We've made it to another state as we continue to trudge westward!
And what trudging it was! It rained for most of the day today (and I'm sure you're all familiar with how much I dislike cycling in the rain--it's so uncomfortable). However, unlike last time, the temperature was higher and the rain was warmer so it wasn't so bad. Besides, (like I always tell myself) I'm sure any cancer-patient would much rather be having to deal with a day in the rain than having to deal with cancer. Suddenly the rain doesn't seem like much of a problem.
So I get over it, and I move on. I stop periodically to wipe my glasses and scrub some mud off my shins, but I keep going, along with my group, along with the whole team. We keep moving, pushing forward to our next destination, which just so happened to be Ann Arbor, Michigan. We took the back roads out of Ohio, through farm fields aplenty and famished fallows, over dirt roads and muddy potholes, past crossroads with no street signs and turns that looked like something out of a scary movie (have you ever seen Wrong Turn?). Despite getting lost, pedaling through mud (up hills, mind you), being hungry, wet, and cold it was still a great day. The rain stopped, the roads became paved and we had a filling lunch.
On this ride things turn quickly, shifting from bad to good and from good to bad as often as we shift our gears along the way. Still, everyday still manages to be a great day. Everyday is a great day because we're alive, we're moving forward, and we have the support of many, many others. Additionally, I'm learning to be grateful for the little things, things normally taken for granted: a shower to clean me, some food to feed me, and a place to rest my head. I'm grateful for my loved ones, my health, and the opportunities that I have been so fortunate to have come across. Not everyone has such things, but I wish everyone could.
I'm truly grateful, and that's why I believe I'm truly happy. What have you taken for granted today? You're one "thank you" away from happiness.
Don't forget to smile :), it's good for you,
James
---------------------------------------
Today's ride is dedicated to Kathy Ramos, a neighbor and family friend who is bravely undergoing the battle against cancer. Today is to show her that she can do it and that there are those of us out there who are fighting alongside her in many different ways. Best wishes and blessings!
Tuesday, June 12
Day Fifteen: Feeding Time (Food Van Duty)
I maintain a love-hate relationship with van duty. On one hand it's nice to have a day off the bike and it's fun to go around and collect donations for the team. On the other hand sometimes you just want to be out there on the road with the team cycling the route. Plus, getting food donations can be very frustrating--it's a lot of pressure to have to find food for 27 people, people who will be very hungry and very mad if there isn't lunch.
So far it's been going well. All van riders have done a great job of securing meals for lunch (and dinner when necessary). Today was no different, though it was off to a shaky start. My co-pilot Molly and I received a lot of what we like to call the "corporate card." It goes something like this: You ask to speak to the manager, introduce yourself, your co-pilot, the organization and present the official letter head to then hear "I'm sorry, but we can't do anything at the store level, you'll have to apply through our corporate office." This is, in fact, usually a lie. Walmart, Target, Giant, Weis, McDonalds, Tacobell, Subway, Dominos, Papa Johns, Chipotle and so many other chains have already donated to us. Now it sometimes depends on the owner of a particular location, but in general, managers have some pull for small donations without having to go through a corporate office. This information, of course, makes it all the more frustrating to hear a manager attempt to pull the corporate card. Fortunately, we have learned to not be so easy for taking no as an answer. Sometimes all the manager requires is a little more persuasion.
I recognize that some people may not be so fond of the idea of a group of students scrounging around for free food, however this is essential to 4K for Cancer operations. Food donations from generous, kind-hearted people from across the nation allow for low overhead costs. Imagine for a moment that the 4K had to pay for all food and lodging along the route. The cost would be astronomical and no funds would be left for the cancer patients. By securing food and lodging for free, the 4K for Cancer can send the maximum amount of money raised to programs and operations that directly impact cancer patients.
In fact, as a whole we have raised nearly $500,000 (we are only $40,000 shy of this goal, which would make us the most successful cross-country cycling fundraiser in existence). This is an exciting time for all connected to the 4K mission--we have a chance to make history and have a greater impact on lives across America. I think that's something worth donating and cycling for.
To those who have donated--whether you have donated time, money, food, shelter or even showers, THANK YOU. The 4K for Cancer could not exist effectively without your loyalty and support. It is astounding to see the good of the world united on one front, fighting for a cause deemed worthwhile. Every day of this trip I am reminded of how remarkable people are, and how generosity and kindness are not dead in the world. Days on the 4K teach me to hold on to hope because the human potential is truly infinite.
"Hope springs eternal" -Alexander Pope
James
----------------------------
Today's ultimately successful efforts were dedicated to Luis DeSousa Pereira, the father of a donor. I will hopefully be posting more about Luis and his life in the near future.
So far it's been going well. All van riders have done a great job of securing meals for lunch (and dinner when necessary). Today was no different, though it was off to a shaky start. My co-pilot Molly and I received a lot of what we like to call the "corporate card." It goes something like this: You ask to speak to the manager, introduce yourself, your co-pilot, the organization and present the official letter head to then hear "I'm sorry, but we can't do anything at the store level, you'll have to apply through our corporate office." This is, in fact, usually a lie. Walmart, Target, Giant, Weis, McDonalds, Tacobell, Subway, Dominos, Papa Johns, Chipotle and so many other chains have already donated to us. Now it sometimes depends on the owner of a particular location, but in general, managers have some pull for small donations without having to go through a corporate office. This information, of course, makes it all the more frustrating to hear a manager attempt to pull the corporate card. Fortunately, we have learned to not be so easy for taking no as an answer. Sometimes all the manager requires is a little more persuasion.
I recognize that some people may not be so fond of the idea of a group of students scrounging around for free food, however this is essential to 4K for Cancer operations. Food donations from generous, kind-hearted people from across the nation allow for low overhead costs. Imagine for a moment that the 4K had to pay for all food and lodging along the route. The cost would be astronomical and no funds would be left for the cancer patients. By securing food and lodging for free, the 4K for Cancer can send the maximum amount of money raised to programs and operations that directly impact cancer patients.
In fact, as a whole we have raised nearly $500,000 (we are only $40,000 shy of this goal, which would make us the most successful cross-country cycling fundraiser in existence). This is an exciting time for all connected to the 4K mission--we have a chance to make history and have a greater impact on lives across America. I think that's something worth donating and cycling for.
To those who have donated--whether you have donated time, money, food, shelter or even showers, THANK YOU. The 4K for Cancer could not exist effectively without your loyalty and support. It is astounding to see the good of the world united on one front, fighting for a cause deemed worthwhile. Every day of this trip I am reminded of how remarkable people are, and how generosity and kindness are not dead in the world. Days on the 4K teach me to hold on to hope because the human potential is truly infinite.
"Hope springs eternal" -Alexander Pope
 |
| The view as the team entered Toledo, OH--our YMCA home for the night. |
James
----------------------------
Today's ultimately successful efforts were dedicated to Luis DeSousa Pereira, the father of a donor. I will hopefully be posting more about Luis and his life in the near future.
Day Fourteen: Fun at Cedar Point
If only we actually rested on rest days!
Today we ventured over to Cedar Point (virtually the only thing Sandusky had to offer other than Bike Week 2012). I had never heard of Cedar Point before this trip and I have no idea how that happened. Cedar Point is, by far, one of the best amusement parks that I have ever been to! It certainly gives my local Six Flags a run on its tracks (and Cedar Point is a little cheaper).
The park was fun but exhausting. I quickly learned that standing in line in anticipation in the Ohio summer sun is more exhausting than pedaling through the heat. At least when pedaling you have some wind to cool you off. We rode a few coasters, saw a country music show at one of those mock saloons, and went on swings that rose 301 ft into the air to end the day with an amazing view of all of Cedar Point.
In the end, today's rest day just made me more tired. I can always sleep tomorrow, right?
\
Keep Awake!
James
Today we ventured over to Cedar Point (virtually the only thing Sandusky had to offer other than Bike Week 2012). I had never heard of Cedar Point before this trip and I have no idea how that happened. Cedar Point is, by far, one of the best amusement parks that I have ever been to! It certainly gives my local Six Flags a run on its tracks (and Cedar Point is a little cheaper).
 |
| Cedar Point's famous Dragster, a fast, high climbing thrill coaster. |
The park was fun but exhausting. I quickly learned that standing in line in anticipation in the Ohio summer sun is more exhausting than pedaling through the heat. At least when pedaling you have some wind to cool you off. We rode a few coasters, saw a country music show at one of those mock saloons, and went on swings that rose 301 ft into the air to end the day with an amazing view of all of Cedar Point.
In the end, today's rest day just made me more tired. I can always sleep tomorrow, right?
\
Keep Awake!
James
Saturday, June 9
(Lucky) Day Thirteen: The Wheel Ahead
Nope. Not much of it. I even passed by a beautiful garden, without knowing, and thus didn't stop to smell the roses.
Why?
I was focused on the wheel ahead of me. No, seriously. For most of today's 64.3 miles I focused solely on the back wheel of the person in front of me. I was with a very fast group today, a group that I knew from the beginning would be a challenge to keep up with. I accepted the challenge readily, consciously choosing to not be that guy that slows the whole group down.
And I wasn't. You see, the way to get faster on a bike is to focus on the wheel of the person in front of you. Simply stay determined to keep up with that wheel at all costs. You will block everything else out, zone in on your goal, and push yourself farther than you thought you could. Better yet, at the end of the day you will be a very tired but noticeably faster cyclist.
So thank you Meg, Casey, Caiti and Stephen for pushing me above and beyond my limit and helping prove to myself that I can go faster and further.
But I did get to see the lunch stop, and what a beautiful spot it was along a river in Ohio:
There was a bountiful of food, an ample amount of time to rest, and a lovely spot to sit and watch the water. I'm liking Ohio more and more every mile.
Settling in Sandusky, Ohio we didn't realize that it was bike week--that is motorcycle week--and that all festivities were taking place two blocks down from our host, the First Congregational Church. So, in 4K fashion, we put on the best biker outfits we could and headed out to check out the food, music, and motorcycles.
 |
| Bike Week in Sandusky, OH. The band Midnight Special is covering some classic rock songs. |
Personally, it's not my scene, but it's a new experience with good people and another memory from the road. If this keeps up I'm going to have enough stories for a lifetime.
Ride On,
James
--------------------------------------------------
Today's ride was dedicated to Doug, the ice cream store owner from yesterday, his cancer stricken brother, and all cancer patients that have given up hope. We're riding so you can find more hope than you ever though possible--I know I already have only 13 days in. Cycle. Inspire. Unite.
Day Twelve: Territory Westward
Save yourself the trouble of debating it with me--Ohio is a western state. Take it from an east coast city boy, anything to the left of PA on a map is indeed west. Today we rode 81 miles "westward" into Ohio. This is especially exciting because this is as far west as I have ever been! Seeing the "Welcome to Ohio" sign forced me to realize what a journey I had begun and just how far I have come in a relatively short amount of time--less than two weeks. From this point forward, it's all new states!
Renewed in my passion for 4K adventure, the 81 mile trek did not seem draining at all, (although lack of sleep did make me slightly drowsy during the few long miles before lunch). We were able to stop and get ice cream donate from Doug, whose brother is suffering from cancer and has decided not to fight it. Hearing this was disheartening and the perfect motivation for completing the day.
Riding into Cleveland from the east was particularly interesting, given the state of the area. It did not lend well for first impressions. However, over the course of the evening I saw more of Cleveland, a charming city, and the surrounding area. A 4K Alumnus, his parents, and parents of some of the great team members of this year's trip, came together to host a scrumptious dinner. By far, the best part of the night was sitting around an outdoor fireplace with the team stuffed with delicious food. Cleveland looks pretty good from that seat!
So far I'm loving the "west" and its cities. I can't wait to get moving again.
Westward Bound,
James
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Today was dedicated to Corina Correia Rodrigues, the aunt of a donor who passed away from breast cancer. I hope to be hearing more about Corina and sharing her story with you in the coming weeks.
Renewed in my passion for 4K adventure, the 81 mile trek did not seem draining at all, (although lack of sleep did make me slightly drowsy during the few long miles before lunch). We were able to stop and get ice cream donate from Doug, whose brother is suffering from cancer and has decided not to fight it. Hearing this was disheartening and the perfect motivation for completing the day.
Riding into Cleveland from the east was particularly interesting, given the state of the area. It did not lend well for first impressions. However, over the course of the evening I saw more of Cleveland, a charming city, and the surrounding area. A 4K Alumnus, his parents, and parents of some of the great team members of this year's trip, came together to host a scrumptious dinner. By far, the best part of the night was sitting around an outdoor fireplace with the team stuffed with delicious food. Cleveland looks pretty good from that seat!
So far I'm loving the "west" and its cities. I can't wait to get moving again.
Westward Bound,
James
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Today was dedicated to Corina Correia Rodrigues, the aunt of a donor who passed away from breast cancer. I hope to be hearing more about Corina and sharing her story with you in the coming weeks.
Day Eleven: Heaven at Camp Sherwin
The day was long and arduous, but the terrain was calm and flat in comparison to Day 4's surprise century. My wonderful group kept me laughing for all 106 miles, making the 12+ hours on the bike route all the more bearable. Today's century didn't feel like the last one.
Along the north something shocking occurred: a deer darted out in front of our drafting line, brushing the front tire of the leader's bike and dashing off into Route 5 traffic. Luckily no one was hurt and we all got to trudge on and laugh about the scare. All is well on Team Seattle. The route itself is beautiful. I love riding along lake Erie. The water glistens blue under the sun while the coast beckons us to sit on its beaches.
Along the route we stopped at a strawberry farm for freshly picked strawberries. In short, they were the best strawberries I've ever had.
Better than riding along the lake is spending the night by it. Our generous hosts at the YMCA Camp Sherwin provided us with dinner, breakfast, storage for our bikes, beds for our weary heads, and beautiful camp grounds for our enjoyment. We gathered to watch the sunset over lake Erie, , which was absolutely stunning. The hues of red and blue faded into a starry purple as the horizon slowly swallowed the sun. Afterwards, we gathered around the campfire to celebrate the day and roast marshmallows for smores.
There's no better way to end a 106 mile day than a sunset over lake Erie and smores over a campfire. This is one of my favorite days on the 4K thus far.
Keep Warm by the Fires,
James
-------------------------------------
Today was long and difficult and therefore dedicated to my grandma, whose memory kept me pedaling even when my legs cried out against it.
Along the north something shocking occurred: a deer darted out in front of our drafting line, brushing the front tire of the leader's bike and dashing off into Route 5 traffic. Luckily no one was hurt and we all got to trudge on and laugh about the scare. All is well on Team Seattle. The route itself is beautiful. I love riding along lake Erie. The water glistens blue under the sun while the coast beckons us to sit on its beaches.
Along the route we stopped at a strawberry farm for freshly picked strawberries. In short, they were the best strawberries I've ever had.
Better than riding along the lake is spending the night by it. Our generous hosts at the YMCA Camp Sherwin provided us with dinner, breakfast, storage for our bikes, beds for our weary heads, and beautiful camp grounds for our enjoyment. We gathered to watch the sunset over lake Erie, , which was absolutely stunning. The hues of red and blue faded into a starry purple as the horizon slowly swallowed the sun. Afterwards, we gathered around the campfire to celebrate the day and roast marshmallows for smores.
There's no better way to end a 106 mile day than a sunset over lake Erie and smores over a campfire. This is one of my favorite days on the 4K thus far.
Keep Warm by the Fires,
James
-------------------------------------
Today was long and difficult and therefore dedicated to my grandma, whose memory kept me pedaling even when my legs cried out against it.
Wednesday, June 6
Day Ten: Time To Do It All Again
By this time in the trip we have certain things down to a routine: the morning wake up, packing, breakfast, checking the bikes, circling up, and heading out in our ride groups. But today was different. Today was a glorious rest day! And I was in luck-- I got to sleep in!
While others went to the Buffalo Hope Lodge for an afternoon of service, I wandered down to the lake front. It was absolutely beautiful and more massive than I realized, stretching farther than my eye could see. This excursion was brief, and we soon headed out to gather food donations for lunch. Buffalo was kind to us, donating pizza, Mongolian buffet, and Buffalo Wild Wings.
We returned back with a van stuffed with food to feed our hungry do-gooders. I assisted the mechanic and others with checking the bikes an performing some minor maintenance. I've learned a lot of important information about changing tires, patching, degreasing, lubing, and adjusting brakes. Hungry again, we cooked breakfast for dinner and geared up for a local ABC interview (I will post the video as soon as I get it!). However the best part of the night was going out with the team for some Duff's famous wings while watching our news segment premiere on TV. It brought a sense of pride and accomplishment that every evening of the 4K brings. I've never been more productive in my entire life.
Tomorrow we will start the routine all over again: up at 4, groggily pack, dress, and force ourselves to eat, check our bikes, circle up for the day, and finally set out--all by 6 am. With a century ahead of me, I'm off to sleep. Tomorrow is sure to be a long day.
Savor Every Moment,
James
----------------
Today was dedicated to the wonderful hosts at the Harvest House for opening their doors, hearts, and wallets.
While others went to the Buffalo Hope Lodge for an afternoon of service, I wandered down to the lake front. It was absolutely beautiful and more massive than I realized, stretching farther than my eye could see. This excursion was brief, and we soon headed out to gather food donations for lunch. Buffalo was kind to us, donating pizza, Mongolian buffet, and Buffalo Wild Wings.
We returned back with a van stuffed with food to feed our hungry do-gooders. I assisted the mechanic and others with checking the bikes an performing some minor maintenance. I've learned a lot of important information about changing tires, patching, degreasing, lubing, and adjusting brakes. Hungry again, we cooked breakfast for dinner and geared up for a local ABC interview (I will post the video as soon as I get it!). However the best part of the night was going out with the team for some Duff's famous wings while watching our news segment premiere on TV. It brought a sense of pride and accomplishment that every evening of the 4K brings. I've never been more productive in my entire life.
Tomorrow we will start the routine all over again: up at 4, groggily pack, dress, and force ourselves to eat, check our bikes, circle up for the day, and finally set out--all by 6 am. With a century ahead of me, I'm off to sleep. Tomorrow is sure to be a long day.
Savor Every Moment,
James
----------------
Today was dedicated to the wonderful hosts at the Harvest House for opening their doors, hearts, and wallets.
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