Sunday, November 12, 2006

The Texas 4000

In addition to being into fencing and rowing, Kate is an avid cyclist. She recently became one of about 50 riders to be selected for the 2007 Texas 4000 team.

The Texas 4000 is a 70-day, 4,500-mile bike ride from Austin to Anchorage, Alaska that takes place in the summer. One team goes through the Rocky Mountains while another follows the West Coast before joining up in Canada for the final leg into Anchorage. Each rider commits to raising at least $4,000 for the American Cancer Society. The riders also visit hospitals and work to raise cancer awareness in the communities they travel through.

The ride was started in 2004 by 25-year-old cancer survivor Chris Condit. Everyone on the team has experience with cancer, either personally or through a loved one. Cancer came into Kate's life when her dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Fortunately, he's been in remission for six years. I think it's cool that Kate is using her experience as a springboard toward something so proactive and challenging.

You can learn more about the Texas 4000 and make a donation at the team's website. Kate's online rider journal can be found here.

1 comment:

snax said...

That's great that Kate is participating in such a great cause, and that she's riding with my friend Chris aka fool.

I've lost too many friends and loved ones to cancer, and currently a good friend is struggling to survive her most recent cancer episode. When I cringed this week at my flu shot I realized how fortunate I am considering the constant pain and discomfort she's dealing with.