I’ll be taking a year off from racing in 2012 to explore a little of our crazy planet, finish my masters degree in International Development, and maybe get to help some people in the process. Just after Christmas I boarded a plane for Nicaragua, and found myself transplanted right to the heart of Central America. I’ll be working here for the better part of 2012 with the international non-profit buildOn (www.buildon.org).

BuildOn works to break the cycle of poverty, illiteracy and low expectations through service and education. This year the organization celebrated its 20th birthday, that’s two decades of youth programs in low-income urban communities in the United States, and over 470 schools built worldwide in developing countries.

If you would like to learn a little more about buildOn, why I’ll be doing here in Nicaragua, or if you would like to get involved please visit the link above!

The 632 dragster and I may make a cameo at one of the NEOPMA events this spring, but right now I can only dream of flat, even pavement! So until then, wish me luck navigating the bumpy, muddy, rocky, winding, unpredictable hills of Nicaragua.