So excited to learn my great friend Michael Grant will be participating on 4K For Cancer Team San Francisco 2014!!!!
He will definitely deliver blogs, pictures and his epic adventures when his journey begins, but just wanted to share his page to those who wanted to learn more about him!
http://4kforcancer.org/profiles/michael-grant/
Reflecting on my 4K adventure across country is something I think I will continue to do every day, for this experience was like no other. I have traveled abroad before and met new people, but this type of trip went beyond my expectations.
Thank you all for reading and following my blog, it was so nice to meet a few of the parents along the way and yesterday I felt like a mini celebrity! It truly encouraged me to keep documenting and now I will have this great blog to supplement with my memories of this trip. Not that I’ll be forgetting anytime soon!
Love my new bike chain earrings from the Keith family!!! Thanks so much, you’re both wonderful!
Thank you so much to Will’s mom Rachael! Such a pleasure meeting you, these flowers are breathtaking!
Unreal.
I love them.
We are going to San Francisco with flowers in our hair.
I don’t want to leave everyone!!
And then we dropped a camera in the beam! Ah
Can’t believe it’s over. This summer went by so fast and I’m beyond grateful for the experiences and people I have met. Today is for my team who I love so much and will be forever in my life.
It was nice to ride the last day with Ali, Abigale and Sara my original BABS who we rode together the first day!
Our first real glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge!
Love love love my strong beautiful independent Luna bar women.
Feeling really accomplished as we get ready to cross the bridge. This trip was more about the journey than the destination, but I really feel we have changed and inspired many people’s lives.
We came full circle today for sure… Started off saying goodbye to our families and dipping our tires in the Atlantic Ocean- Chesapeake Bay and now 70 days later, countless mountain ranges, 4,775 miles later we are greeted by our families and get to dip our front tires in the Pacific Ocean – San Francisco Bay!!
Rock on San Fran!
And we took it to a whole new level and dipped ourselves in haha..
So glad my Mom and sisters were able to greet me on the beach. Really didn’t realize how much I missed them until they embraced me! Feeling so so loved.
Sad my Dad couldn’t come, but can’t wait to see him and tell him all my stories! Today was so hectic I didn’t even get to talk to him, but I love him and he always has pushed me for higher goals and I know is proud of me!
The ceremony was beautiful and Lamie and Michael (Mom and Dad) really outdid themselves with superlatives. I was surprised and honored to receive ‘The Bike Frame’ award as I hold everyone together. Truly flattered.
The ceremony flew by and all of a sudden we were in San Fran and had to prepare to depart and things got a little complicated logistically with bikes, bags, carpools. Luckily we were able to attend the tree planting services for a former 4K alumni Anne who lost her life in Afghanistan. So heartbreaking, but I was thankful to be part of the services and hear her story. The alumni Rob who rode with us the past 2 days presented the tree and really did a great job.
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Finally got into a nice comfy hotel bed and am getting some much needed rest! Excited to explore the city tomorrow!
It’s here. I’m so surprised we made it haha! The second to last day and then I have to say goodbye to my 4k family. I can’t remember what I did before them! It’s bitter sweet as I’m so grateful for each and everyone of our relationships. I know we will still be friends and will carry on our friendship for years to come.
I’m so happy Ali and I did this together. After almost 3 years we are still going strong and I couldn’t do it without her. Today I dedicate to her as she has been my rock through this whole experience. The ups the downs the in betweens we have really looked out for each other and made the transition here a lot smoother. I love her.
Oops 2 miles in and we need a Starbucks break!
Look at this adorable puppy named Nadine with Caroline!
Biking through beautiful Napa wineries..
Love my group today! Ali, Lauren and Coral 🙂
Such a good ride… Lots of laughs, tears and reminiscing! Can’t believe we are less than 20 miles from San Fran! Rode 63 miles into Mill Valley and many people’s mileage counters rolled over 4,000 today! (775 in driving approx).
Really excited to ride over the Golden Gate Bridge in our amazing signed jerseys!
Ah so surreal just took our last sink shower and our last beverage trip and our last PLL episode!
Now Rachael is preparing the Olympics! I’m nervous haha.
Check out our mugs from across the country!
Lighting of the torch…
Opps Kevin dropped Kat on the floor during wheelbarrow!
Dany girl and Will are the champions!
Such a night of lasts.. Our last pow wow was so beautiful and sad and just full of truth.
Course we had to lighten the mood by going to a 2am Club…
Too overwhelming.. Bum style is more my 4K family, Ohana.
Ah today for Rachael’s birthday we are headed to Napa and I am so excited! Today is for her and her amazing spirit! Love my Aunt Genine.
Also for Joyce a member of yesterday’s church St. Patrick ICF. She is currently suffering from melanoma on the top of her head. I’m praying for her quick recovery.
Hilary and Anthony morning duet…
Dropped my phone trying to get a pic of these lovely sunflowers on their way out haha.
Kevin, Lauren, Athina, Amy and I were having a beautiful ride, but now…
Uh oh first flat of the day…
Ew riding through these fields there are small bugs flying in our mouths haha.
First water stop success!!
The rest of the route… Not so much!
The water van chalk hasn’t been very accurate haha and we kept getting lost! Our 63 mile ride had 8 miles of detours and now we are at mile 57 and have to get shuttled because we are somehow 16 miles out of the way ah!!
Someone take me to a winery!
Ended up napping then heading downtown to Vermeil Wine bar which is owned by the football coach from the Rams and other teams haha.
We took over the bar as per usual.
Although we had chipotle for lunch we couldn’t get enough/ it was the only non fancy establishment that would donate. We fit in quite nicely. So classy.
The bar was fancy…
It was RT’s birthday she was so surprised!!!
Such a beautiful night in Napa!
What! How did this summer fly by so quickly!!? I am in disbelief that this amazing trip is coming to an end so soon. So grateful to have met these 25 smart, beautiful, strong, unique people and to have gained such strong lifelong friendships. My Luna bar women especially will be in my life forever.
Today is for the team, as we step back from the group and drive you watch them struggle and triumph over every mountain and it makes you really appreciate what we are doing.
In a lot of the stores were donation jars for a young girl with cancer. She is in my thoughts today.
Today’s van day was a success! Lauren and I went to 3 different towns to find lunch and made out well with sandwiches and snacks galore! Also with beverages most importantly!
We looked for the big fault in the ground in San Andres, but were unsuccessful haha.
Look who flagged us down!! Lamie’s amazing family! They’re providing delicious Vietnamese dinner tonight, love them! Grandpa haha!
Picked a great lunch spot and then had a lot of fun driving through Sacramento and into Davis!
Strange didn’t know Drexel U was here! Thought Philly was the only.
I had to bike 3 miles down YOLO wildlife refuge to test out the bike path… On Kat’s small bike haha, with flip flops, and no helmet! Yolo!
Loved staying at this church! The Davis Community Church really takes care of everyone and has a big homeless community.
Fun day! After arriving Lauren and I were able to stop over the farmers market and do a bit of shopping!
Yay for ice cream!
Can’t end a night right without watching an episode of Pretty Little Liars haha. Love my Luna bar laids.
Change of plans this morning.. We are going to take advantage of our surroundings and are going for a hike to Nevada falls!
We will figure out how to make up lost time on the bike later, most likely shuttle haha.
Kevin’s parents supplied us with cereal and yogurt this morning and I’ve never appreciated cereal more! Thank you so much!! We are all feeling very well fed and excited for the day.
I think today I must dedicate to our support vehicles! Met a lot of touring riders and their time and distance and energy effort is definitely different than ours and I am so thankful we are able to have that home base.
Truly grateful for them today because of the shuttling. Since we have to be to the host at 6 and our hike took longer than expected we all piled in and shuttled to lunch. Haha woops half day! Our 90 mile day is now 36 :0 but I’m okay with that! We dropped over 10,000 feet in elevation, so we didn’t miss any crazy climbs.
The hike was worth it! The Vernal Falls were breath taking. Got to explore the park a bit, but definitely want to come back soon.
Check out these preppys…
Loved my group from yesterday!
A pizza place in Groveland provided us with delicious pizza and salad.
Now hitting the road with Katrina, Dany girl and Hilary. Me and Hil have rode together the past 3 days, love that girl haha.
Saw a lot of beautiful Central California mountains and lakes! Actually saw Hetchy Hetch water system that supplies Northern California with a lot of water.
Cali has a lot of curvy roads and blue blue waters. Also saw some wild horses, which was super beautiful.
Day 66 was a half day, but I’m still in awe of how much we have accomplished! We rode here across the country. Insane.
We are staying at the Italian Catholic Federation St. Patrick’s in Angel Camp and the church members made us a delicious pasta dinner and gave us ice cream! Took my 3rd hose shower in a row haha, but feeling okay. Definitely in need of a real shower!
Lauren and I are driving the van tomorrow, so heading to bed!
I received a really nice WordPress comment yesterday followed by an equally nice donation from Ellen. She is a regular at my good friend Sarah’s deli and Sarah was nice enough to spread my cause and tell her a little about me. It’s really amazing having strangers reach out to me with support and I’m very touched that others are spreading awareness about young adults with cancer.
Ellen asked me to dedicate today to her 90 year old 100% pure Italian mom Josephine who had a cancerous growth removed from her tongue last year. So pleased to here she is a survivor and is going to celebrate her 91st birthday in September!!
Also I wanted to mention Ellen’s involvement with cycling for MS. This is also an amazing cause which I encourage my readers to check out! Her best friend Anne has MS and Ellen participates in a group called Annie’s Peeps and they were able to raise over $14,000 this year! Congrats!
Today will be another challenging but amazing ride in California. So excited to be riding through Yosemite!
Delicious breakfast and really beautiful day ahead through Tioga Pass!
Sara made the groups today based off 90’s tv shows haha we were ‘Boy Meets World’. It was me, Abby, Kevin, Lamie and Hilary… Of course I was Topanga haha.
The first 12 miles to get into Yosemite were a climb and then we were shuttled 100 feet into the park haha to avoid an expensive park entry fee. Ali and I climbed together because the groups got split for a bit… Here is us on the mountain!
After that our group kind of split in half because we climb at different speeds, but Lamie, HilLion and I had a spectacular day through the park!
I almost fell into the lake taking this picture haha, but way worth it!
I love Yosemite National Park because of all the beautiful lakes and waterfalls. Today may have been my favorite!! Definitely top five.
Look at Ali! Newest Junior Ranger!
Staying at a middle school in the park tonight and a local ranger made us an awesome pasta dinner!
Kevin’s parents are camping at the park tonight and rumor has it bought us beer! Yay, such nice folks! They are even getting us breakfast tomorrow.
It’s hard to leave this beautiful house and beautiful family on this beautiful lake! But we must continue… One mile to California!!!!
Truly grateful for the Felton family and all they have provided us with… Food, shelter, showers, laundry, transportation, love! Today is for them ❤ and for South Lake Tahoe.
The dedication circle really inspired me and made me feel so blessed to be part of this team and organization.
Wise words for Claus, another one of our amazing hosts… ‘The most important thing is this moment and this day’.
Made it to our first summit! Wooee!!
40 miles in and it’s unreal, but we biked to California!
Nick and Kevin on the sign!
Super tall Michael haha.
My ‘Sunset Team’ Hilary, Caiti, Nick, Kevin and I had a great time hamming it up on the sign by Topaz Lake.
Yay Mono lake… Wild by nature.
Weirdest chill session in the creek haha.
We only made group made it 100 miles out of the 106 because we ran out of sunlight, but it was a great century regardless!
Had a few delays with the group today, but really enjoyed the ride! Host and water van did a great job shuttling and with food!
Got a late start to the day, but Kim is such an accommodating host and made us all pancakes and sausage! So delicious!
Heading for a hike and then beach side at Lake Tahoe.
Going to be a lovely day!
Amy, Ali, Lauren, Coral and I went to Round Hill Beach and had a delicious lunch and then took epic naps on the beach haha.
At this high of elevation we had to be extra careful in protecting against the sun!
We met up with Katrina on the beach and our host mom Kim was nice enough to bring over her kayak, so we had some fun on the water.
So relaxing
The rest of the team met up with us at the beach later on for a BBQ!! And we got to play a little volleyball until we lost light! So fun!
Here is the winning team haha ‘Luna ladies’.
We never got around to eating our prom cake last night, so Rachael made a little toast
and then we dug in haha… Good work Will!
Amy got to explore Kim and Greg’s awesome house a little better! Such a cool rock climbing wall!
The Felton’s really spoiled us and it truly was a rest day. One of my favorites indeed!
I don’t want to leave I just want to stay in Lake Tahoe and vacation with my best friends forever!
Julie Britton - 4K For Cancer 