This August, a team of 35 young adult cyclists with Bike & Build, a national nonprofit committed to raising money and awareness for affordable housing, plan to bike 950 miles from Portland, OR on a round-about route through the state of Washington to Bellingham, WA. We will be arriving to the beautiful town of Enumclaw on August 17th, 2015.
Bike & Build’s route through the Pacific Northwest, called Drift West, will begin on August 1, when riders report to Portland. Over 3 weeks, the Drift West team will pedal an average of 60 miles per day, arriving in Bellingham on August 23. Along the way, the riders will participate in volunteer build days with 5 different affordable housing organizations in Washington to help build affordable homes for families in need. Riders will build in Aberdeen, Neah Bay, Bremerton, Seattle, and San Juan Island. They will also advocate for the need for affordable homes for all Americans in the many host communities and pass-through towns along the way.
“On this trip, I hope to discover the beautiful American West Coast through cycling, while gaining an unique perspective on the Affordable Housing crisis we are facing in our beloved country. I can’t wait to pass through these small towns to discover the hidden gems in WA and hopefully make a positive impact.” said Miranda Prasad.
Riders must fundraise at least $2,250 to support the trip. Much of that money is then donated to affordable housing organizations. The 2015 Drift West team aims to donate over $55,000 to the cause. To read more about the ride or to support the group’s fundraising efforts, visit Bike & Build’s website at www.bikeandbuild.org or the Drift West website at
“We are deeply proud of our riders who are so committed to the affordable housing cause that they are willing to raise much-needed funds and spend a large part of their summer biking to raise awareness,” said Justin Villere, Bike & Build’s Director of Operations and Outreach. “Bike & Build provides the opportunity, but it is the riders who make the lasting impact in so many communities.”
Bike & Build is known for the eight cross-country trips it organizes each summer and Drift West is one of two Bike & Build’s regional, mid-summer rides. In total, roughly 300 18-to-28 year old riders will see and experience first-hand the affordable housing need in this country. In addition to volunteering with construction efforts at affordable housing sites, riders also meet with local officials and community members to discuss affordable housing issues. Riders will sleep in local churches, community centers, and schools, and will rely on the generosity of hundreds of community members for food, showers, and other necessities. When the trip is complete, many Bike & Builders have gone on to continue their commitment to service through their career choices or further volunteering.
