mile “scenic detour”. A trip that was supposed to be 42 miles turned into 54 miles. BUT it wasn’t all bad. Despite the hills and my lack of hill intensive training, the ride was gorgeous. As we entered Connecticut, the rolling hills grabbed my full attention. Colonial style homes lined the roads reinforcing that New England feel. We arrived in Pomfret around 4:30 to a filling meal provided by the church.

We jumped fences to be one with the sheep, paddled around in hippo shaped boats, and I saw the biggest pig of my life. The weather was iffy for a majority of the trip, but it just so happened that right when the sun came out, so did the rope swing. Not being cautious enough, we swung into the water one-by-one proving there were no massive rocks and the water was not freezing cold.

Arriving in Pomfret, Connecticut we stayed at a church that set a standard of hospitality that many churches would compare to or even exceed in the future. The salad was made with fresh greens from the garden and the eggs for breakfast were free-range. Across the street was Pomfret School, a massive boarding school that put The University of Montana to shame.

After finally painting our trailer white leaving a blank canvas for the artists in our group, we hit the sack stuffed into two little rooms uniformed with our sleeping bags and Termarests. I woke up about 20 times that night to the sound of sleeping bags rubbing against Termarests, but I will get used to it, I have to.

P.S. There’s a first for everything mainly refers my luck of having Jake find a tick on my face. No bites, just creepy crawly legs.

Day 2-

From Pomfret to Granby, CT, we rode a total of 55 miles. The hills had no sympathy for our aching muscles. And our aching muscles had no directional ability when it was time for lunch, because we passed it by 5 miles. Luckily, we have a few amazing cyclist who brought us our lunch stuffed in their Camelbaks. The ride was beautiful and the weather was perfect.

The church we stayed at in Granby welcomed us with massive amounts of food and shelter from the lightning storm. When everyone partook in the evening yoga session, a small group of us checked out a nearby farm where our fellow rider Jake worked at. They donated two big boxes of fresh veggies and we got a little tour for the farm.

At night, we had a hair cutting party and gave Raj a Mohawk (it only lasted two days.)

Day 3 (today)- Donation magic at its best

65 miles to Kent, CT. Despite the steep hills, they gave way for some amazing down hills getting me up to a whopping 45 mph (any faster and I would have died.) Within the first five miles, we ran into the dinosaur tree as I like to call it.

We saw a reservoir with a Scotland-like castle perched on the bridge (a great photo-op.)

And we worked our donation magic to get something we would soon learn to love.

The overcast weather we had for the majority of the day cleared up just in time to swim in the freezing cold waterfalls a couple miles outside of Kent.

We stayed at Kent School, another ritzy boarding school. Another wonderful dinner followed our arrival and a heavy night of sleep.

P.S. I have a theory. On average, every 5 miles is a cemetery in New England.

Check out Bike & Build from years before

Let our trek across the country begin

Day 1

I about 3 hours we will be leaving for Pomfret, CT, our first destination of the bike trip. After three days of getting to known each other, it seems like we have a great group going. Everyone comes from different backgrounds, parts of the state, and bicycle experience. I would have to say I'm more anxious than nervous to leave today, but I'm not looking forward to the 38 miles of hill we have to endure. Tough first day, huh?

The days following up to today have been busy for the most part, and with little sleep to back it up (I figure tonight I'm just going to crash). We went on our first group bike ride on Friday, a 21 mile loop that took us into Massachusetts (I have never been to Massachusetts!). If you happened to be in Providence on Friday, you would have seen 30 some cyclist biking in a row yelling, "Pothole!" "Car!" or "Puddle!" It was exhilarating. Other than big bike rides like the Bridge Pedal in Portland, I have never ridden in such a large group.

Yesterday, helped build our first house! After a couple trips in our massive white creeper van, we picked up hammers and nails (I apparently am "abnormally bad at hammering" as Natalie says) and went to work.

(Photo by Ali Vandergon)

Meso doing one of the most popular jobs of the day, moving dirt.

Last night a special festival happened in Providence called Fire on the Water. They literally have these baskets full of wood that go up and down the river(?) that are lit on fire.

(Photo by Ali Vandergon)

Surrounding the river were food stands as well as live music.

(Photo by Ali Vandergon)

It was a great way to end our stay in Providence and the weather wasn't half bad either!

Talking about weather, it's pouring now and I should probably grab some breakfast. Until next time.

-Alie

Let it begin... finally

After getting here a couple days early due to miscommunication and a misleading website, Ali and I finally started our adventure yesterday. Stuffed into the rather large Brown University dorms (Emery Hall), we all have had a chance to say hi and call everyone by their icebreaker name. Mine was Acrobatic Alie... the choices were limited. We don't actually start biking till Sunday, so these days before that we have to go through those fun yet painful skits that act out the rules we need to abide by. You know what I'm talking about, it's a love-hate relationship. After a night out yesterday and a lovely breakfast at Loui's this morning, now we are off to our bike maintenance class (something I'm looking forward to since I know very little about bikes).

On Tuesday we had the whole day to explore Providence. Checked out the local mall (Yah!) and stopped by at the RISD store. Walking up and down Thayer Street, a cute strip that reminds me vaguely of Hawthorne Street in Portland, we stopped in a sweet shop where I found this amazing tank top.

(Photo by Ali Vandergon)

PICK FLOWERS NOT FIGHTS!!!

After telling the store owner why we were in town, he was so impressed he showered us with complements, gave us two complementary bangle bracelets and left us with words of wisdom from a t-shirt saying. It was precious.

-Alie