Peter Beairsto, junior in building science, is taking a new type of summer vacation. He will be biking across the country, while giving back to the community. Here, Beairsto talks the details of his upcoming trip.
Can you tell me a little bit about what you’re doing, riding your bike across the country?
“It’s for affordable housing, and it’s going to be a ten week program, like around two months. We’re going to l32 different cities, and we’re going to have seven or so build days where we’re going to stop for the day and wake up early and build a house and help with renovations and stuff like that.”
Is this through a certain program?
“Yeah, it’s through Bike and Build. There’s seven different routes, and I think there’s three people at every route.”
Do you know the other two people going on your route?
“No.”
Where will you stay and sleep at night?
“Community centers, schools, churches, really wherever we can. We might not be able to shower. We have sleeping mats to sleep on.”
Where will you get your meals?
“Through the community. In the mornings we’re going to eat a lot of peanut butter sandwiches and granola and stuff easy to go. And then, at almost every stop, we’re going to do a presentation about affordable housing and get the community together, and they’ll serve us dinner usually before the presentation.”
Have you done anything like this before?
“No, this is my first biking trip. I had a road trip for spring break to Colorado, but that’s really all I’ve done across the country. This is my first physical [and] volunteer trip."
Do you have to do any training leading up to the trip?
“We have to do 500 miles. We have to log 500 miles before we go. We have to do one straight, at least 70 miles one ride. We have to log 20 hours of Habitat for Humanity kind of work.”
Is there anything that you’re nervous about?
“Probably the first few days where we’re going to be doing 70 miles. Just getting used to riding every day is going to be something to get used to, and then going on the side of the road against like 18-wheelers.”
Why did you decide to do it?
“I wanted to give back to the community. I didn’t really have anything to do over the summer. I thought it was a great opportunity for me to get work experience with building and also have an unforgettable trip that I’ll remember from like the time that I can do it in my life . . . on a bike is the best way to see the country.”
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