“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have enough; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.” 

-Franklin D Roosevelt

In Orange County, NC (where I live), minimum wage earners must work 113 hours to afford a 2-bedroom apartment.  THAT IS INSANE!!  

Why is homelessness such a problem in our country?  Is it just part of the human condition?  Poverty is directly related to health, education, housing, political opportunities, and other factors.  People are at risk for homelessness due to poverty, cuts to social programs, inadequate compensation, poor health, and mental illness.  Poverty is not due to personal failings, and it is not just a matter of income...  

How can we reduce poverty?  By creating more blue collar jobs, increasing wages, providing better access to healthcare... by doing something about it and not expecting the issue to go away on its own!

I put my bike together all on my own!

... I think that qualifies me as a bike mechanic, right?

I promise I'll clean up the mess, mom...

first test ride around the neighborhood!

ta-da!

Anxiously awaiting the arrival of my new wheels!

36 days until the journey begins!!

As you probably already know from finding yourself typing in "cindybikes" on your browser, this summer I am participating in my second cross-country cycling trip with Bike & Build to raise money and awareness for affordable housing!  We will be dipping our back tire in the Atlantic Ocean starting from Charleston, South Carolina, and will finish the trip by dipping our front wheel into the Pacific Ocean in Santa Cruz, California.  During our 4,264 mile trek, we will be stopping in 10 different towns along the way to build with various local affordable housing agencies for a total of 16 build days.  You can donate to support this cause or just read my biker biography here.  If you are interested in our trip itinerary, you can find that here (no stalking, please).  

Why am I doing this trip, you may ask?  Well, quite simply, because I love Bike & Build!  I participated in Bike & Build for the first time at the tender age of 20, bright-eyed and bushy tailed.  I fell in love with the organization.  I learned so much about myself and how to function as a team-player.  I learned to step outside of my bubble and realize there is always someone who could use a hand up.  I learned the best kind of adventures spur from being in the middle of nowhere with no one and nothing around for miles except my 30 new best friends.  I am still learning that I can make a difference and improve the world for the better.

Thanks for checking out my blog, and stay posted for new posts :)  I'll try to add a couple of pictures every day on the trip so y'all can see what I'm up to.  A huge thanks to all my friends and family for your support, both for myself and for affordable housing!

"On Bike & Build, there are no bad days.  Some days are just harder than others."