Silent Century

My odometer read 99.46 as I arrived in State College, PA today. I circled the block a few times to make it the first 100 mile day of my life.
Though frustrating at times and an uncomfortable 11 hours on a bike seat, today was one of the most beautiful rides I have been able to enjoy. The hills and farms seemed to roll on forever. It's as if you were to be at sea and time just seemed to stand still while a swift breeze carried you over waves of smooth pavement, dipping in and out of troughs and peaks.
My gears were humming as I pedaled so I pulled over atop a hill to listen for society...silence.

P.S. I took a shower in the famous Penn State locker room today!

Crossing The Threshold

I'm not sure where the country really began to change for us but somewhere along our way into Berwick, PA we rolled into a whole new world.
The roadside shrubs from the Northeast turned into rolling wheat and corn fields. Apartment complexes have become few and far between. Even the omnipresent Dunkin Donuts have begun to fade into wooden farm stands with crates of fresh vegetables and eggs.
I must admit that I was unaware of the topography in central Pennsylvania. The hills can defeat you with their magnitude before you even start to climb. Though as the physicists tend to say, "what goes up must come down." Today's top speed, 43.5 MPH

Self Portrait

Urine New York

Cyclists have no shame urinating wherever they see fit. Nick decided to add a little something to the Hudson River on our way to Port Jervis. Here's to you New York!

Feasting

Got to catch up with my best friend Mitri today in Poughkeepsie. We went halfzies on a delicious BBQ quesodingo and ppc (pulled pork sandwich). Sharing is caring Houly. (Photo credit to my lovely sister Auden). (Tab pickup credit to Matthew Francis). (Feast provided by Billy Bob).

Aperture

Town Hall Meeting

Sunday marks the end if a difficult but inspiring week. Riders converged, tires popped, hills were climbed and the ME2SB crew put down some serious mileage in the midst of a brutal heat wave. We happened to find a vacant city hall in Pittsfield, MA to host our first "town hall" meeting of the Summer. We may not be the fastest group of riders but we've all got a lot of heart and a fascinating story to tell. Until next time Massachusetts, aloha.

Learning The Ropes

We ventured off the beaten path to find a local watering hole. We found some locals and they shared a semi-sketchy rope swing with us. The good thing about cycling spandex, you're always in a bathing suit.

The First of Many

If the rest of my summer is similar to today then yes, today was just the first I many spectacular days.
I reset the odometer and prepared myself to only stop counting miles when my front tire is sunk into the Pacific ocean ten weeks from now.
At about mile 8 I started chuckling. "you're riding your fucking bike across the country," I thought to myself. What would motivate someone to wake up at 6 a.m after sleeping on a church floor, to put on a spandex suit and exercise for 8 hours a day for ten weeks? After today I realized why.
It's the rad group of riders you get to do it with. It's that epic descent after a grueling climb that makes you feel like you're flying. It's the ice cream shop that dishes out free cones because they think our cause is worthy and they are blown away by the overall adventure we are on. It's that refreshing river that gives your body a second wind, and a feast that awaits you at your daily destination.
I touched the Atlantic Ocean today and I'm in no hurry to touch the West coast. At the end of the day it's the journey that matters most.

Keep a look out!

As you can see, the port side of our support van trailer is flavored with a map of Los estados and a green line that shows our alleged route. My geography gets a bit fuzzy towards the Midwest but I'm sure I will be well versed in The Bread Basket's back roads come July. If you see a cheaply painted mural driving through your town please keep a look out for 32 cyclists in matching uniforms and remember, share the road!

A Warm Welcome

What a marvelous first day with the Maine to Santa Barbara Bike & Build team. This photo depicts the degree of hospitality shown by our hosts here at St. Peter's Church in Portland, Maine. Riders and their families were greeted by us upon arrival as the army of bikes began to accrue in the garage. Parents exuded very sincere smiles yet I could see a certain angst was in their eyes as we met. They stared right through my soul as if to say to me, "Collin, please take care of my kid!" I stood tall with a pleasant smile and thought to myself, "I will."

East With My Mum

It will probably be a while before I head East again but sometimes we have to take a step back in order to move forward. The nameless bike is lashed to the car and mom is driving me to Portland, Maine today where the journey begins. Thanks for the lift Mum!

The Iron Horse

Tires are full, chain is oiled and she is ready to roll. Though she sits nameless, a title will be earned as the miles get put on.

A Fundraising Milestone

I'd like to thank any and all who have contributed to my fundraising efforts over the past few months. I remember being quite intimidated by the task of having to fundraise $4,500 before I could participate in Bike & Build. Not only did I reach my goal but I actually surpassed by more than $1,000 which will also go towards alleviating affordable housing issues in the United States.
Whether you helped share my link online or donated a couple bucks it all meant the world to me. To see the breadth of support I have received from acquaintances all around the country has truly motivated me to start riding and building houses. You all did your part to help me reach $4,500, now it's my turn to pedal 4,000 miles. This one is for y'all!

Why?

     In 1924 British adventurer, George Mallory, was asked why he wanted to risk his life to climb the tallest mountain in the world. He replied, "because it's there." Some journey for glory or fame, some journey to exercise their fortitude. Perhaps these motivations live in the subconscious but, as for now, I'm just a curious young man amazed by the simple beauties in life.
     This June my journey will begin as I part ways with the New England coast and head west. For ten weeks I will be leading a group of 32 young adults on a cross-country cycling trip. Our mission is to help alleviate the affordable housing crisis in the United States by raising money and lending a hand to Habitat for Humanity build sites in various towns across the country. My goal is to raise $4,500 before the start of our trip. The majority of these funds will be donated to affordable housing organizations while a small portion covers the costs of a bike, food and fuel for our support van. I intend to use this blog as a means to keep followers updated on where I am in the world.
     This trip would not be possible if it weren't for the love and support I have received from my family and friends. In all my travels thus far the thing that keeps me motivated, and sane for that matter, is knowing that I have such a strong network of good people standing behind me. I can't tell you when I'll return, but I will tell you why I'm leaving to see the world. . . because it's there.