Let the Riding Begin

I got my helmet yesterday! I figured that was the most important part of my riding gear... The chammois will likely be next! I say that because I went for my first ride today and, wow!, I could feel it. I only rode a couple miles on my good old mountain bike, but I learned a lot from those first couple miles:

1. Riding is amazing! The feel of the wind in your face and the freedom as you speed along, I love it! (which is good news since I'll be doing a lot of it for a while...)
2. Chamois (pronounced shammies) are a must and will be the next thing purchased.  Since it was only a couple miles, my behind isn't sore, but I could definitely see why chamois are needed.
3. I have a lot of work to do. My legs were likely sore due to yesterday's Insanity work out (the last 4 minutes are in a squat position), but riding, running, and Insanity are all very different. It should be interesting and challenging to get my legs into shape for cycling! I just hope my quads still fit into my skinny jeans at the end of all this :)
4. I have a lot to learn. I know nothing about switching gears, bike maintenance, or anything about cycling in general. I'm planning on going to different seminars at the bike shops around the area and learning a lot through them. I also want to meet some fellow cyclists in the area and have them teach me what they know. That doesn't even begin on learning more about the affordable housing cause.

In fundraising news, I'm still at $100 (Thanks Mom and Dad!!) and would like to reach $500 by New Years. After the new years, I plan on hosting bake sales around the area. I was hoping to get one in before Christmas, but it doesn't look like it will happen sadly. Remember, everyone that donates will receive a little something from along my ride, and donations are tax-deductible. Thanks again for all your help and support!

What is the money going towards? The money the riders raise are distributed four different ways:

1. En-Route Donations:  Bike & Build supports housing groups in the communities our events visit.
2. Competitive Grants: Riders on each trip will receive grant applications and award funding through a team based competitive selection process.
3. Individual Rider Grants: Each rider can allocate a portion of their fundraising to an affordable housing organization of their choice.
4. Pre-Arranged Donations:  Bike & Build will make pre-determined contributions to fund projects executed by the groups we work with to produce our events. 

Finally, here is another short video for your enjoyment!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxisZC4YOX4