In the world of Bike and Build, today was a day off; at least it was off our bikes. We had the privilege of sleeping in a bit and enjoying breakfast with our host families. Luckily, Jessie had the foresight to mention that she had packed her rain jacket, and I ran to retrieve mine before returning to the church.


At the church we loaded into vans to be transported to our build site in Cleveland. It was nice to be driving these roads instead of being on our bikes dodging potholes and debris. We spent the day working with the local habitat affiliate. They had three houses in the works and plenty of work for all of us and a group of volunteers associated with the Cleveland Cavaliers. They got one house, the pros worked on the middle house, and we got the giant piles of dirt.


How do you keep 30 unskilled laborers busy for a day of house making? Give them a mountain, and tell them to move it. Today Bike and Builders became heavy machinery as we backfilled a nearly completed houses. The biggest feat of the day? Filling the asteroid hole, called the front porch with dirt. We spent hours transporting dirt and clay from the back of the house to the front, and throwing it into a hole that was 10 feet deep, then 8 feet deep, and finally level! But we call this a day of rest!


We were well rewarded for our endeavors. At the end of a back breaking day in the sun, we got to enter the refreshing halls of rock and roll history. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum had a lot to offer, including a movie on the history of rock and roll which included a blues soundtrack that made me miss the Delta. The many exhibits included Elvis, Mike McCartney, The Beatles, and The Doors. The best piece of history on display? Hands down, Jim Morrison’s Boy Scout Uniform.


A storm began while we were in the museum. Heavy rain and lightening pounded Lake Erie. When it was time to go, I was very glad that Jessie had reminded me to bring my rain jacket as we darted for the shelter of the van.


Upon our return to Avon Lake, we were greeted with another AMAZING meal and great company. Dessert included free massages for anyone who wanted one. After cleaning our bikes and making sure we were all ready for the next day, we got to enjoy a quiet evening at home with our families.


Sharon McMonagle