Hopkins 4K for Cancer

June 15, 2002

Day 14 (86 miles) Dwight, IL to Clinton,
We got off to a late start in Dwight, Illinois on the 14th day of our journey. To the Rocky Soundtrack we dressed and prepared ourselves for what had become an average day. The terrain was rather flat while cornfields followed cornfields for the duration of the day. Trees found by the roadside were a rare but lovely sight offering a little shade and a respite from the blazing sun.

After roughly 40 miles we stopped for a long lunch offering a breather during a day that would soon turn sour. The clear blue skies had suddenly shifted and sinister clouds blanketed the horizon. In a hurry we packed our lunches and began to ride in a vain attempt to beat the storm.

The skies were angry that day my friends, like an old man trying to send back soup at a deli. The wind began to pick up; one could see the rain heading in our direction from the starboard side. We rode on, despite the powerful gusts of wind threatening to thrust us into the lane of oncoming traffic. The storm finally hit us, a mix of rain and hail assailing us. Lighting crashed off in the distance and thunder boomed over our heads. Many of us abandoned ship. Ditching our bikes we ran into the middle of an open field to avoid being hit by the lightning which was already too near. Crouching on the ground we saw Cap’n Hanley foolishly continue into the thunderstorm. The wall of water continued on to the port side leaving us sopping wet and shivering. It was a long while before we could finally say that we were dry.

Clinton was one of the bigger cities that we had passed on our way that day. Rolling into Clinton High, it was great to have a hot shower and change into some dry clothes. A nearby McDonalds graciously donated dinner for the group. Meanwhile, the school’s Principal had valiantly arranged for us to stay at a hotel the following night, as well as for Cardinals tickets in St. Louis. The power of the Hopkins 4K has been able to surprise us all each and every day.

-David Shahmoon