Yesterday afternoon, as my group rode down Pennsylvania Avenue towards the White House, it finally hit me that what I had been envisioning for months had become a reality. As a student at George Washington University, I am one of I4K's off-campus riders this summer. I spent much of the past spring training for the ride on the very same streets we rode into the city on yesterday, and getting to ride those streets as a part of the actual journey was amazing. It seems crazy to me that in the past five days, we've ridden our bikes from New York City to DC, but I know that the next 68 have so much more in store for us. I'm excited that we've made it here, but I'm even more excited to see where we'll go from here.
Where we stand
Today we arrived in Washington DC after five days of bike riding. It has definitely been the journey of a lifetime, though we still have the majority of our journey ahead of us. I'd like to thank the Thakkar family for having us the first might and motivating us to keep going regardless of how hard it will be. The towns we have passed through have been gorgeous and completely worth the ride before. New York City was fantastic and the atmosphere there was one that I will never forget. The cities, however, are not what the trip is about; it is about fighting cancer, as I came to realize during our stay in Baltimore, where we visited a Hope Lodge and interviewed people affected by cancer. It really struck an emotional chord with me to talk about the disease with other people, from the woman we met from a small town thirty minutes away to the daughter of a breast cancer survivor. We had a former 4k rider talk to us that night, and many people on the team shared why they are riding. Opening up about this and moving past the jokes that we share throughout the day really connected me more to everyone on a more personal level. Everyone is affected in some way, and that thought has really pushed me these last few days, and hopefully will keep me going for many more.
Illini 4000 - DC
The past five days have been a time warp. It's been interesting and we've been busy. Biking all day, events and chores fill our days entirely. Today we have our first rest day in DC and we're getting some stuff done. I may find the time to do my laundry, but probably not. I may find the time to run some errands, but probably not. I really think I only have time to do nothing. Mountains tomorrow. I am excite
Keep Pedaling
Day 5!! We have arrived in Washington, DC. In the past few days, we've been climbing REAL intense hills. I really have to admit that Illinois hills are nothing compared to these. I would have a really hard time climbing these hills and I'm pretty sure everyone else on the team has the same problem. But every time I attack these hills, I think about the person that we are riding for that day to help me get through this. I feel that every hill we come across is an obstacle course that we have to get through just like how cancer victims has to get through obstacles such as chemotherapy and treatments to get better.Some riders attack the hill really quick and some riders bike up the hill slowly. I am one of the riders who bike up the hill slowly and sometimes I feel like I want to give up, but remembering how cancer victims can get through intense treatments and never gave up. I take baby steps to climb these hills because these hills are nothing compared to what cancer victims had to go through.We had a few great portraits in the past few days and it was great to interact with different people that tells us stories about their experiences with cancer. It was awesome that we had so many people supporting this great cause.
Day 5 Already?
Well snap, we're all ready in DC. I have already had some amazing experiences that I will never forget. The kindness of people we don't even know has amazed me. For example, on Tuesday it was at least 92 degrees out and we were climbing hills that were bigger than ones I've dreamed about. I was in a group that was in front of the van so we stopped to get apply sunscreen and drink water. I was definitely feeling dehydrated and was very thankful to sit for a bit when all of a sudden a man walks out of Gus's Pizza in Edgewood, Maryland and says "Can I offer you guys a complimentary glass of water?", slowly turning our heads we sigh in relief as we walk into the wonderful air conditioning. After a bit, we tell the man about our organziation and he continues to help us out. Offering us food and cold towels we sat and power up again. The man (I wish I knew his name!) must have asked us 10 times if there was anything else he could do for us. It was a beautiful insight to the kindness in people.One of my other favorite events we have had is visiting the Hope Lodge in Baltimore. Hope Lodges are places where cancer patients can stay for free if they live too far away from hospitals or their treatment centers. Everyone working there was very upbeat and nice and I am glad we got to reconnect with the cause and talk to some people. If I learned anything from them is you have to be positive. Staying positive is key to everything in life.After that very hot, hilly, hard day, we had a slightly easier day (55 miles) into DC. Waking up I was very nervous that the next few days would be as hard as the last. Luckily I joined a group that provided a large amount of laughs and kept my spirits high. Even though I wiped out twice....careful of those wet bridges...I still look back on that day as being one of my favorites so far. Lunch was also fun because we got to listen to Motown and we had a mini dance party (you know what I'm talking about Liz and Sam, haha). That day was also different because we rode almost only on the extremely beautiful bike paths. Illinois needs to step it up. So after a 7 mile continuous downhill we coasted into DC where we're staying at a building owned by the George Washington University. All is good and wonderful here and each stayover seems better than the last. So here we go... next are mountains. I remember in our training Greg and Josh saying that all of the training has prepared you for the first two weeks. AH! I'm nervous just thinking about it. ANYWAY- It's going to be okay. All we have to do is stay postive... and get new brake pads. :)
New York to DC!
We have just finished the first five days of riding and are currently in Washington DC. I have had a wonderful time so far. In the last two days the terrain has become more hilly and has been gradually preparing us for the mountains to come in the next few days. I expect the following days to be very challenging but exciting and worthwhile as well.Throughout the trip, we have been talking to many people at gas stations, 7-11s or anywhere we happened to stop about our trip and our Portraits Project in which we interview cancer patients and care-takers throughout the country. Many strangers are showing interest and supporting us in the trip which is very motivating. We have also already completed a few interviews for the Portraits Project this year.I am looking forward to the rest of the trip and all the people we meet and I will try to post updates on this blog once in a while!
What a week!
What a week! A week ago today, we were just arriving in New York City and now here I am in Washington, DC! It's been quite the experience and this is only the beginning. Today is our first day off from riding since we started and I already feel strange not waking up and hopping right back on my bike. I'm so happy that we've had so many opportunities to reconnect with the cause already. In Baltimore, I got to help out with a portrait of two women at the Hope Lodge who were an inspiring reminder of how much optimism really matters. Yesterday as we rode into DC, we passed by the National Institutes of Health where I worked last summer doing research. It hit me just how very lucky I am to have had all these experiences throughout college that have interconnected and motivated me to pursue my future career as a physician. This ride is showing me a lot about who these people are that I want to help in the future, and I think that's what the Portraits Project is all about. I can't wait to continue making a difference this summer, and for the rest of my life.
Reaching D.C.
Day 5Baltimore to Washington D.C. After some motivating words and conversation from a rider’s friend the night before, I4K departed this morning for our nation’s capital. The hills seemed to be chopped in half compared to yesterday’s ride, and the mileage was cut as well. Teams could go out there and enjoy themselves without the hectic schedule that the ride to Baltimore ensured. Some groups flew and some groups walked (at least their average mph would say so) through the twisty-turvy roads en route to DC. The cues didn’t take the most direct route and it gave the team a chance to focus on the journey as opposed to the destination. Bike paths, getting lost, and long rest stops will still get us where we need to be. After taking full advantage of George Washington University’s showers, I4k ate pizza that was generously provided by our hosts at the university multicultural center. We hope that we don’t grow too accustomed to these acts of generosity – it is truly amazing what people have done for this team in such a short time. Through day 5, we have yet to cook a single dinner, which means we have yet to indulge on the delicious combo of spaghetti and lentil soup. After dinner a little team bonding took place; some went to a local restaurant to hang out, others got some laundry done, and the rest took a night tour of the city. The team has basked in the freedom of the first event day being tomorrow. After a 9 am team meeting, the team is on its own to explore DC. Then… We climb. Love,Illini 4000
Maryland
Day 4Newark, DE to Balimore, MDThe team has been surprised at how hilly New York, Pennsylvania and other states have been in comparison to Illinois. We've never even seen hills this big in our neck of the woods, but apparently they do exist! Despite these "hills" that we had seen, our ride leader informed us that we hadn't even seen real hills yet, and today would be the first day that we encountered a true climb. Most people had nerves starting last night and continuing this morning until the ride began. And when it did begin, the nerves turned into exhaustion quite quickly. Apparently, Maryland does indeed have large hills. People were tired, people were hot, but we still rode to Baltimore. To estimate, we probably climbed 13 hills that were larger than any of us had climbed before, which was quite difficult to do in a single 75 mile day!The theme of kindness continued again today, as I suspect it will each day. A group of riders stopped in the parking lot of Guess' pizza on 40 in Edgewood. They were hanging out in the shade and double checking the map as the owner came outside to greet them. He invited them inside to sit in the AC and fill up their water bottles. He then gave them cold wet towels to cool off with and even posted our business card in his shop. All he asked was for us to spread the word about his place. In Baltimore, we had our first event at a nearby American Cancer Society Hope Lodge. We enjoyed a meal provided to us by volunteers and had ample time to interact with the patients. After dinner, we were given certificates of gratitude from the Hope Lodge and they even provided us with special entertainment! A magician arrived and performed some tricks along with some jokes. Even better, he provided us with the support that we are too familiar with, but value immensely. More hills tomorrow! We'll see you in Capital City!Much love,Illini 4000
Day 3 and So far!
Day 3 at Newark, Delaware! So far from San Francisco!I miss you mom!
Day 3!
Day 3The I4k rumor mill was churning last night as word of a 43 mile day spread about. The people simply couldn’t believe it…43 miles, it’s just too easy. Despite the weariness, we did indeed have a very short 43 mile ride from Philadelphia into Newark, Delaware. The cross into Delaware 20 miles into the day marked the fourth state we have ridden in; New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and now Delaware.Despite the laid back nature that a short day provides, the extreme heat did provide a challenge. With temperatures soaring throughout the day many teams were caught filling up water bottles consistently (as well as pouring the water all over their bodies). The rest stop was crucial and enjoyable as usual as Taylor Swift prominently sang out through the van’s speakers. Riders sang along and enjoyed donated bread from a market the day before. An aquatic war may have begun during the rest stop; eye witnesses confirmed that water guns and water balloons were purchased at a nearby dollar store (this also marks the third consecutive day that a dollar store profited from our journey).More importantly, the kindness that we have grown familiar to has continued in Delaware. Our gracious hosts not only gave us a place to sleep, but also provided a hearty meal that sufficiently stuffed the entire team (they even had enough food for our multiple vegetarians). A special thanks to Gerry, Wayne, Phil, Pastor Robert, and the other volunteers at Salem United Methodist for all of your generosity and help. Aside from our hosts, more and more people are coming up to us on the streets and in parking lots. A group of riders stopped for ice cream and left the employees mystified when they heard our story, and the same goes for grocery s shoppers at a Lion Food shop and the manager at a local pool that a few riders took a dip in. Tomorrow begins our first real challenge. A 77 mile ride with serious altitude changes en roué to Baltimore. Bring it on. Thanks for the continued support,Illini 4000
Day Two Updates!
Greetings once again. The team is now in the city of Philidelphia, Pennsylvania. We rolled out in the early hours of the morning from New Jersey, making our way through the state, finally crossing the Delaware River, into Pennsylvania. The day saw a great mix of urban and rural riding, through diverse communities all along the way. We also had to deal with quite a bit of tough hills throughout the day, getting well prepared for those mountains ahead. Towards the end of the day, the I4k rode into the amazing city known as Philidelphia. Once there, the team was greeted by the friendly people of the city. This is made evident by the enormous amount of food donations the riders received as they visited local stores and restaurants upon arriving in the city. We had a great dinner of pizza, salad and soup which was all donated, and was well deserved after our 70 mile ride. We are ending our night exploring the city and will end at our lovely stay over, the Arch Street United Methodist Church. As we roll off tomorrow, we will be heading into Delaware, for some more hills, flat tires and fun. Please continue to check in on the Illini 4000 as we continue our ride.Thanks again,The I4K.
What a Day
Through the entire time after finals, and the entire time after everything we've seen and done and all of that, I've said, "Maybe when we ride for the first day, it'll finally feel real." I was wrong. Today, while it has been AMAZING beyond all my expectations, still feels surreal. I can't process what it's like to be a part of this incredible organization sometimes.While I was packing up to get on the train to come, I kept thinking to myself that I felt like I wasn't really doing this. Like somehow, I would get to Chicago, and it would be like "Oh, whoops, no, this isn't legit. This amazingly awesome thing isn't actually happening, haha jokes on you!" One year ago exactly, I was standing on the stage at my high school's graduation, giving a speech about how there's a difference between life on the page, and life, which was the first time I told my community that I wanted to bike across the country. I think that today exactly exemplifies what I meant by that quote-- there's the life on the page (me telling everyone for so long that I've wanted to do this), and there's life (everything actually legitimately happening). I'm really excited to see what all of this brings for us!Before getting into the too serious stuff, the definite most interesting thing of the day was the supergroup hearing an ice cream truck, getting really excited, and then realizing it was the van next to us with the fully tinted windows, that then suddenly turned on a police siren and blew through the stop light. However, I think the second highlight (as far as entertaining things go) would certainly be riding alongside a group of male rugby players who were just really excited to see us. Then there was the time in the city, riding with Marcus and like 10 girls, when the guy on the street expressed clearly that they found Marcus to be a complete player, and of the ladies "they all fine! None of them ugly!" On a more serious note, we did our first portrait of the actual ride today, and it was amazing. Clinton Kelley, a homeless man from Lyndon, NJ, was diagnosed with colon cancer at 37, and is now 56. I really didn't know what to expect, but I certainly didn't expect the amazing amount of inspirational words that he gave. He spoke for a long time about the importance of never giving up. It's really easy to forget what the cause is, when we're riding through New York and New Jersey, and when we have our first ride day, and all of these amazing bike things are happening. So, even though I'm really tired, and this isn't nearly along the lines of what I'd normally be posting, a huge thanks to Clinton Kelley for bringing me back to the cause today. We're not just a bunch of kids biking across the country. We're biking for a reason, so that men like Clinton Kelley don't have to wonder if they're going to lose their lives at 37 years old. We're biking so that no one has to go through what his family went through, wondering if their father would live. It's really hard sometimes to stay connected to the fact that this is for cancer. This isn't a ride for us to have an awesome time (that's just a nice perk!). It's a ride to fight cancer. And that's something to be excited about!
Day 1!
Hello followers of all things Illini 4000,Today saw the 2012 Illini 4000 bike team kick off their summer journey in the middle of New York City's beautiful Central Park. The team rode through the bustling streets of New York to the famous George Washington bridge and took in the sights of New York and New Jersey as they rode on to a whole new state. Many diverse and exciting towns and neighboorhoods, such as Lodi, Newark, and Perth, were ridden through as the 2012 riders navigated through the busy streets of New Jersey.Along the way, the team broke for lunch in a small New Jersey town called Lyndon. As the team ate, several members were approached by a local homeless man, and they began to explain the details of what the I4K is all about. It was this man, Clinton Kelley, that provided the team with its first opportunity to conduct a portrait during the trip. He told the inspiring tale of his life, which has been marked with hardships; one of those hardships was colon cancer. This provided those involved in the interview with a new look into the way cancer impacts diverse people across America.The team ended its 68 mile ride in the town of North Brunswick, New Jersey, where they were warmly greeted and welcomed by the wonderful Thakkar and Sangankar families. They prepared an array of amazing food for the team. Upon its arrival, the team also made an apperance on a local news network to share the inspiring story of the Illini 4000. HUGE thanks to the Thakkar and Sangankar families for providing the team with an incredible place to stay for the night. Next time you hear from us, we'll be in Philadelphia!Until then, thanks for reading!The Illini 4000
A Day in the Big Apple!
Hello I4k fans, friends, and family! Today the team had a fantastic day in the Big Apple. For many riders this was the first visit to New York City (some confusion between the Chrysler and the Empire State Building, but we totally have that down now!) and many of us are official converters to the big city life! With all the excitement setting in today (we are definitely riding across the country tomorrow!), the Illinois Alumni of New York City invited us to a roof top dinner party overlooking beautiful Manhattan. The team spent the night eating pizza, taking cheesy pictures, and hearing stories from ’07 riders Allison and Mark. Thanks again to the New York U of I alumni association, and especially to Bruce and Kelley for hosting us. We are so grateful to these amazing people who made our stay in the city so enjoyable. And now the time has come! Every member on this team has worked hard this entire year for the moment that we are hours from experiencing. Tomorrow morning 28 diverse individuals with all sorts of life experience will come together to officially become the 2012 Bike America Team for Illini 4000. Tomorrow is both a day for us riders and for everyone who has supported us along the way. With our last words before we leave from Central Park we would like to say thank you Illini 4000 friends! We could not do what we do without each and every one of you. See you in San Francisco! Much Love,Illini 4000 for Cancer
New York, New York
So here we are on the eve of this “thing” with no school, work, or the like to occupy our brains. Much time, effort, and sheer determination has led up to this point but it really is only the tip of the iceberg. I keep thinking to myself; get a haircut, check; pack your life (at least for the summer) into a backpack, check; drive to New York City, check; bike across the country… I can only begin to imagine what this summer will be like for I know that we will not be able to realize the immensity, both physically and otherwise, of what we are setting out to do. So as I sit here poised on my sleeping pad and highly compressible sleeping bag, I want to take a few moments looking back because it is solely by the support of the people around us, (family, friends, and strangers alike) that we are able to do, what we do.To the people who provided us much room and even more hospitality at our stay-over in New York, the Alumni of U of I who provided us dinner on a fabulous rooftop in Manhattan, to the man who inquisitively called to us on the street and eagerly wanted to donate, to the people of New York who have taught me a whole new set of traffic rules, and to my teammates whom I have had the pleasure of exploring New York with and had the pleasure of beginning to getting to know; thanks.Also, a separate thank you to the people who personally supported me financially and in all other ways, I thank you immensely; it’s going to an absolutely unprecedented summer, and I truly cannot wait.
Team 2012 New York City Departure Info
Hello to all of the wonderful supporters of I4K!The team has made it successfully to New York City and will begin their 74 day journey to San Francisco in less than two days! Everyone is extremely excited to begin the ride we have been preparing for all year. So far, we have been able to raise almost $115,000 for cancer research and patient support services this year!With that said, if you or anyone you know finds yourself in the NYC area this weekend, come out to Central Park to see us off! The team will meet around 7:30 am on Saturday, May 26th at the northwest entrance to park at 108th Street. We're planning on departing around 8:00. We'd love to see you there!Thanks again for all of the amazing support of family, friends, and donors throughout the year. We couldn't do any of this without you!
The East is Calling
So tomorrow's the day I'll pack up a few belongings, toss them into a rucksack, and head out of here on a train to New York City. I remembered when I first interviewed to be on the team I was asked what I would be most apprehensive about and I told them it would without a doubt be the traffic in NYC, because it's completely out of my element. Now, riding through traffic is probably not even on my list of concerns. Actually, I'm not sure what exactly is on my list of concerns. I think that list got thrown out the window a month ago. Small things like traffic or rain don't seem like much to worry about anymore. On our 60 mile ride we were in constant rain but I ended up looking at it sort of as a gift. It made things easier and almost helped me glide on the pavement. At one point I was asking myself if I would ever be able to ride without it. When things get tough I'm learning to push through the difficulty and convince myself that whatever obstacles are in my way aren’t even obstacles to begin with. The things I used to be worried about are extremely pale in comparison to the physical and emotional tolls that cancer takes on those affected. I think the last portrait I was a part of really helped put things into an even greater perspective. Gary, who suffered from pancreatic cancer, told us that through everything the hardest part for him was gong to chemotherapy and seeing other people in the waiting room. Even though cancer was taking an extreme toll on his own health, he was worried about the person sitting next to him. I wish everyone had his mind set.Now, when I wake up at 8:00 am for class I rise out of bed without a word and think to myself it could be 5am and I’m lucky to be able to go to class in the first place. I find myself biting my tongue when walking through the cold, and when we're riding on miles of jagged gravel I think to myself it could be hailing while we're on this road. Life’s beautiful when you look at it the right way, and I think Gary helped to teach me that lesson. I constantly think about the people I know who have gone through or are currently going through cancer treatments and those people are real heroes facing obstacles I couldn't imagine. I can't thank them enough for their strength which continues to aid my own when cycling. This adventure of a lifetime is soon to be started and I'm happy to say my list of concerns has been replaced with a list of things I'm excited about.Side Note: I'm still completely blown away by the support of my community and extremely thankful to the numerous friends and family members around me who have donated or wished me luck on my journey, you guys are amazing!
Making A Difference
Today I left U of I as a graduated senior. Driving away from campus knowing I was not going to be back next year was as bittersweet as it gets. The bitterness portion is obvious as to why, but the sweet portion is usually harder for people to focus on. For me, however, it was not. I only had a few minutes to be sad because we leave for NYC is 11 days to ride our bikes across the country to raise awareness about cancer and spread hope. Graduating is not something I have time nor need to dwell on because I am riding with the Illini4000 and will forever be connected to the University, in the most positive way, spending the summer with some of the most dedicated and kind-hearted people.When someone asks what I am going to do now that I graduated, no one expects the answer I give them. Today in-particular, however, was extra special. While getting a tetanus shot at McKinley, the nurse asked me this question. It was absolutely uplifting to witness her reaction. Most people are interested, ask billions of questions, give us praise but still think we are all a tiny bit crazy. But there was something about this total stranger being so genuinely excited for the trip and the cause, going as far as to write down when we would be in Champaign so she could come support us that day that gave me hope and pure inspiration. I will be blessed this summer if we have this effect on even one cancer patient/caretaker/or survivor because then I know I am spending the summer after I graduated, instead of getting a job, doing something even more amazing; making a difference.Beyond initial reactions, I had a fellow nursing student come up to me and sincerely thank me for what I was doing; that it meant more than I knew to her. I was taken aback because so far for me most people tend to focus on how impressed they are that we can do the actual riding all summer long and sometimes forget why we are riding. I was speechless for a few seconds not really sure how to respond. All I could say was "Of course and thank you", because I know now whenever I am having a rough day on the trip I will think of her and how much it meant to her that I was doing this. That is what will keep me going. I like to think about it as a circle of strength.So thank you to the nurse at McKinley and my nursing peer for reminding me about the impact we are about to have on many lives this summer and for impacting me in a positive way. This whole experience so far has been so inspirational and we haven't even left yet! So here's to looking forward in life and not dwelling on the past because each new chapter in life is an opportunity to make a difference.
Thank You to Our Favorite Mechanics!
Over the past few weeks, the 2012 team has been learning a lot about bikes! We'd like to thank Axel and John, our two favorite bike mechanics from Champaign Cycle, who took a lot of time to help teach our riders how to fix and maintain their bikes as well as share their expertise by making sure everyone's bikes were properly fit and tuned up! We can't thank you enough for all of your help!We highly recommend that everyone in the Champaign-Urbana area come to these two next time you need any bike help! In the meantime, check out champaigncycle.com!