Right now I'm sitting on my plane out of San Fran trying to make time pass...(the flight has been delayed for 3 hours!) It's finally hitting me that the trip is actually over. After months of waking up and getting on your bike, it starts to become completely normal. I guess you start believing that biking is your new life and the friends you eat oatmeal with will always be there to keep you company. I never expected to miss it all so soon but I definitely do. These past few months will be hard to top. Even though we were technically doing the same thing all the time, every day was a new adventure. The landscape constantly changed and we barely slept in the same place twice. I met people each day and listened to a million stories. It's incredible to see how others define and experience life in 19 different states. Just watching and listening to people from across the US helped me figure out who I want to be.Carrying my aunts necklace in my saddle bag across the country made me feel ready to ride each morning. She's the one who got me through the toughest climbs and the windiest days and it was all worth it for her. Seeing my family in Missoula was one of the best parts of the trip. After weeks of traveling it was nice to experience relatives who are familiar, warm, and connected to her. My last night in Missoula it stormed for a short time before all of sky turned bright pink and I couldn't help but think the sky was changing for her. The sunset that night was one I don't think I'll ever forget. We learned this summer that cancer is everywhere we are and it feels really good to know that we gave people hope for the future on our journey. I wouldn't trade the sweat or exhaustion for anything. Other Notes:I learned a lot from strangers this summer, but I learned just as much from my teammates who I can now call my friends. I don't know how I would have done this without them. Not only because they are amazing but also because they are much better at paying attention to cues and directions than I am...It's incredible to see the country from two wheels and I think this trip has definitely given me a sense of patriotism and loyalty that I've never felt before. Also Megan and Cassie, if you're reading this you are the best older sisters anyone could ask for. Thanks for being there to greet me in San Fran!! #sistertrip
South Dakota
Right now I'm writing this from Rapid City, South Dakota! We can officially say we've entered the west and today is the exact halfway point for our trip. Thinking about those things alone fill me with to a of mixed emotions...I'm excited we've come so far, sad it's halfway over, and curious to see what else is in store for us. Yesterday we did 100 miles in about 100 degrees through the badlands. It was a long hot day but definitively one of the best days of the trip so far. The hills were gorgeous and although some of the climbs were unexpected, reaching the top was incredible and the views on every downhill more than made up for all of the sweat we put into the day. The people we run into on the trip have been so inspiring. I think my favorite part about being a young adult is getting the chance to learn about life through older adults and listening to their struggles, mistakes, advice or even just a story or two. While cycling in Minnesota a group of us ran into motorcyclists who were raising money for breast cancer research. After just a few minutes of taking with them we met Penny, who brought out cancer awareness bandanas, bracelets, patches, and key chains that said strength (which she said were to help us on our journey) to give to each of us. As we went to leave, all of the other motorcyclists came up to us and opened their wallets emptying their pockets and giving us donations for the cause. It was one of the most memorable experiences of the trip for me thus far. Cancer brings us together because we're all determined to fight it. It's that determination that enables us to persevere through even the hottest and hardest of days and the people we interview for our portraits project are the best kind of motivation. I still wear my breast cancer ribbon on my jersey every day and carry with me the rest of the things Penny gave us...just a small reminder of what I'm fighting for and a small token of the generosity we constantly run into on the road. Ps- motorcyclists often get a bad reputation so i promised to help clear the air for them and i want to let you all know they're actually teddy bears who would give you their leather jackets if you needed one.
Oh, Chicago
So right now I'm sitting on my sister's couch in her apartment in Chicago. It's crazy to think that I'm back right where I started this journey. We have really come a long way and I can now cross 8 more states off my list of states to visit. I think it's interesting to see the way things change between state lines...I always thought the lines drawn on U.S. maps were arbitrary but I'm realizing that with nearly every state we pass through the lines are almost like invisible ink marking noticeable differences between boundaries. That might be one of the things that makes the U.S. so beautiful to me. It's so different but unified at the same time. I don't really know if I'm describing that right, maybe I'm not good at explaining it...I guess I just like the way that every state has its own personality visible through the landscape, the people and the way they talk, and even the street signs or the plants along the road.After we rode through the Appalachian Mountains in the east we headed through Ohio and rode through the state in about one day. This was our first 100 mile day as a team, and my first 100 mile day ever. It was great though. The weather was perfect, the pb&j was delicious, and my group couldn't have been more entertaining (we spoke in british accents for most of the day). When we arrived in Indianapolis my aunt and uncle (heeeey Aunt Shary!) drove an hour from their home to meet me and spend the rest of the day with me. It was great to visit, eat dinner with them, and catch up with my cousin Marty. Seeing family even if it's just for one night is often the best kind of break you could ask for. The next day was also a great one as I was pleasantly surprised in Rockville, Indiana when my cousins Matt and Tommy came to visit! It's so good to see familiar faces, it means a lot to me and I'm happy that this trip across the country allows me to catch up with family along the way. A lot of times we rely on the kind words or actions of our families to give us strength on our journey and there's something to be said about people in your life who go out of their way to support you or let you know they care. I've been really spoiled lately when it comes to seeing loved ones. After we rode through Indiana we arrived in Champaign where my sister Cassie surprised me at our welcome event. After seeing her, I was able to spend the rest of the day with my good friends and sleep in my apartment. It was a strange feeling showering in my own shower, sleeping in a bed, and doing things without 27 other people. But it was amazing and a much needed refresher, not to mention soooo awesome seeing the people I miss!After Champaign, I was even more spoiled as we headed North to my hometown of Clifton! Although we had really heavy (I think 14 mph) head winds to face the entire day, I could not wait to be home. It was a cool feeling riding through towns like Onarga, Gilman, and Danforth. With every town we passed I would count down the number of towns we had to continue through before I was home. After stopping at the gas station in Ashkum to visit Mardelle (my favorite cashier) we continued into Clifton where welcome signs lined many of the roads (my friends parent's made signs, the church made signs, and even the welcome sign on main street was dedicated to our team). It was awesome to say the least, I really could not have grown up in a better place. A lot of people don't understand why I like living in a such a small town, but I think maybe some of my team understands why I love it after our visit. It's the community that's important, not the population. My sister drove all the way home after work in Chicago that night just to see me and meet some of my team, I got to hug my mom, see my neighbors, my high school teacher stopped by to wish me luck, and even Biscuit (my dog) greeted me when we arrived at the church. Thanks to gracious hosts at Zion, we were all stuffed full of delicious homemade pasta, fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, salad, cheeses, and a million desserts. Our dinner was extra special because cancer survivors in the community prepared and served our meal...it was awesome! After eating, I was able to reconnect with my friends from home. It was amazing to be back in the country, sitting at a bonfire, and talking with my best friends like I had never even left. I don't know if they'll ever understand how much they mean to me. The next day we arrived in Homewood and once again, I got to visit with my friend Emily who lives in the area. It was short but much needed, I miss her already! After arriving in Chicago, I've spent the past day with my sister sleeping at her apartment, eating delicious food, and relaxing at the beach. I'm pretty lucky to have older sisters they're always giving me advice, food, and laughs. It's been an incredible week filled with people I care about. After this luxurious week, I'll be challenged again with some windy days and hilly lands in Wisconsin. I think we're up for the challenge though! Here's to the west.PS- Dear everyone at home: thanks for all of your hard work, warm welcomes, and offering up your showers/homes/food it means the world! : )PPS- I did our ride dedication from Champaign to Clifton for you, Coach D. Thanks for getting us there safely, you're guidance was helping us pace-line the wind!
Hello Midwest
I haven't journaled in a long time, mostly because I've been exhausted from biking through the Appalachian Mountains. It's been an incredible experience so far, but the days have not come easily. Riding up really long steep hills is something none of the team is used to since we're all from the flattest region of the country. Although the last week was physically and mentally demanding it was rewarding and stimulating at the same time...not to mention, the scenery was beautiful. Waking up every day at 545 is becoming extremely easy and I'm still amazed by all of the kindness and generosity that we have encountered at each and every stay over. Everyone warmly welcomes us into town and i think I've eaten some of the best meals of my life this summer.I'm starting to really love riding and it's pretty cool to see the different group dynamics that happen between 28 individuals. The people I'm surrounded by are amazing and it's still exciting getting to know everyone on a different level. Head winds or mountain tops are nothing to worry about when you're riding alongside great people.Two days ago I ran into a man who was outside of his car holding up a sign with his wife and little girl that said "family in need, anything helps" I decided that instead of spending my spare cash on some McDonald's ice cream, I'd walk over and give it to the family in need. (Ive been eating way too much ice cream lately anyway). While talking with the man, I found out that he had been diagnosed with kidney cancer and had to quit his job because he could not bear the physical stress that it put on his body. Because of appointments and other surgeries he was continuously behind on paying bills and continues to struggle. He explained the hardships that cancer brought on and said that it's embarrassing to talk about. He told us that he hasn't been able to get a lot of the medication he needs because even transportation to the doctor costs money and he's more concerned about making sure his little girl has a place to sleep at night. It's eye opening to think about just how prevalent cancer is. I'm hopeful that the efforts we're making now will have an impact in the future. Cancer is all around us but maybe it's connecting us in powerful ways that we never imagined.
Life on the road
So a lot has happened since our journey started on May 23. Since I've never really been to the East Coast, it's been an exciting adventure so far. I was able to visit NYC for the first time, see the Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 memorial, attend an event on a NYC Skyrise rooftop, and ride my bike (hidalgo) out of Central Park. It's been incredible so far visiting New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Deleware, Maryland, and Washington D.C. I especially remember our stay over in New Brunswick, New Jersey where the Thakkar's (parents of a previous rider) graciously welcomed us into their home and gave us inspiring words that I've kept with me on the ride. Mr. Thakkar told us that it might be hard at times, but it should be easy for us to keep going because we all know we're doing this for the right reason. He said that determined people are able to put how they physically feel behind them and give the most and that's what separates the determined from the weak.After moving through New Jersey and Delaware we entered Maryland. The start of the day was really awesome I had no idea how beautiful the state really is. After taking some photo opportunities at the welcome signs, we started heading deeper and deeper into the grunt of some really steep, really long hills. It certainly was the toughest day thus far. I have to thank my Aunt Kathy Jo, Coach Denton, and Julianne's sister Katie (our ride dedication that day) for getting me through one really challenging afternoon. But even with all the challenges this ride day presented us with, it's still so rewarding. Arriving at your destination 80 miles later makes everything worth it, especially when you get to visit the Baltimore Hope Lodge and talk with cancer patients about some of their struggles and triumphs. Life's full of them, and I guess that's why they call it life.It's so amazing learning about different peoples' outlooks and I think that's one of my favorite parts our the trip. At the Hope Lodge, I was able to help conduct a portrait and learn about how cancer impacts family life, jobs, financial security, and completely interrupts normalcy. Despite all of these things, the people we interviewed agreed that it was something put in their lives for a reason and they'll stay positive forever. It was really neat to see the way they joked around, laughed, and remained grateful for everything they had. I'm learning about the importance of optimism. Today during my spare time I got to talk with some of my family and friends from home and just hearing their voices puts me in a great mood! I'm excited to see how these next few challenging days progress!
The East is Calling
So tomorrow's the day I'll pack up a few belongings, toss them into a rucksack, and head out of here on a train to New York City. I remembered when I first interviewed to be on the team I was asked what I would be most apprehensive about and I told them it would without a doubt be the traffic in NYC, because it's completely out of my element. Now, riding through traffic is probably not even on my list of concerns. Actually, I'm not sure what exactly is on my list of concerns. I think that list got thrown out the window a month ago. Small things like traffic or rain don't seem like much to worry about anymore. On our 60 mile ride we were in constant rain but I ended up looking at it sort of as a gift. It made things easier and almost helped me glide on the pavement. At one point I was asking myself if I would ever be able to ride without it. When things get tough I'm learning to push through the difficulty and convince myself that whatever obstacles are in my way aren’t even obstacles to begin with. The things I used to be worried about are extremely pale in comparison to the physical and emotional tolls that cancer takes on those affected. I think the last portrait I was a part of really helped put things into an even greater perspective. Gary, who suffered from pancreatic cancer, told us that through everything the hardest part for him was gong to chemotherapy and seeing other people in the waiting room. Even though cancer was taking an extreme toll on his own health, he was worried about the person sitting next to him. I wish everyone had his mind set.Now, when I wake up at 8:00 am for class I rise out of bed without a word and think to myself it could be 5am and I’m lucky to be able to go to class in the first place. I find myself biting my tongue when walking through the cold, and when we're riding on miles of jagged gravel I think to myself it could be hailing while we're on this road. Life’s beautiful when you look at it the right way, and I think Gary helped to teach me that lesson. I constantly think about the people I know who have gone through or are currently going through cancer treatments and those people are real heroes facing obstacles I couldn't imagine. I can't thank them enough for their strength which continues to aid my own when cycling. This adventure of a lifetime is soon to be started and I'm happy to say my list of concerns has been replaced with a list of things I'm excited about.Side Note: I'm still completely blown away by the support of my community and extremely thankful to the numerous friends and family members around me who have donated or wished me luck on my journey, you guys are amazing!
"There's a whole lot of good"
I guess I just assumed that hosting a spaghetti supper was as easy as making noodles, adding sauce, buying salad in bulk, and selling tickets ahead of time. I thought it was totally do-able and that me and a support team comprised of my two older sisters and mother could handle it together. I could not have been more wrong. Even though I logically had the supper planned out…I missed so many important details that needed to be accounted for. Somehow, though, everything just seemed to fall into place. My 4-H leader from years past had donated to my team and when I ran into her at a basketball game when I was selling tickets, she told me to stop by the 4-H meeting that was conveniently held the next morning to thank the club myself, and read the thank-you letter I had written them. After talking with my leader and other moms in the club the next morning, they suddenly volunteered to arrange desserts for the dinner. A few days later, my mom called me and told me that the same women (amazing women, might I add) called and volunteered to help coordinate the supper. It was so great hearing that there were people who actually WANTED to help out and did so just because they could. This group of women got together and brought tickets to town meetings, basketball games, local businesses, their own families, their friends, anyone and everyone who was reachable. They acted as my messengers just constantly spreading the word and letting everyone know what I was doing and how they could help. I often asked myself: why are they giving so much of their time to help me out? How can they be so generous? I still ask myself why. It seems like things seem to just have a way of always falling into place and I can’t exactly explain it. I guess you could say I’m a lucky girl, but I don’t even think that would do it justice; it’s something beyond luck.Each day for the last week our friends in the community have committed hours of work to helping me out in my quest to raise money, fight cancer, and cycle across the country. It’s funny the way things work out sometimes. In all, I’m learning soo many lessons unrelated to anything cycling. I guess, on this journey, I’m learning about life. My goal for hosting this spaghetti supper fundraiser was not to just raise money for cancer, but I wanted to actively engage the community in what I’m doing. Every year the Illini 4000 stays in my small town of 1200 people but less than a third of the community know what Illini 4000 is. I want people to see me and be able to connect to the cause…After tonight, I think I did a pretty fair job of that on top of reaching my fundraising goal and smelling like pasta. But, I owe all of the success of the fundraiser to my supportive friends in the community. I think there is something to be said about the strength of community and the bonds you create with people. I learned that in life you have to remember to smile a lot, do a lot for other people, and maintain all of the relationships that you create. You never know when you’ll need a hand, or five, and so I’m going to make sure that I’ve got five on hand when I need them : ) Thanks Clifton and Iroquois County. Tonight I learned what it means to have a home, it’s something more than a house and a family to come back to…it's neighbors who make dessert, pastors who donate their parish to you, relatives who surprise you, sisters who clean tables, and moms who stress out. Luck doesn’t even begin to describe it, and after commenting on how generous the volunteers were, one said to me: “Well, you know, people talk a lot about the bad, but there’s a whole lot of good still happening in these small communities.” He couldn’t have been more right. Here’s to the end of fundraising, and the beginning of the journey.
We're Young and Inspired
I can't believe I'm doing I4k, I really cannot wait to cycle across the United States and I DEFINITELY can't wait to do my part in supporting research. Every time I see someone wearing a live strong bracelet or a breast-cancer awareness t-shirt, I get a little hopeful. When I'm older (and hopefully when cancer is much less of a problem) it's going to be gratifying to look back on this experience and know that I took a part in changing it. I think as students we too often take a back seat using the excuse that we're too young to be involved in something as large as cancer. I'm glad I4k gives me the opportunity to do something about a disease that's kills one person each and every minute.On that note, if you'd like to donate to me...YOU SHOULD TOTALLY DO IT : )