Bike and Build is an organization dedicated to bringing attention to the lack of affordable housing and raising money to groups (like Habitat for Humanity) that are trying to remedy the situation. Bike and Build does this by bicycling across the country, "Pedaling to End Poverty Housing!" as they put it. It began in 2003 with two groups crossing the country; this year there are 8 groups, one of which will come through Fayetteville.
These are young people, some of whom had never ridden a bicycle before. The trips start out fairly easy and gradually build to an average, they say, of 75 miles a day. "Our" group is traveling from North Carolina to San Diego. They'll have a "build day" in Little Rock, then travel to Clarksville (101 miles), then the next day up to Fayetteville (89 miles). Last year several participants arrived here and promptly took off again to ride another 11 miles just to make it "back to back centuries."
Participants must raise at least $4000 each before the trip, in addition to volunteering eight hours at the construction site of an affordable housing group, plus another eight hours helping Bike and Build produce the trip. The money raised by participants is mostly donated to affordable housing projects along the way; it also covers the expenses of the trip.
There are eight groups taking different routes across the country, customarily starting out by dipping their rear wheels into the Atlantic and finishing by dipping their front wheels into the Pacific. They stay at churches, synagogues, community centers, campgrounds, etc. Several build days are scheduled for each trip and riders have an occasional day off to relax.
Most places have hosts that do something for the riders. The riders will be staying at First Christian Church, Fayetteville (220 North College) the night of June 14 (See our Events listing for directions). The church will have a potluck supper followed by a presentation from the riders. Everyone is invited and encouraged to come, particularly people interested in bicycling or in affordable housing efforts. Bringing a dish to share would be appreciated, but certainly not required--we'll have plenty of food.
This is an enthusiastic group of young people--come and meet them!
