After bringing home my new road bike this week, the reality of this whole experience has started to hit. I'm filled with a mix of excitement and nerves at the thought of what this summer has in store, and the only thing that seems to help ease my mind is to take my bike out for a nice long ride. Never before have I owned a road bike, and despite this fact, being on my new bike I could not feel more at home. While it's still a bit colder than I would have hoped this spring break, I have gotten the opportunity to ride around some of my favorite places in my hometown and the surrounding areas. Unfortunately over the past week, I found out that one of my friend’s parents has been diagnosed with lung cancer, and hearing this news has helped reassure me that I am doing the right thing. It feels wonderful to be a part of an organization like the Illini 4000 for Cancer, which is truly making a difference in other’s lives. I am ready to take my new cycling gear and put it to action as I join the rest of the team back in Chambana shortly after break. It will be exciting to experience our first ride together as a team and I will surely be blogging about the experience next week.