Student plans bicycle ride to California

Junior Alicia Chen is about to take biking to a whole new level — from cross-campus to cross-country.

“This summer I’m going to be biking 3,600 miles from Nags Head, North Carolina to San Diego, California,” Chen said. “And along the way we’re going to be building houses for people with Habitat for Humanity.”

Chen has had a passion for cycling since high school, but starting in May, she’s decided to channel this love into a cross-country road trip.

During her freshman year, Chen met a man who shared his struggle with homelessness. Chen said she was shocked to hear the trials he faced and decided to use the experience to raise awareness in his honor.

“Sharing that story with me really helped me connect with the homeless community,” Chen said. “Hearing their stories and how they came to be where they are now helped me get involved with the organizations on campus.”

Chen is cycling for the Pennsylvania-based nonprofit Bike & Build, a program that attracts more students from UNC than any other school. This year alone, 13 past and present Tar Heels will make the cross-country trek.

“We really appreciate the pipeline we have through your school,” said Justin Villere, director of operations and outreach for Bike & Build.

“Our mission is to raise money and awareness for housing associations through cross-country bike riding,” Villere said. “Young adults have an agenda and desire to get involved, and we want to foster that passion they have.”

Chen must raise $4,500 for her trip to fund the cost of traveling and building costs. She said a portion of her collected funds will also go toward helping homeless and low-income people in the Triangle area find housing.

Rumors, a vintage clothing store in Chapel Hill, is helping Chen reach her goal with a benefit night tonight.

As a woman who travels herself, Rumors co-owner Casey Longyear said she has been wanting to host a benefit night and she saw Chen’s cause as the perfect opportunity. Chen will receive 20 percent of the store’s profits from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

“I’m excited. She came at the perfect time,” Longyear said. “We want to be as involved with the community as possible.”

Chen said she has become known for her cause.

“Whenever I go around, people remember, ‘Oh you’re that girl that wants to bike 3,600 miles,’” she said.

Chen said she is thankful for the opportunity to help people by doing what she loves.

“It’s helping a good cause and it’s a good sport that I’m interested in.”

arts@dailytarheel.com