Hopkins 4K for Cancer

June 4, 2004

Beautiful Sandusky
Today we made a short 40 mile ride from Avon Lake to Sandusky,Ohio. We made an enormous breakthrough unpacking the vans: assembly line. Will and I had shared a rack of ribs from a bar-b-que stand by the shore of Lake Erie. While the BBQ wasn’t quite as nice as the stuff from TEXAS, it what was definitely close. Afterwards, we joined the rest of the crew for some ice cream and then we made our way back to Jackson Junior High where we were graciously put up for the day. Kate and Rick Grim-Feinberg joined us for the past two rides and have been amazing with their support. The ride today was dedicated to all of the wonderful people we met at the Relay for Life and at the Hope Lodge in Baltimore, as well as( ask Travis) ………
We were fortunate to have breakfast provided at the Relay this morning in Avon Lake in the Cancer Survivors tent. We met a gentleman who was eleven years free of prostate cancer and who is looking forward to reading our journal entries online and learning more about the trip. Here’s to you Bob!
Hope you have a speedy recovery, Gowtham.

- Sravi


After biking 30 miles yesterday to get to the Relay for Life in Avon, we only had about 40 (very flat) miles left to get to Sandusky today. We could still catch glimpses of Lake Erie between houses throughout the ride. Our awesome hosts at Jackson Junior High School prepared an incredible meal for us, complete with fresh perch (caught by Scott Matheney- himself), spaghetti and meatballs, tossed salad, fruit salad, italian ices, and gingerale that even satisfied Phil’s high standards. We are dedicating tomorrow’s ride to our host’s brother, Mark, who was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer and a fellow teacher, ??.

On the way to grab some ice cream downtown, some of the group ran into the Cancer Society of Lake Erie. Hopefully we will be able to join their efforts to set up a walkathon or other event along the lake next year.

Our hosts even arranged for us to get into Cedar Point, an amusement park here in Sandusky. About half of us headed to the peninsula to check out the “best rollercoasters in the US.” Monica opted out of the rollercoasters to rescue a baby bird, dubbed Herbert, who apparently fell out of a tree at the park (seriously!). She actually picked up the chick and hitched a ride with a Church van full of children to a nearby wildlife refuge where the baby bird would be cared for and eventually released. She even made it back in time to ride “The Raptor,” but had to sacrifice her shirt in the meantime to baby bird poop. Everyday I am more and more impressed with the generosity and spirit of the people on this trip!

- Jessie


Several of us woke up to the stars after sleeping outside last night – AWESOME! We got an awesome breakfast courtesy of the American Cancer Society and the Avon Lake Relay for Life. I had the pleasure of spending this breakfast with Bob, a 12 year prostate cancer survivor who is now 70 years old and has attended several relays in a row. It’s awesome seeing all of the purple survivors ribbons around the relay!
After packing the vans, breaking down tents and getting set for the day, we headed out for Sandusky, OH, a short 40 miles away! And what a sweet ride! Perfectly flat, beautiful scenery along the lake and smooth roads. What more could you ask for? Well we found out! An amazing town awaiting us. I want to tell you that Sandusky, OH is a WONDERFUL town and the kind of place that I want to live in – for real! Sandusky, OH is situated on the waterfront, has a quaint, right out of Denice the Menace main street and every June a thunder rally. The best part though is the people. Last year, walking around town we met many kind folks. This year took the cake. Our host, Scott Matheney is the principal of Adams Junior High where we stayed. More on Scott in a minute, but not only did he donate most of his weekend to the 4K, give us the run of his school, arrange for us to get 1/2 price tickets to Cedar Point and catch, cook, and serve scores of DELICIOUS perch for our dinner, but he also absolutely welcomed us into his heart and his community. Along with two other teachers, Nan who teaches art and Tom a math teacher, Scott opened all of our eyes to Lake Erie perch – AMAZING. This trio also shared their fire for helping others, education, and startled all of us by revealing that teachers have social lives! Did you know that teachers go out, party, and do goofy things?? To all of my past teachers, you were holding out on me! The best part of dinner was definitely swapping stories and talking with these folks.

We capped off the evening with 17 of us heading over to Cedar Point Amusement Park – WHAT A BLAST! This was the first time that I fully relaxed on the trip and it felt great! We rode several sweet roller coasters (though P---- and I chickened out on going in the front of the Millenium Force and rode in the middle – it was awesome – we were wusses.) The best part though was hanging out together 100% socially while we were waiting in line. So, thank you Scott and Cedar Point!

I’d like to finish my entry with a note about Scott Matheney. Scott is the kind of man whom I hope to become when I grow up. Scott is a very giving, caring man who is deeply involved in his community. I heard several tales from his teachers about how devoted he is to his students and his family and friends as well. Scott is the kind of man who absolutely warms everyone around him. Not only have I been inspired by the courage of the cancer patients, survivors and stories that I have heard. But I have been profoundly influenced by many of the kind-hearted people that we have met. Scott, Rick from Greensburg, Pastor Doug from Bedford, and so many others stand out as role models for who I want to become. Thank You.

The next day, riding into Swanton, OH was a difficult one – long and windy. I had to dig deep to get through it. We dedicated our ride in part to Scott’s brother Marc and Jeff Mork, the band director at Adams. These two men got me through this ride. Jeff, I wish you and your family the best and I hope that you can meet up with the 4K when we come through next year. Marc, Scott shared a good bit about you with us, and I want you to know that we are all pulling for you with all of our hearts. In particular, Marc, I arrived in Swanton because of you!
PS Dewey wants me to write about him, so I am going to tell you that his Mohawk does not look nearly as cool as mine did last year. How’s that Dewey? Alright, how about this: try earning your red polka dot jersey! (He’s eating a brownie right now and that’s just gonna weigh him down in the Rockies!)
PPS As I am writing this, Monica is offering to walk down Jessie’s back (sore backs abound), also several folks are doing yoga (sore backs again), and phil (in between eating) is stretching his back as well.
PPPS I’d like to say hey to all of the old riders, sorry I have been so swamped, I need to call all of you!!
PPPPS Everyone on this trip is absolutely wonderful, but I’d like to take a moment to give a shout out to several who have been kicking in heart and soul. Monica, you are the glue that holds this bunch together and you can help everyone get through anything. Jessie, you are a rock! You do much more than your share without asking for any credit. Phil, your dad told me that you should be the trip chaplain. I thought to myself, you’ve got to be kidding. But Phil, you are an amazing person and brighten everyone around you (and not just through the stupid jokes.)

- Dan



This was our first headwind day! Tegan was the hero of my day, pulling through despite severe pain. Twelve Advils later, we rode up to the church…where the entire 4K crew was waiting on the lawn cheering their hearts out, still in uniform. My eyes misted it was such a beautiful sight and Tegan got this big silly embarrassed smile/grin on her face. Thanks guys. Right back at ya. Travis and I managed to warble our way through the entire spectrum of Disney music as a way of getting through those 80 miles. Both of us knew it all by heart. Go figure. Brian L. dealt with this situation with admirable aplomb and no disparaging remarks which means we can’t have been that off pitch. I’ve heard that Jeanette ran over a roadkill opossum, which strikes me as beating a dead horse. At night, we had a long cathardic powwow wherein at least two of us cried including yours truly. Many dreams, disappoints and hopes where aired out regarding cancer and although I felt wrung out afterwards, that was also the moment I felt the closest with everyone.
If Tegan was the hero of my day, Susan was the hero of my night. She got a phone call and suffered a personal loss that night, facing a very rough family situation with such courage and dignity I know she will come out fine. And I will be right there with her. The long day ended with Susan and I snuggled up in the van, safe and sound.

- Monica