Hopkins 4K for Cancer

June 9, 2006

Day Off
Day 13
Day off: Chicago, IL

Today was one of our few days off in what I like to call "America's magical delight": the city of Chicago. Early this morning (c. 2:30 am), I happened upon a group of 4kers (Covey, Weier, Erin C., Katie Y., Garrett) sitting in the common room of our beutiful suite at the University of Illinois at Chicago. We reveled and gossiped about our fellow riders, but more importantly enjoyed each others company, thankful and shocked that we had
actually biked all the way to Chicago. One thing was apparent at that point: every second of the Hopkins 4k was a privilage. Each individual in this group is an inspiration and a blessing. Every pedal stroke is an
incredible opportunity. Every person we meet along the way becomes a friend and supporter.

After a stop at the local bike store for tune-ups on our road hogs and the purchase of other amenities, we were left to explore Chicago. I walked to Grant Park and stumbled into the Chicago Blues Festival. Three blocks of downtown Chicago were shut down, decorated with stages, vendors, and an eclectic audience. There were motor-bikers from South Carolina, hippies from Vancouver, and mom's from Michigan. I arm-wrestled a motor-
biker named Butch. I lost in less than a second. But if we were using our legs, I may have had the edge.

For dinner we tried the "renowned" Chicago deep dish pizza at "Pizzeria Due", the evil-twin-freak-spawn of
"Pizzeria Uno". It was overrated. I prefer the home cooked meals we get at the church's and school's along the way.

Other 4kers shared dinner with Hopkins alumn Peter Meyer and his wife, who kindly treated the group to what was rumoured to be a feast worthy for the gods. Mr. Meyer is also a friend of President Brody, who kindly helped us with our fundraising efforts as we prepared for the trip.

After dinner, mama Katie and papa Joe tucked us in and read us bedtime tales upon Chris Weier's insistence.


Raffi Wartanian