“I really like biking and I’m really into helping others,” the labor relations and human resources graduate student said. “The opportunity to ride across America and get volunteer experience, it’s hard to say no. I went to the Web site and within 30 seconds I started filling out the application.”

The Web site Barth visited was BikeandBuild.org, an organization dedicated to reducing poverty by sponsoring fundraising cycling trips across the country. The organization offers seven different routes across the U.S., each emphasizing the importance of affordable housing. Along with biking 60 to 70 miles each day, riders stop at predetermined locations to help build homes.

Barth will be part of the Southern U.S. route this summer, departing from Jacksonville, Fla. on June 11 and arriving in San Francisco on August 17.

The route consists of 30 riders. Another MSU graduate, Patrick Singler, will join Barth on the trip. Singler, who studied interdisciplinary studied, graduated in 2006. Singler will make the trip from Jacksonville to San Francisco as a route leader.

“I found out about Bike & Build while helping with Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans about a year ago,” Singler said. “I found out that the route leader position was open. It’s really an opportunity to increase my leadership skills.”

Preliminary preparations

Before Barth and Singler can depart, both of them must raise $4,000, or about $1 for each mile they bike. The money they raise is allocated to the housing projects they’ll help build over the course of their trip.

For Singler, this fundraising aspect of the trip is the most exciting.

“The physical challenge is quite a feat,” Singler said. “But the fundraising aspect is really important because I set my goals really high.”

Singler, who already has raised the minimum $4,000, doesn’t plan on stopping. After deciding to go through with the trip, he consulted with a business associate who inspired him to set a goal of $100,000 in donations.

“He said, ‘You got to think big to make anything happen,’” Singler said. “One of my mottos is ‘No little plans,’ and after really thinking about (it), $4,000 is kind of a little plan.”

Singler said that in order to reach his goal, he’ll have to tap into corporate sponsorships.

Barth, on the other hand, is still looking to reach the $4,000 minimum. Because he was initially wait-listed for the trip and has only been an official member of the Southern U.S. route for less than a month, he has a shorter amount of time to raise the money than most participants.

In order to help achieve the fundraising minimum, Barth organized a can and bottle drive on April 5. Barth raised about $170 and said his recyclable collecting will be an ongoing effort.

Barth also set up a fundraising event that will happen on April 25 at Green River Cafe, 211 M.A.C. Ave. The event will feature local music acts, including Barth himself. He said all funds from ticket sales will go directly to his cause and a portion of meal tabs also will be donated.

He also plans to ask MSU alumni groups in cities he’ll be biking through to sponsor his ride.

“I sincerely hope I have the money,” Barth said. “I’m planning on having the $4,000 before I leave.”

On the road

Besides the challenging aspects of fundraising, both riders must be ready to face 60 or 70 miles of biking each day during the trip. An avid biker for almost a year, Barth isn’t worried.

“I’m not concerned with the distance,” Barth said. “Some of the people going are complete novices with biking. Plus the trip is set up so it eases into (the daily distances).”

During the trip, Barth will ride a Specialized Allez, provided by the Bike & Build organization through store sponsorships.

Barth and the other riders will be accompanied by a van where they can store their clothes and personal belongings. However, with limited space, Barth said it’s essential to pack efficiently.

While the cross-country cycling might not be a concern for Barth, his mother Ellen initially had doubts.

“My parents thought I was insane,” Barth said. “My mom tried to talk me out of it.”

But after a while, his mom came around.

“At first I wondered if this was a wise idea or not,” Ellen said. “I am very excited for him though. It’s a great opportunity and now is really a good time. Jon has always forged his own way and isn’t necessarily influenced by the people he knows.”

The daily bicycle grind is only half of the physical test that Bike & Build promises. Barth and Singler also will have to roll up their sleeves to help build homes in areas such as New Orleans.

Singler said he isn’t concerned about a little manual labor.

“I’ve helped out with Habitat for Humanity many times,” Singler said. “They do it in such a way that any Joe Schmoe can help out.”

Personal gains

Barth agreed with his mother and said the trip couldn’t have come at better time. Although he is enrolled currently as a graduate student, Barth decided that school isn’t what he wants to do.

“I’m sort of at a crossroads of my life,” Barth said. “I don’t want to be in grad school. I need to clear my head and figure out what I’m doing. I love road trips and adventures.”

For Singler however, the trip is less of a new chapter in life but more of a continuation of old interests. Having volunteered numerous times with Habitat for Humanity, Singler said the most important part of the trip is providing affordable houses for those in need.

“I’m looking forward to really expanding my horizons and getting behind a good cause,” Singler said. “Everyone deserves a home.”

Barth, an East Lansing resident, and Singler, who currently resides in Chicago, have never met each other. However, the two agree that their shared trip this summer is an opportunity to not only help others and test themselves physically but also an opportunity to grow as individuals.

“I look forward to seeing the country and growing as a person,” Singler said. “(The time between the ages of) 18 to 25 is the best time in life to really do something like this. (I want to) use the energy and motivation I have and really do it.”

Barth echoed Singler’s sentiments.

“For the first time in my life, things are a little uncertain and I kind of like it,” Barth said. “The first 17 years of life are kind of laid out for you and now it’s more of a question mark. Hopefully riding my bike will point me in the right direction toward self-discovery.”