My name is Laura, and I am a 28 year old woman who enjoys cycling, naps, ice cream, and hanging out with genuine people. I've always considered myself a dreamer. I grew up having wild ideas and lofty goals. Nothing was ever too crazy. Always a dreamer, but never a doer- until I signed up for Bike & Build in 2016. I've always wanted to road trip across the US, so what better way than by bike? I would not only be living out a dream, but I would be helping to make a difference in the process.
About 3000 miles into my cross country journey, my teammate Anne and I were hit by a distracted driver. I was paralyzed and Anne did not survive her injuries. During the trip, I fell in love with cycling and was so disappointed I wasn't able to finish what I set out to do. My dream is to finish my goal of biking across the country. I want to be a dreamer and a doer.
One of my biggest inspirations in finishing my quest to the coast is Anne Davis. Anne was wildly passionate about social justice, the environment, and making a difference in the world we live in. Anne rarely complained and was always up for anything. She lived fearlessly and intently. Anne had just graduated from the College of William and Mary where she double majored in environmental policy and sociology when she decided to sign up for Bike & Build. In addition to raising awareness to affordable housing issues, Bike & Build helps prepare young adults for a lifetime of civic engagement. Bike & Build was right in Anne's wheelhouse.
Anne and I met on the first day of orientation where we were put in the same chore groups. We spent the next couple of months biking across the country, working on houses, and forming close friendships with our teammates. We became family. On July 13th, 2016, Anne and I spent the day riding nearly 80 miles from Jackson, WY to Idaho Falls, ID. We biked over several mountain passes and into Idaho- the 12th state on our journey. We were only 10 miles out from our host site when Anne and I were hit by a distracted driver.
Anne inspires me to live life passionately and to give a voice to those who can't speak up for themselves. I'm a better person for spending my summer with her.
I could not finish the route without the help of my Bike & Build teammates. We were thrown together to spread awareness on affordable housing issues without ever having met, but they quickly became some of my closest pals. They caused me to fall in love with cycling. Almost every morning, we'd wake up super early, pack up all of our things, eat breakfast, and roll out. The days were spent biking an average of 70 miles, but I remember talking about our families, hearing their "whys", coming up with haikus, and chalking words of encouragement along the route for the riders behind us. We saw the world's largest rocking chair, went cliff diving, visited Red Rocks amphitheater, and biked up the highest paved through road in America. Build days were spent painting houses, landscaping, and speaking with people fighting for affordable housing. We lived every day, and I'm so excited to do it again this summer. Many of my teammates will be joining for parts of the route, with a majority meeting up for the last couple days of riding. It'll be so great to finally finish my cross country route with them!
I spent the first 2 months after my accident at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center where my nurses, doctors, and therapists became my friends, family, and biggest supporters. They were the first people to encourage me to do whatever I wanted without letting this small obstacle get in my way. When I was in the hospital, I didn't see life beyond my hospital stay, but they did. I would have never thought I'd be in my own apartment, but they did. I surely didn't think that this life would ever be second nature. They did. The people at EIRMC saw what I was capable of and encouraged me to get there. I will forever be grateful for all of the love and reassurance that was selflessly given to me. I wouldn't be doing this trip if they hadn't encouraged me to always reach higher.