Bike and Build

For the past several years, Lawrence has been lucky enough to play host to a group of 20-somethings biking across the country to promote affordable housing. 

And in 2012, they arrived here in Lawrence on July 10th. The group will put in two full work days on our current build site at 1933 Maple Lane. And on July 13th, they continued on their trek from Providence, RI to Half Moon Bay, Calif. You can see their entire route here. They will travel an estimated 4,003 miles from coast to coast.

This year is special because current KU senior Josh Burdett will be biking through Lawrence. Josh is majoring in environmental studies and is a member of the KU Cycling team. He’s already spent time volunteering for Lawrence Habitat on our build sites.

But Josh isn’t the only biker that’s pedaled to Lawrence as part of Bike and Build. In 2009, Lawrence native Meryl Kass spent her summer giving back across the country.

On July 12, one of our covenant churches usually hosts a dinner for them. This year, First United Methodist Church will be home to our Bike and Build picnic. 

You can check out the press release about the riders here.

And local businesses are donating food to our Bike and Build group! They’ll enjoy a dinner at Johnny’s North and lunches will be provided by Local Burger  and Pieroguys. Thanks to these fine eateries!

And many thanks to SpringHill Suites by Marriott here in Lawrence. They are donating rooms to our Bike and Build group. Usually, the cyclists sleep in churches or other community buildings, but here in Lawrence they are lucky enough to have a giving hotel like SpringHill to put them up for a few nights with beds and showers!