Build Days in Asheville

After completing a very difficult 85 mile day on the Blue Ridge Parkway into Asheville, everyone prepared for our next two build days. The 32 riders were split up into 3 different build sites. I went with 7 other riders to work with Mountain Housing Opportunities to put in a wheelchair ramp in at a man's home. MHO works with low income housing to help with necessary repairs and additions. The man who's house we were working on was named Robey. He had just had a double hip replacement and was having difficulty walking up and down the the stairs into his home.

The work site was only a few miles from the church that we were staying in, so the group of us rode our bikes their the two mornings. Everyone worked together really well and we were able to complete the ramp in only a day and a half. It was really gratifying to be able to see our project completed. Bike and Build is an amazing program, but since we are constantly on the move, we are rarely able to see the final product. Working with MHO and being able to talk directly to the person whose house was being worked on made the experience far more personal.

Robey was a really interesting character. One of 13 brothers and sisters he had grown up outside of Asheville on a family owned farm. For both days, he stood on the porch chit-chatting with us and telling us that we had "about whipped the porch" in his heavy southern accent. He proudly showed us his collection of hand made model cars and doll houses, as well as his extensive collection of Elvis memorabilia. All of the workers were given an extra push when we saw how much he appreciated us coming and working on his house. I left the previous two work days exhausted, but in Asheville I felt energized. Our work was making a dramatic effect on a persons life and we were able to watch the experience take place. It was a really powerful two build days.

The rides have been difficult, but everyone is falling into a routine. Wake up, pack, take your bin to the trailer, eat breakfast, do chores, route meeting, ride. It is amazing how quickly someone can adapt to an entirely different way of life. The intense physical activity has been difficult, but manageable. Plus, seeing everyone else working so hard and finishing the route in such high spirits gives me such a burst of energy that it clouds any negative thoughts that I may have had during the ride. I have been experiencing such a high after each of our rides, it is like nothing that I have ever experienced.