2013 marks the return of Bike & Build's Capital Ride. Many alumni and potential applicants of the program expressed a strong desire to participate in the cause, but lamented they could not take an entire summer off of work or school. It is our hope that the Capital Ride’s shorter format will create an opportunity previously not available in our program.
The ride, while shorter than our typical cross country trips, will still feature everything that makes Bike & Build unique and memorable. Each session has four ride days, two build days, and plenty of chances to explore the towns and places en route. Each session will have a minimum fundraising goal of $850 per person, or $1700 for both weeks.
One or two times each session, Bike & Build will arrange guest speakers from different affordable housing organizations to come provide an overview of their program and how it works to serve their communities, as well as the challenges they see for the cause ahead.
Information for Potential Riders
This ride is designed to be a little flexible, especially for those who cannot take an entire summer off and do one of our cross country trips. Non Bike & Build alumni are invited to sign up for Week 1 (Richmond to DC) or the full trip only (Richmond to Philly). Only previous B&B riders have the option of joining the trip in DC and riding week 2 only. Bike & Build alumni are also not subject to our age requirements (please see the Capital Ride FAQ Page). If you have completed our cross country trip before, you may return and do the Capital Ride, regardless of your age.
The Route
Week 1
The Capital Ride will take advantage of some of the most beautiful roads on the East Coast, while exploring a state capital (also capital of the Confederacy), the nation's capital and the nation's first capital. The first session will start in Richmond, VA, and head west towards Charlottesville. Riders will have a chance to trade their bikes for hammers and work for two days with Charlottesville Habitat for Humanity. The road out of Charlottesville promises to be the most beautiful ride day of the week, as the trip will snake along a portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway, before heading back east towards our nation’s capital.
Week 2
The second session of the Capital Ride will start amongst D.C.’s most famous landmarks, before heading northwest out of the city and into Maryland.Riders will spend the next day exploring Cunningham Falls State Park before tackling Pennsylvania’s rolling hills on their way to Reading, PA. For the brave (and well trained), the final day of riding into Philadelphia will offer an optional detour to climb the famous Manayunk Wall, before rejoining the group for dinner. Riders will spend their final build day with Rebuilding Together Philadelphia. Bike & Build will be donating a portion of the proceeds to Rebuilding Together to support their important work throughout the year.
Beneficiaries:
A portion of the proceeds will go towards Rebuilding Together Philadelphia. Rebuilding Together strives to prevent homelessness by partnering with the community to rehabilitate the homes of elderly, disabled, and low-income homeowners so that they may continue to live in warmth, safety, and independence. Additionally, the Capital Ride will make smaller on the road donations in the name of its host as well as help support the operation and programming of Bike & Build.
