Oh my god, I just can't believe it. Today was our last meeting, gah!!! We just biked 125 miles in two days, gah gah gah! It's amazing how doing something as grueling as biking 95 miles with 30 mile an hour winds and 50 mile an hour gusts in a day can make you feel every emotion. I mean I went from anxiety, to pain, to utter joy, to deliriousness, to indifference, to joy again. It's insane. Funny thing is, yesterday was much harder than Saturday despite the winds because my knees were killing me even though they were fine on Saturday, I guess I was just sore. I think as a person, I am just much more in need of mental training than I am of physical training. Not to say I'm in great shape, but I think I'd be a lot better off with a bit more belief in my heart. Nevertheless, if I don't have it now, I will soon.When I think about where I was when I started this whole shindig, it's just insane. I remember going to my first meeting back in 2008. It was the year after the first ride. I knew I wouldn't have the opportunity to even apply until my senior year so I didn't go to a meeting again until this year. Amazingly enough, I was selected. I remember getting that email and hopping around my apartment so happy! It's crazy that less than a year ago, I hadn't ridden a bike in 11 years and now I'm 17 days away from biking 4500 miles in 72 days!I'm still nervous but after today's meeting, I am really excited for everything. I am just gonna train as hard as I can over the next few weeks so I can be as ready as I can for this trip of a lifetime. I guess I'll talk to you next from the road.See you soon!
Thank you.
Blogs. I've never been a huge fan of them. Generally, I don't write 'em and I don't read 'em (except for yours, Laura!). In fact, most of my discussions about blogs haven't gone more in depth than debating the pronunciation of the word--is that a long o or a short o in there? As for writing them, I suppose I am uncomfortable with the thought of strangers reading my thoughts. With that said, I hope all of my "followers" will forgive me for blogging that will almost surely be intermittent and posts that are brief. I do intend to keep in touch with friends and family this summer, but for that I will rely on the much more personal form of texting. Oh, and an occasional phone call! ;)Now, for this post, I ask that you disregard my introduction. My intro implies that my future posts will not be extraordinarily meaningful (which may or may not be true, who knows at this point?). With this post, however, I can assure you that I am writing with the utmost sincerity. This is because today, I am writing to say thank you.Firstly, I would like to thank my parents. To start, I would like to thank you both for the monetary contributions that have enabled this ride. While financial support can be written off as "superficial", the help you two have provided in purchasing my bike and much of my gear has largely decreased the stress I would have felt otherwise. Flashback to Christmas day, I think that says enough about my level of gratitude!Money, however, is secondary to everything else you have done for me. The support you two have provided, Mom and Dad, is truly overwhelming. Dad, your enthusiasm on our family road trips has fostered in me a love of the United States, the outdoors and quirky roadside (or not-so-roadside, in the case of some of those Muffler Men!) attractions. This passion will undoubtedly keep me motivated on the days when the headwinds are strong and the hills are high. Mom, what can I say? This ride is for you. In this unconventional way, I hope I can show you just how much you mean to me and how thankful I am for you. As you have said more and more often these days, it's all about family. I could not agree more. We are all so incredibly lucky to have the presence of such a devoted and loving matriarch in our lives. You bring us together. And while I am dedicating this to you, I know it is worrying you. Don't worry, I promise to always be safe!To my siblings, relatives and friends, thank you for all of the wonderfully generous donations! Initially, I was concerned I would struggle to reach the $3,000 fundraising goal; however, the manner in which all of you contributed squashed that concern into nothing more than a measly afterthought. I want to recognize that your donations did much more than help me reach my goal, though. Each dollar you all have pledged is now a little soldier in the fight against cancer, bravely forging the way towards new treatments and discoveries! I thank you all, as do so many of the other people enlisted in this fight.Well, now I've gone and got all personal in a public forum, which is exactly why I was hesitant to blog in the first place. But c'est la vie. You all deserve to know how great you are! So, from the bottom of my eHeart, thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.Love,Katie
Out with the old, in with the new...
20 DAYS!!! So how do you know when you're ready to take on a cross-country bike trip?1.) When spandex becomes your outfit of choice and regular cloths just don't seem right.2.) When you've worked up an appetite for PB&J everyday.3.) When you've mastered opening up a Clif-bar while riding, and on-the-road hydration.4.) When changing a flat is no longer a question of if you can, but rather a game of who can do it faster. ( My personal best is still 13:25)5.) When you've trained right through the inner lining of your tires.Turns out as of yesterday I've reached #5. To be fair though those old tires did have some previous pre-training miles on them, but on my last ride it became pretty obvious it was time to swap them out. With a new set of tires on, and that new tire smell too, I think I'm just about ready to go. I can't wait to meet up with my fellow I4K -ers and start this adventure. It'll be great to meet so many new faces along this journey.
Let's All Earn a Badge!
Monday’s meeting was absolutely thrilling! It felt like a mix between graduation and going to the military. The 2011 team received team jerseys via Matt and President Connor, who then said “good luck with all of your endeavors” and gladly shook our hands.The ceremony was jam-packed with information and gifts. The distribution of our thankfully leather-free backpacks, my sleeping bag and pad was a particularly important part. Rachel Samaniego kindly ordered my backpack and kindly threatened me to pay her back once it arrived:“I don’t mind sleeping with two sleeping bags,” she said—and I was sure she meant it.But the hardest part was hauling everything home. At first, I took refuge at Undergraduate Library (UGL) in order to escape the rain. You could imagine the looks I got from people. Their stairs said “This guy really wants to pull a comfortable all-nighter.”Fortunately, I didn’t have to. Instead, I ended up going home around 12a.m. But, the rain had not left—lucky me. I didn’t know what to do. I had to haul all of these things to the farthest dorm on campus without the help from a bus. I mean, there were plenty of buses but I was not going to wait. I never wait. What was a poor, impatient, defenseless, freshman to do?IMPROVISE OF COURSE!!The light bulb turned on. I released the sleeping pad from its plastic confines and used it cover my backpack. The sleeping bag went over my head and off I went down the south quad, strapped to two back packs, a sleeping bag and my laptop.No one took a picture. I’m sure it would have made many laugh. I mean, sure I was a bit miserable haling everything but when I got home I felt like king! I showed off my new jersey, mainly to myself, and went to sleep. I did not take if off. I was too proud. I had just finished a journey, a small one, but a journey nonetheless.With that said, I can’t wait to start the big one, the real one, the one across the country. By the end, we will all have earned our jerseys; of that I am sure. Of course they will be sweaty, perhaps even torn, and forever stained with grease; but, I feel these are necessary imperfections, badges, and, even, a must. I now have one a badge. I encourage everyone to get one too.“To Cristian E. Garcia, for best technique when surviving a storm—the improvisation badge.”
Illini 4000 Benefit Show
This Friday, April 29, at 7:00pm, The Illini 4000 will host a benefit show at Caffe Paradiso.There will not be a cover charge, but there is a suggested $5 donation to benefit the Illini 4000. We will also have some Portraits on display from our Portraits Project exhibition which took place earlier this year.FEATURING:7pm- Good Luck Janehttp://www.myspace.com/goodluckjane7:45pm - Arcade Across the Roomhttp://www.myspace.com/arcadeacrosstheroom8:30pm- Zach May, from Zach May and the Mapshttp://www.myspace.com/zachmayandthemaps9:15pm - The Leadership, acoustic performancehttp://theleadership.bandcamp.com/*Also, support Caffe Paradiso and purchase food or beverage!
Burn lines are cool?....NOT
In twenty days so much has happened and I can only image how much will happen when twenty days go by on the ride! So from 41 miles I’ve now made it to 75 miles - basically there to the daily 80-110 miles.We went on a training ride of 65ish miles and let me tell you it was a test for me. The headwinds were ROUGH, the rain did not help, and the fact that I could not feel my hands or feet was a new feeling when biking. When traveling in those conditions it was hard for me to keep trucking but the mere thoughts of what I was riding for and that I was not alone kept me pushing hard. My teammates and I stopped at a McDonald’s and I befriended the hand-driers; I even named them Stanley and Roger hahaha. I was able to regain circulation, feeling, and warmth while giggling with Lindsey aka The Rock. It was amazing to see how our moods changed when the rain stopped and we got to ride with a tailwind. I was so overjoyed I started to write songs: “Tailwinds, tailwinds, tailwindddddddsssssssssss OOOOOOOOOOOHHHH!” à to the tune of J.Biebs “Houses and trees, houses and trees, you make me so happy I could SIIINGG!”You can bet I’ll be singing these songs on the summer ride when there’s tailwind, crosswind, and maybe a light headwind.Katie and I did a training ride just the two of us. We got a little lost but Momma G helped us out! We got to cross this especially narrow bridge and managed to get lost again! We ended up finding our way and stopping at a gas station. On the way back we bumped into another cyclist who was finishing a really long ride. Talking to him made me feel connected to the world of cycling and I felt like a true roadster!The next training ride (aka this past Saturday) we went 75 miles throughout Illinois. I was selected to be one of this week’s ride managers and it was a new challenge for me. The lessons I learned from the ride were: 1) when times get rough for me I need to talk about food, play would you rather, or sing songs 2) a lot of toads/frogs verbalizing together sound like aliens 3) gas stations are amazing yet slightly expensive 4) laying down on the ground feels like a bed when riding for long periods of time (therefore my sleeping pad and sleeping bag will feel like heaven) 5) I learned what a pace line is and how to pull off a jug-handle. It was a really nice ride because it was very comparable to how day over the summer will be. I think it will be WAY more amazing though because I won’t have to come home to massive amounts of homework! Oh and I did not fall but I did get badly burned on my arms.Yesterday, at our team meeting we were given our team backpacks and team jerseys! I tried my on when I got home and boy did I feel so cool! Putting on that jersey made me feel like ok, I’m really doing this, I’m really apart of this organization, I really am an Illini 4000 rider. I wonder how I’ll feel when I’m riding in that jersey, or how I’ll feel on event days, or how I’ll feel when I’m standing at the train station in 26 days…..26 days… In that time I still have to buy more gear, clothes, and travel accessories. Not to mention graduate, have a job interview, finish all my classes, move out of my apartment… o boy let’s stop this list now before the stress sets in!This weekend I get to go on a long ride and then end at Kickapoo for our team overnighter. I’m too excited I cannot even tell you!May the winds be with you,Ellie
It Only Gets Better...
What a week. Last weekend we went on a 75 mile ride through Fischer, Rantoul, and FLATVILLE just to name a few. 75 miles was surprisingly manageable, all this training is really paying off. Even though we increase the volume of miles biked each week, each week gets easier. It is so peaceful to be out on the open road with nothing on your mind except admiring the scenery and wildlife around you. Coming home after the ride, to reality, is pretty crummy. Hello stress/exams/labs/etc. Anyways, these longer rides are starting to show us what our summer is going to be like. At times we are going to face 30 mph winds, at times we are going to face rediculous weather, at times we are going to push ourselves further than any of us thought possible, but each test we have had in our training we have conquered. 60 miles through 40 degree weather with rain, we can handle it. Inreasing our workload by miles each week, no problem. Raising $100,000, bring it on. We are a team, and we succeed as one.The week was already going well, and then we hit the $100,000 mark. We have raised over $108,000 and that number is still climbing!!! And it only gets better. Our fundraising totals are climbing rapidly, we have a benefit concert this friday night, and we have our 90 mile ride and camping trip at kickapoo this weekend. And it only gets better. School is so close to being over. Some of us will graduate, and all of us will be in for the best summers of our lives.
So much excitement!
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).
"I didn’t know my family history...but it turns out that I had a huge family history with this. My mom’s three brothers all had colon cancer when they were [in their] late 20s, early 30s and her father also had colon cancer [in his] early 30s. But I didn’t know about it, and that’s another message that I personally want to get across. Go find out your family history and medical history."
Here's a video from the American Cancer Society about getting tested for colon cancer: http://www.cancer.org/Healthy/ToolsandCalculators/Videos/get-tested-for-colon-cancer-english
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.
The summer is coming...fast.
This summer is coming up so fast! Yet, not fast enough :). It's almost unreal the journey that is about to take place. But I am so lucky to share this experience with amazing people.Our hard work is definitely showing. We are so close to $100,000, I can taste it. We have all been diligently training, and though I'm not a pro, I can feel my endurance improving. I've probably never worked as hard in life as I have during my involvement with Illini 4000. I.love.I4K.Today myself, Eric, Ron, and Maggie (great company, right?!) took a short 45 mile ride today. Our original intentions were to go for 72, but the weather had a different plan for us. Probably within 15 minutes of our ride, it started to pour. These raindrops hurt and bursted into freezing water when it made contact with our bodies. We faced reality and decided that 72 miles was just not a good idea. BUT! We managed to get 45 miles in looping about the outskirts of campus. Definitely not a wasted day. I probably could have gone longer if my feet were not frozen blocks of ice. We literally stopped at one point, took out shoes off, and wrung the water out of our socks. It was temporary fix, until it started raining again.One of the highlights was stopping at a gas station. The handblower felt so good. I was tempted to somehow stick my feet under it.Though we didn't complete the 72 miles, I'm still proud of us for lasting as long as we did. The company of my team really helped me keep going. Maggie's laugh can warm any soul up, haha. I'm hoping it will not be this cold this summer. I'm always keeping my fingers crossed for good weather.With each meeting, training ride, and I4k event, I get so excited for this upcoming summer. I see the photos of previous rides and think about this summer: my face burns with excitement, my heart beats a little faster, and my stomach jumps. The idea is still wavering in the air...29 more days? Really? For real, real? It's like, why am I sitting down on the computer typing, I should be on my bike right now getting ready.Wow, just, wow.
The best 2 mile ride, EVER!!!!!!!
So today was going to be a great ride. Got on my bike, met up with Maggie; we were going to do a 20-25 mile ride. It was going fine, even bumped into Pi along the way. I noticed my tires were low on air so I stopped to pump my tires about a mile and a half or two miles out. Pumped the back tire no problems. Attempted the front tire, wasn't working. Spent about 20 minutes until I realized I probably had a slow leak. Put in some new tube, filled up the air and it actually worked this time. As I was pulling off my pump from the gasket, the gasket broke. Along with it, went all the air I pumped and a chance to actually ride somewhere. Thus, I was stuck on the side of the road :(On the upside, it was the best 2 mile ride ever!!!!!!!!!!! I wasn't tired at all, after all, if I can do 2 miles what's 75? ;) Nevertheless, the fact that my pump adapter broke, allowed me to figure out how to change my pump so I can use it on a Presta gasket! I guess I no longer need that thing anyway! Probably should get some new tube though :/At least Maggie got to do a ride! I would have felt really bad if she wasted any more time with me. Anyway, since I have no tube and it's now dark, I'm gonna head to the gym instead! Talk to ya soon!
Busy Week for the I4K
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.
32 Days Left!!
Only 32 days are left before the ride and I am very excited. We have all really stepped it up, biking more and more taking advantage of the beautiful spring days. I am also having mixed feeling about the final weeks of my college career. Im definitely going to miss college. I have really come to learn more about the world and more importantly, myself these last 4 years. But I am very excited for what is to come. Im sure I will never forget this coming summer, as we take on the US on two wheels. I have really come to enjoy our team, a mix bunch of people that love to help people.My goal for the next month is to finish school strong, bike strong, and enjoy my last 30 days as a student at U of I.Team I4K 2011
The Joys of Victory
No one said what we are about to do is going to be easy. Nothing makes this clearer then the conditions we faced on the previous training ride. Through hard work and perseverance we were all able to overcome the ferociousness of mother nature.Our day started off with gloomy skies and wet roads. By the time our tires had hit the pavement the wind, rain, and cold had joined forces to make our ride dreadful. We continued onward towards Allerton Park in Monticello knowing that the obstacles we are about to face are minuscule compared to what others have to face on a daily basis.On the ride out to Allerton we faced a moderate headwind that impeded our average speed to single digits. With the help of Brad Topol, a senior rider, we were able to keep our spirits high. We kept telling ourselves that with every headwind, there is a tailwind.31 miles later we arrived at our destination. I glanced at the other riders and everyone had this look of excitement on their faces, like children on christmas eve. We all knew that there was no way that we were going to take a break. We turned around immediately, and apologized to the splendid wind for cursing it out minutes before.The wind pushed us home at speeds reaching 30 miles an hour. Of course with great power comes great responsibility, as Louis learned the hard way. The potholes along the way proved to be too much for his tires to handle at such great speeds, and he had to change a couple flats. Weather aside, twas a great day with great people.Do zobaczenia!Jan W.
My Dear J.S. MEHS, Thank You for Aiding the Fight Against Cancer
About two weeks ago, before students of J.S. Morton East High School, in Cicero, left for spring vacations, a collection table stood just to the side of the cashier's office. There, students paid and received little slips of paper with a small hole punched-out at the top. The small, pink square had a picture of a cyclist and read something along the lines of this: "Help Alum Cristian Garcia Ride for Cancer."To my dear high school, there are no words to describe my gratitude. Thank you so much for your generosity and know that people across this nation will benefit from your contributions. I know for a fact that this out-of-uniform fundraiser, for some, was merely an opportunity to finally be able to present yourself at school without those retched khaki pants and white polo and, quite frankly, I do not blame you. Nevertheless, for the vast majority of students and staff who I am certain donated with a deep meaningful cause or personal fight--know you are not alone. Know you are never alone.Whether it be your parents, relatives, friends, or, simply acquaintances who suffer, know we--the riders of the illini4000--also have our reasons for participating in this journey and, we, also want a cure. Your nearly $1,000 donation has brought us one step closer in the right direction and, for that, we should all feel proud for this universal plan for cancer's demise.I wish the 2011 J.S. MEHS Seniors a happy graduation and I ask my brother for an apology.Because of this trip, I will not be able to attend your graduation. But, know that you're my brother, know that I love you, and know that I will, at the very least, be in Illinois and celebrating your mile-stone from a distance. I'm proud of you and I know that our sister school--UIC--will treat you well as you explore your many talents.Thank you Student Body President Fernando Silva and the MSGA. Thank you Princi-PAL Zarate and kind staff members. And, thank you all for believing in us--because of you, we ride.Sincerely,Cristian Enrique Garcia
Oh The Power of Wind
On Saturday we completed a 62 mile training ride. This is not only my longest ride to date, but definitely the toughest, wettest, windiest, and wildest. We were facing the toughest winds I have ever seen and the entire ride to our destination it was right in our face. At that point we were only able to go at single digit mph's. I don't think my spirits have ever been lower on my bike (who I have officially named Darlene after my fraternity cook). I was cold and couldn't feel basically any of my extremities.When we came to Allerton Park and were able to turn around, I was ready as ever, but we were graced with that strong wind formerly in our face now riding with us. We were able to ride in speeds upwards of 30 mph during this time and made our return trip in less than half the time it took to get there. I thought to myself, this is what riding is all about; going on the open road with no worries in the world.I had a lot of thinking on this up and down trip. I know I will get down at times and wonder what did I get myself into, but then again there will be the times where I will never want it to end. Then I thought to myself, I am doing this for a reason, and no matter how hard the roads may become, it is nothing compared to what those we ride for face on a daily basis. I feel almost silly complaining about the cold or the rain or the wind when I have been so blessed in my life. This is a very motivating way to look at this trip and all it's work involved.I feel like our team is becoming closer and closer as the days progress towards the ride. I love meeting these new and interesting people and cannot wait to go on the ride of our lives.Well that's all for now. I will hopefully be back very soon!
the brutal elements of nature: wind and sun and whatever keeps giving my bike flats
I woke up at 7 for the team training ride and heard thunder and rain outside my window. Disappointed that the weather was terrible I grabbed my rain jacket and went to Allen to meet up with the team. We began the ride after learning how to change a flat. The ride started off cloudy and chilly, but about halfway through the sun came out and I began striping off the layers. Eric taught me how to tie my jacket over one shoulder and under the other so it wont drag on the tire (works very well). I got a flat just before we got the the “park” in Sadorus. Thats my second one this week. I need to invest in new tires very soon. At the park Dory sat on bird poop and cleaned it off with a dirty stick, i think were prepared to get dirty this summer. After I got back I took a shower and noticed extreme burn lines on my arms and legs. Heat is actually still radiating from them. I went to the store to get sunscreen to avoid this pain in the future. The tan lines this summer are going to be intense and very unattractive. I went to Dory and Marks fundraising event that night and had a good time. I would like to thank Pi for everything he has done to get us ready for the summer. He has put a lot of effort into making sure each of us are physically and mentally prepared. Only 40 more days until we begin this journey. Sunday Kelsey, Jan, his girlfriend, and I decided to take a ride to homer lake despite the weather channel warning that there are very strong winds. We decided to turn around about 5 miles short of the Lake. There were two short stretches that the wind was at our back and Kelsey and I hit our top speed of 27.4mph. Last night we had our monday night meeting. Pi flooded us with bike information such as how to make adjustments and maintenance. It was pretty overwhelming and a lot to take in at one time but I’m sure over time I will be a pro at it all. Today Kelsey, Sean and I went on our weekly ride and made it there without getting lost or having any falls. Improvement! We had a picnic at Homer Lake, well more like eating trail mix and apples in the grass. We had to deal with winds again today but not nearly as strong as the past rides. I’m excited for 24 hour cycle on the quad Thursday and Friday. I plan on being at the booth whenever I‘m not in class and pulling an all nighter! This Saturday we have yet another team training ride 62 miles this time. So many great memories with the team and so many more to come.
Training Rides, Tan Lines, and Thank You’s
Illini 4000 sure has been doing a great job keeping me busy in my last semester here at the lovely U of I. The past two Saturdays we have been out enjoying the spring weather and our bicycles while on team training rides. This past Saturday we rode 50 miles, out to Lake of the Woods in Mahomet, and back. The weekend before we braved the wind along with some alumni riders who joined us on our 36 mile ride eastbound to Homer Lake. 50 miles is the most that I have ever ridden on a bicycle, and it keeps baffling me that this summer on several occasions we will be doing twice that distance in just one “century” day. I am really enjoying our long rides and have found them very entertaining, despite the rather flat scenery of cornfields and the occasional bird or squirrel that cross your path here in Central Illinois. While it takes several hours to complete our lengthy training rides, they have been flying by.What never fails to amaze me is the positive energy that my fellow teammates bring with to each of our training rides, meetings, and events. Despite the physical challenges we are facing including nerves, sore bottoms, and backs, what seems to be most memorable about our rides thus far are the songs, stories, and laughs we have shared along the way. We have a great group of riders, and I’m excited to be spending the summer with such a diverse group.Unfortunately on the past two training rides one essential that has slipped my mind is applying sunscreen! My forgetfulness has resulted in a rather uncomfortable and strange patchy sunburn on my arms, right above my knees where my bike shorts begin, and on my cheeks. I have finally purchased some super strength sun block and aloe that I will undoubtedly be applying before each ride from now on.Another great event that I have not written about yet was the opening night of our Portraits Project Exhibition at the Independent Media Center in downtown Urbana. This was a very inspiring night that began with the showing of the documentary What People Do, about the inaugural I4K team. The producer of the documentary was there and shared his insight and thoughts on creating the documentary. One of the founders of the Illini 4000 also spoke at the event, and hearing him express his excitement about the ride really got me fired up for this summer. The main focus of the night was on the opening of the first ever Portraits Exhibition, in the form of an art gallery open to the public. I worked as a member of the Portraits committee throughout the year, transcribing stories from cancer survivors, several from the ride the previous year. I also helped capture a portrait with a group of 2011 riders on campus in which we interviewed, Steve, a 2010 rider, U of I student, and cancer survivor. His story was unbelievably inspirational to me and seeing it displayed so regally in our Portraits Gallery was a real sense of accomplishment. I would also like to thank Gabrielle Fairbrian, the director of the Portraits Project for the 2010-2011 school year, a 2010 rider, AND a 2011 repeat rider, for all of the hard work that she did in preparation for the Portraits Project Exhibition. The night would not have been a success without her. She is an inspiration to me, and I’m so excited to get the chance to ride my bike across the country with her this summer! The turnout for the opening night of the gallery was phenomenal and brought tears to my eyes as I begin to better understand the impact that the Portraits Project and the Illini 4000 for Cancer has on our community alone.It is with my sincerest gratitude that I would like to thank all of those in support of the Illini 4000. The donations that I have received from family, friends, and strangers all the way from New York, to Florida and everywhere in between mean so much to me. This trip wouldn’t be possible without you, and I would like to let everyone of my supporters know, that whenever I am going through a tough time, during training, or this summer, what is sure to get me through will undoubtedly be your support.
!!!WIND!!!
One thing I have recently grown a hatred for is wind. It is possible that the winds have remained constant throughout my time here in Champaign, but I have only recently noticed it because my frequency of riding has increased.Of course I am not one to complain about a tail wind ;) ....Saturday Connor, Eamon, Tracy, Lee, and I ran the Camp Kesem 5k at the arboretum. We swept the top spots with Eamon and Tracy winning first in their respective categories. Their reward? What else but a boat load of Red Bull. After the 5k Connor, Lee, and I did a 40 mile ride out to Lake of the Woods in Mahomet.The route took us through some beautiful landscape, well as pretty as corn fields can get. Along the way we found a real neat house that was built into a large earthen mound. It looked like a house from lord of the rings. We trespassed and inspected for hobbits, but my guess is they were having either luncheon or afternoon tea.The path through the lake of the woods (LOTW) reminded me a lot of the Skokie Lagoon trail back home, but LOTW is much shorter. It was a pleasant change in scenery that revitalized our quads.My favorite part of the ride Saturday was being there with Connor and Lee. These two great guys are a hoot to have around. The three of us chatted and joked so much that we forgot to take breaks along the route. We ended up comfortably finishing our ride in around 3 hours. Connor has done the ride twice, and is moving on to other things this summer, but I look forward to spending more time with the rest of the team this summer!à tout à l'heure !
"Bring Baby Wipes and You'll Be Fine"
Yesterday we rode 50 miles, which left us all feeling a bit loopy on breaks. I think we all got a little taste of what the dynamics of our group is going to be this summer. And all got to know each other just a little bit more. We named it "Awkward intimacy." Nuff said.Pi was my group's ride leader and I was glad. He definitely taught me a lot about leading rides. I learned not to slow down on overpasses because it makes it difficult for the people in the back to maintain balance, thus making their experience scarier as cars are whipping by less than a foot away. I think I was just hesitant and a little scared so I would slow down. I improved as time went on though (right, Pi?). I love leading. It is a challenge but it takes me out of my comfort zone which I know is essentially making me tougher. I told my team that I'm kind of a wuss and that I hope this ride makes me tough :) They got a good laugh out of that, I didn't realize I was being funny.Today I did about 24 miles with Linsey, Jan, and his girlfriend Erica. The winds were very strong. Linsey and I definitely felt like we were going to be knocked over a few times. Overall I enjoyed the ride though. I'm looking forward to this Tuesday's ride. Linsey and I want to cover a lot of ground in preparation for our 60 mile ride this Saturday. I'm also pumped for 24 hours of cycling on Thursday! MORE LOOPINESS TO COME! And hopefully a ton of awareness for our cause is spread :)I'm definitely in love with Illini4000.
Training for an adventure of a lifetime
So, it turns out I had never ridden more than 15 miles before I4K. Yesterday, I rode 50 and last week I rode 37 through the wind. Last Saturday was rough, no doubt. Mostly because I just was not prepared for it. I was discouraged and disappointed in myself. So I knew I had to train way more. This past week I went out for rides, went to the gym, and biked around campus since the weather was finally back to riding weather. It was great. I felt so much stronger. I wouldn't say I was ready for 50 miles, but I was definitely more prepared.Yesterday was awesome. I was able to keep up with my group members for the most part and I learned how to change a flat and how best to use my gears. I hung out with my teammates and just enjoyed the ride. It helped that I didn't fall and that my cleats didn't come lose like they did last week. I also realized that, sadly, Indian people are not able to avoid ridiculous tan lines, though mine were not as bad as other people :(Overall it was a great day. Due to Erik's ability to know directions like the back of his hand, we did not get lost and were the first group to arrive. I couldn't believe how fast the time flew. I wasn't bored at all. It was nice just to ride and enjoy the views around, the smells on the other hand....Anyway, I have some great teammates and a great group of alumni leading us through our training.After the ride, I rushed home for a fundraising event that I epically failed at reaching on time. It's amazing to see people's reactions to what you are doing. So many people I spoke to were confused or amazed at what I was doing. It was neat to talk to people after I had done a longer ride, I definitely felt more confident about the summer.There have already been ups and downs, but I know that riding this summer will make me stronger, both mentally and physically, than I have ever been. I am excited for the prospects of this adventure of a lifetime.