According to their website, BAB was founded in winter 2001 by a group of activists who participated in a delegation to the U.S./Mexico border. Before they could send bikes to Mexico, the activists had to circumvent a high import tax placed on bikes from the U.S. Though their bikes weren’t for sale, the activists had to be creative to get them across the Rio Grande. With the help of 25 volunteers from both sides of the border, BAB’s founders spent the entire day riding each bike into Mexico — and a moniker was born. Construction teacher Colin Bugge said BAB likes to call it “Solidarity, not charity.
Bugge was invited to join the organization by one of his friends this past summer. This year, the group traveled to Pico das Agulhas Negras, which is approximately 5,061 miles away from Austin, TX, and all completely traveled by bike. Well, minus the ride back, which was by bus.
“The main issues behind riding that distance in the summer is mostly the risks of heat stroke, heat exhaustion, dehydration and any bike malfunctions,” Bugge said.
However, looking past the complications, Bugge said there’s a lot of comradery, but they had a lot of fun together.”