Hopkins 4K for Cancer

July 13, 2002

Day 42 (81 miles) Naturita, CO to Moab,
“Wake up little Suuuzy, Wake up little Suuuzy” … even at 4am and with little sleep I woke with a smile on my face. Dawn and Leah were driving today and knew that music was the way to our hearts. Waking up in a state of delirium (a common occurrence) I danced my way to breakfast. Soon later the natural high was beginning to wear and the sun had still not risen.

We put on our matching jerseys, packed the vans, finished bike maintenance, and had our morning moment of silence then we were headed to Moab, UT. Today we were crossing borders…always a fun day! I jumped on my bike excited for the day ahead…I had a flat. But no worries Leah lent me her front tire and Blair and I were off. The first 30 miles were fairly flat and done by 7am! Everyone was feeling great and ready to take on the first mountain pass of the day. As we turned the corners of each switchback in the road we were certain the top was near. It is amazing how the mountains look like they could not possibly go any higher, and yet the road still goes up? I still have yet to master the ability to correctly estimate the summit. Around each bend our eyes were pealed for either van as lunch was waiting at the top. As we turned one corner a group of us heard a hysterical Gary hollering from above “don’t come up here it’s impossible”. Someone thought he could scare the girls…haha…no such thing!

After the two mountain passes and biking through a herd of cattle (I never thought I’d be so scared of cows), we met up with Ryan’s mom, Katie and Andy 20 miles from Moab. Immediately we all fell in love with Ryan’s mom and Katie. (Betty…Katie reminded me of you!)

In Moab Rajeev was able to get us each a free bike tune up at Moab Cyclery. Not only were they extremely generous but also they could clean bikes better than any of us and in half the time. After watching professionals fix our flats and degrease our bikes we headed to Katie’s house. Showers, food and a day off ahead… we were all very happy bikers.
After a great lasagna dinner and star gassing on the roof I was ready for a good nights sleep. We all deserved a day off and looked forward to Arches National Park.

- Stephanie Beaudet