Cross-country cyclists stop in Duluth to do some good

Nothing can pep up a little home state pride like a group of bicyclists from the East Coast riding through Minnesota.

The group of 24 young cyclists began a 3,981-mile ride to British Columbia in Portsmouth, N.H. Along the way they’re stopping and helping out a bit.

In Duluth last week, the Bike & Build participants helped fix up a home.

“I was looking for an adventure,” Sophie Gibson, of Virginia, tells the Duluth News Tribune. “I wanted to do something in my own country.”

But enough about you. Tell us about us.

Although Vermont was the prettiest state so far for (Jason) Lee, he said Minnesota’s roads are the smoothest on which to bike. Plus, they’ve experienced Minnesotans striking up conversations with them and buying them meals with a politeness that Lee said he’s not accustomed to in Boston, where he recently graduated from Northeastern University.

“People are very nice in Minnesota,” Lee said.

In addition to the work, the cyclists cover about 70 miles per day.

They’re due to work in Park Rapids, Minn., today.