ABOUT ILLINI 4000 FOR CANCER
Q. When did the Illini 4000 begin?
A. The first Illini 4000 Bike America Team rode from New York City to San Diego, California in the summer of 2007. Planning for this trip began in March 2006.
Q. Why are you called the Illini 4000?
A. “Illini” refers to the “Fighting Illini” the nickname given to all sports teams at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the headquarters of the Illini 4000 for Cancer.
Q. How long does the trip take?
A. Our journey will take approximately 72 days. We will average nearly 80 miles per day, longer in the flatter states and shorter in the Rockies. To date, the greatest distance the team has covered in one day is 125 miles.
Q. How much money are you trying to raise?
A. The Illini 4000 strives to raise $100,000 for organizations like the American Cancer and Camp Kesem UIUC each year.
Q. How much money does each rider raise?
A. In order to participate, each member of the Illini 4000 Bike America Team must raise at least $2,500.00. Much of this money comes from friends, family members, kind hearted strangers, local businesses, and team fundraisers held on campus.
Q. What is a typical day like?
A. Although no two days are alike, here is a taste of life on the road:
6:00 AM – Wake-up crew rises
6:15 AM – The Wake-up crew sings “the Morning Song” and the entire team rises and begins packing and preparing for the day’s ride
7:00 AM – Breakfast
7:30 AM – Say goodbye to hosts, take photographs, and depart
7:30 AM – 12:00 PM – In the saddle
12:00 PM – Lunch (Peanut Butter and Jelly or Turkey; fruit; chips)
12:30 PM – Back in the saddle!
4:00 PM - Email home and update rider blog at a public library
4:30 PM – Arrive at stayover church or campsite. Interact with stayover hosts.
4:45 PM – Unpack support vehicle and set up camp. Clean-up for dinner (Sink shower or shower, if available)
5:15 PM – Dinner prep
6:15 PM – Dinner (e.g. pasta)
7:15 PM – Interview Cancer survivors at stayover location
8:30 PM – Interact with hosts
9:30 PM – Lay out clothing, pack duffel bag, and journal.
10:00 PM – Unroll sleeping bag and air mattress. It’s bedtime!
Note: The 2008 Bike America Ride will take the team from New York City to Washington D.C. to South Dakota to Yellowstone to Seattle and everywhere in between. Please read our ride journal and rider blogs to see what we’re up to!
ABOUT DONATIONS
Q. What percentage of the money I donate actually goes towards cancer research?
A. The Illini 4000 does everything that it can minimize organizational expenses. Thriftiness and the enormous generosity of individuals across the United States helped the Illini 4000 donate nearly 85% of its funds to the American Cancer Society and Camp Kesem UIUC – a percentage much greater than many similar cross-country fundraisers.
To this end, the team must thank the numerous churches around the United States that have sheltered, feed, and boosted the spirits of many Illini 4000 riders.
Illini 4000 riders understand that the purpose of the Illini 4000 is to document Cancer’s influence on American Life and raise money for the American Cancer Society and other organizations that help those fighting cancer. As such, members of the Illini 4000 Bike America team are willing to make every possible shortcut to save as much money as possible for cancer research and support programs.
About Corporate Sponsorship
Q. Is Illini 4000 looking for business sponsors?
A. Your business can play a valuable roll in the fight against cancer. We offer numerous rewards packages to recognize your companies donations. Please visit our sponsorship page for more information.
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