Hooray for Daylight Saving!

Hello all!

(Before you dive into my post... DONATE!! http://bikeandbuild.org/rider/5613)

As I'm sure those of you who check the blog for updates have realized, I'm not exactly a frequent blogger. I tend to post when I have exciting news, so here goes...

My bike has been tuned. My chamois (bike shorts) have been delivered. I am the proud owner of a top notch helmet (safety first!). And have officially become a cyclist! This week I was able to clock a total of 20.2 miles. Mind you, those miles took a cumulative one hour-fourty five minutes to complete. I don't have a computer on Bike-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named (it's all I can call it until the naming contest is complete). This means that I don't know my top speeds, amongst other statistics that I can't even begin to name-- mostly because I have NO clue what they are... What I do know about my rides is that I rode nice and slow. For those of you who are as clueless in the cycling world as I am, learning how to ride a road bike isn't exactly as easy as hopping on a good old beach cruiser. My bike has what is called a "clipless pedal system." I will tell you right now that the name is a complete lie. You do exactly the opposite of the name: while riding a clipless system your shoes literally clip into the pedals, in turn attaching you to your bike. Literally.

Imagine riding a bike down the road, and realizing you have to stop just so you don't get hit by oncoming traffic. Then, BAM! You realize that your shoes are attached, and releasing them from the pedals requires an awkward, sideways heal thrusting motion. Sounds fun, right? Well I'm not the biggest fan of face planting. Especially with a very expensive bike. So the first 12 miles that I rode were solely to get used to clipping in and out of my pedals, and stopping and starting. Simple, but essential. I am proud to say that I have not (yet) fallen once! Key word: yet.

Oh, one more thing... I learned how challenging wind can be. I enjoyed my very first beach ride on Sunday night. The wind was blowing just shy of 20mph. Luckily, it wasn't that cold and my ride began with me heading directly into a dead south wind. My days spent sitting on a lifeguard stand in Island Beach State Park has prepared me to dread south winds. I only made it 5 mi. in, but my ride back sure was glorious! Wind at my back, minimal resistance, legs movin' like butta. It was great. Next time I won't chicken out and promise I'll make it further... Baby steps.


Okay.. this is my last comment, for sure...
**NAMING CONTEST**
We have a new contender! Watch out, Uncle Steve, Suzie and Mike! The grande Gilson Family has made their mark in the race. A big thank you to my favorite twins, and their wonderful parents! As of now, I have my fingers crossed that you make it to the finals. I can't wait to hear what kind of names the boys think of!

Thank you all for following my journey! Just remember, I might be the one who will pedaling across the country to spread the knowledge of the importance for affordable housing, but you are the ones who will get me there. This is not only a great feat for me, but for us all! I kid you not when I say we are all in this together. Now that you have been inspired....

DONATE!!!! http://bikeandbuild.org/rider/5613

Cheers!
Alyssa

NAMING CONTEST!

Before I forget...

I have a bad habit of naming inanimate objects. (It's probably due to all of the time I spend with three and four year olds.) With that being said, I absolutely must name my bike! But what....

Here's what I propose: a naming contest. Although it will be my squishy tushy that is going to be spending so much time bonding with my bicycle, the generousity of all of my donors is what has made it even possible to both obtain the bike AND travel across the country with it. Without you, I wouldn't even have a bike! So I have decided it is only fair that my contributors participate in the naming process. The contributor with the largest donation wins naming rights! You can choose whatever name your heart desires, and I promise I will accept it with open arms!

So here's the list of leading contenders:
Mike DeMonte ($100)
Cousin Suzie ($100)
Uncle Steve ($100)

Who can beat them? Let the games begin!

Until next time,
Alyssa, and the Bike that Shall Not Be Named (yet)

Hoorray for bikes!

Well ladies and gents, the day has finally come! My b-e-a-utiful brand spanking new, Giant Avail has arrived. Actually, it was delivered to my house early this week. I couldn't bring myself to get excited enough to post though, being that this week was filled with 12 hour work days and not nearly enough sleep. Luckily good ol' Dad dedicated some of his free time putting her together for me. Thanks, Dad!
Along side the help of my father, the promise of safety lectures from my big bro, I owe Brielle Cyclery a big thank you, as well. This afternoon I had spent a great deal of time getting my new bike fit perfectly to my body by the experts at Brielle. Never in my life would I have expected to find a shop that not only takes the time to give you what you came in the store asking for, but also takes every possible step to make sure they are treating you exactly how they would want to be treated. The owner, Kathy, is a knowledgeable, kind, and generous woman that I am SO thankful to have met. Along with the rest of the staff at the shop, I feel as though I am a bit less hopeless when it comes to figuring this whole cycling thing out. (Trust me, I have NO clue what I'm doing.) Seriously, if anyone remotely close to Brielle, NJ ever finds themselves needing any sort of help in the world of cycling, go to Brielle Cycling. Best local bike shop ever. End of story.

In order to have been able to order my bike, I had to reach my first major fundraising goal of $1,000. To those of you who contributed to that first leg of my success, I cannot thank you enough! I especially owe Grandma a great big silent cheer (my preschooler's favorite form of applause). My outrageously wonderful grandmother has spent countless hours glued to her knitting needles creating cozy slippers socks to give as a "free" gift with donations of $10 or more. Nearly $500 has been raised due to the high need for warm tootsies. Grandma, you rock! To all of my current contributors, give yourself a great big pat on the back. You have not only provided me with the most important tool for spreading the knowledge of Bike & Build's cause: supporting affordable housing in the U.S., but also you yourself have become a part of the movement. Your contributions have helped to provide fellow American's with a home to call their own. That's pretty praiseworthy, wouldn't you say so?

So I will ask you all this one simple question: have you done anything great today? And by great, I don't mean to ask if you have cooked anything good, bought anything nice, or explored your surroundings. I am asking you if you have taken the time to think beyond your own needs. If not, I have a great opportunity for you. If you did, great. Let's do more. I know it might not feel as though you're doing much, but by donating to this cause I promise that you are. All it takes is a small donation. Give as much as you can. For some of you, that might be $5.00. Others might be able to spend $50. Whatever it is, know that that money is going directly to the well being of a fellow American. Any amount counts!

You can donate only at: http://bikeandbuild.org/rider/5613, or by mailing a cash or checks to:
Bike & Build
6109 Ridge Ave, Bldg 2
Philadelphia, PA 19128
(memo: Alyssa Cohen)


And with that, remember, "Great things are done by a series of small things brought together."


Adios,
Alyssa