Hopkins 4K for Cancer

June 29, 2002

Day 28 (94 miles) Bruning, NE to Frankli
I just had one of the most amazing days of the trip yet. After another 5:30 wakeup call, we got started out before 8. The day was fine for the first 80 miles. We played games in the morning. The landscape is absolutely amazing- Huge fields of corn and wheat, and flat for as far as you can see. After 80 miles we turned south for the last 14 miles, and immediately were hit by what felt like gale force headwinds, and they didn’t let up one bit for the entire ride. I was biking with Wylie, and we really pushed it hard, taking short turns breaking the wind. It was undoubtedly the hardest day yet. My knee started to really hurt, and it got to the point where every painful step required great effort. It was truly hard, but we finally made it to the church as I gulped my last drops of hot water. The bank thermometer said 95 degrees as we pulled in, and it was already late afternoon. It was an extraordinary ordeal, but we all feel great satisfaction having struggled through it. Ashley was also able to ride in the morning on Steph’s bike, but wisely decided to rest her injured knee for the afternoon.

The highlight of the day, and one of my favorite experiences of the trip so far occurred at the church. After an amazing dinner provided by the congregation, we got to sit and visit with them. Tons of people showed up, and it was wonderful. First, a few of us talked with a woman about life on a small farm. It was fascinating to hear about rural life in what she described as a rapidly changing world.

The best part for me was when I got to sit down and chat with an 88-year-old woman about her life. She’s outlived 2 husbands, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and her identical twin sister just died earlier this year. Her name is Helena Goodrich, and I don’t think I’ll ever forget her. I’m not sure why, but the whole experience seemed very meaningful.

We’re exactly 1 month from San Francisco today, and we’re all determined to keep pushing hard. I’ve already gotten so much from the trip so far; I can’t wait to see what this next month will bring. Well, it’s only 9:30 now- If I hurry I can get 8 whole hours of sleep! I think I’ll sleep well tonight.

-Travis Snow