Seek the Joy of Being Alive

Total Funds Raised: $6, 572.42
(I'm so close to my $7000 goal! If you haven't donated yet, now is the time!)
Total Miles on my New Bike: 195 miles
Longest Ride to date: 40 miles

"Be joyful. Seek the joy of being alive"

This is my favorite of the woodcraft laws I learned many years ago at Green River Preserve. And it was this phrase that came to me as I was riding my bike on Sunday afternoon. As I pushed up an enormous hill, rain pelting my face and fierce winds threatening to roll me backwards or off the road, a somewhat gritted-teeth rendition of "Living on a prayer" carried me up and over. As I was finally able to sit up and coast down the hill, this phrase filled my head. seek the joy of being alive. I felt clean and fresh as I took in the beautiful multicolored sky, brushed by blues, purples and grays. Textured clouds moved quickly and I could feel the rain gathering in my shoes. Soggy feet and all, the experience was simply fantastic. I am thankful on every ride I take for the ability and the opportunity to do all that I do.

With all of the uncertainties about where I will be next year, it seems I am meeting more and more people who just don't seem to know what they might want in the long term. But I have also realized that it really is the little things, the everyday wonders that really matter. So, here is a toast to time. Slow it down, I say. Realize where you are at before you try to figure out where you are going.

And if all else fails, go for a 40 mile bike ride in the rain.

On another note, I am less than $500 from my $7000 fundraising goal! THANK YOU AGAIN. Unfortunately, I was not able to participate in a build this weekend because I had too much school work, but I know the time will come soon and I am looking forward to it.

Also, here is a great opportunity for you to take part in my adventure. If you haven't had a chance to read any of the materials on my blog or in the letters I sent (or even if you have!), I strongly encourage you to watch this 5 minute video on the Affordable Housing Crisis. And if you like it, share it with your family or a few close friends. The video covers the basics of the housing crisis in the US with significant statistics that really bring this issue to life. It was created in Philadelphia, but illustrates the issue as a whole. Plus, it has a pretty sweet backtrack by Jose Gonzalez.


Source: MiND TV (www.mindtv.org)


I hope you all have similar opportunities to seek the joy of being alive each day. And when you get those "ah-ha!" moments about how awesome your life is, I'd love to hear about them.

Thanks :)
P.S. If this post had a backtrack , this would be it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIhm94a-8SE

Making Progress

Total Funds Raised: $6, 172.42
Total Miles on my New Bike: 135 miles
Longest Ride to date: 32 miles

Hey everyone! Just an update to let you know that training is now fully underway and I am loving it. The fantastic spring weather hasn't hurt either! I am trying to get in 3 rides a week with at least one of them totaling 30 miles. I also found a really great 20 mile route that has some nice little hills on it, which definitely gets the cardio pumpin.

Next on my list is to start collecting the rest of my bike gear and start learning more about how to maintain my bike. There is so much to learn! I can not wait until it all becomes second nature to me. It is all so exciting.

I am hoping to participate in a habitat build this weekend and maybe get together with some Bike and Builders again for another longer ride on Sunday. I'm ready to up the ante!

Before I close this brief entry, I wanted to leave you with another educational news tidbit. Below is an opinion piece published last week on the the News and Observer website regarding Wake County Schools and affordable housing. As you may know, there has been a discussion on changing the district's policies on busing students to achieve diversity. The county is scheduled to vote today on whether to end the policy. You can read more about the vote here: http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/03/23/403142/nc-school-board-set-for-vote-on.html?storylink=misearch#ixzz0j1r6QjLS

Letter to the editor: Housing the answer

The solution to the current debate regarding Wake County schools is to have schools that are both economically diverse and neighborhood-based. To achieve this, we need diverse neighborhoods, not concentrations of wealth or poverty. The key is the availability of quality, affordable housing, as well as the schools, transportation choices and neighborhood businesses, services and recreational facilities that make for sustainable communities.

Until more progress is made in these essential areas, other means are required to provide high-quality education countywide, including the current magnet system and student assignment policy.

Ultimately, it's just the right thing to do. A mature citizenry combines personal perspectives with a commitment to the common good. In this way, we can create a better future for all of our Wake County neighbors.

Thomas Barrie

Professor of architecture, N.C. State University, Raleigh

Read more: http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/03/21/397761/housing-the-answer.html?storylink=misearch#ixzz0j1q4OlhO

Learning to Clip and Climb (MY NEW BIKE!)

I got my bike! It arrived in a giant package on my doorstep about two weeks ago! I expected it to be a huge ordeal to drag it down the stairs to my room to unpack it, but road bikes are actually unbelievably light. In fact, getting it down the stairs ended up being the smallest task in the wrap to roll process. After removing all of the packaging I discovered that the simple re-assembly process involved removing some serious zip ties...you know, the ones the cops use in downtown Charlotte on New Years Eve. So....about five pairs of scissors and a week later I was able to locate some wire clippers strong enough to free my bike (thanks Neha!)

Putting on the seat!

(Neha should also be thanked for documenting the re-assembly process. Yay for the very first photos of my new baby!)

After a short ride to get used to the gears, I learned how to switch up and down as I climbed and descended hills, which is actually much different than on a mountain bike. Rather than spinning dials, you push the brake grips to the side. This took me longer than it should have to figure out, and I was actually stuck in a really high gear for a while because I got excited and kept switching it up until I realized I didn't know how to go back down again. that made climbing the hills a bit more challenging. But my friend Vince informed me that there are in fact two levers on the brake grips...go figure. Anyway, I have the hang of it now.

Weekend before last I went for my first longish ride with my bike- 30 miles! It was really awesome. I met some fellow Bike and Builders, including 2 that are going to be on my trip. Nathan, one of the guys I met is one of our 4 leaders, and John is a Junior at NC State. They were both really nice, helpful, and a lot of fun. This summer is going to be amazing. Caroline, another girl we rode with was also really helpful with remedying some of my "rookie mistakes" so I am grateful for her advice and guidance!

This weekend, I conquered THE PEDALS. Yes I can now dismount my bike with my shoes tied...or something like that. I still may spaz out a bit at stoplights (starting off partially clipped in is the hardest part), but for the most part I can handle the clip in shoes like a pro...well, okay, maybe more like a rookie. But I didn't fall!

Now lets look at more pics of my baby! Ohhh! Ahhh!

I was amazed at how shiny the gears were and made Neha take a picture And I'm off!!

BTW, my bike needs a name. Suggestions are welcome! Might be a fun little contest. Winner gets 3542 brownie points from me and recognition on my blog...what more could you want?! Laterz.

THANK YOU!!

I want to send a great big THANK YOU to each and every one of you who have contributed to my ride and donated to such a great cause! Thanks to YOU, I have raised nearly $6000 so far! After such a successful few weeks, I decide to raise my fund raising goal to $7000. I know we can reach it! I truly truly appreciate all of your support.

After reaching my first fund raising goal, I was able to order my bike. A fantastic Giant Duffy 2 should be arriving on my doorstep in the next week or so! I am excited to finally get out and on my bike to really get my training started. Now that the half a foot of snow that covered the triangle area has completely melted, I expect my work out routines will be much more consistent.

Another thought I wanted to touch on in this blog entry involves another important person in my life. My grandfather, James Henry Young Sr. was a large advocate for this cause as well. Thank you so much to those of you who have reminded me of all the service he did in Anderson, South Carolina when he was living. Papa is another person who has had a huge influence on my commitment to my community. His dedication to his church, patients, and local community was admirable and its impact is still apparent today. From what others have told me, I have learned that Papa was a leader in the Community Development Company, which helped to create the Friendship Court Apartments (I believe you can read about it here) . Apparently there is even a monument in Anderson on Mauldin St which honors the members of the Community Development Company(Corporation?). I hope I will be able to see it next time I visit the area to see my family.

Anyway, I'll be sure to update with pics of my bike when I get it, so be sure to keep checking in!

The Ride Begins!

I can not believe we are already well into January! In just over a week I will be turning 22. In just under four months, I will be graduating from college. And less than a week after that, I will be heading out on one of the greatest adventures of my life! I am so excited about bike and build. I encourage you to learn more about the program and the affordable housing crisis by visiting the links on the side of my blog!

I can not think of anything better than getting up in the morning and knowing that I will be spending the day promoting a meaningful cause and pushing myself and my limits so I can be the best person I can be.

I am so enthusiastic in fact, that I often take my new cycling shoes out of my closet and put them on just so I can look at them! The loud clip clop of the soles on tile sounds just like high heels striding across my bedroom. However the hardcore factor peaks when I see my reflection in the mirror. Ankles protruding from teal crank-style adjustment straps (like snow skis), I am ready to take on the road. That is, as soon as I learn how to snap them in and out of my bike pedals quickly. Lets put it this way, imagine trying to get off a bike with your shoes tied. That is pretty much what I imagine the incident would look like if I tried getting off my bike wearing my cycling shoes right now.

The realness of the upcoming summer dropped into place as I sent several dozen fund raising letters careening down the shiny slide of metal in the post office mailbox. It further solidified itself the moment I chose "publish event" for my "Help Allison Bike Across the Country for a Great Cause!" event on Facebook. I felt the release of the brakes, and the pedals of my future began reeling. Lets hope my final semester doesn't fly by too fast because I expect it to be one of the best yet.

My Mini Bio

Here is a little about me: (from my Donation Page)

Kia Ora, or Hello!

My name is Allison Roshon Young and I am 22 years old. I was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, and I will graduate in May 2010 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I am very excited to bike across my home state and celebrate the familiar surroundings before heading of to explore the great unknown! The physical challenge may seem a bit daunting right now, but I know with training I will be ready to ride off into the sunset!

I will graduate with a B.A. in Public Relations, but my interests are much broader than my major. I have a minor in Social Entrepreneurship and have great interest in social ventures. I love to think creatively to solve problems and enjoy helping others achieve their goals. I am interested in Psychology and Social Work and am considering pursuing a career in counseling or non-profit management. I do not know what the future holds for me now, but plan to let my heart and experiences guide me. I would love to own and run my own non-profit one day.

In my free time I enjoy spending time outside, and I'm up for any new exhilarating activity. I also work with several non profit organizations involved with bereavement services and programs which serve disconnected youth. I also volunteer each week with Helping Horse, a therapeutic horseback riding facility in Raleigh, NC. I am fascinated by people, families, and friends, and I love spontaneous dance parties.

Random fun facts about me: I have bungy jumped 134 meters, rafted down a 7 meter waterfall, and I can juggle!

I first heard about Bike and Build from a friend during my sophomore year of college. My desire to apply was strengthened again during the spring of my Junior year when one of my roommates from my study abroad program in New Zealand told me how great her experience had been.

A portion of the proceeds from my ride with Bike and Build will go to the Orange County Habitat for Humanity chapter, which is based here in the area where I am attending school. I have done builds with the Orange County chapter before, and am greatly pleased that I am able to help them build more homes and benefit my local community. On a personal note, I will be riding with Bike and Build in honor of my mother, Melinda Sue Roshon. To learn more you can visit www.melindasueroshon.com.

Bike and Build: An Introduction

This summer, I will be biking from the Outer Banks in North Carolina to San Diego, California. The trip is a part of the Bike and Build Program, which sends young adults on cross country bike trips to help build homes and give presentations on affordable housing along the way.

High cost burdens affect 43 percent of all renters, and half of these pay more than 50 percent of their income for their housing costs. In the absence of enough affordable units, households pay more money than they can afford and are constrained from meeting expenses for other basic needs such as medical care, childcare, and food.


Over the summer I will be biking 3,542 miles to inform others of this crisis and tell them how they can help. To match this great distance, I must raise $4,000 to participate in the program. As I train my legs and lungs, I hope to raise awareness among my friends and family. I hope you will become a part of my journey. I have already learned a lot about the difficulties so many individuals face at no fault of their own. If you would like to help enable this remarkable experience for a great cause, please visit My Donation Page (http://bikeandbuild.org/rider/3809) and make your meaningful contribution online.

A portion of the proceeds from this trip will go to benefit the Orange County Habitat for Humanity chapter in Orange County, North Carolina. That is right here near UNC Chapel Hill! They will use the money to fund student-run builds during the 2010-2011 school year. The remainder of the funds will be pooled into Bike & Build’s competitive grant program. The bike and build riders also have the opportunity to help decide who some of the recipients of these funds should be. So, if you know of any local youth-driven housing projects, please let me know so I can help them apply for the grants!

The following is a brief summary of the affordable housing crisis from http://www.afhh.org/comm_ar/comm_ar_crisis.htm:
The affordable housing crisis is most manifest in the gap between household income and housing costs for many Americans. This problem cuts across all boundaries: in no city, county, or other jurisdiction in the United States does a minimum wage job provide enough income for a household to afford to rent a two-bedroom home at the local fair market rate. This gap is growing: monthly housing costs grow 5-15 percent annually while the minimum wage has remained at $5.15 since 1997. In 2003, the national average wage needed to make the national average rent payment was $14.66—almost triple the minimum wage.

I encourage you to visit the Bike and Build website (www.bikeandbuild.org) to learn more about the affordable housing crisis and what is being done to help rectify the situation! And please spread the word and link to my donation page to anyone you believe may be interested in supporting the cause!