They'll cycle cross-country, but it really isn't about the ride

KEMPSVILLE

Chris Story has heard too many adults tell him they wish they'd done something more adventurous with their lives.

That's why Story, 21, and his fiancee, Elizabeth "Lizz" Doyle, 21, are planning a 2-1/2-month bike ride across the United States with the nonprofit organization Bike and Build.

Each summer, Bike and Build organizes eight routes with its mission to benefit affordable housing through service-oriented cycling trips.

Story and Doyle, who met while students at Kempsville High School, will begin their more than 3,600-mile adventure four days after they graduate from the University of Virginia in May.

"We were looking for something adventurous to do," said Doyle, who will earn her degree in psychology and speech language pathology.

"Not too many people can take 2 1/2 months off," said Story, who is the University of Virginia mascot and will earn his degree in systems engineering and economics.

The cross-country trek is a southern route through 10 states starting in Jacksonville, Fla., and ending in San Francisco. Participants include Story, Doyle, 32 other young adults and four leaders.

They will stop in various towns to build with Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together and other affordable-housing organizations. They'll have a total of 17 build days with one week spent in New Orleans helping rebuild in Katrina-ravaged areas.

Before leaving for the trip, the participants must raise a total of $4,000, which is used to support the housing projects. They also have to clock 500 training miles, ride 65 miles in one day and put in sweat equity with a local affordable-housing organization.

The groups stay in churches and YMCAs along the way and eat donated food. Some sightseeing time will be also be worked in at different locations.

"We're all coming together for the adventure side and the issue of affordable housing," Story said. "To be honest, I didn't know that much about the affordable-housing crisis. I've enjoyed learning about the problem and knowing that I'm going to be able to help fix it."

It's not really about the bike ride - it's about helping everyone along the way, Doyle said.

"We'll be building a future for a family and making an impact on the world."

Sandra J. Pennecke, Pennecke@cox.net