Day 0 was the second rest day for the team in New York City. We visited one of our beneficiaries, Damon Runyon - who funds high-risk, high-reward scientists working on cancer research. We did plenty of sightseeing and took as much time as we could to relax before the big day ahead of us when we get to hop on ours bikes and start our journey!
Quote of the Day
“Ducks can fly???”
RIDE OVERVIEW
Mileage: ????? by foot
Elevation: 33 ft. (elevation of NYC)
Points of Interest: Damon Runyon, The Battery, Staten Island, Statue of Liberty, New York Stock Exchange, Rockefeller Park
Tales of the Trail
This morning, the team got up to meet with one of our beneficiaries, the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation! We enjoyed breakfast with them as some of their scientists informed us on their most recent research with targeted therapies and CRISPR technology! It was incredible to get the opportunity to see the impact that our fundraising work is making. We appreciate damon runyon for filling our hunger and taking the time to meet with us personally. To read more about their mission and research, visit their website at https://www.damonrunyon.org.
Afterwards, the teamset off to explore the city once again! Most of us ended up taking the Staten Island Ferry to get a better look at the Stature of Liberty. We then continued to explore New York by visiting the Stock Exchange and Rockefeller Park. Some very necessary souvenirs where bought along the way and the team enjoyed getting to spend another day in New York City, exploring everything it has to offer.
The team visiting Battery Park!
Statue of Liberty!
Nicole, Harbin, and Hanxi on the Sta
Veronica checking out the NYC apron at a souvenir store
Stephanie enjoying NYC street food
The day ended with the team unwinding by drawing pictures on the van with our mission, and preparing spaghetti and lentils for dinner – a nice percourser to what the rest of our summer dinners will look like, and we ate outside on the patio. Afterwards, everyone got prepared to hit the hay for an early wake up the next day to meet with the B+ Foundation and set off for our 2025 ride from Central Park in NY!
Harbin and Yuncong decorating the van by drawing the Statue of Liberty!
We’d also like to thank St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Manhattanville for hosting us these past two nights and supporting the Illini 4000 and our mission! Can’t wait to update you tomorrow after our first official day of the ride!