This is the first blog I have ever done, and I will do my best to keep up with it.  The past couple weeks have been crazy and gone by very fast.  First was graduation, then moving into a new apartment, and then training as much as possible.  I have put in over 1000 miles already this year in an attempt to be prepared for the rigors of this summer.  On May 21, I completed my first 100 mile ride with no real problems.  At this point I feel like I am as ready as I can be.

Now that I believe physically I am prepared, I spent the past week getting my bike ready.  I took my pedals off and replaced them with the pedals that were on my mountain bike because they will be better for this summer.  Then I gave my bike a little tune-up including a new chain, brake pads, tires, handlebar tape, trued the wheels, and adjusted the cables.  Today I added the last bit when I put the headlight on.

I would also like to use my first blog to thank all the people that have supported me and donated to the Illini 4000.  I have received donations from so many people, and I can't thank them enough.  Thanks to everyone who donated I was able to surpass my personal fundraising goal by $1000.  I would like to thank the following people/businesses for supporting me and the Illini 4000:

Luckey Timber, John and Sue Garrett, First Baptist Church of Percy, Illinois, Kim Rasnick, Martha Peebles, Amy Vinson, Schaefer Water Center, Rayburn and Linda Coleman, Wendell and Doris Coleman, Charles and Jean McCabe, Eddie and Marsha Witbracht, Russell and Louis Hagler, Brenda and Eddie Kutz/K&K Guttering, Tony and Mary Esker/Steeleville Pharmacy, David and Margaret Nicholson, Arthur Des Rocher, Franklin and Clara Rudisaile, Wanda Waters, Mr. and Mrs. Buddy Hendrix, Charles and Doris Sheible, Paul and Sendy Miller, Pam Culliton, Rudder Inc., Judy Koenig, Kathy Quinn, Ocean Electronics Design, Bowen Construction, Darl and Janet Bollman, Lisa Springer, Bill and Kathy Kutz, Scott Sutterer, Ted Gallup, Tom and Judy Grace, Mary Kiefer, Jerry and Linda Ruessler, Larry and Faye Balsman, Dale and Donna Rice, Wayne and Frances Taylor, Sondra Grindstaff, Jessica and Jon Miesner, Brooke Grindstaff, Jamie Grindstaff, Jared Kutz, Rehabilitation Professionals Inc., Bill and Mary Kiefer, Scott and Bridget Rice, and Jerry, Oris, Ben, and Emily Taylor.

Thanks again to everyone who has supported not only me, but the entire organization.