Hopkins 4K for Cancer

June 28, 2004

Benkleman, NE
This morning we got up at 6:30 at an already busy YMCA. We packed up and got ready while listening and singing to the “Grease” soundtrack (some of us missed our calling!). The morning was cool, but the skies gave way to sunshine, something we haven’t seen in awhile. After packing the vans, we biked across the street to Arby’s for breakfast. Everyone ate well at Arby’s and many of us were excited about coffee, even though we probably should not have drank it before a ride.

After we were all stuffed, we had our moment of silence and we were off for the day. Jeanette and I decided to continue our adventurous week so we biked together again today. We got a bit of a late start because Jeanette had to change a flat before we could be on our way. Some of the locals had warned us that today’s ride would be hilly till we got about 10 miles out. The ride didn’t seem too bad. Jeanette and I biked along at what seemed like a leisurely pace, singing and talking like usual. About 15 miles out, Jeanette and I grew silent. We were completely overwhelmed by the horizon. Suddenly everything around us just opened up and we could see forever….no buildings, no skyscrapers, just plain natural beauty. I immediately thought about one of my favorite Dixie Chicks songs….”I want to look at the horizon and not seen a building standing tall, I want to be the only one for miles and miles, except for maybe you and your simple smile…”

Jeanette and I stopped to take a few pictures of the landscape and began to ride again. We broke out silence as we began to belt out “Home on the Range.” The rest of the day seemed to fly by. We only stopped at the second water stop long enough to have a bathroom break. We stopped to take pictures of the time zone sign; it was hard to believe that we had already biked through an entire time zone. We also learned what “milled road ahead” means….it’s not fun to ride on!

A quick 51 miles later we passed the town sign that read “Benkelman, Awesome Territory” Awesome territory is right!!! We had no idea! Our stop for the evening was a converted bowling alley called Strikers. Striker’s is a diner/game room/ putt putt place. It was every big kid’s dream! We were graciously greeted by Chris and Carolyn Crosett, the owners. The 4K had a huge surprise waiting when we arrived here. An anonymous donation of $400 was given to the Ashley Foundation in honor the 2004 Hopkins 4K Cyclists.

After eating lunch and going through our mail, many of us headed to the pool in town. For dinner, Chris and Carolyn helped us make pizzas. After dinner we all decided to check out the town. One thing led to another and we ended up hanging out with the town firemen and getting to ride on the truck all night long! It was the best night off we have had so far!

Today was another great day in Benkelman. We spent the day visiting the senior center in town. We helped them make fresh pasta that they package and sale. We plan on getting some tomorrow to take with us through the Rockies. Some people visited the pool again this afternoon and others just hung out at Striker’s.

Tonight we all helped move tables and games outside for a big cookout that Chris and Carolyn planned for us. The whole community came out to the cookout. We were able to talk to the community, play games with the kids, and give out valuable information about Cancer. The community raised around $600 towards our cause this evening. Benkelman was so supportive of us, it was just amazing!

Benkelman is hands down my favorite stop so far! Chris and Carolyn, and Benkelman,
Nebraska….we’ll remember you through the second half of our trip and always! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!

- anon.