E.B. and I aren't the only ones in our family discovering America! This summer our son, Josh, and his girfriend, Michelle Norberg, will be riding their bikes across the country with Bike & Build to spread the word about . . . and helping to build . . . affordable housing with Habitat for Humanity.Josh and Michelle, who are graduating from the University of Florida in May, will leave in June on their almost 3,000 mile trip, spending two weeks in Louisiana working on housing for Hurricane Katrina victims. An article by Danny Aller in the Pensacola News Journal, talks about their adventure . . .
"Riding on behalf of Bike and Build -- a national awareness group aiming to open the eyes of young adults to the affordable housing cause -- the duo will leave June 14 from Jacksonville and ride 80 to 90 miles a day for more than two months. They will build homes, speak at churches and help out at local Habitat for Humanity projects from Florida to California, and will travel in a pack of 30 riders made up of young adults ages 18 to 25 from across the country.
" 'Ultimately it came down to this: Michelle and I are in a part of our lives where were growing up and finally appreciating all that we have,' West said. 'We're healthy, we have a roof over our heads, and it was just time we stopped thinking about ourselves and helped someone else.'
"During the trek, they will sleep in churches, schools and tents. The riders will be fed three meals a day, but they won't be guaranteed a shower at every stop. But the trip's lack of everyday luxuries won't be a problem for Norberg and West. 'We're ready to live simply,' said Norberg. 'But we're more ready for our eyes to be opened.' "
You can read more about Bike and Build or contribute towards Josh and Michelle's efforts at www.bikeandbuild.org.
