Earlier this fall, I traveled north to Shoshoni, Wyoming with my boyfriend and some friends to meet up with a group of riders biking across the country. My boyfriend, Danny, is an alumnus of Bike & Build and rode the same route, from Providence, RI to Seattle, WA in 2009.
Each year Bike & Build teams cross the country via one of eight routes with up to 34 riders and 4 leaders per route. During each Bike & Build Trip the group stops to volunteer for approximately 9 build days with local housing organizations. To date, Bike & Build has contributed over $3.3 million of rider-raised money to affordable housing groups. Before their summer trip begins, each Bike & Build rider commits to raise $4,500, train for the journey and volunteer in their local community at an affordable housing organization.
Deuter was very generous and donated packs to riders who were struggling with their hydration systems and I was the lucky one who got to deliver the packs. The girls received the Bike One 18 SL, and the guys got the Superbike 18 EXP. Each of the recipients were excited to have a pack that held their spare tubes, rain jacket, travel pump, cell phone, energy bars, and all of the souvenirs and donated food that they picked up along the route each day. But the unexpected accessories like the integrated rain fly, helmet net, and the bike vests were what really got the riders excited.
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I was thoroughly impressed by the generosity and community that surrounds and follows Bike & Build. A couple who live and work at Boysen State Park prepared dinner and breakfast, using primarily ingredients from their garden, for all 32 riders plus the additional guests who came to enjoy the spectacle. A team of Bike & Build alumni from Fort Collins, Boulder, and Denver drove over seven hours to act as sous chefs and ride with the group the following day. The continued support of the Bike & Build alumni and all of the communities who come into contact with the trips each summer speaks to the contagious energy and inspiring cause of the organization. I really enjoyed the trip and am considering making my own cross-country trip with Bike & Build next summer.
–Alana Russel (Outdoor Ambassador).
Build up your own kit:
- Scope out the features of the Bike One 18 SL at Deuter.com
- Pick one up for your next adventure at REI.com
- Get a Bike One 18 SL shipped out from Backcountry.com
- Order a Superbike 18 EXP from RockCreek.com