The past month has been a whirlwind and it is only just beginning. It’s hard for me to comprehend how close we are to departure as my mind has been focused on finals, graduation, and moving home from Urbana. I loved each and every moment I spent at the University of Illinois as an Advertising undergrad, and I’m sure I will miss it very much. Having such a great team to be a part of and an amazing trip to look forward to made graduation less sad that I had pictured it would be. All the excitement from this past weekend has done a great job at keeping my nerves about the trip at bay. I’m looking forward to having lots of time to think about what a great experience the past four years have been while on the road this summer. I almost forgot to mention, I got the best graduation gift, a coveted Brooks Saddle, which is sure to prove itself in the coming months.After packing and moving home an entire van full of my personal belongings, I can’t help but compare the small team issued backpack that we have been given for this summer. Now I am nitpicking each and every item that I will be bringing on the trip, laying them all out before carefully packing up my bag for Friday.This past week I went for a leisurely 14 mile bike ride with my Dad on a trail near our house. He kept asking me if he was slowing me down, to which I assured him he wasn’t. It was a great “training ride” for my Dad as a preparation for the family ride along in June! I also took my bike in to Richard’s Bike shop in Palos Heights where I purchased it to make sure everything is in top shape for departure. I was sure to pick up a few last minute essentials too, such as a spare tube for my saddle bag for when I get my first flat.On days when I get nervous or have any doubts about being prepared for the trip I think about all of the hard work that has gone into preparing for this summer. We as a team have been working towards our departure date for almost eight months now, sweating it out in the gym, building up our mileage on training rides, fundraising, and buying all of the essential gear. As a team we would not be where we are today without all the help, dedication, and advice we have gotten from the alumni I4K riders and especially the board of directors. I would like to personally thank each and every one of you for all that you have done; you have set an amazing example for our team and I have learned so much!Well, I’m off to go on a ride, but be sure to look out for my next post, which will most likely be from the road!