Local College Student Bikes Across Country for Charity

Most college students are known for their hard-partying ways, but Old Dominion University student Jake Richardson is breaking stereotypes as he takes up a more noble cause. A longtime athlete and member of the Old Dominion University Rowing Club, Richardson plans to participate in the charity Bike and Build this summer.

Bike and Build is a national charity that combines bicycling and building low-income housing. They hold several cross-country treks for young people each year. Each participant pays $4,000 to cover costs, and to help support the charity. They may pay the money out of pocket, or raise funds on their own.  The program, which began in 2002, has risen over $2.7 million dollars, and has donated roughly 80,000 hours of construction work.

The adventure begins in Virginia Beach and ends in Cannon Beach, Oregon. Each day, the riders will bike about 75 miles, but they’ll stop at churches and community centers to give presentations on Bike and Build. The participants will also help assist various Habitat for Humanity projects along the way.  The trip will cover 3,835 miles and will go through exciting landscapes, including the Rocky Mountains. Bikers will reach elevations of 11,000 feet.

The trip will certainly be a challenge, both mentally and physically. In order to train for the journey, Richardson has been riding his bike daily. He rides to campus for class, and also to work. He is planning to bring his iPod on his trip and he plans to blog along the way.