Cross-country cyclists give back to Springfield community

Biking an average of 70 miles per day for nine weeks is enough to wear out even the most in-shape athlete.

But about 40 volunteers with the Fuller Center Bike Adventure somehow find the energy for the ride — and several service projects along the way.

Bike riders from near and far can take part in the cross-country ride, that spans from Seattle to Washington D.C. The purpose is to raise money for The Fuller Center for Housing, which builds and rehabs houses for low-income families.

During the 3,500 mile trip, there are seven service stops in different communities where the volunteers work on Fuller Center worksites.

COMMUNITY NEWS: Clark State in Springfield appoints new members to Board of Directors

On Wednesday, the volunteers spent the day on four sites in Springfield: a site on West Grand Avenue that will eventually be a playground, the Safe Harbor House, the Clark County Fuller Center site and a house on Gothic Avenue that the Fuller Center is working to transform into a home for a family of five.

Recent Wittenberg graduate Libby Bauman was among the volunteers at the Gothic Street house. She spent time painting a back porch and putting new roofing on a shed in the backyard.

This is Bauman’s first long-distance ride with the Fuller Center.

“I decided it was now or never and I picked now,” she said.

Bauman, now living in Columbus and headed to graduate school, said the service stops change every year, but she was glad to see Springfield’s name when she signed up for the trip.

CAN YOU HELP?: Champaign Co. Sheriff seeks ‘fly fishing’ witness to Mad River canoe crash

“I spent a lot of time in this community, so the chance to give back to it and be in Springfield is really meaningful to me,” she said.

Clark County Fuller Center’s board and staff are also grateful for all of the extra sets of hands.

Just in time, too — the Fuller Center has a family that is ready to move into the house on Gothic Street in two weeks and there’s plenty of finishing touches left.

“More hands make quick work, and we’re doing a lot of stuff today at all the sites,” said Vince Chase, the president of the Clark County Fuller Center for Housing Board.

The group planned to stay in Springfield on Wednesday night and then head to Newark today.

The Fuller Center Bike Adventure also stopped in Springfield in 2018.

About the Author