Hopkins 4K for Cancer

June 12, 2002

Day 11 (90 miles) Michigan City, IN to G
Waking up as though we have been hit by a massive truck is generally the way we crawl out of our sleeping pads and gather for breakfast. I guess it is how you would expect us to feel after biking all day, sleeping on the floor, and waking up the earliest many of us have seen in a long time. At least we have shelter and man, we are grateful for the people who let us stay at their organizations.

Today was a special day for many of us as it was many of our first trips to Chicago. We left the Michigan City YMCA as we normally take off in the morning, singing “Roll Out” as we roll out of the parking lot to our next destination. The weather wasn’t too bad, chilly enough, though, to tack on layers of clothing and enough for our muscles to tighten up after breaks.

Once we reached the city we got on the Lakefront bike path, which was an amazing trip through the city along Lake Michigan. Of course we had to stop every so often to take group pictures of the skyline. I must say that the greatest picture of the day was taken in front of the Aquarium of our human pyramid that with no doubt ended with lots of laughter and people landing on top of each other. The view of the city was amazing and the water was gorgeous.

We were welcomed with open arms to Vanessa’s house, a Hopkins student and friend to a several of the riders. We were able to shower and chow down on some home cooked grub. It just made us miss home cooked meals soo much more. With all of us struggling to keep our eyes open, we mingled and hung out together, excited for tomorrow’s day off to be spent in the city. I think we would all admit that days off are our savior; we finally have the chance to give our sore bums a rest.
Although we have known each other for less than two weeks, it feels as though we have known each other for years. We are forming friendships with the only other group of 24 college students that are riding for a great cause.

-Ashley Russell