I was headed to the home of 4 college students. I expected frozen pizzas and ramen. Imagine my surprise when I opened the cupboards to find yams and beets instead!

I am in Bozeman, Montana helping out a friend and former athlete of mine who recently underwent surgery. She had simply told me that she lived with three of her male friends, so I braced myself for a house resembling a carpet-lined recycling bin containing a table, a broken down couch and a fine selection of condiments and prepackaged food.

It turns out that my preconceived notions of college life in this household were utterly backwards. These kids have got it together. The crew consists of an aspiring bike frame builder, a budding horticulturist interested in urban agriculture, a charismatic poly-sci major and an exercise scientist studying health promotion. And though they still eat on a college budget, their meals are wholesome and well-balanced. I’ve observed roasted beets, whole wheat scones, lots of hummus, tofu scrambles and oatmeal all being consumed on a routine basis.

These students are obviously conscious about their diets and physical activity is a part of their daily life as well. Cycling or walking are the preferred modes of transportation and one of the kids even commutes on a bike that he personally welded. In fact, if no bike sponsors come through for the Tour, I may just solicit this young guy to create a custom touring frame for me. How great would it be if I rode a bike created by youth on a bike tour aimed at inspiring youth to get involved? I am truly quite excited about the idea.

Staying with these guys has given me a glimpse into the next generation of healthy living leaders. I will leave Montana reenergized and optimistic about the success of the Tour, the health of the next generation and the future of each of these 4 fantastic students. I might even leave them a few bucks to fix that broken down couch, too. 🙂

Stefan’s super sweet hand-built ride:

Fast, cheap and healthy eats:

Boing! Still a college house in certain regards: