With only 32 days until the fifth Illini 4000 Bike America Team leaves NYC, things are in full swing. The new team has proven dedicated to the organization and the cause, especially during this past week - a busy one for I4K.This past Thursday, the Illini 4000 put on its second annual 24 Hours of Cycling Vigil. Members of the Illini 4000, including new riders and alumni members, cycled on stationary trainers from noon on Thursday to noon on Friday in order to raise money and spread awareness about Illini 4000 and cancer. Despite a cold evening and rainy Friday morning, there was never a moment without a rider on a trainer. The event was a great success!This past Saturday, riders faced some brutal weather on their third official training ride: persistent cold and rain. During the first half of the 62-mile ride, many riders struggled to ride faster than 10mph because of strong headwinds; on the trip back, however, some were able to reach speeds around 30mph. This weather was a far cry from the sunny, second training ride. During the second training ride, every team member was required to remove his or her back tire and change the tube (simulating a flat tire). Such knowledge is invaluable on the road, and has proved useful, as many riders have been unfortunate enough to have already gotten a flat.Shortly after the training ride, I4K members headed over to the Armory to participate in Relay for Life, a 24-hour walk and fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. The event is hosted by Colleges Against Cancer, a fellow Registered Student Organization at the University of Illinois.Stay tuned for more updates! Please make sure to take a look at our gallery, which has been updated with new photos from our Alumni Weekend and Relay for Life.