Today was another harder day - there were some climbs, but it was the weather that was the hardest part - over 90 degrees. Renee was getting too hot, so I made her stop at a grocery store and go inside to cool off in the A/C. There were some kids outside the supermarket publicizing an event at their church, as well as a clown that we got a picture with. We then spent about 15 minutes talking with the kids about our trip and answering all of their questions. They had some great questions and its interactions like this that really make the trip more enjoyable.
We stayed at the 1st Baptist Church, which was awesome. When we arrived they had ice cold Gatorade, cookies and sweet tea. The sweet tea is so good, that I have probably had a gallon of it already. Gary also arranged for us to use the community center pool and today was a laundry day - always a big day given how our clothes smell after biking all day. Gary also gave us a head's up for a
Quote of the day (in honor of Steve from Mt Tabor UMC, who is a huge Chuck Norris fan): When Chuck Norris does a push-up, he is not pushing himself up, he is pushing the world down.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Winston-Salem
Today was the hardest day to date - and I drove the van. It was 89 miles and 85 degrees. It was difficult to get an easy route, and we had to take several busy roads to get to Mt Tabor UMC - Scott Wilkin's church (rider on NC2SD 2008). I was lucky enough to get a couch to sleep on and after shower and a dinner (Thanks to Mt Tabor UMC for the great food), I worked on the cue sheets for the morning and Renee wrote on the white board with the info for the next day. It will become a daily ritual, trying to get the cue sheets done at the last minute. As an FYI, I also try to add a funny quote, and will share them on the blog.
Today's Quote: Friendship is like peeing on yourself: everyone can see it, but only you get the warm feeling that it brings.
Today's Quote: Friendship is like peeing on yourself: everyone can see it, but only you get the warm feeling that it brings.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Chapel Hill, Day 2
Yesterday we got rained out after just 1 hour of building with Orange County (Chapel Hill) Habitat, so we went back to Chapel of the Cross and hung out, watching a movie and resting up.
Today we had awesome weather - sunny and upper 70s. We framed all the walls (both exterior and interior) and raised them up. Had we not been rained out yesterday, we would have had started on the roof.
After today, I am responsible for the host sites for the next week.
Today we had awesome weather - sunny and upper 70s. We framed all the walls (both exterior and interior) and raised them up. Had we not been rained out yesterday, we would have had started on the roof.
After today, I am responsible for the host sites for the next week.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Chapel Hill
The ride from Wake Forest to Chapel Hill was only 38 miles, but had some rolling hills and several of us decided to attack the ride, going pretty hard. It was fun but my legs are feeling it. We got into Chapel Hill just after 11am, which was great since it was so hot. We got into Chapel of the Cross, which is hosting us for the next couple of days, and went into the fridge and found a ton of fruit from Whole Foods. I quickly devoured a container of mixed berries before anyone had a chance to get them, but then waited a little bit before eating two more. Can't go wrong with fresh fruit.
They provided dinner for us and Becky foolishly took a shrimp off my plate. She should know better than to take food for me. 5 minutes later, she tried taking some more food off my plate, and I had to give her the look. I don't know what was going on because after going up for plate #3, Renee decided that she was going to take my food, which I quickly stopped.
Took a tour of UNC campus before heading to a bar on Franklin St. It sucks that North Carolina is not smoke-free because smoking totally sucks. Luckily we were there early (9pm) before the smoking started. They had $.25 Buds and we played several rounds of flip cup. We hit up I Love NY Pizza for a late nite bite before heading back to get some shut-eye. Today we build (I hope)!
They provided dinner for us and Becky foolishly took a shrimp off my plate. She should know better than to take food for me. 5 minutes later, she tried taking some more food off my plate, and I had to give her the look. I don't know what was going on because after going up for plate #3, Renee decided that she was going to take my food, which I quickly stopped.
Took a tour of UNC campus before heading to a bar on Franklin St. It sucks that North Carolina is not smoke-free because smoking totally sucks. Luckily we were there early (9pm) before the smoking started. They had $.25 Buds and we played several rounds of flip cup. We hit up I Love NY Pizza for a late nite bite before heading back to get some shut-eye. Today we build (I hope)!
Suze and I talking with the 4 year olds at Chapel of the Cross
Monday, May 26, 2008
The ride continues...
Yesterday we stopped in Greenville, NC, home of the ECU Pirates. A couple riders learned the hard way that you need to cross railroad tracks with your tires perpendicular to the tracks, otherwise you wipe out. No one was hurt, just a couple of scratches and bruises. We did 58 miles and had to ride with some fairly heavy traffic - something we did not have to do since leaving Nags Head. We stayed at an abandoned house - not completely abandoned, just no one was living in it and we did have permission to stay there. There was only one shower and I got sick of waiting and used the hose outside to shower - so much faster.
Today was 80 miles to Wake Forest. We were spoiled the last couple of days and had some rolling hills at the end of the ride. It was 85 degrees, also higher than what we had been riding in but still cooler than what is coming up. I went thru 2 water bottles of Gatorade and nearly 2 camel packs of water. I decided to ride up in the front group, averaging a little over 19mph. As the lead group, it was our responsibility to draw chalk arrows on the ground for every turn. For those who have seen the movie Superbad, I modeled my arrows after his drawings in his notebook. The 2nd half of the day, Renee, Ana and I rode in a group together. It was pretty good but we missed the last turn and stopped at a restaurant to ask for directions. A super nice couple helped us out and offered to buy us a beer - which we declined per Bike and Build policy (as I always follow policy), but settled for an ice tea. My new rule: If I am ever lost on this trip, always stop at a restaurant to ask for directions! We had to turn down their offer for dinner as we had to get to the North Wake church to shower. We walk in and the first guy I see is wearing an Appalachian State t-shirt. They were super nice and fed us Papa John's pizza. Don't worry, I ate a full pizza myself, but only after everyone else had a chance to go thru the line. We got some frozen custard and then called it a night. Believe it or not, I have dropped 6 lbs since Nags Head, but not sure how much is water. Tomorrow we head to Chapel Hill where we will build with Orange County Habitat for 2 days.
Today was 80 miles to Wake Forest. We were spoiled the last couple of days and had some rolling hills at the end of the ride. It was 85 degrees, also higher than what we had been riding in but still cooler than what is coming up. I went thru 2 water bottles of Gatorade and nearly 2 camel packs of water. I decided to ride up in the front group, averaging a little over 19mph. As the lead group, it was our responsibility to draw chalk arrows on the ground for every turn. For those who have seen the movie Superbad, I modeled my arrows after his drawings in his notebook. The 2nd half of the day, Renee, Ana and I rode in a group together. It was pretty good but we missed the last turn and stopped at a restaurant to ask for directions. A super nice couple helped us out and offered to buy us a beer - which we declined per Bike and Build policy (as I always follow policy), but settled for an ice tea. My new rule: If I am ever lost on this trip, always stop at a restaurant to ask for directions! We had to turn down their offer for dinner as we had to get to the North Wake church to shower. We walk in and the first guy I see is wearing an Appalachian State t-shirt. They were super nice and fed us Papa John's pizza. Don't worry, I ate a full pizza myself, but only after everyone else had a chance to go thru the line. We got some frozen custard and then called it a night. Believe it or not, I have dropped 6 lbs since Nags Head, but not sure how much is water. Tomorrow we head to Chapel Hill where we will build with Orange County Habitat for 2 days.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Belhaven Hospitality
Yesterday I volunteered to drive the van and this morning, it was raining. What are the odds? Oh well, I'd rather have been riding. We stopped by the gas station in Swan Quarter, and the guy has a sign outside that he paints sayings on, but always spells something wrong. It is an honor to make the sign and we were privileged to have it. The miss-spelling was "Biking For Buildings" (Instead of Bike and Build). I wish I had a sign that I could paint comments / sayings on. I am sure that I could come up with some sarcastic / funny things to post.
I got into town early and hoped to get the laundry started early. I opened up the trailer, and after first finding out that the water cooler was double stacked and spilled out all over, the laundry detergent was all the way in the back under all the bags. I stopped at the church to see if I could start to unload the stuff early, and ran into one of the members of the church. After telling her the situation, she said not to worry, that she was headed to the store and would get laundry detergent. She then flagged down another member of the church who opened up the church. 30 minutes later, she brought me the detergent to do laundry.
The southern hospitality in the town of Belhaven is unbelievable. The church did not have showers, so we went to the houses of members of the church to shower. I was talking with the pastor of the church and ran into him in town 5 minutes later and he insisted on buying me an ice cream cone - which I could not turn down. We were also able to stay at the house next to the church and they gave us apple slices, orange slices, bananas, and other snack food and even let me go upstairs and take a nap - talk about making yourself at home. Dinner was at the park down the street with several members of the church. The food was great. We were supposed to have a bike ride with the kids and I was sent to ask the pastor about it, but got distracted and walked over and had a cupcake. I turn around and several fellow riders are laughing and Angela is taking a picture of me eating the cupcake - all while I had no idea why since I had already forgotten that I was supposed to talk to the pastor and not go get food. They gave us all the leftovers including oatmeal cookies that were spiced with a hint of spiced rum. Just need to make sure not to eat them while biking or driving. On a side note, we saw a stoplight. I have not had phone reception since leaving Nags Head but should get it tomorrow in Greenville, as it is a larger city. Too bad Sprint's nationwide coverage is not nationwide.
I got into town early and hoped to get the laundry started early. I opened up the trailer, and after first finding out that the water cooler was double stacked and spilled out all over, the laundry detergent was all the way in the back under all the bags. I stopped at the church to see if I could start to unload the stuff early, and ran into one of the members of the church. After telling her the situation, she said not to worry, that she was headed to the store and would get laundry detergent. She then flagged down another member of the church who opened up the church. 30 minutes later, she brought me the detergent to do laundry.
The southern hospitality in the town of Belhaven is unbelievable. The church did not have showers, so we went to the houses of members of the church to shower. I was talking with the pastor of the church and ran into him in town 5 minutes later and he insisted on buying me an ice cream cone - which I could not turn down. We were also able to stay at the house next to the church and they gave us apple slices, orange slices, bananas, and other snack food and even let me go upstairs and take a nap - talk about making yourself at home. Dinner was at the park down the street with several members of the church. The food was great. We were supposed to have a bike ride with the kids and I was sent to ask the pastor about it, but got distracted and walked over and had a cupcake. I turn around and several fellow riders are laughing and Angela is taking a picture of me eating the cupcake - all while I had no idea why since I had already forgotten that I was supposed to talk to the pastor and not go get food. They gave us all the leftovers including oatmeal cookies that were spiced with a hint of spiced rum. Just need to make sure not to eat them while biking or driving. On a side note, we saw a stoplight. I have not had phone reception since leaving Nags Head but should get it tomorrow in Greenville, as it is a larger city. Too bad Sprint's nationwide coverage is not nationwide.
Friday, May 23, 2008
And we are off!
The trip has officially begun. We got up at 5:15 (and I got up at 5:25 – I needed the extra 10 minutes). We stopped at the Gallop Funeral Home, and after a quick photo op, and then headed to the beach for the wheel dipping ceremony.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Let's get ready...
So today is the last day before we start riding across the country. Today we had a shake down ride, which is basically a leisure ride to get the legs loose and get used to riding with each others. Maura got the first flat of the trip 1 mile into the ride - don't worry Maura, it gave me a chance to change a flat.
We painted our trailer - Upload photos below. I had to touch-up the paint job, of course after we had thrown away the paint brushes, so I had to MaGyver it and use a piece of cardboard as a paint brush.
Trailer after the touch up paint job.
Picture of all of us with the trailer with the "Thanks Ace" sign, as Ace generously donated the paint.
The front of the trailer - sure to make kindergarten students everywhere jealous. Check out the hand print at the top right corner of the trailer - I put 2 right hands.
I spend most of the ride riding sweep with Angela, David, Becky, and Maura - just making sure that everyone stayed in front of us. I did get my first sunburn, since I forgot about the back of my legs. I won't make that mistake tomorrow, or any other day.
We painted our trailer - Upload photos below. I had to touch-up the paint job, of course after we had thrown away the paint brushes, so I had to MaGyver it and use a piece of cardboard as a paint brush.
Trailer after the touch up paint job.
Picture of all of us with the trailer with the "Thanks Ace" sign, as Ace generously donated the paint.
The front of the trailer - sure to make kindergarten students everywhere jealous. Check out the hand print at the top right corner of the trailer - I put 2 right hands.Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Last minute prep work
Finalizing the last minute logistics before the trip starts. Got the last of the host sites confirmed! Cue sheets (the route we take to get between cities). Here is one of the more difficult rides - Asheville NC to Gatlinburg TN. Total climbing of 17,427 feet, but at least it will be fun going down.
I should have the cue sheets for Colorado done shortly which should have some good climbs as well.
We also got to get out and get in a ride last night. Weather was great. Had to watch out for sand on the road (something that was never an issue in Ohio). Check out the Bike and Build bike jersey I am wearing below - I will be wearing one for the next 2 months (I have 3, so I can wash them). Thanks to Ben Ryan, fellow leader for riding ahead and snapping the pics.
Tomorrow the rest of the riders arrive, and then the trip really gets started. We have a police escort out to ride out of town (No, I have not had one before), and this one is for safety as the traffic will be crazy coming to the OBX for Memorial weekend.
I should have the cue sheets for Colorado done shortly which should have some good climbs as well.
We also got to get out and get in a ride last night. Weather was great. Had to watch out for sand on the road (something that was never an issue in Ohio). Check out the Bike and Build bike jersey I am wearing below - I will be wearing one for the next 2 months (I have 3, so I can wash them). Thanks to Ben Ryan, fellow leader for riding ahead and snapping the pics.
Tomorrow the rest of the riders arrive, and then the trip really gets started. We have a police escort out to ride out of town (No, I have not had one before), and this one is for safety as the traffic will be crazy coming to the OBX for Memorial weekend.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
North Carolina, come on and raise up
The trip has officially begun. Friday night at about 10pm, I started to take apart my bike to but in the box to take on the plane. After breaking a wrench getting the pedal off, I finally got everything disassembled and put in the box. I toke a 4 hour nap, and after waking up at 5am, began packing for the trip - don't want to rush. We (David & I) raced to the airport and barely made the flight. The flight was mainly World War II vets heading to Washington DC to see the memorials - and after hearing this, the passengers on the plane started clapping to recognize their contribution to the country. When we got off the plane in Baltimore (lay-over), the people in the airport also clapped as we got of the plane - I am pretty sure they were clapping for the vets and not for us.
We got to the Raleigh-Durham airport and then headed over to Charlotte for the NASCAR race at Lowe's Motorspeedway. It was an interesting experience. There were so many people there. I did not get the race. For the All-star race, they would race several laps, and then reset the race so that they were all bunched up again. Oh well, it was an experience.
David and I with the Sprint lady, after getting our free tickets. The Sprint hats made us look like legitimate NASCAR fans.
We got to the Raleigh-Durham airport and then headed over to Charlotte for the NASCAR race at Lowe's Motorspeedway. It was an interesting experience. There were so many people there. I did not get the race. For the All-star race, they would race several laps, and then reset the race so that they were all bunched up again. Oh well, it was an experience.
Drove over to the outer banks today and met up with my fellow leaders - Angela, Ben and Dan. The weather here is amazing. We are staying at the Nags Head Church - Pastor Rick is very kind and generous. I look forward to 2 days of leader orientation, 2 days with riders and then on Friday we begin riding.
David and I with the Sprint lady, after getting our free tickets. The Sprint hats made us look like legitimate NASCAR fans.
Friday, May 16, 2008
An update
I have been slacking this week, trying to get everything done while landscaping, so this post will be a little bit longer.
First off, I want to thank the HB team of Jen, Laura, Mike and Andrea for the gifts last week - Icy hot, heat pads, and a pillow for my neck (or another part after riding all day). Since they do not have enough to do with the people from NY, I try to keep them entertained, especially since Monica left.
I would like to thank Uncle Gary and Aunt Myra for the very generous donation. I saw them 2 weeks ago as they drove in for Eric's graduation.
I would like to thank Carim Calkins, my former middle school science teacher. Ran into him (not literally) at Costco and after hearing about Bike and Build, and he made a donation on the spot.
Also want to thank Steve Wood, a neighbor who also made a donation on the spot.
I truly have to say that I am amazed by the generosity of others and it has motivated me to be even more kind and generous to others.
As today is my last day before flying down to NC, I still have a lot to do - buy a sleeping bag and pillow, rent a car to go the Nascar race in Charlotte, and of course pack up my bike and stuff to take on the plane.
First off, I want to thank the HB team of Jen, Laura, Mike and Andrea for the gifts last week - Icy hot, heat pads, and a pillow for my neck (or another part after riding all day). Since they do not have enough to do with the people from NY, I try to keep them entertained, especially since Monica left.
I would like to thank Uncle Gary and Aunt Myra for the very generous donation. I saw them 2 weeks ago as they drove in for Eric's graduation.
I would like to thank Carim Calkins, my former middle school science teacher. Ran into him (not literally) at Costco and after hearing about Bike and Build, and he made a donation on the spot.
Also want to thank Steve Wood, a neighbor who also made a donation on the spot.
I truly have to say that I am amazed by the generosity of others and it has motivated me to be even more kind and generous to others.
As today is my last day before flying down to NC, I still have a lot to do - buy a sleeping bag and pillow, rent a car to go the Nascar race in Charlotte, and of course pack up my bike and stuff to take on the plane.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Articles
I would like to thank Cheryl Woodwards-Nicholls for the article in today's Detroit Free Press http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080511/CFP09/805110320/1112. Yes, I made the newspaper as this trip is about helping others and spreading the word to encourage others to help others.
I would also like to thank Jerry Cabakoff for the article in the ESSentials ESS department newsletter at work. Thanks Jerry for the excellent write-up! (I am trying to figure out how to post the article)
I would also like to thank Jerry Cabakoff for the article in the ESSentials ESS department newsletter at work. Thanks Jerry for the excellent write-up! (I am trying to figure out how to post the article)
Friday, May 9, 2008
Last day at Limited Brands
The time has come, the time is now, for me to begin my 3 month sabbatical. I will miss my team - Doris, Katie, Jackie, Kyle, Stephany and Steve and the rest of my department (Ron, Dave, Kristina, Erin, Paul, Steve, Lauren, Danielle, Gary, Luke, Eric, Kristina) and co-workers (too many to name, some I'm not going to really miss :-) I have faith that Paul will do an admiral job in my absence and Doris will keep him in line (except for Fridays - that is the day Katie is in charge). Remember the golden rule of customer service: We're not satisfied until the customer is not satisfied. I look forward to the break and will be sure to answer all emails and phone calls upon my return on August 12. I am sure (and hope) that most issues are resolved well before then. While I got used to wearing jeans every day to work, I will soon have to get used to my new wardrobe: spandex.
Thanks Alla, Darin and Gabrielle Again
For letting me spend the week at your place, making me breakfast, helping out with bike gear and of course letting me babysit Gabrielle (are you nuts?!?). Don't worry, everything turned out well, and besides, kids heal quickly. Luckily I have had some practice spending time with my cousin Shayna, so I am not completely a novice.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Happy Hour
I'd like to thank all that came out for the happy hour at Buffalo Wild Wings - Bruce, Irene, Jackie, Dave, Ron, Luke, Paul, Brian, Rodney, Khary, Bob, Natalie, Will, Mike, Frank, Anna, Steve and Andrea. If I missed anyone, I apologize - the 2 Hurricanes did me in.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Last week at work - Time for a T-Shirt
I don't want to say that I have begun to check out, but I have gotten some comments from co-workers the last 2 weeks about my attire. Supposedly, jeans and a t-shirt are not acceptable clothing. Here are some of the better quotes:
"Do you think you are on your bike trip - you can just dress however you want?"
"You know we have a dress code"
After wearing a mountain dew t-shirt and jeans: "Is Mountain Dew sponsoring your trip? Is that why you are wearing the t-shirt?"
And of course, after sitting in a meeting:
Scott B: You don't care about this anymore
Me: That's not true. I care about this just as much as I always have. Only now I am showing my feelings on the outside.
"Do you think you are on your bike trip - you can just dress however you want?"
"You know we have a dress code"
After wearing a mountain dew t-shirt and jeans: "Is Mountain Dew sponsoring your trip? Is that why you are wearing the t-shirt?"
And of course, after sitting in a meeting:
Scott B: You don't care about this anymore
Me: That's not true. I care about this just as much as I always have. Only now I am showing my feelings on the outside.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Great people to work with
I would like to thank Becky Rousseau, purchasing manager extraordinare for Limited Brands for her generous donation. Becky has made my life a lot easier, working with vendors (LT and Capitol Light especially) to ensure that invoices match POs. The invoices should match the PO, but since that is not always the case, a reconciliation has to be done to resolve the discrepancy. Becky has stayed on top of it and worked with Doris to ensure that things are running smoothly.
I would also like to thank Pinnacle Construction, one of our GCs, for their donation. Vonnie, Greg, and Colby Esterling are great to work with. I have enjoyed working with them and wish them the best. Vonnie is currently trying to maximize my time left at work by trying to clean-up all open items. I'll do my best, but no promises.Sunday, May 4, 2008
Michigan Bottle Deposit - Gotta Love It
This weekend, I helped David Grant (NC2SD) with a fundraiser, going door-to-door collecting empty soda and beer cans / bottles. For those who are not familiar, as was part of a Seinfeld episode, Michigan has a $0.10 deposit on all pop and beer containers to encourage recycling (side note - there is also consideration of adding water / gatorade and other containers to the list but really, people should be recycling on their own to help the environment, not just for financial incentive). As such, we were collecting the cans to then redeem for the deposit and send the money in to Bike and Build. I did not have much (any) success to start. David had passed out fliers earlier in the week to give people the heads up, but it took about 20 houses before I got my first donation. I did have one lady who did not quite understand the point of the can drive and offered me a couple of empty tuna cans from her recycling bin - not exactly what I was looking for. At that point, David had already filled 2 bags and was complaining about having to carry such a heavy bag - I did not have this problem as my bag was nearly empty! Basically, it felt like I was trick-or-treating for cans.
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