Happy and Safe in San Francisco!

As easy as it would be to just write about yesterday and our arrival in San Francisco, I feel like I must also document the day before, our ride into and time in San Rafael.

The ride was about 46 miles from Napa to San Rafael. It was a frustrating day route-wise, although the distance was nothing close to what we had been doing all summer. We ended up having to take 37, a pretty intense highway that included a nice steep overpass. We were also told, when asking for directions, that to get to San Rafael from where we were without taking the highway, we would have to go down into San Francisco, then travel up to San Rafael. At that point, I really wanted to be home, so it was frustrating to know that we were so close to San Francisco but still so far.

I thought that I would continue feeling this way, but then we got to our host location in San Rafael and it included a beautiful view of the bay and hosts who were impressed with our journey who also happened to be great cooks. After a delicious dinner and one last presentation, we left for our dessert reservation. It was a fun time, with everyone together talking and laughing, and the dessert was delicious. Back at the host location, many of us stayed up really late, doing some more laughing and talking. Carrie and I slept outside, admiring the stars and listening to appropriate songs for how we were feeling. We talked about our journey and how unbelieveable it was that it was almost over. Instead of feeling anxious for the morning or ready to be done with it, I was enjoying my last night of my two month long adventure.

I did find myself very anxious in the morning, ready to get on my bike and cross the bridge and just see what it felt like to finish biking across America. It was a wonderful time. I was sweep with Alex, but because our group stayed so close together, we didn't miss a single thing. The group stopped often to take pictures and enjoy our last day together, and Alex and I ended up crossing the bridge with Carrie and Tomer, two friends we spent most of the summer's rides with. I saw my parents on the North side of the bridge, but couldn't quite comprehend yet what had happened. It mostly hit me when I biked through Crissy Field to the water and saw everyone swimming in the bay. I quickly ran into the water, and I think that is my best memory, everyone swimming and hugging and laughing in the freezing water. I didn't feel cold at all, not for an hour after I got out of that water. It was definately the highlight of my day and a favorite moment of the summer.

Last night I went out to eat with most of the group, though some had gone and I probably won't see them again. It is a very weird feeling to have been so close to those people for two whole months, now to never hear from them again. I am glad to be going home, but it is with a heavy heart that I have ended my Bike & Build adventure. It was good to spend one last dinner with the friends I have made this summer.

Napa, California

NAKED MILE:

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Beautiful Lake Tahoe

I am enjoying a beautiful day of in South Lake Tahoe! Yesterday's ride was only 68 miles but difficult. The climb was comparable to Trail Ridge Road, except we gained more elevation. This time, however, our expert cyclists failed to report to us all the terrifically dangerous obstacles we may encounter... hmmm

The Sierra Nevadas are very impressed, and I am pleased to be in California. However, the state sign was a big disappointment. It was about 3 feet by 2 feet, compared to 15 or 20 ft like the other signs. It was a bit anticlimatic, considering we traversed the entire country, a total of 15 states and three mountain ranges to get here. But I can't complain, I'm just happy to be in one piece!

Lake Tahoe is amazing, the water is clear and blue and there are green forests surrounding us! What a site for sore eyes, after dry and brown Nevada. Today was wonderful, I swam twice (the water is freezing, it made me miss Barton Springs so much!) I woke up a bit early, listened to music, went for a jog by the water, then immediately went to the beach to eat breakfast, drink coffee, and read. For lunch, Tomer and I bought an $8 sandwich that was about 12 inches by 4 inches. He ate both his fourths for lunch, but I saved some for dinner. We also split some vegetables, something that has been lacking on this trip. I also have a $2 orange waiting for me (I wasn't expecting it to be $2, it better be good). We sat in the Safeway for a good time, eating our food and just talking. In the afternoon, Carrie Porter, Alex and I biked four miles to a less crowded cove, where we read and swam for a few relaxing hours. And here I am now! It was really a great day.

I can't wait to see my parents in four days, and to be home in six!
I miss you all,
Rachel

Sparks, NV

Sorry for the lack of entries. There is not much to talk about concerning Nevada, and I am glad to almost be out of this state. Just one and a half more days! Tomorrow is our last build day, and then it's about 20 miles to the border and beautiful Lake Tahoe and California! The days have mostly been a blur, Carrie Porter and I have amused ourselves by making up lyrics to our favorite songs. We also talk about our favorite memories of Bike & Build, and this actually ends up taking hours! You should hear our duet of "Elephant Love Medley" from Moulin Rouge, it's pretty much the greatest thing ever.

Today was a 90 mile ride into Sparks from Lovelock, which is an Indian colony. It wasn't a bad day at all, the wind has been horrible all through this state but it held off for most of today. We have ridden on Interstate 80, and today was by far the most dangerous day on it. However, we're through with that and Nevada! I thought this 8 days stretch would never end, but now I find myself in a YMCA with California to look forward to!

Nevada is simultaneously beautiful and desolate. We were surrounded by mountains the entire way through, but the brown dirt and sand really take their toll after a few days. I have taken to sleeping outside with a few friends, and the stars have been wonderful. I love waking up with a cold nose but in my warm sleeping bag. I have to go but see everyone soon!

I can't wait for queso and friends and my parents!

love, rachel

Utah already?!

I am sitting in the Vernal Public Library, still unshowered and without seeing the host location after 102 miles of riding. The last 6 days (I think it's been that long) have been very eventful. I don't have my journal with me but hopefully I can remember everything!

From Fort Collins we rode to Estes Park. The ride was beautiful and short (41 miles), and a nice introduction to the Rockies. The climb was 20 miles of flat and 20 miles of climbing, but it was so beautiful that Erin and I stopped to take pictures at least 5 times, and that made it easier. In Estes Park I revisited places and memories from when my family vacationed there about 5 years ago.

We were prepared for the worst the next day. Seasoned cyclists in our group gave us a nearly ridiculous amount of advice for climbing Trail Ridge Road, but what they failed to mention is how amazing the ride to the top is.

Estes Park to Granby is 63 miles. However, it includes about 22-24 miles of climbing up to elevation of 12,183 feet (approximately 2 miles). I climbed with Katie and Erin the entire way up, and I must admit I am very proud of us for our performance. We stopped every few miles for power food and water, and to take pictures of the gorgeous scenery around us and below us. It was very satisfying to look down and see the road we had just climbed hundreds of feet below. An incredible/terrifying thing about climbing the Rockies is how the switchbacks work. You will be hugging the mountain, turn a corner, and all of a sudden be on the edge of a cliff looking down. On the way up we saw a herd of elk, but even more to my excitement reindeer! They were right next to us as we reached a particularly steep stretch of road. We were on the right, they were on the left, and we didn't exactly know what to do... so we kept climbing. I reached the top with a smile on my face. Trail Ridge Road holds the title of "the highest continuously paved road in North America" and I am very proud to have climbed it. The view from the top was fantastic, I didn't want to go down the other side! The followiung 40 miles of the ride to Grandby were completed with no problem.

The next day included climbs over two passes to Steamboat Springs. We crossed the Continental Divide for the second time. It was a nice trip. We stayed and built in Steamboat.

Today was a 103 mile ride to Vernal, Utah. We stopped at Dinosaur National Monument, which Erin was super excited about. We narrowly missed a rainstorm (actually it didn't really reach us). Last night our stay in Maybell was very relaxing, because there was only about 80-100 people in the town. That means that there wasn't much for us to do but read and write in our journals.

I have crossed the Rocky Mountains and Colorado! By far it was one of the best stretches of the trip, and Trail Ridge Road was my biggest accomplishment.

Less than three weeks until I come home!
Love,
Rachel

Colorado already?

Northeastern Colorado looks suspiciously like Nebraska and what I thought Kansas would look like. It also sort of looks like New Mexico and some parts of Texas. I was expecting it to be immediately hilly and green, but instead riding from Nebraska to Colorado was one of the flattest stretches I've ridden this whole trip.

A few days ago we had another hundred mile day, from McCook, Nebraska to Holyoke, Colorado. It was actually awesome. We woke up to cloudy skies and were worried about rain, but instead the clouds just covered the sun the whole day and kept the temperature well below 90. We awoke at 4:00am and were on the road by 6:00am, and we finished the ride by 2:00. It was exciting to ride so far and still have energy when it was over. That's all I remember now, but I remembered that I wanted to write about it.

Yesterday was a 76 mile ride from Holyoke (we had a day off there) to Stoneham. If you haven't heard of Stoneham, it's because there are only 37 people who live there. To get to the town, you go over a hill, when you get over the hill, you see about 6 houses, a church, a community building (our home for the night), and a few other buildings. That is Stoneham. We had no showers, which I found more exciting than anything else. We got in very early, by noon, and I got to read and take a nap before anything needed to be done. After hanging out for a while, a group of us went to the rodeo down the road in another small town. The highlights of the rodeo included a 25 cent sno cone, lots of photo opportunities, and a few members of my group trying out a new sport. This new sport that I can't remember the name of is something like this: a tarp is attached to a horse, kind of like a tube to a motorboat. The participant stands on the tarp and holds a rope, much like waterskiing. The horse trots, and the participant holds on tight. I'm sure the locals got a kick out of watching our colorful group's attempts. When we got back to our host location in Stoneham, we could see rain and some lightning.

The scenery was unbelievable. It wasn't mountains or forest or anything you would expect, but the fields and sky are expansive and mostly indescribable. Sometimes we don't pass a town or any clear sign of civilization for 25 miles. Mostly I don't know what to say about it just yet, except it honestly blows my mind. It's both beautiful and startling, but in a way I've never quite experienced.

Today was an 80 mile day into Fort Collins from Stoneham. It was a very enjoyable ride, we are still slowly gaining elevation. However, around 8:50 am my friend Erin and I spotted the Rocky Mountains in the distance! It was intimating but also one of the most exciting things that has happened on the trip. It made us both giddy, I suppose, for the rest of the ride we couldn't stop mentioning them. Tomorrow's ride is only 46 miles... the first 20 miles are flat, but then we climb for 26 miles. Everyone keeps complaining about it and psyching themselves out, but it sounds pretty exciting to me. Something new, something incredible. I'll let you know how I feel in a couple days about it.

In Colorado and happy to be here,
Rachel

Nebraska

The past two days have been pretty normal, yesterday being 65 miles (Concordia to Lebanon) and today being 68 miles (Lebanon to Alma, NE). The last 15 miles of each day has been rough for me, because the headwinds come and I strongly dislike wind. We have also been waking up at 4:30 because of the heat but it's not so bad. We get in around 12 when we have 60ish days, which is both awesome and strange. Then you are hungry for lunch because you ate lunch at 9:30 or 10:00 so you have to eat lunch and then also dinner. And then you feel compelled to go to bed at 9:00 pm.

Lebanon is the geographic center of the United States. That was exciting. We took pictures by it this morning. Our showers today were at the local pool (conveniently located right across from the library) and we went swimming before showering. I had a good time but now my eyes are foggy because of the chlorine.

On the 15th we rode from Wamego, KS to Concordia, KS and it was a really good day. Instead of talking about today and yesterday I am going to talk about that day.

It was 97 miles and we woke up at 4:00am for the first time. When I went outside for the first time the stars were still out. The roads weren't busy at all the whole day and there were many photo opportunities my friend Erin and I took advantage of. Our first lunch was at 9:30am at mile 40, which to be honest completely baffled us. It got a little hilly after the first lunch but it was no big deal. At the second lunch at mile 70 I got a slurpee and it was delicious. We passed by Tuttle Lake and it was beautiful. I didn't know Kansas could be so pretty, and have decided that it is my favorite state so far. Contrary to popular belief and to what everyone told me, Kansas is not flat. Maybe in a car, maybe if you look from a plane, but on a bike, it is not flat. During the ride we played "Would you rather" and also stopped by a sprinkler over a field of corn.

We stayed at an armory and I had two bowls of cereal for dinner. That is exciting to me.

It's been fun,
Rachel

Build days in Lawrence

Lawrence is a cool city and I enjoyed having my family here. I can't say how happy I am that they came and I am very appreciative. Tomorrow they will see me off, then head home to Austin.

I have mixed feelings about building. I feel somewhat useless at times, partly because our group is very big and partly because I have no skills. Sometimes Habitat sites are slightly disorganized, and this doesn't make me feel any more useful. However, it was cool to see the walls go up on this particular house in Lawrence, even if all I did was hammer some nails and paint it yellow.

It was difficult splitting my time between Bike & Build and my family. Fortunately my chore group exempted me from our tasks (laundry; thanks a bunch guys) and on the third build day (today) my group leaders allowed me to leave the site at 1:00 (thanks again).

Here are some pictures Perry took at the build site, so you guys can see what went down:

(Perry - as I'm uploading these to your blog I hear your dad snoring in the other room. Will testify if necessary... see you in about 5 hours)

Arrival in Lawrence, Kansas

We arrived in Lawrence, Kansas today after an 85 mile ride. The morning was nice, although the highway was busy the shoulder was wide enough for three across and I enjoyed the conversation that occurred during that time. Lunch was in Kansas City, it's weird, the entire city smells like coffee.

The route after lunch was stressful, with a busy road and a small shoulder. Lots of people had flats today. I was glad to arrive in Lawrence. I met up with Erin about 11 miles out of the city and that was a treat. Dinner was provided by a P2SF leader from last year's family. It was delicious and I am now stuffed.

Mostly all I can think about is how my family+Perry are coming tomorrow! I can't wait. Someone brought up the idea of how I will feel after they leave, but I'm trying not to think about that. I think I will be okay though. Lawrence is a nice city and I am excited to spend three days here. Apparently we are blitz building here, all that's up on the house we are working on is the frame. It sounds intense and exciting.

Yesterday was a 95 mile day. It went smoothly, I can't remember much of it at the moment and don't have my journal near. I do remember that the pancakes the host location made us in the morning were delicious.

Until next time,
Rachel

Tom Sawyer Days and Huckleberry Finn Ice Cream

Three days until my family comes to visit!

Yesterday we were in Hannibal, Missouri, which is just along the state line. If you didn't know, it is the home of Mark Twain. It just so happened that the night we were there the Tom Sawyer Days festival was going on. This included mud volleyball, the National Fence Painting Competition, and fair rides. For me, it included Huckleberry Finn flavored ice cream and jumping into the Mississippi River. The swim was so satisfying, I was real happy after that.

I was always more of a Huckleberry Finn fan than Tom Sawyer. The wind has been brutal but it's all good. I am counting down the days until Kansas and family. I hope all is well at home, Rachel

Alex, Rachel and Jeff into the Mississippi!

100 mile day!

Today began with a twinge of homesickness, soon overcome by 20 miles of riding with the last bit including rain and hot chocolate. Then it was another 20 miles until the first lunch break. My lunch included two cold eggos waffles with peanut butter and chocolate chips in sandwhich form. It was awesome. I also had lots of trail mix (my favorite). Then it was off to the next 30 miles, which was difficult because of headwind the whole way. At mile 70 was our second lunch break. I had more trail mix, a power bar, and the most delicious brownie ever. Then it was off for the next 15 miles, straight into a storm. After seeing lightning and realizing it was only a mile away, a few of us stopped in a kind person's garage. They let us stay there until the storm passed. Then we rode the next 14 miles into Taylorsville, IL, without wind or rain. We are staying at a YMCA and it is pretty nice. And that concludes my Bike & Build July 4th.

Yesterday was possibly the best Bike & Build day ever. It was a 70 mile day. I rode with my friend Erin in the morning. We have a great time. We crossed the state line (IN to IL) and I am finally in my own time zone again. I can't remember all else what happened, but it was good. A few days ago I learned to ride with no hands and am having fun with that. We camped last night, which is also fun. The day was nice and relaxed, and I got to go swimming, which is something I am missing real bad.

the end!

Indiana!

First off I would like to tell Laurie, that actually yes, one night I closed my eyes to go to sleep and I could feel myself rocking away pedaling on my bicycle. It was like when you go to Schlitterbahn and you feel yourself in the wavepool when you go to sleep that night. So you are almost right! And most everyone has dreams involving Bike & Build, including myself, although mine aren't near interesting enough to write about on here.

Today we reached Indiana well before mile 20. It was an 83 mile day, but it wasn't bad at all. We were in Cincinnati last night and got to stay in real houses and sleep in real beds! I stayed with my friend Carrie and her bed had a really nice soft white comforter. Her parents were really nice and of course provided everything and more for us. I also got to see my Uncle Shawn and Laura! They recently moved to Kentucky and drove two hours to take me to dinner. It was so nice to see family and they were full of encouraging words and advice. They also took me by a store to get a few things, but mostly it was really just great to see them. It was fun to tell them about my adventures and show them my pictures.

Yesterday was a short day, 65 miles. The morning was lovely, we basically had the road to ourselves for the first 25 miles. We road side by side, talked, and took goofy pictures. It was definitely a highlight of the trip so far. The afternoon was messy, though. A girl's back tire was hit by a car and she rolled and hurt her lower back. She was taken to the hospital and is still experiencing lower back pain. It was a hit and run. We also all got lost around the last 8 miles of the trip due to a left turn that wasn't on our cue sheet. However, I was thankful that today was less eventful.

Today's ride went really fast, I rode with my friend Erin in the morning and then Erin and Alex in the afternoon. It was an uneventful day, but I think that was nice for a change. We stayed on the same road for 70 miles and it was basically flat. I mostly just enjoyed riding with minimal stoppage. Alex did get a flat and we stopped at a yard sale, but other than that we just rode and rode and rode.

It's July! I'm excited about the 4th, we got some fireworks today and have the 5th off, hopefully it'll be awesome. And then the 10th I see my family!

later,
Rachel

Flat Ohio!

I am sitting here after dinner in Hillsboro, Ohio and am a happy happy camper. Brownie and spaghetti in my belly and I got to take a nap post-ride! The past two days, destinations McArthur and Hillsboro have been amazingly flat compared to what went down in the Northeast, and apparently our ride tomorrow is suppose to be the flattest yet! Tomorrow's ride to Cincinnati is also short, somewhere between 50 and 60 miles. The past two days have been steady 70-73 mile rides. We've been doing a lot better as a group getting ourselves together in the morning and arriving at our host sites at a decent time. This could be due to the flat terrain, though. Of course, I have to tell you that it rained for the FIRST 40 MILES OF TODAY'S RIDE. But I survived that.

Before I forget, I would like you all to check out the journal at bikeandbuild.org (there is a journal tab on the left side) for a funny report of today's ride written by one of my closer friends on the trip, Erin. CLICK HERE


Tomorrow is an exciting day for me, because I get to see some family! I also get to stay in a real house (one of my friends on the trip, Carrie Porter) because our living situations for tomorrow night are all houses. I'm pretty excited about sleeping in a house and going out to dinner with family.

I would now like to take time to share with you some funny questions I have been asked due to the fact that I am from Texas:

1. "Does your dad have a gun"? My response: "Uhh, I'm from Austin?" This was asked by my friend Erin, who lived in El Paso for a while (so I suppose she was half joking) and likes Pat Green and is probably more southern/Texan than I am. We've discussed this on many a 70mile bike ride.

2. "Texas?! Where's your passport?" Not kidding. An old man in a gas station asked where I was from and actually asked me this. I tried to laugh but was really just confused.

3. "And you speak English? Not Spanish?" A second question by the old man. He then proceeded to tell me that he was stationed in San Antonio during World War II and that all he remembers about Texas is the Alamo.

4. "Do you carry around a Texas flag? Don't all Texans carry around a Texas flag?" This was asked by a boy in my group who goes to the University of Florida. In response, I asked him why isn't he old, since all people from Florida are old. Probably not the wittiest response, but after 7 hours of riding you make due with what you can come up with.

Today was a mail drop day, and I'd like to thank my family (good care package, Jill), Perry, and Kerry/Molly/Liz for the mail! I love mail, it helps get me through the longs days--- not kidding!

5 more days of riding, and then a day off! How exciting!

I miss everyone back home,
love,
Rachel

Marietta, Ohio already?!

I was just looking at the comments on all the other posts, something I hadn't gotten to do yet. I just wanted to thank everyone for the nice notes! I miss you guys!

We arrived yesterday in Marietta after a long 90 mile day. It was an interesting and overall good day, although three people took spills down a very steep hill (it was very scary, and I am so thankful one of them wasn't me) and a group of about 15 took a 10 mile long detour after missing the first turn out of Cameron, West Virginia. So some people have already reached the 100 mile mark in one day!

Yesterday morning included one climb, but after that it was pretty much smooth sailing. Around mile 20 we reached Ohio which I found extremely fulfilling. A few miles into Ohio, a friend I was riding with, Carrie Porter got a flat, and I ended up changing it for her, which I also found fulfilling, as I haven't had to change one yet and haven't in the past. After we got back on the road, it was pretty much 60 miles down the same road, and was relatively flat. You have no idea how exciting this was for me. We had lunch around mile 50 at a small diner in Sardis, OH. I had a raspberry waffle cone first... you also have no idea how exciting this was for me. After lunch I set off with the same girl and the last 40 miles pretty much flew by. Marietta is an interesting town, I took a walk this morning and many buildings were built in the 1800s. There are also many small shops and whatnots around.

To report on the boy who fell a few days ago and got a concussion, he is doing well, but still has a few days left in the van. He slept pretty much all day every day the first 3 days after his crash, but is definately perking up. His grandparents called him and told him that they heard about his fall but knew that he could get back on the bike and ride. I thought that was really sweet and encouraging of them.

The three people who fell yesterday are all okay, the girl is pretty sore and was shaken up at first but is okay now. One of the boys actually fell over the side of the mountain about 20 feet, but basically has no scratches on his body somehow. The other boy wasn't so lucky, his bike was damaged and he ended up riding single speed the next 60 miles of the trip. For anyone who knows about bikes... wow. He's also pretty scratched up but also optimistic.

I've been talking on the phone with my parents most nights, it's very nice. I also just received a really nice email from my mom that made me really happy. My parents and Perry are planning to visit Kansas- that's only 13 days! I can't wait. Plus, I think I have family to see in Ohio. Things are going great.

Until next time,
Rachel

One note. There was one proud moment where I had three servings of ice cream after an especially difficult day where we were only suppose to go 70 miles and ended up going 90 due to faulty directions. It was awesome.

Still in PA...

Hello all!
Sorry it's been forever, when you're traveling through teeny towns Internet is hard to come by. I am doing fine. I will start with today. We biked 68 miles from Knobsville (don't bother looking it up, not kidding) to Berlin, PA. That included two climbs, about 3 1/2 miles each, the second climb being 2800 feet. I've climbed mountains! On my bike! The biggest news from today was that one of our riders, Cooper, fell and hit his head, so he had to be taken to the hospital by an ambulance. The shoulders of Pennsylvania have not been very impressive. He then had to be airlifted from the first hostpital to another because they didn't have the best equipment to check out his head. He had a concussion, but is back with us. He'll be in the van for at least the next week. Other than that, today was an overall nice day. I took the climbs slow and steady, and the views were very nice.
Yesterday was a tough day to me, as I had a screaming pain in my lower back for the 13 miles before lunch (so from mile 27 to mile 40), and then for the next 18 miles afterward until I finally stopped and one of my trip leaders massaged me. By that time I was in major pain, but it helped. Then we had a terrific (aka terrifying and difficult) climb. 3 miles into it I stopped and another trip leader gave me another massage and I took off my camelbak and left it in the van. There was still a 1/2 mile left of the climb, but my back was feeling mostly better. We stopped at the top at an overlook and took lots of pictures. The total mileage ended at about 87.
The day before was a really nice day, it was rolling hills for the most part, beautiful scenery, nice weather, and good company. The road was the least busy so far.

I can't remember much else right now, except one adventure where we ended up going 88 miles when it should have only been 70. That was a rough day.

Until next time
Rachel
ps. I am up to about 10 cookies a day. A good host is one that provides ice cream. the end.

A short post

The library in Middletown is about to close but I wanted to say a quick hello. When we got here we ate some delicious ice cream. A lot of chocolate was involved in my personal choice. The hills from Plainfield to Middletown were high and many, but I got over them. No issues today, and it was nice and warm! Thank goodness.
For those of you who know my nickname, today a girl on my trip called me Creeper. Coincidence, or not?
until next time!
Rachel

Last day in Providence

Hello everyone! I am writing to you from a library on Brown's campus. Providence is nice, but today is cold, and windy! Apparently conditions are suppose to clear up tomorrow, which is excellent news, considering we leave tomorrow. Wake up is at 6:00am, so you should probably wake up as well and think about me :) Yesterday we took a short, 20 mile ride on Providence Bike Path. Think the Hike and Bike Trail but paved and by an ocean instead of Town Lake. And cold. And windy. In June. I am quickly appreciating Austin's hot summers. Today was a Build Day on a Providence site. We worked on a house that the Providence to Seattle '05 group funded, which is kind of cool. Then we had a safety deal from the EMS guys. So in case I break my arm, I'll know what to do. Except not really.
That's all for now
love, Rachel

Rachel's Ride begins!!

Cycling from Providence to San Franciso with Bike & Build (www.bikeandbuild.org).