Local's 3,835-mile bike trek will help build homes

NORFOLK

Jacob “Jake” Richardson has dipped his oars in the Lafayette River more than a few times as a member of Old Dominion University’s rowing club. In May, he’ll dip his rear bicycle tire in the Atlantic Ocean to mark the beginning of a cross-country journey.

Richardson, 20, will be among 32 young adults participating in Bike & Build’s Central United States ride.

“I’m always looking for the next challenge to push myself physically and mentally,” said Richardson, 20.

He came across Bike & Build last summer while searching the Internet to buy a road bike.

Bike & Build treks are more than cross-country cycling challenges. They incorporate community service along the way.

The program was founded in 2002 and has donated more than $2.7 million and 80,000 hours to affordable housing groups throughout the country.

Bike & Build offers eight events for young adults each summer. Riders must raise $4,000 to help pay for the trip and to support the cause.

“It’s such a fulfilling and enriching experience,” said Timur Ender , a 2009 participant and North Carolina State University student. Ender will be one of Richardson’s leaders this summer.

The trip will begin in Virginia Beach on May 25. Riders will average 70 to 75 miles per day and will overnight at churches or community centers where they’ll give presentations about Bike & Build and the importance of affordable housing. They also will park their bikes to pick up tools for “Build Days” – projects sponsored by Habitat for Humanity and other groups.

“He’s more than willing to do his part,” said Richardson’s father, Bill , who is a house framer. Richardson has helped his dad with projects and has been completing a Bike & Build requirement of gaining 12 hours of experience at a construction site before the trip.

“I understand that people are down on their luck, and they need a hand up,” said Richardson, who lives in the Riverview neighborhood. “What we’re doing is actually impacting lives.”

Richardson will bring his iPod Touch and blog about his experiences. A support van will transport the bulk of the group’s supplies, but he will carry a few items, such as spare bike parts, in his backpack.

The trip will cover 3,835 miles and reach heights of 11,000 feet.

Richardson said he’s looking forward to seeing “how the landscape changes” and is most excited about the Rockies.

“It’s downhill from there,” he said.

They’ll wrap up the journey by dipping their front wheels in the Pacific Ocean at Cannon Beach, Ore., in early August.

Richardson has been preparing for the journey by riding daily. He commutes by bike to classes and to one of his two jobs, in part to train and in part for fun.

Stacy Parker,

stacy.parker@pilotonline.com