Today we crossed the halfway point: 2,069 miles. The most incredible part about this where we were just over a month ago - fresh and awkward - and comparing that to where we are today. Imagining where we'll be when we hit the Pacific baffles me. I'm excited to witness it.
The halfway point seems like a fine time to do some self-evaluation. Let's start with the bad.
My communication with a few riders is poor. They're quick to assume I'm not listening, and I'm quick to get impatient. I have a tendency to dismiss questions before they're asked, only to realize later that they were valid and useful. This has alienated a few riders.
I've been too lax with some rules, and too stringent with others. I've swerved toward unfair and uneven in my enforcement. I've been indecisive, and tried to correct it through quick and hasty decisions. I've been afraid of confrontation. I've been worried about looking good and being popular among riders.
Yikes. It's not that bad, though. I think I've been a very good leader. Most importantly, everyone is still here, still healthy, and riding safely.
We've had no major issues with our group dynamics, and are performing well on the road and on build sites. We interact with hosts well and leave facilities cleaner than the way we found them.
A new skill with which I've surprised myself is a short memory for annoyance. I've been pretty good at letting the little things go and starting with a clean slate. There's still room for improvement there, as that slate tends to get more quickly dirty with a select few, but I hope they know I'm working on it.
I'm glad that I took a few minutes to do this. It wasn't easy. Yet, it's already helped my development as a leader tremendously. Now to act on areas where I've fallen short. We'll see how this matches up with the rider's evaluations of me, due tonight.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
The Group
If you're reading this, you probably know me. If you don't, I'm flattered and a little creeped out. Welcome to my summer.
You almost certainly don't know anything about the rest of this group. We're pretty awesome. Of course, an adventure like this would draw a pretty interesting group of young people, but I am continually astonished by our talents, humor and foibles.
We're a group of thirty-one people between the ages of eighteen and twenty-seven. We're nineteen women and twelve men. We're mostly white and from the east coast, but we do represent nineteen states (or twenty-one on some days), including California, Texas, Minnesota, and Colorado.
We include a former member of indie rock sensation Passion Pit, three collegiate athletes, five architects, two engineers, three designers, and a world champion jump roper. We've got personality coming out of our ears. We're productive, motivated and inspired by this trip and the cause. We're also impatient, annoying, and irresponsible.
The good far, far outweighs the bad. We're at the halfway point in this trip, and I get pretty sad thinking about the day that I'm going to wake up and not be able to "shark" someone, or play pitch with Joel, Paul and Megan, or talk music with Thom, or sing silly songs on the bike.
You almost certainly don't know anything about the rest of this group. We're pretty awesome. Of course, an adventure like this would draw a pretty interesting group of young people, but I am continually astonished by our talents, humor and foibles.
We're a group of thirty-one people between the ages of eighteen and twenty-seven. We're nineteen women and twelve men. We're mostly white and from the east coast, but we do represent nineteen states (or twenty-one on some days), including California, Texas, Minnesota, and Colorado.
We include a former member of indie rock sensation Passion Pit, three collegiate athletes, five architects, two engineers, three designers, and a world champion jump roper. We've got personality coming out of our ears. We're productive, motivated and inspired by this trip and the cause. We're also impatient, annoying, and irresponsible.
The good far, far outweighs the bad. We're at the halfway point in this trip, and I get pretty sad thinking about the day that I'm going to wake up and not be able to "shark" someone, or play pitch with Joel, Paul and Megan, or talk music with Thom, or sing silly songs on the bike.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Huge in the Midwest
As I rolled into our host this afternoon, another rider was talking to a reporter from a local newspaper. I quickly swooped in to steal the spotlight.
She asked a question and I launched into my usual schpeal. "Our nine build days are great, but the real power of the program isn't the hammers we swing or nails we pound, but the people we talk to and the projects that these 31 young people take over the course of their lifetime."
Another important thing, of course, is the media attention we receive. It brings awareness to the cause and supports the program. Here's an example of a pretty good article on our route. Oh, and I'm quoted. I'm huge in the Midwest
She asked a question and I launched into my usual schpeal. "Our nine build days are great, but the real power of the program isn't the hammers we swing or nails we pound, but the people we talk to and the projects that these 31 young people take over the course of their lifetime."
Another important thing, of course, is the media attention we receive. It brings awareness to the cause and supports the program. Here's an example of a pretty good article on our route. Oh, and I'm quoted. I'm huge in the Midwest
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Things I'm (Not) Missing
Things I'm Missing
People at home
Live music
Sheets
Harriet
Baseball
Softball (Rooaar!)
Non-American food
Things I'm Not Missing
Desks
Commuting
American food (no disrespect, big ups fried chicken)
People at home
Live music
Sheets
Harriet
Baseball
Softball (Rooaar!)
Non-American food
Things I'm Not Missing
Desks
Commuting
American food (no disrespect, big ups fried chicken)
Good Government
In conversation with the Effingham, Illinois Habitat for Humanity construction supervisor last night, I learned of a cool use of state prisoners' time. Taylorsville inmates build the inner structure of Habitat for Humanity homes in the prison's woodshop, then send it in numbered pieces to be assembled. It takes just two hours to get it together on the work site.
Please, Illinois, don't cut funding to this part of the prison system. Let those who have harmed the community pay their restitution in labor. A family now has an affordable roof over their head, and inmates have begun learning skills that will help them in rehabilitation and reentry to society. This is a great example of good policy.
Please, Illinois, don't cut funding to this part of the prison system. Let those who have harmed the community pay their restitution in labor. A family now has an affordable roof over their head, and inmates have begun learning skills that will help them in rehabilitation and reentry to society. This is a great example of good policy.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Walrus Gumboot
We're coming together in many ways. The slow people are getting faster and the fast people are taking their time. We're taking walks after dinner and piling in the van to check out local oddities. Today we went to the second (controversially) tallest freestanding cross in the country. The highway off ramp sign reads "THE CROSS: Truckers Welcome!" Jesus would welcome truckers.It was a beautiful morning. Everyone was at the 30 mile mark by 8am today. Oh, we crossed into U.S. Central time, which helped.
I'm really proud that people are getting along well, and happy in my role. It's been a rollercoaster for me, but I'm making steady progress.
Tomorrow we ride another 90 to Springfield, IL and will be there for a build day Thursday. I'm excited to check out the Lincoln Museum. We've now seen the birthplace of Lincoln (Kentucky), Lincoln's boyhood home (Indiana) and the Land of Lincoln (Illinois) in a week. Lots of competition for the Lincoln tourist dollar? He was a great president and all, but you don't see several states vying for the favors of Jefferson or Adams tourists. Abe must feel like the prettiest girl at the dance.
Monday, July 5, 2010
It's About You
Some time a few days ago, I chose to stop caring that some things weren't going as well as they could have been. I chose to let some things roll off my back that had been bothering me - to let it go. Since, I've realized that's a greedy choice.
I'm not here to be pleased, to be happy, to have fun. Those will be and have been results, but my purpose is to serve the group of people on this trip. I think that everyone has something that they want, and I must allow them to get achieve that.
We've all learned a lot already. This is such an extreme situation, tossed together with 30 strangers to live for several weeks, its impossible not to grow in some simple way. Even if you're just better at talking to strangers, that's growth. We're all better at talking to strangers now then we were three weeks ago. I'd love to know how else the riders have developed, but I haven't done the research.
The power of the program is not the nails we hammer, miles we pedal, or dollars we raise. It's the ripple effect of our discussions, our red, white and blue jerseys streaking through a sleepy town in clumps of four or five all afternoon, and what we choose to do with the rest of our lives. We're educating ourselves as much as the communities we visit. I'm newly committed to giving all those on this trip what they seek from it.
I'm not here to be pleased, to be happy, to have fun. Those will be and have been results, but my purpose is to serve the group of people on this trip. I think that everyone has something that they want, and I must allow them to get achieve that.
We've all learned a lot already. This is such an extreme situation, tossed together with 30 strangers to live for several weeks, its impossible not to grow in some simple way. Even if you're just better at talking to strangers, that's growth. We're all better at talking to strangers now then we were three weeks ago. I'd love to know how else the riders have developed, but I haven't done the research.
The power of the program is not the nails we hammer, miles we pedal, or dollars we raise. It's the ripple effect of our discussions, our red, white and blue jerseys streaking through a sleepy town in clumps of four or five all afternoon, and what we choose to do with the rest of our lives. We're educating ourselves as much as the communities we visit. I'm newly committed to giving all those on this trip what they seek from it.
Local Flavor
Stewed Tomatoes on Mac and Cheese - Shulykill Haven, PA
Odd, but good. Not really an improvement on the original. I thought the stewed tomatoes were a mild salsa until after the meal. Now that I think of it, there may not be much of a difference.
Ski Cola - Wellston, OH
Originally bottled in Wellston, Ski now comes from Chattanooga, TN. It's loaded with caffeine, but not cloying. It's also got a great tagline: "Taste the Wake!" It's packaged in tiny glass bottles, but is delicious for each of those ten ounces though not a drop more.
Ale8 - Louisvi
lle, KY.
Another cola, It's name derives from "A Late One," which refers to its entrance into the beverage world and presumably when it should be consumed. Its similar to ginger ale with a lemony twist. Not too carbonated, great logo.
Odd, but good. Not really an improvement on the original. I thought the stewed tomatoes were a mild salsa until after the meal. Now that I think of it, there may not be much of a difference.
Ski Cola - Wellston, OH
Originally bottled in Wellston, Ski now comes from Chattanooga, TN. It's loaded with caffeine, but not cloying. It's also got a great tagline: "Taste the Wake!" It's packaged in tiny glass bottles, but is delicious for each of those ten ounces though not a drop more.
Ale8 - Louisvi
lle, KY.Another cola, It's name derives from "A Late One," which refers to its entrance into the beverage world and presumably when it should be consumed. Its similar to ginger ale with a lemony twist. Not too carbonated, great logo.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Things We've Done
Today, we sided a house, added a porch, moved interior walls, and installed closets. Yep, in one day.
"I am nothing short of amazed at how much you all accomplished today," said Bud, the Habitat for Humanity site supervisor. Our success today was no secret: we were efficiently split among a few skilled leaders and given the tools we needed to keep working. When we ran out of ladders, someone went to get more. The leaders at the site were free to float around and inspect work, correcting flaws (and there were many) and getting it done right.
"Your siding is nearly perfect." And it wouldn't have been without efficient distribution and management of our labor. We're a big group, especially for a construction project, but our power is in our numbers. We all stayed and worked all day - and accomplished a lot.
Our Affordable Housing curriculum is moving along nicely. We met last night and discussed homelessness among other things. Some really interesting work is being done by the National Alliance to End Homelessness (endhomelessness.org).
It's nice to bring the trip back to its focus, and remember why we're really here: to build houses, raise money, and make the public more aware of the affordable housing crisis. I'm reminded of why I feel strongly about this issue. While affordable housing is a simple concept, it has an impact on a wide spectrum of family problems: nutrition, education, and spending on health care are all lower priorities than a home to most families. If we're able to make housing more affordable, lives will be improved in many ways. I'm excited to be a part of the solution. What can you do to help?
"I am nothing short of amazed at how much you all accomplished today," said Bud, the Habitat for Humanity site supervisor. Our success today was no secret: we were efficiently split among a few skilled leaders and given the tools we needed to keep working. When we ran out of ladders, someone went to get more. The leaders at the site were free to float around and inspect work, correcting flaws (and there were many) and getting it done right.
"Your siding is nearly perfect." And it wouldn't have been without efficient distribution and management of our labor. We're a big group, especially for a construction project, but our power is in our numbers. We all stayed and worked all day - and accomplished a lot.
Our Affordable Housing curriculum is moving along nicely. We met last night and discussed homelessness among other things. Some really interesting work is being done by the National Alliance to End Homelessness (endhomelessness.org).
It's nice to bring the trip back to its focus, and remember why we're really here: to build houses, raise money, and make the public more aware of the affordable housing crisis. I'm reminded of why I feel strongly about this issue. While affordable housing is a simple concept, it has an impact on a wide spectrum of family problems: nutrition, education, and spending on health care are all lower priorities than a home to most families. If we're able to make housing more affordable, lives will be improved in many ways. I'm excited to be a part of the solution. What can you do to help?
Monday, June 28, 2010
Mental vs. Physical
"How many miles is tomorrow?"
"About 60."
"Awesome!"
No one on this trip would have been excited about a sixty mile day three weeks ago. After the two days we had last week: 90 miles, 90 degrees, steep mountain climbs and threats of 50 mph wind, a flat 60 is awesome. We've already come pretty far.
The physical progression is easy to assess. The mental preparedness is a constant battle. We can ride faster and with better technique, but we can't measure our ability to lead in such discrete units. I thought I'd prepared myself, and now I know how much I have to learn. Luckily, I have several hours on the bike every day to think about my progress.
We ride into Flatwoods, Kentucky tomorrow for a build day on Wednesday. Newspapers and television stations should be out to cover our group. We'll be installing a deck and vinyl siding at a Habitat for Humanity home. This is the cool part.
"About 60."
"Awesome!"
No one on this trip would have been excited about a sixty mile day three weeks ago. After the two days we had last week: 90 miles, 90 degrees, steep mountain climbs and threats of 50 mph wind, a flat 60 is awesome. We've already come pretty far.
The physical progression is easy to assess. The mental preparedness is a constant battle. We can ride faster and with better technique, but we can't measure our ability to lead in such discrete units. I thought I'd prepared myself, and now I know how much I have to learn. Luckily, I have several hours on the bike every day to think about my progress.
We ride into Flatwoods, Kentucky tomorrow for a build day on Wednesday. Newspapers and television stations should be out to cover our group. We'll be installing a deck and vinyl siding at a Habitat for Humanity home. This is the cool part.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Schuylkill Haven
Highs:
-Kitchen demo yesterday (Super Mario style)
-Rewarding ride
-Gracious hosts
-Awesome group
Lows:
-Driving the van (Wednesday?)
-Scorching hot day
-Too tired to write sentences
-Kitchen demo yesterday (Super Mario style)
-Rewarding ride
-Gracious hosts
-Awesome group
Lows:
-Driving the van (Wednesday?)
-Scorching hot day
-Too tired to write sentences
One At a Time
[I wrote this a few days ago, but just now have an available internet connection.]
Tuesday was a challenge. Fifty miles of rolling hills and long, steep climbs. Their memories are blended, but one in particular remains. It was not only the longest and steepest, but I did it alone and repeated to myself: one more stroke, one at a time.
Does a physically challenging day match up against a stressful day at work? Yes, and I prefer the physical challenge any day. Biking across the country sounds hard, but its much better than not doing it. Oh, and we played laser tag (donation magic!) after dinner.
On that memorable climb, I also met a new friend. Fifty feet from the top, he lay in pristine condition, clearly expired but not yet decomposing, comfortably on his side. A squirrel had given up, right where I was considering doing the same. The thought of a big, smart human, losing to a tiny, stupid mammal inspired me to keep going, one at a time. Human race one, squirrels zero. Its the little things, like potential squirrel laughter, that make you remember.
Tuesday was a challenge. Fifty miles of rolling hills and long, steep climbs. Their memories are blended, but one in particular remains. It was not only the longest and steepest, but I did it alone and repeated to myself: one more stroke, one at a time.
Does a physically challenging day match up against a stressful day at work? Yes, and I prefer the physical challenge any day. Biking across the country sounds hard, but its much better than not doing it. Oh, and we played laser tag (donation magic!) after dinner.
On that memorable climb, I also met a new friend. Fifty feet from the top, he lay in pristine condition, clearly expired but not yet decomposing, comfortably on his side. A squirrel had given up, right where I was considering doing the same. The thought of a big, smart human, losing to a tiny, stupid mammal inspired me to keep going, one at a time. Human race one, squirrels zero. Its the little things, like potential squirrel laughter, that make you remember.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Day One
Day one was perfect. Clouds cleared to sun, hills rolled into causeways on shiny reservoirs, and the mileage was a light 37. It was nice stretch before the real cranking. More tomorrow, I'm wiped.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Donation Magic
Its amazing what people will give you if you ask and you've got a good reason. A restaurant donated a delicious meal tonight. They did it without hesitation, and they couldn't have been happier to help. It wasn't as if they saw our modest bill and signed off on it. They offered us anything on the menu, and brought out more than we ordered.
We saved the cost of that meal, and every penny we save is another donated to affordable housing. Thanks, Twist on Angell in Providence, Rhode Island. And all those that don't have proper roofs over their heads thank you too.
Six months ago, I don't know if I would have helped someone asking for a handout. Now I understand what it means to be the asker, and I'm happy to say that I'd help without hesitation.
I've learned the meaning of "donation magic."
We saved the cost of that meal, and every penny we save is another donated to affordable housing. Thanks, Twist on Angell in Providence, Rhode Island. And all those that don't have proper roofs over their heads thank you too.
Six months ago, I don't know if I would have helped someone asking for a handout. Now I understand what it means to be the asker, and I'm happy to say that I'd help without hesitation.
I've learned the meaning of "donation magic."
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Waves
There are days that are so incredible that you can't believe you have the privilege to live them. Today we went to Walmart and ran errands, and it was one of those days.
The people that are involved with Bike & Build bring an addictive energy, all the time. Being surrounded by tremendous people that are passionate about what they are doing is a better high than any chemical can provide.
You can feel it coming. Sometimes it crashes and knocks you on your heels, sometimes it builds into a nice slow little rush and twitch. It's inspiring. it's infectious. It's exciting. I've been waiting for this trip to start since I applied for the program in October. It starts in a few days.
The people that are involved with Bike & Build bring an addictive energy, all the time. Being surrounded by tremendous people that are passionate about what they are doing is a better high than any chemical can provide.
You can feel it coming. Sometimes it crashes and knocks you on your heels, sometimes it builds into a nice slow little rush and twitch. It's inspiring. it's infectious. It's exciting. I've been waiting for this trip to start since I applied for the program in October. It starts in a few days.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
The Weight
The trip has begun. Well, we haven't left yet. But the Providence to San Francisco (P2SF) trip leaders and program director have gathered in Providence. Over the last few months we've done the advance preparation: securing hosts, donations, the curriculum, communication. Now the real work begins.
Frequently today we noted that a weight has been lifted off of our shoulders. The anxiety of anticipation can be crushing. While I thought I was able to handle it, it effected my ability to produce. There was no problem, only the inevitable, and that became a problem for me.
It's going to be a great trip, in fact, the most successful Bike & Build trip ever. It will give all thirty-one participants all that they seek from it. And that starts with us, the leadership team. We need to be constantly aware of the result of our actions. It seems simple enough.
I've learned a lot about myself -- my strengths, my weaknesses and how to overcome them -- yet we haven't pedaled an inch. I'm excited for the next 4,138 miles, and what it will mean to the next decades.
Frequently today we noted that a weight has been lifted off of our shoulders. The anxiety of anticipation can be crushing. While I thought I was able to handle it, it effected my ability to produce. There was no problem, only the inevitable, and that became a problem for me.
It's going to be a great trip, in fact, the most successful Bike & Build trip ever. It will give all thirty-one participants all that they seek from it. And that starts with us, the leadership team. We need to be constantly aware of the result of our actions. It seems simple enough.
I've learned a lot about myself -- my strengths, my weaknesses and how to overcome them -- yet we haven't pedaled an inch. I'm excited for the next 4,138 miles, and what it will mean to the next decades.
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