Happiness is Riding a Bicycle

I discovered true happiness while riding my bicycle. In riding more than 4000 miles across other country, my perceptions of people and places have been altered. I lived with 29 inspiring individuals for almost 80 days. 29 best friends. 30 people including myself, working for a common cause.
            We had awkward Hello's and sad Goodbyes, but in between these times there was a radical transformation. We had to learn to trust, to communicate, to care for one another. Whether it be on the bike or at a build site, we had to follow those values. Persistence, perseverance, and passion, we followed those P's to a T. We rode up mountains at more than 11,000 feet. We shingled a house for almost 12 hours. No feat was too large as long as we worked together.
            This summer I was introduced me to a whole new way of living. The material things in life were left by the wayside. My bike, my bin, and my Camelbak became my only essentials. After riding a 100 mile day, all I needed was a home cooked meal and a place to lay upon my Thermarest. Eat, sleep, ride. It became a simple routine. But there was never a day like the one before. Each ride was a unique experience, an opportunity to savor all that we have in this country. On build days, each housing organization is run differently. We were always assigned a different task. I met some incredible families, super cool build supervisors,and other selfless volunteers.
             A paradigm shift has occurred in how I view life. The grass is greener, and there's no mountain I can't conquer.  Whether it be Chinese food or karaoke,I’ve become less wary of trying something new. I no longer measure success in terms of grades and awards. Success comes in many different forms.  I discovered that success is an outcome of collaboration with others.  My 29friends and I committed our summer to biking across the country, to making a difference, to learning about who we truly are.
            As an individual, I’ve learned to be honest. I’ve learned to take breaks. I’ve learned to relax.  The little obstacles of each day were just small road blocks in the scope of the whole summer.  Broken bike parts and boards that weren’t nailed right, those were things we could fix. People are not as easily fixed as bikes are. Being safe on the road was always one of my ultimate goals. I care for my 29 friends and the countless other cyclists who cross the country each year.  I pray for wide shoulders and no semi-trucks. I pray for blue skies and tailwinds.

 I hope that each rider has discovered the happiness I have through riding a bicycle across the country.  Letting out cathartic breaths out each time I reached a mountain top, spontaneously swimming in various lakes,reaching a new state and posing victoriously for the camera; all are factors that allowed me to have the greatest summer of my life.

I’m not sure how life after Bike & Build is going to be. I’ll miss the chants,the second lunches, and the host showers. I’ll miss my 29 best friends, but there’s one thing I am certain about.

I’m going to keep on riding. I’ll continue to cruise through valleys, to struggle up hills, but I’m going to keep on going. Because it’s what I love to do. 

On the Ocean

Yesterday was our last ride. It was just a 30 mile ride, but there was one coastal mountain we had to climb. During the morning we sang songs and did chants. Nick and I were on sweep so we were the last ones to the restaurant where we all met before riding to the beach as one large family. 

It was incredible. Wet hugs were shared. I have biked more than 4000 miles this summer. I have made new best friends. I have climbed mountains. I have seen the beauty of this country. I can't believe it's been 76 days since this journey began. I'm sad that it is ending, but I'm going to treasure each and every memory I have of P2C.

At the beach the parents greeted us with whoops and hollers. We dipped our front tire into the water to signify that our bikes made it from ocean to ocean. We sprayed each other with champagne. We sang. We laughed. We danced.

We started from Rhode Island, and now we're here. Half Moon Bay, CA. 

I love you P2C.

-Sarah

Last Build Day, Framing Style

Today was our last build day of the trip. I really enjoyed working with Stockton Habitat for Humanity. Also a shout out to the church we're staying at for making the most delicious breakfast ever. At the worksite we worked on the framing of the house. Team Wall-E worked hammered hard and constructed many walls.

It was a hot one today, but we worked at a steady pace. There were some "trick" nails that just kept bending. With some hammer practice those became less of an issue. We had to line ran stud up with the X's. Once the wall was completed the other group would cover the boards and stand them up on the foundation! It was really cool seeing how a few boards can create the beginnings of a home.

I decided to model in the future window of the home. I was also pretty proud of my work. It's not easy hammering nails all day long! 

We also did our last paintstar picture. Finding a tractor makes any picture fantastic. I can't believe our trip is comings to an end in just a few days! I loved working with various affordable housing groups this summer.

It has been a blast.

Off to Palo Alto tomorrow!

-Sarah

Palo Alto, You Fancy

Today we rode to Palo Alto, home of Mark Zuckerberg from Facebook! Lydia is from Palo Alto and showed us his house. This morning was super muggy, and I kept seeing more and more palm trees!

The ride was pretty flat and easy. We had lunch in downtown Livermore which was actually pretty nice. There was a fountain I put my head in.

Today was also our last lunch which was pretty sad. We took our time and savored our last day of devouring food together. About ten miles into the second half of the ride the humidity in the air shifted. It was so strange, but the weather felt amazing. Arriving in Palo Alto was great too because there were some awesome shops in town. I bought some great coffee, and then Lydia's family provided is with a stellar dinner.

I had to buy some new fun shades because my other ones broke today. I was also eating funfetti cake so it was double the fun.

I CAN'T BELIEVE MY LAST DAY IS TOMORROW!

See ya soon ocean.

-Sarah

Lakes and Palmtrees

The ride to Stockton was fantastic. There was a long and winding road that was beautiful to travel on. There was also

 Some uphill mixed with the downhill, but I survived. There was a great lake that we were surrounded by the whole time.

At lunchtime we hung out awhile because it was a 52 mile day. I posed at lunch when Rachel was least expecting it.

During the afternoon I rode with Mark, Hannah, Vant, and Johnny. It was a. Nice and flat ride, and we rode past a ton of flowers and shrubbery. Tonight we are having a BBQ at a clubhouse on a lake with a pool!

There are also palm trees now, and that is extremely exciting.

I'm really stoked to be working with the Stockton habitat for humanity tomorrow! 

I must jump in the pool now!

-Sarah

The Climb and the Descent

We woke up this morning, and it was pretty chilly out. Vant, Brian, Amanda, and I had a lazy morning and stuck around town until it warmed up a bit. The first forty miles of the ride were seriously all uphill. We went up to about 8000 feet.

This was on top of one of the passes. Our lunch spot was also pretty scenic too. The Sierra Nevadas are tough but a wonderful mountain range.

After getting some grub, the afternoon was a breeze. We descended to about 1600 feet! I haven't been this low in ages!   Forty miles goes by a lot more quickly when it's all downhill!  I noticed how the conifers I sped by gradually shifted to light seeking plants. It also got super hot out!

In Sutter Creek we actually walked by some plants growing grapes. The town was pretty nice and had an Old Tyme feel. I found a track and ran a mile also.

I've always wanted to go for a run in California. Sunshine and running. They just seem to go together wonderfully. I can't wait to go to Stockton tomorrow because we will be building there!

-Sarah

Lake Tahoe Adventures

Yesterday we had a day off on Lake Tahoe. It was probably one of my favorite days on Bike & Build. I slept in until almost 10, and our group leader made pancakes!  In the morning a group of us went for a hike and saw some waterfalls.

In the afternoon we went to the beach, and I paddle boarded for the first time! It was spectacular. Vant and I both tried to stand up on it at once which was quite difficult.

I loved swimming in Lake Tahoe. We stayed until the sun began to set. The whole area was stunning.

After the beach we went to this great restaurant called Sprouts. I got a Real Tahoe Turkey Sandwich aka the most delicious sandwich I have ever had. I could get used to the California life. That's for sure. My next post is about The ride to Sutter Creek!

-Sarah

Mountain Climbs and Rapturous Waters

I was pretty excited for our ride to South Lake Tahoe today. There was one big climb that we had to conquer though. During the morning we rode out of Reno and climbed slowly but steadily to Mount Rose. We gained 4500 feet while climbing. I felt great at the top.

Hannah, Jason, Lydia, and I descended the mountain and saw Lake Tahoe. The water was super inviting.

We actually found a place called Hidden Beach to swim in. The water was crystal clear and refreshing.

The rest of the ride was still pretty hilly, but we made it through and finally entered California! The sign wasn't very beautiful, but still now I am in California!

I am so stoked to have a day off tomorrow! I plan on hiking and swimming. It should be wonderful!

-Sarah

Flashing and Staple Guns

I was really excited to have a build day today. It was a nice break from biking, and I had fun throughout the day. First we were given some gloves at the worksite, and they were very stylish so a couple of us modeled them.

Hannah, Mark, Vant, and I were the flasher group which meant we had to install some flashing where the windows would be put in. This required a lot of measuring and the use of a staple gun. Eventually some strong guys installed the windows, and it really made the house look more like an actual house!

During the afternoon Nic, Jason, Dexter, Nick, and I worked on wrapping the house. I had a really good time with the staple gun. I had to make sure the wrap was right and flush to the walls. Jason and I also did some modeling but unfortunately without Hannah and Lydia.

We definitely look intense with our powerful tools. I was impressed with how  much progress we had made on the home. Our group also met a homeowner of another Habitat home. The owner has four kids and plans on going to pharmacy school. She was originally from Cameroon, and her husband has his Phd in GIS. I'm happy that Habitat allows people to receive an education because house payments are low. 

I've enjoyed Sparks, but I am ready to ride to Lake Tahoe tomorrow! California here we come!

-Sarah

The Best Nine: Day 9: Sparks, Nevada

It was the last day of the Best Nine. It was just 80 miles between me and my destination. The host cooked us an awesome breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs, and bacon this morning! They were extremely appreciative of what Bike & Build does. I started off this morning with Vant, Hannah, and Eric. We played games for the first twenty miles.

I was feeling goofy at the top of one of our climbs. For the next twenty miles the four of us did some pace lining. For the last 5 miles we had a 10 person pace line. It felt like we were taking over the Nevada roads. After lunch Vant and I took on the last few miles of Route 50. I was so happy to turn onto another road, but it was just one long hill. After a snack break we made it to the top of Geiger Pass!

We climbed 2800 feet over 11 miles. The descent was spectacular. It was just 8 miles of easy riding. The sight of Reno was amazing.

Biking through Reno was awesome because there were bike lanes and beautiful houses. It's nice to finally be in an actual city! After arriving at the host, we took a 15 mile van ride to the California border to meet up with Maya. Maya has to leave the trip early because she is going to grad school in Norway! A few other riders rode with her also. I decided to take a break from riding so I could cheer her on.

It's been a hard, fast, nine days of riding. I can't believe I've gone 760 miles in the past nine days! Our second to last build day is tomorrow. I'm ready. I love P2C.

-Sarah

The Best Nine: Day 8: Fallon, Nevada

We woke up this morning at 4:30 AM. It was 48 degrees, and there was a rather large struggle to get our of my sleeping bag. To warm up before the ride, I got some coffee at a local cafe. Then Vant , Anna, and I took off together. It was still chilly, but we cruised through the beginning of the ride successfully. I was honorary sweep at first, but then Anna wasn't feeling well so I took over with Vant. I was pretty excited to be in the desert and sweeping.

From first lunch to second lunch, Vant and I rode at a steady pace. We caught up to Annamaria and Amanda and rode with them until second lunch at mile 90!

I did a nice over the shoulder shot of my peers. I thought it was pretty cool. I also thought we were stranded in the desert. I almost got blown over by a little sand storm at one point. I also saw actually sand dunes!

The last twenty miles slowly crept by, but the four of us made the most of it by having some good conversation. We finally had host dinner tonight, and it was fantastic. It was very much needed after a 110 mile day!

Last day of Best Nine tomorrow!

-Sarah

The Best Nine: Day 5: Ely, Nevada

I had a great start to my ride today with Hannah and Mark. There were a lot of climbs and a lot of headwind. There were also windmills which makes sense.

I hit 45 mph on my bike today. There was a long straightaway of open road, and it was fantastic. I don't think I want to go much faster than that though! The wind really made it difficult. I trekked to lunch, and it was a long and tedious climb. Once I got there, I let my inner cowboy come out.

In the Wild West sometimes you just gotta be wild. I took a nap at lunch because it was just a 64 mile day. I took off afterward with Doug, Nick, and Brian. Doug and I stormed up the 9 me climb together. The descent was pretty awesome. We ended up pace lining to a sweet lake.

Apparently there are lakes in Nevada. I never knew. And mountains, more mountains than I would like to climb, but I conquer them regardless! We are staying at a Shoshone recreation center tonight. 

Shh Shoshone

-Sarah

The Best Nine: Day 7: Austin, Nevada

Today I rode with Team America's Next Top Model because we had a photo shoot during our ride! 

Hannah, Jason, Rachel, and I took it pretty easy in the morning. Our group also played knock out before leaving today!

The wind picked up quite a bit after lunch. Fortunately I was fueled up from the good groceries we got to devour today. There was a big climb during the afternoon, but me, Jason, and Hannah took them on together. We reached the top of Austin Summit, after being tricked by a false summit. That's when you think you're at the top of a mountain, and you aren't!

We went down the mountain, and there were some intense curves. The group is staying in a park tonight. It's pretty grassy. There was also a wedding, and the bride got pushed up a hill in a wheelbarrow. It was an interesting tradition to witness.

110 whole miles tomorrow!

-Sarah

The Best Nine: Day 6: Eureka, Nevada

I started off my ride this morning with Rachel and Lydia. One of our Leander's made pancakes this morning, and they really set a positive tone for the day. The group also played some knock out before departing so it added an extra pump of excitement to our morning. The first 40 miles of the ride were pretty easy. We casually rode our bikes up a few summits before lunch. 

You can just see down the road for miles! It's incredible, but it was a little lonely on the open range.

The second half of the day was much more intense. There was a furious crosswind that impeded our progress. Eventually Vant and I made it to the top of Pancake Summit!

There was one more climb after this summit which we didn't reach the top of until mile 72. From there we descended, and I reached 50.8 miles per hour for just a moment! I'm now part of the over 50 club which many others became part of today too! (Disclaimer: It was a straight downhill road where I felt entirely in control.) 

  Eureka is a pretty small town, but ingot a fantastic grilled chicken sandwich from one of the restaurants. It hit the spot. We actually only have 70 miles of riding tomorrow instead of 110! 

Nevada is not flat.

-Sarah

The Best Nine: Day 4: Baker, Nevada

Today I woke up from a delightful slumber and went to Penny's Diner for an awesome breakfast of French Toast and scrambled eggs.

The first 10 miles were pretty rough because it was all uphill and into the wind. We reached the summit at about 6300 feet and then had a sweet descent, and then we climbed again to the same exact height! 

After lunch we had a third climb that brought back up to 6300 feet. I really didn't think Utah was that hilly! Eventually we caught a tailwind, and it was magnificent. Eric, Matt, Vant, Nic, and I entered Nevada together.

We stopped at a cafe in Baker a few miles outside our campsite. I literally had the best ice cream sandwich ever. We had to wait out a storm for awhile, but eventually we made to our campsite with the help of a sweet tailwind. Nevada is actually pretty beautiful so far. We will be biking along "The Loneliest Highway in America" for the next few days. It's just 9 towns until we reach our build day in Sparks, NV and a lot of miles!

I'm ready for another night of camping!

-Sarah

The Best Nine: Day 3: Milford, Utah

Team Lounge reunited this morning at the campsite diner. I ate the Fisherman's Special which was delicious. Sometimes you just have to take the morning before a 102 mile day easy.

Team Lounge took down the first ten miles in record time. Then there were hills and headwind. Doug pulled us along for a good 10 miles, and upon arriving to lunch we noticed the big climb ahead. It was a struggle even after a good peanut butter sandwich. After catching my breath I got in the zone. Vant and I zoomed down the hill and caught up with some of Team Lounge. Eventually it was just me, Nic, and Vant conquering the land.

We rode with Mark and Matt for a few miles, but I was feeling great so we kept moving on. Once we got to Milford, Nic, Vant, Mark, and I got some Mexican food. I just love chips and salsa and tacos.

Tonight we're actually staying in a hotel. It's only a few rooms, but It's a nice break from camping.

-Sarah

The Best 9:Day 2: Otter Creek State Park

Today we took our time before departing the campsite. Brian, Doug, Vant, Nic, and I drank some hot beverages in preparation for our 62 mile day. With the caffeine in my bloodstream I was ready to roll. At first it was really cold, but I warmed up quickly. We pace lined through the wind for the first 10 miles and saw some buffalo! There ended up being a lot of climbing, but we worked together to reach the summit around mile 25!

We descended for the next 6 miles, and finally we reached lunch! I took a nice nap because it was a tiring 62 mile ride, and I decided I needed some time to relax. For the last half of the ride I rode with Vant, and Matt. Matt was sweep so he had to hang back other riders about 10 miles from our destination. We pushed each other through the wind, but arriving at Otter Creek was delightful. The area is so beautiful. Rachel and I did some core and push-ups together.

It's amazing how varied the land of Utah is. I went swimming in the lake, and it felt fantastic.

It's a perfect summer night for a campfire and s'mores. 

Another century tomorrow! 

-Sarah