I am very excited to get back on the road again this summer. So excited that at times (basically all of the time), I can't sleep. But I think this is normal for all I4Kers. Since my last post, a lot of amazing things have happened, let my list begin!24 Hours of Cycling - For 24 consecutive hours, the I4K was on the quad asking for donations, sharing our cancer memorial board, and most importantly, riding for those who have been affected by cancer. I took 2 short naps, but otherwise was awake and with the team the whole time. I feel so fortunate and grateful to be surrounded by wonderful human beings. It's also quite wonderful to be out on U of I's quad around the hours of 3-6 AM, we have such a beautiful campus.Relay for Life - Wow! Relay for Life is an exceptionally beautiful event. Two 2010 riders, Megan Larson and Disha Patel, played very integral roles in planning Relay for Life, so much applause to those 2 wonderful women. One of the things I like most about Relay is how this event is all about celebrating life and fostering hope. There is also a strong sense of unity at Relay, which provides even more support to those who are a part of the fight against cancer.Training Rides - These are always fun, but I can never sleep the night before them because like I said earlier, I am too excited. I am so proud of everyone because the weather has not been on our side for many of the rides. The most recent ride in particular reminded me how much I really do love to hang out as gas stations, but how gas station food really breaks my bank.Brooks Saddle - A 2010 rider, Jaime Kelleher, recently gifted me with one of my now most prized possessions--a Brooks saddle. I love my Brooks so much. I frequently glance at my bike to admire my new saddle and sometimes it even makes me smile. That was a very nice thing of Jaime to give (Brooks are not cheap). So from the bottom of my heart, thank you girl!$101,150 - As of today, the 2011 I4K team has raised $101,150! This means that we have raised over $100,000 two years in a row! At our most recent Board of Directors meeting, we celebrated this monumental achievement with food and sparkling grape juice. It feels very good to be a part of something that is making a difference in the world.Thank you to every single person and company that has donated to me and to this organization. Words can not describe how grateful I am for each donation we receive. With out you, this non-profit would not exist.The following is advice from Abby Bott, a 24-year-old UIUC graduate from Alton, Illinois. In November 2009 and during her senior year at UIUC, Abby was diagnosed with stage three rectal cancer (which is one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States).
On our most recent training ride, my group stopped for water and some minor bike adjustments. When we looked at the ground, we found evidence that a wild Piyum was loose in the cornfields and stopped for a Fruit Loops break at the same place as us! Those Pi's can't be tamed.