Thank you to all my donors

"“I'd like to repeat the advice that I gave you before, in that I think you really should make a radical change in your lifestyle and begin to boldly do things which you may previously never have thought of doing, or been too hesitant to attempt. So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man's living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun. "

-Jon Krakauer, Into the Wild 

Hey guys! Obviously it has been quite some time time since Bike and Build. This is a letter to all my donors. Thank you guys for all that you did:) 

December 26, 2015 

My Dearest Donors, 

Happy holidays! I remember just a year ago I was writing you asking you to donate to my Bike and Build trip, where I would bike across the United States to raise money and awareness for affordable housing. I can’t believe a year has gone by so quickly. I just wanted you to know that my Bike and Build journey would not be possible without you and your generosity. Bike and Build showed me a lot about myself, the world around me, and that there are MANY mountains in this country! This letter is meant to show my appreciation for you and to let you know what I experienced this summer. 

I was one of the first people to show up to orientation in May and to say that I was nervous would be an understatement. Slowly, but surely, everyone started to arrive with their beautiful bikes and a bag that would carry them through the summer. We had orientation for two nights in Nags Head, where we learned about bike safety, got to know each other, and got a glimpse of what the summer would be like. Our first ride day was sixty-seven miles to Swanquarter, North Carolina. It was windy and I got my first flat tire! Over the summer, I got a record fourteen flats. 

My team and I shared so many adventures every day together. I cannot explain how wonderful it was to be able to wake up everyday and simply ride my bike to the next location. Riding every day not only made my body stronger, but my mind stronger. It is amazing what we as humans can will ourselves to do. It is also amazing that I know more about the people on my trip, than I know about lifelong friends or family members. I could ride eight hours with someone and hear their entire life story. The friendships I built are one of the most priceless gifts I have ever received. 

I want to tell you guys about one of my favorite days. On July 4, 2015 I rode my bike up to Monarch’s Pass with two of my best friends. The altitude was getting to me, and honestly, it was one of the most physically challenging days of my life. When I started to near the top, I felt so much relief. Not because the long climb was over, but because I could see members of my team in the distance. They were all screaming and cheering us on. I got to do the same thing to those who climbed the mountain behind me. That day I accomplished something I never that was possible. 

After lunch, a group of us took a gondola up to the top of the mountain at 12,000 feet. I was at the top of Monarch’s Pass at the Continental Divide and there was snow in July. I sat down and looked out over the Rocky Mountains and in that moment, I felt complete peace. It is true freedom when you can look out over God’s creation and feel humbled by the vastness of this world. When I reached the top of the mountain, I was absolutely speechless. When I gazed out into the Rockies, I knew my place in the world. I grew up. 

Out of seventy-two days, we had four off days, twelve build days, and fifty-six ride days. The days I wasn’t on my bike, I got the opportunity to build houses for people. One day in particular that sticks out to me is Fayetteville, Arkansas. While we were on the build site, I got meet a future homeowner and hear her story of how she found Habitat for Humanity. Some days aren’t about building, they are about the people who are put in your path. This was one of those days. I had the opportunity to hear Sarah’s story about human resilience and I even got to meet her daughter. I was so moved that at the end of the summer, I allotted a large portion of the money I raised to Sarah’s house. YOUR money helped build a home for this woman and her family. I am honestly tearing up just writing this right now. Without you, this would not be possible. 

We ended our trip in San Diego on July 24th. It is still surreal. The next couple days were a blur, saying our goodbyes and adventuring in San Diego. I spent two weeks in California after my trip was over, and I would be lying if I told you guys that I was ready to come home. Bike and Build changed me. I’m not sure if it was the Pacific Ocean, the ride up Highway one, Sunset Cliffs, or the view from the top of San Jose, but I left a piece of myself out there in California. Maybe I left a tiny piece of myself in every state Big Blue (my bike) rode through. Bike and Build touches lives. I know it touched mine in a way that I will always remember.  If you’re feeling like you didn’t give “enough” this holiday season, I want you all to know that you gave ALOT to many families this summer. Thank you so much for that. You helped make my dream a reality. Happy New Year. 

Yours Truly, 

Mary Reames 

Home

"Home wasn't a set house, or a single town on a map. It was wherever the people who loved you were, whenever you were together. Not a place, but a moment, and then another, building on each other like bricks to create a solid shelter that you take with you for your entire life, wherever you may go." -Sarah Dessen 

It's 11:20 on a Thursday and I find myself  sitting in the Oakland International Airport. Once again, I am leaving something and venturing into the unknown. Walking through the terminal, I carry my faded paint splattered osprey, I wear my helmet and my NC2SD tank made by one of the sweetest people I've ever met in my entire life. The inside jokes on the back of my tshirt go on and on, but you can never fully understand them unless you were apart of NC2SD15. I'm not going to lie...I miss it. I miss the chaotic wakeups, the music in the morning, hot almond milk, Tess' laugh, Scott's saultiness, the Arizona sunrise, the smell of Colorado, the headwind of Kansas (but not really), the lack of coffee, and the feeling of family. The feeling that these people have my back no matter what.

I miss traveling the one with Carolyn, Abby, and Anna. I miss big sur, and the ocean, and the California coast. I miss the Southern California beaches and the way the ocean tastes in your mouth. I miss Alex rouse and the brown house. I miss being somewhere for a week and not knowing how to act because the longest you've stayed in a place for three months. I miss the California sunset and know I will long for it in the months to come. 

I miss baby blue, who is currently in a janky box on the way to South Carolina. Life goes on and so must I... But I miss it. All of it. 

Hh heavy on my heart is the life of Patrick, a leader on Me2SB15 who was hit by a distracted driver in Oklahoma. I didn't know him personally, but I know he was an inspiration to many. Throughout this tragedy I have seen bike and build alum come together from all over to support each other and to support the ME2SB team. It's inspiring. It has taught me that we are a family and we are here for one another. I haven't had a lot of words about Patricks death, but I FEEL it. 

I thi think about the tattoo itching on my back and what it means to me... The bicycle wheel. I think about Patrick and what his life means to me inside that wheel. Home. I take home wherever I go. Thank you Nyx Robey for teaching me that. The spokes... The spokes are different journeys in this adventure I call life. We're all in this together. Let's help each other. The wheel is nomadic going wherever it is called knowing that it takes home with it wherever it goes. That's how I feel about my life as I travel onward to Texas and then home. 

Th there is some relief in leaving California, but also a sadness. I feel like I am leaving a piece of myself here on the west coast. Maybe I will be back to get it one day. I am forever changed because of bike and build and because of this experience. I am in love with my life, but also mourning the life of another. 

T t. Thank you to those of you who have been a part of this. I did it. We did it. Here's to the future. Until next time.... 

One week left

I have been reflecting a lot on my time with Bike and Build this summer. Looking out over Prescott, Arizona, I realized that this summer... The summer of a lifetime, is quickly coming to an end. The reality of this journey is hitting me in gigantic waves. I can't imagine leaving all these amazing people behind and not riding my bicycle 70+ miles everyday. I'm going to miss the chaos of biking, bonking, binning, cooler crewing, laughing, and building. 

Today was our last build day and I worked with a group at the ReStore here in Prescott. The rest of our group worked on some landscaping. The day before we painted the outside of Prescott Habitat's 76th home. We had a potluck dinner hosted by habitat and it was probably one if my most favorite host dinners yet. I have loved many dinners on this trip, but this was special because we all went around and shared favorite stories from the trip and one thing we've learned from Bike and Build. Christine was so gracious  and gave us bloggers a special treat. I feel bad because I have really slacked on my blog! I wish I had posted even more, but I plan to go back after the trip is over and highlight each state. 

Today we rode 58 miles from Prescott to wickenburg. I know I say this A LOT, but this might have been one of my most favorite ride days! I rode with my mountain partner, Nyx Robey. I don't know what it is about Nyx, but I love riding through mountains with her. We really feed off of each other's energy and we just crush it. We had a small climb out if Prescott and a huge descent! It was so fun. We dropped down from 6000 to 2000 feet today. I love descending and the ride was epic. 

A big shoutout goes to Nyx's parents for bringing us Gatorade to lunch and snacks to the host! Thank y'all so much. Nyx and I arrived at the host around 12:00 and had the fabulous opportunity to take hose showers. One thing that was really neat on today's ride was the landscape change. I've never seen so many cacti! (And so much desert.) 

Tonight there was a torrential down pour at our host and we were rushing around fixing leaks and trying to keep the church from flooding. 

After our flooding adventures, we were all hanging out and as I looked at my teammates, I thought about how this might be one of the last times we're all together. I want to enjoy this week and soak it up for everything it's worth because this is it. The grand journey is coming to end and I plan to make the most of every moment. 

The Grand Canyon

"Weave for us a garmet of brightness, 

May the warp be the bright light of the morning; May the weft be the red light of the evening; May the fringe be the falling rain; May the border be the standing rainbow." - Tewa Song

I find myself here on this beautiful Monday staring out over the Grand Canyon. First of all, sorry for being so slack about updating my blog. Life on the road had been far crazier than I ever could have imagined. The magnitude of this journey keeps hitting me in waves. Looking out at the Grand Canyon, I think about everything I went through, everything my team went through, to get here. There were serious head winds in Kansas, rain storms and the Rockies in Colorado, and now the dry heat of Arizona. I really haven't taken enough time to process everything about this summer. As my trip is slowly coming to an end, I remember all the small things about bike and build life. I love the simplicity of this lifestyle. Every morning I wake up, do my chores, eat breakfast, and ride my bike. Every day is definitely physically exhausting, but it's simple. And I love that. I love the build days where I can interact with the families we're helping. I love Tess behler's laugh, my pink sunglasses, Evan's random burst of dance movements, Scott's sassy looks, Kathy's horrible jokes, hunter's stupid book bag, Stephen's positivity.... All of it is such an integral part of this trip and wouldn't be the same without any of these small things. They add up to weave something together, something much bigger and much more beautiful than myself. I am honored to be a part of this and to be a part of these people's lives. I've had my fare share of moments on this trip, but I wouldn't trade any if them. 

Fourth of July on Monarch Pass, I was absolutely exhausted, but I can't even describe the feeling I got when I reached the top at 11,500 feet and my friends were there cheering me on. Who can say they've experienced that? We took a gondola (or ski lift... Whatever you so choose to call it) to the top. When I told at the top of the mountain, I was absolutely speechless. It's amazing to look out over something so great and be humbled by how small you actually are in this world. Bike and build gave me that day... The best day of my life. I am so thankful for that and will be paying it forward every day of my life. Here are some pictures that can never do my journey justice... But maye they will give you a glimpse of what I am experiencing. Until next time .... 

Hello beautiful Colorado

I realize that I have not updated my blog since Arkansas. We have flown through Oklahoma and Kansas. I cannot believe we are already in Colorado. This state is one of my favorites so far. As we were riding into pueblo today, I could see the Rockies in the distance and I was so excited to see mountains again. 

Oklahoma and Kansas have been tough, but good for the team at the same time. We love a good challenge. We had the opportunity to have a build day in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. We worked along side the local habitat to paint a house and another group worked on building components for framing a house. I got to work with Vinny, Abby, and Emma. We had a fantastic day getting to know each other while volunteering. 

We had a great ride into Wichita, where we stayed at the united Methodist church. Our wonderful hosts had a picnic in the park that night for us. From there we headed to stafford and the wind was brutal! We had a crosswind and it was everything I could do to pedal along at 11 mph. The Kansas winds were so brutal. 

In stafford we worked with their economic development office. A group of us did a demolition project and then another group helped paint a store front, a shed, and bleachers. I am so thankful for the hospitality those in stafford showed us. 

Fayettechill

The past couple days have been absolutely amazing, but definitely challenging in new ways. After Little Rock , we had another century day too Clarksville. A century, build day, then a century was tough work. I decided that I was going to stop having expectations about century rides. My new plan was just to get on my bike and take it as it comes. I rode with Jackie, zack, and Melissa. This was definitely my favorite century so far. We got lost twice and added nine extra miles to our route, but we all remained positive and just brushed it off our shoulders. On century days, we have two lunches, usually about one third and two thirds if the way there. I was so ready for second lunch by mile 75! I could feel a crash coming, so I had no shame about the iced coffee I drank to get me through my ride. 

Around mile 100, I took over for zack and led the group into the host. We stayed at university if the ozarks and it was so cool to be in a college dorm! Our hosts cooked a delicious spaghetti dinner for us and I was so thankful for their hospitality. We also picked names out of a hat (well.... Emma's hand) for NC2SD prom. Yes, we are having prom in Colorado. I will keep you guys posted on who received my name and how they ask me. 

The next day we headed to Fayetteville, a 83 mile ride. I ride with Emma and Steven and we had such a great time! We were team victory dance. We rolled up to lunch around mile 40 and I made one of my most successful lunches thus far... Avocado (what a treat), banana, an raisins on a bagel. Don't judge me... 

We got to climb the ozarks after lunch! This was one of my favorite rides so far and one of the most beautiful parts of the country I've seen yet. I remember cycling through the rain with Steven and Emma thinking to myelf, wow. This is amazing. I can't believe I have the opportunity to ride my bike through such a beautiful place. I had an overwelming sense of gratitude and joy in that moment. The ozarks made me feel at peace. The ozarks made me respect the mountain. I embraced the mountain that day; I didn't fight it. I loved it. 

The descent was cool, but we had to use caution in the rain. We rode into Fayetteville and climbed one last giant hill before we got to our host, First Christian Church. This church has hosted NC2SD the past seven years and let me tell you... They are an awesome group of people! Last night they had a potluck dinner for us and I think I should get an award for how much I ate. 

Today we got to sleep in until 7:00 and it was glorious! I had to wake up everyone in my room because they were not having it. Haha. The church members cooked breakfast for us and we headed to the build site, where we worked with habitat. Dave, the construction manager and Michelle, the resource development manager met us with smiling faces. They were so welcoming and glad to have us there. Dave created such a chill atmosphere at the site, so not only did I feel welcome, I felt at home and very comfortable. We worked on some scaffolding, house wrapping, and we wen got to meet a family who is receiving a habitat home. Sara, the new homeowner, was open with us and shared her story with me and Maura. It is amazing to hear stories of human resilience in this trip and  to see how strong people are and how far they have come. I love this journey... More to come soon .... Xoxo. 

Enjoy the journey, the destination will come soon enough. 

Happy wedding day Jennifer!

"The ultimate touchstone of friendship is not improvement, neither of the other or of the self, the ultimate touchstone is witness, the privilege of having been seen by someone and the equal privilege of being granted the sight of the essence of another, to have walked with them and to have believed in them, and sometimes just to have accompanied them for however brief a span, on a journey impossible to accomplish alone." -David Whyte 

Today I missed my best friend's wedding.  Jennifer Marshall became Jennifer Lott. To Jennifer, I hope you had the BEST day ever and I'm sorry I wasn't there to be a part of your special day. I love you. Thank you for being an amazing friend alllll these long years. (24 to be exact.) thank you do understanding my need for adventure and for a new challenge. I'm there in spirit and you can come to me for anything.... Even when in I'm Arkansas. You're an amazing friend. Love ya to the moon and back girl. 

Soo... I'm in Arkansas! Two days ago we crossed over the Mississippi from Memphis. We actually had to be shuttled over in three groups on the van becaus it's illegal to ride your bike over that bridge. (And super dangerous.) after shuttling across, Marlee dropped us off and we headed to Forrest City. I was really surprised by the sudden terrain change once we crossed over the Mississippi. The city if Memohis had suddenly faded into a flat farmland in just a matter of miles. 

After Forrest City, we had a century into Little Rock. Carolyn and I were sweep. Sweep's job is to stay behind and make sure everybody gets in safely. We also carry a med kit and spare tires. Tess also joined our group and we named ourselves, sweep's angels. 

We had a really long day, but all in all it was a great one. I really enjoyed riding with Tess and Carolyn. They have both grown so much as cyclists and it was cool to ride with them and see their confidence grow. 

We stayed at Second Presbyterian Church in Little Rock. A huge shout out to Doug for letting us stay there and everyone who cooked for us and made us feel at home. The next day (Jennifer's wedding day) we had a build day. We worked with Habitat at their awesome ReStore. We also helped clear a lot where they were gunna plant a garden. 

Doug was nice enough to shuttle us all to the bike shop after our build day and a couple of us walked to Starbucks to get our coffee on. Big surprise, huh? The night was filled with a dance party, lots of food, and prom commitee meetings (yes, we're having prom.)

We had another century today! I can honestly say that this was my favorite one yet. I rode with Zack, Melissa, and Jackie. We got lost twice and did an extra nine miles, but we all remained positive and had a blast. 

 

The longer I stay in Bike and Build land, the more I love it. I love waking up everyday before 5:00 am (ehhh) to awesome music, putting on my spandex, rushing around to get my bike stuff together, and hitting the road super early. Every day I get to ride with new people and have different adventures. I never know what I'm gunna get. I love that about bike and build. I also love that I'm pushed on this trip. I've done so many things I've never thought possible. So... Thank you bike and build and thank you to everyone who has been a part of this so far. More to come.... 

And Jennifer... Love you and congratulations. 

The socks were good LUCK indeed. 😉