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South End Resident Going the Distance in Cross-Country Bike Trip
Local cyclist Katie Petrillo plans to go coast-to-coast to raise money for affordable housing. She's holding a fundraiser at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 29, at Globe Bar & Café on Boylston Street.
Katie Petrillo is no stranger to cycling, but she is about to embark on a 10-week cross-country trip unlike any other.
The South End resident and 2007 Syracuse University graduate is an avid cyclist who has already raised money in the Cape Cod Getaway for Multiple Sclerosis the past three summers.
She has a passion for helping others and is currently fundraising to meet her goal for Bike and Build 2012.
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Bike and Build is a non-profit organization that raises money for affordable housing with eight cross-country bike trips each summer. The trips consist of leaders and riders, who must each raise $4,500 to participate. The groups often work with Habitat for Humanity and other similar groups striving to re-build for those in need.
“[There’s] no reason I can’t be putting my time toward helping other people.” said Petrillo, who overcame a torn ACL from a ski accident last year to partake in this summer’s trip.
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The 10-week journey has participants biking 30 to 110 miles per day, with ten build days throughout the summer. Petrillo will be a leader on the Northern United States route beginning in Portsmouth, N.H., and finishing in Vancouver.
Bikers must log 500 miles on their bikes prior to the start of the trip, including one 60-mile ride.
“Nothing can really prepare you for being on your bike every single day except being on your bike every single day,” Petrillo said.
As a leader, Petrillo is one of four who is responsible for finding host sites throughout the route. The leaders also alternate driving a van carrying food, bags and other supplies.
Petrillo is working with the Globe Bar & Café on Boylston Street to host a silent auction at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 29. Local businesses have already donated to her cause, including the , Back Bay Bikes and Healthworks Fitness Center.
“To see all of the support is awesome” Petrillo said. “You never know who the issue is going to touch.”
Last year, Bike and Build raised over $600,000 for affordable housing. With the increased fundraising goal of $4,500 for each rider, Petrillo said they are bound to raise even more money this year.
Each participant is able to donate $500 of that money to a person or organization of his or her choosing along the road.