Hopkins 4K for Cancer

May 30, 2006

Greensburg, PA
Bedford, PA to Greensburg, PA

May 30th, 2006

Today, we left Bedford with overstuffed stomachs thanks to a delicious, hot breakfast cooked by the Bedford First Presbyterian Church. We knew the day would be a challenge due to the continuing Appalachians, but having done the trip before, it was also a little sad for me because once you cruise down the last large downhill the mountains are done until Colorado. Life becomes flatter, farm-filled and a little monotonous. It’s the month where we get to watch the corn grow from Ohio to Nebraska. Fortunately, we have many community dinners to look forward to at the end of these days.

The group rolled out of Bedford as one and pretty much stayed together until the climbing started shortly before the first waterstop. The first large mountain of the day involves over 5 miles of climbing-including an extremely cruel “false summit” with a summit sign, elevation marker, and generally all signs of being the peak-until you roll about 500 feet around a turn and see the final mile of climbing to the real top.

I was riding with Olivia, Kaylin and Susy for the day. I kept remembering what the climb was like my first time two years ago. Ken and Jessica did an awesome job of chalking the climb for us. Every single person was treated to the sight of their name and a picture drawn on the road in their honor. Most people kept climbing just so they could find the message waiting for them. At the actual summit of the ridge, the group was able to turn around and see an elaborate map of the climb we’d just done. It showed all the tough grades (angle of the road’s slope) that we’d just done and the mileages between different technical turns. Most of the group was awed by what they’d just been over.

The day continued with rolling hills and climbs. We even passed through Shakersville, PA- the town where Flight 93 went down on 9/11. As it was the day after Memorial Day, it was a reflective moment for me as we passed the sign to the temporary memorial for the victims. You realize just how small of a thing biking across the country is. We continued on to the second mountain of the day. It was getting late as we descended but our group combined with Jake, Fumi, and Lauren and continued on to Greensburg.

At the YMCA we were greeted by hot showers and our own beds! Thank you so much to the Greensburg YMCA and staff for hosting us and giving us a much needed break from the road. After arriving we were quickly shuttled over to the DeLuzio household for a huge dinner of ham, lasagna, and cake by their backyard pool. It was great to hear some stories about last year’s group and to be welcomed into the DeLuzio’s home like family.

The next day, during our day off, we were able to visit the Arnold Palmer Cancer Pavilion. They provide treatment for thousands of people in PA every year. The building is divided into radiation versus chemical treatment. We were able to see cutting-edge imaging systems and machines being used to provide more effective treatments to patients. For most riders, this was an eye-opening experience as we tend to focus on volunteering in non-treatment settings. This was a first glimpse at a completely different, and far harsher side, of the disease process. After eating a lunch, which was generously provided by the Arnold Palmer Cancer Pavilion, most people spent the afternoon relaxing but also reflecting, thinking about the next 2 months of the journey still ahead.

-Katie R.