Touch the Coast 08, my Bike and Build experience

Finish Line

2008-08-05T10:24:00.003-05:00

Hurrah! I made it!

On July 24th, 2008, I rolled into the gorgeous La Jolla beach in San Diego California, officially completing my Bike and Build trip across the country!

All 30 of us made it in alive and well, overjoyed at making it all the way!

Thank you so much to all the donors who supported me in this cause over a year ago, I finally did it!

Thank you also to everyone who encouraged me along the way, it was a difficult and very rewarding journey.

Here are some pics from the end of our trip (older as you go down):

Arizona

2008-07-12T14:36:00.007-05:00

We've made it through some more states and have arrived in Arizona! Four corners, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado was weird, strangely touristy. The transition from Colorado to Arizona was quick, changing from mountainous region to desert-like scenery.

Backing up a bit, Colorado was really cool, I got to spend some great time with Vanessa and Fritz in Colorado Springs, see pics below.

The Rockies were a big challenge, usually we got a storm every afternoon. The climbs were long, but not as steep as the Appalachians. We also had the pleasure of riding on the "Million Dollar Highway," that was one of the coldest mornings of the trip.

All is well here, and we are soon closing in on the end of our trip, I am very excited!

Below are some pics from further back in the trip, older as you go down. Enjoy.

Descent Videos

2008-06-22T16:29:00.006-05:00

Howdy, here is a descent video from the smoky mountains, and some other ones too:
note, I let go of the camera a few times to use brakes, I don't fall or anything.

Big Dam Bridge in Little Rock AR (pedestrian bridge)

Enjoy!

Oklahoma, OK!

2008-06-22T15:45:00.005-05:00

Well we've made our way out of Arkansas today. Our route today took us into Oklahoma, into Missouri, and back into Oklahoma (for real this time).

We recently rode our first 100+ mile day, it was really hard, but I made it! The following day was about 91 miles, and that was good too.

Today was only 73, so we arrived early-ish, around 3:20pm central time.

This last picture is from TN, I think.

We're all chilling until dinner, so I'm laying around eating some cookies and nuts. Showers were good today.

Here is a movie of Hannah, Dennis, and Samuel doing no-hands Missouri:

Later!

sweetwater TN

2008-06-08T14:07:00.002-05:00

Howdy Folks, We've made it over the mountains! It was really hard to climb up those giant rocks, but the downhills were amazing.

We crossed over the NC TN border a few days ago, and now we are in sweetwater today at the National Guard base. It's really hot here.

Everything is going well here, still haven't had a chance to get pictures up, but I am working on it. Catch ya'll later.

~Lance

build day

2008-05-28T16:57:00.002-05:00

Howdy All,

After a rockin' breakfast, the crew headed out for the build site. It was pretty cool, they gave us hard hats, glasses, hammers, and tool belts. Once we had our gear on, we were introduced to how the build site works and given some safety pointers. We worked for about an hour or so, I helped make T's, and then worked on the trench around the house for the stucko stuff on the foundation.

Then the rain came. We scrambled for some cover and ate lunch. We called the build day off and took a ride to some communities around where Habitat built houses, they looked great. We even went inside one of the finished houses, it looked really cozy.

Thanks to Hoyle for giving me some gloves to replace the riding gloves that are falling apart on me.

See ya'll later.

Chapel Hill, NC

2008-05-27T14:17:00.002-05:00

Howdy all,

It's been a hard route so far! We had a bunch of hills today, and my right knee is hurting pretty good. Luckily it was only 40 miles today. Weather is nice here, and the campus is big and warm!

My gear is holding up well, but my gloves are getting big holes in them, so I'm looking for some new ones.

That's all for now, don't have a way to post pics yet, but I'll try when I can.

~Lance

arrived in Nags Head NC!

2008-05-22T16:25:00.003-05:00

Hey everybody, thanks to Liz and family, I made it down safely to Nags Head, NC. The drive down day was awfully stormy, but the weather has been great since. All is well, and we are gearing up for tomorrows first ride to Swansquarter! Catch you later.

back in the game

2008-01-16T19:41:00.000-05:00

Heyyyyyy, guess what! I'm back in the game!

Feels good to be rid of last summer's mono. I've joined the ranks of the 2008 Bike and Build ride and life is so good.

More exciting news on the way.

MONO, the summer of doom

2007-05-02T18:26:00.000-05:00

To all who have helped out so much, and who have donated towards the Bike & Build cause, I regret to inform you that I will be unable to participate in the ride this summer.

I recently contracted infectious mononucleosis (aka mono), and my doctor has barred me from participating.

Thank you very much, you have all been great supporters!

To the NC team, I wish you all the best of luck, have fun out there! I really wish I could be there with you.

Sincerely,

Lance

foooood

2007-04-26T18:09:00.000-05:00

Howdy all! It rained last night, so I was stuck inside training. I watched Advent Children while doing it though, so it's all good :-D

I've been thinking about snacking a lot recently. I get hungry while riding, and I'm going to be absolutely ravenous on this trip unless I snack all the time. I'm planning on getting some bulk energy bars from amazon as some people from the Bike and Build mailing list recommended!

You can help me out by checking out my food stuffs wishlist below!

Thanks a bunch!

hot hot heat

2007-04-23T17:30:00.000-05:00

Yippee, the weather is super fantastic today! I made good use of it and took a nice ride through the scenic CT countryside. I think I need to drink a lot more water before/during/after riding, cause I've been getting a headache and some chills on recent rides, not good!

Aside from a few allergy issues (they really get to me certain times of the year, aka now) things are going well with training. Mileage needs to be upped a bit, but with this weather we're having, that shouldn't be too much trouble.

Money Raised So Far: $6130
Gear Fund: $165
Gear Fund Left to raise: $335

Looking good folks!

gear fund

2007-04-15T15:57:00.000-05:00

I've set up a gear fund to help offset my cycling gear costs for the trip. I've tried to purchase some good stuff, and so far the total has reached over $500 (it adds up fast with bike gear!), and I could use your help.

If you would like to help me out, please send a donation through the following ChipIn box. It's secure, safe, and easy!

happy bike

2007-04-08T07:57:00.000-05:00

A few days ago I sat down spent a good long time trying to solve my ghost shift problem. After a bit of tuning the rear derailleur, I managed to get everything all straightened out! Shifting works great again.

Next I'm going to re-wrap my handlebars, as some of the bar tape is loosening.

Training continues, although inside this week cause it's frigid outside!

Money Raised So Far: $6130

oh dear, the rear gear!

2007-04-01T16:39:00.000-05:00

Went out and around CT for a bit today on the Trek, unfortunately, I think I messed something up with the rear derailleur. When I shift gears, the top two or three big ones, it will ghost shift and move up and down gears by itself, which messes up my stride big time!

I'm going to research this tonight and hopefully get things back up to normal tomorrow.

Today was also the first day I rode with my cyclocomputer and rear rack installed!

spring, spoke, sprung!

2007-03-29T07:08:00.000-05:00

The weather has been grand this week! Got out to the Amherst area Tuesday for a nice 40 mile ride with my old college roommate, it was spectacular.

Yesterday afternoon I had my first group ride with the Springfield Cycling club, they're a cool bunch, we did about 25 miles around the Somers/Ellington area. I was terribly under dressed, being the only one with shorts and no jacket, so I froze (big time). I'll know better from now on.

Money Raised So Far: $6110

St. Michael's

2007-03-22T07:50:00.000-05:00

I'd like to extend a big thanks to St. Michael's Parish, my hometown church, for their extremely generous donation! Thanks again for your support!

Money Raised So Far: $6050

Man's Cross-Country Bike Trek...

2007-03-21T07:03:00.000-05:00

An article appeared in the Metro South Plus section today, starting on the first page about my trek accross the country! It is very well written and has a fantastic picture of me in my gear posing with my bike.

As the ice melts

2007-03-20T17:59:00.000-05:00

The Trek is slowly becoming more road worthy. I installed two bottle cages and my bike pump onto the bike, filling them accordingly. A very large lock and my rear rack are still waiting to be put on. Lastly, my bike computer (mph/distance/clock/etc) needs to be put on, that will be a tricky install, I'm not sure how it needs to go on.

Training continues, wishing for warmer weather :-D

I've made contact with the Windham Area Habitat for Humanity group, I'm officially on the volunteer list now! They should be starting up soon with construction in Willimantic, CT. Hopefully we'll get some good warm weather to work in.

Money Raised So Far: $5050

Knights

2007-03-12T17:40:00.000-05:00

Last week we hit our target goal of $4000, and the fund-raising continues.

I'd like to extend a very large thanks to the St. Michael's Knights of Columbus who donated $500 to Bike & Build!

Money Raised So Far: $4555

GOAL!

2007-03-07T15:50:00.000-05:00

Looks like I didn't make it into today's Republican, we'll have to keep an eye out for when it gets in the paper!

Congratulations Donors, we've made it, goal achieved!

Today marks the breaking of the four thousand dollar line!

Money Raised So Far: $4055
Money Left To Raise: $0

mountain, Republican

2007-03-06T14:36:00.000-05:00

I've recently switched to using mountain shoes and pedals. After reading through some suggested gear guides (and after walking in road shoes), I determined mountain shoes would be much more useful on the ride.

The photo shoot went very well last week, I'm expected to appear in the Metro South Plus section of this Wednesday's Republican, keep an eye out for it!

Donations are continuing along, I thank you all for your wonderful support.

Money Raised So Far: $3970
Money Left To Raise: $30

repub, dryer

2007-02-26T17:02:00.000-05:00

Training continues as usual, still waiting for some warmer weather so I can get outside.

Had an interview with The Republican today. Hopefully they'll send out a photographer later this week to catch me in all my cycling gear and with my Trek.

Attention donors, thank you so much! We are doing great! A super big thanks to our first local business to donate: Excel Dryer, fantastic folks, great product.

Money Raised So Far: $3305
Money Left To Raise: $695

Wow, getting really close to that goal!

yip yip yippee!

2007-02-21T15:56:00.000-05:00

It is exhilarating to reach a nice milestone number during fund-raising. Congratulations donors, we've made it to $2500!

Training continues right on, cartoons, sweat, and all!

Let's keep it going!

Money raised so far: $2505
Money left to raise: $1495

radio spot

2007-02-19T11:57:00.000-05:00

At 8:07am this morning I was on air live with WHYN AM560. I was interviewed by Brad Shepard about my participation in Bike & Build. The whole interview lasted about 6 minutes, it went very well!

Hopefully many people will go and check out the Bike & Build website, and maybe consider making a donation, we'll see!

I've listed another auction on ebay for all you happy bidders! I'm selling a donated boxed version of American McGee's Alice for Windows PC's. All proceeds from this sale will be donated to Bike & Build.

Two other auctions are available as well, the proceeds from these sales will go towards my Bike & Build Gear fund. Outfitting for this trip takes a lot of resources! Wellgo M3 Ultralight Clipless pedals, and Sette Mountain Cycling Shoes (size 10.5).

yahoo!

2007-02-17T07:26:00.000-05:00

Came across a good quote today:

The bicycle hides nothing
and threatens nothing.
It is what it does,
its form is its function.
- Stewart Parker

Found that on the Adventure Cycling Association website.

We've reached the halfway point in our fundraising, congratulations! Thank you so much donors, let's keep this momentum going!

Money Raised So Far: $2180
Money Left To Raise: $1820

Cartoon Trainers

2007-02-14T18:25:00.000-05:00

I've gotten into the habit of watching cartoons while riding on the trainer, it really makes the time fly by! Got in a good 1.5 hour ride today on the new Trek, it feels great to ride on.

Fund raising news, getting closer to the half-way point, looking good! Keep it up donors, awesome awesome awesome!

Money Raised So Far: $1865
Money Left to Raise: $2135

Road Bike Flare!

2007-02-13T21:01:00.000-05:00

Here's a picture of me on my new road bike, I am psyched, and I really want to take it outside!

In other news, the gamecube I listed earlier this week has been sold to the highest bidder on ebay. I'm curious to see how the whole missionfish deal works out, but the money raised should be sent along to Bike & Build soon!

Road Bike

2007-02-12T16:42:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow I'll be picking up my new road bike, a Trek 1000! I am very excited to start using a real road bike (as opposed to my current mountain bike).

Fund raising seems to be going right on track, but I'm still very far from the ultimate goal.

Thank you donors, you are all wonderful!

Stats:

Money raised so far: $1365
Money left to raise: $2635

A new way to donate

2007-02-11T15:17:00.000-05:00

I've added a special ChipIn widget on the right of this page. Through this, you can donate money to my Bike & Build fund raising effort directly from your computer!

You'll notice the goal is $500 on the widget, this is how much I'm hoping to raise through the web community. It will go towards fulfilling the $4000 goal.

1K, new equipment, hurrah!

2007-02-09T16:13:00.000-05:00

Today I reached my first $1000 in fund raising, let's keep it going!

In other news, I purchased my first set of cycling clothing:

Long sleeve jersey
Short Sleeve jersey
socks
shoes
cycling shorts
and more..

It really makes a difference, not only do I look the part, but the comfort level increases dramatically.

I also invested in some new LOOK pedals to replace my old straps, they rock so good!

Pictures will follow soon.

Money Raised So Far: $1145
Money Left to Raise: $2855

February Computer Clinic

2007-02-08T19:37:00.000-05:00

During the month of February, a special deal is available at Lance Cargill (Paradox Gamer) Computers Systems. For a minimum donation of $65 towards Lance's Bike & Build fund raising goal, up to 1 hour of on-site computer service will be provided free of charge (does not include hardware or software purchases).

This is a limited time offer, and subject to availability!

Buy Gamecube, Help Bike & Build

2007-02-06T19:55:00.000-05:00

Hi everybody, I recently listed my Gamecube on ebay, all proceeds from this sale go directly to Bike & Build.

I was surprised that a framework for this already existed it's great. All the tricky stuff is handled through MissionFish.org.

Expect more exciting charity sales in the future!

The Reminder

2007-02-05T17:39:00.000-05:00

Today I made it into our local newspaper! The Longmeadow and East Longmeadow circulations of The Reminder have me plastered on the front page. You can read the article here.

Current Money Raised: $680
Money Left to Raise: $3320

first week

2007-01-29T22:20:00.000-05:00

Good week, first five days of my last semester. Been writing a lot of letters recently, my tongue is tired from licking all those envelopes, bleh!

I'm riding the trainer a bunch, usually to the CD Readymades by Chumbawama, good times.

Just got my participant package in the mail from Bike and Build today, tons of good stuff in there, I've plowed through the whole binder, but I'll need to go back and try and pull out the details later.

Current Money Raised: $125
Money Left to Raise: $3875

Bike and Build Experience!

2007-01-23T16:12:00.000-05:00

Greetings, my name is Lance and this summer I'm riding across the country with Bike and Build to raise awareness for Affordable Housing issues.

Our team will ride from Manteo, North Carolina to San Diego, California! Along the way we'll be stopping to work on student-led build sites and to spread information about Affordable Housing issues.

You can find info about our route, and more about the Bike and Build mission at Bike and Build. Please read my official Bio Page.

To make a donation towards my fund-raising goal, visit the Bike and Build Donation page, find my name (Lance Cargill) in the list for credit card donations, or use the printable form and fill in my name in the rider field. Thank you!

Today marks the start of my journey towards a fund-raising goal of $4000 and a training goal of many many many bike miles per day!

Adventure awaits!

Current Money raised: $100
Money Left to raise: $3900