Hopkins 4K for Cancer

May 29, 2006

Bedford, PA
Monday May 29, 2006

Today we rode from Waynesboro, PA to Bedford, PA. The Otterbein Christian Church had a wonderful breakfast spread for us, which was a really nice thing to wake up to after our first day on the road. We set off feeling really excited, but less than two miles from the church James got a flat tire. We took our time fixing it, as Ken had gotten four flat tires the day before (due to some issues with checking the tire itself), but as soon as James set the bike down with the new tube, it exploded… a second check determined that there was a rather large gash in the actual tire, so we got a new tire and another new tube, and we were officially on the road.

This second day of riding was significantly more challenging than the first. There were a lot more hills, with one particularly enormous one really testing those of us with less experience. I found myself stopping to take breaks kind of frequently, as much because of the 90 degree heat as the length and steepness of the climb itself. I noticed I was getting blisters on my heels, and by the time I made it to the top I was walking in nothing but my socks… but I couldn’t help but smile as all the riders who were already there cheered us on with clapping and loud celebratory exclamations.

The next 3 miles and change was completely exhilarating, as we all raced down the hill to where we knew lunch was waiting. We were greeted by subway sandwiches, strawberries, and other delicious goodies; much thanks to Clare’s parents, who provided the lunch for us. After lunch I set off with a large group, with another large group following right behind us. It was amazing to experience how much we banded together as we climbed hill after hill, not entirely sure if we were on the right track, hosing each other down with water to prevent overheating, and taking pictures of beautiful fields and silly antics.

The second major hill that we had to climb was brutal, but Nicole and I got to know each other really well as we slooowly pedaled and walked up it. We saw (and smelled) all kinds of road-kill, got to know some interesting locals who came out to find out what we were up to, and stopped to sit in every patch of shade that we came across in an effort to cool down. Once we finally made it to the top (with a little help from the shuttle for the last mile), Clare, Lauren, Nicole, and I set off at full speed (or what felt like it), hoping to make it to Bedford by dark. As we rolled by lush green fields and authentic huge farmhouses, I realized that what we are doing really is the chance of a lifetime. I am getting to see all of America, in its complete unadulterated state, and I’m pushing myself harder than I have ever been pushed before for a great cause. Even though we didn’t quite make it to Bedford (the shuttle picked us up ten miles out because it was getting dark), I still felt an enormous sense of achievement, because I knew that I had worked myself as best I could, and I was going to get up the next day and do it again.

-Katherine Young