Texas 4000 for Cancer rides through Seeley

SEELEY LAKE - Students from the University of Texas at Austin stayed the night at the Seeley Lake Baptist Church Wednesday, July 14 as they made their way back to Texas from Glacier National Park as part of Texas 4000 for Cancer.

Texas 4000 is a federally registered non-profit organization founded in 2004. University students participate in the longest annual charity bicycle ride in the world as a way of raising money for cancer research.

In previous years participants would ride 4,000 miles from Austin to Anchorage, Alaska but due to COVID-19, the Canadian border was closed. The organization adapted by having the students bike to Glacier National Park and back to Austin. Riders go through one of four routes: Rockies, Sierra, Ozarks and Smoky Mountains. The group riding through Seeley was on the Rockies route.

Over 80 students are participating in this year's ride. The Rockies course has 23 participants, according to Rockies Tour Ride Director Luis "Javier" Romero. He said the group left Austin June 3, turned around at Glacier National Park July 13 and are expecting to return to Austin by Aug. 13. Every day the group heads out at about 5 a.m. and rides anywhere between 80 to 100 miles.

"The most challenging aspect I think has been waking up in the morning for one, but really it's just been the growth [and] trying new experiences and working together toward a common purpose," he said. "Everyone is super passionate about the stuff we do, about fighting cancer and sharing stories and memories of loved ones across the country. Being able to do that as a team and being able to grow together and grow emotionally and grow physically has probably been the hardest part, but the most rewarding as well."

Romero said the journey is entirely student-run and that participants have to carry their own food and tents. Excess supplies are stored in the team's accompanying van and trailer which is driven by alternating members. Their supplies are primarily donation-based.

According to rider Olivia Hurst, while they venture through the northern U.S., they sleep in various locations including churches, school gyms, YMCAs, campsites and other private properties where owners allow them to stay. Seeley Lake Baptist Church Pastor Jim Johnson offered the church as overnight housing for the students.

Participants also shared information on the program as well as "Why I Ride" stories. During this presentation, they shared their motivations for contributing to Texas 4000 and how cancer has personally impacted their lives.

Rider Rithvik Ramesh shared that he chose to ride in order to protect the legacy of my grandmother, who passed away from Glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer.

"At the time, myself and my younger sister really did not truly understand the scope of what was happening with my grandmother, especially with her being overseas, and communication [was not the] easiest at times," he said. "I still remember my last conversation with her. She couldn't even recognize who I was on the phone or say my name, but she was talking [while] looking at the coconut trees in her backyard and that's still something I remember to this day and is probably one of the memories that I carry with me on my journey this summer."

He also shared how the cancer research community has benefited his perception for the hope of a cancer cure.

"Just seeing how vibrant the cancer research community is and ... how much passion is going to finding new cures, finding ways to diagnose cancers earlier and more efficiently and cheaper, it brings a lot of hope to me, especially as I see [others] affected by cancer," Ramesh said.

Romero said he rides for his high school friend Matthew who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. He is currently in remission.  

"I ride to make sure that young people like Matthew don't have to go through the same kind of sacrifices and tribulation that he did," he said.

As part of the preparation process, participants are required to volunteer for 50 hours at various cancer fighting services as well as raise $4,500 each. This money will be granted out to cancer support and research institutions. According to participant Raymond Kitziger, over $12.1 million has been granted to cancer research institutions throughout Texas 4000's existence. While in Austin, riders have also been training for the journey by riding 1,750 miles since October.

Romero believes everyone involved has become "much stronger" throughout the duration of their participation.

"Together we keep the memories of the people we ride for," he said. "Spreading hope, knowledge and charity across the country has been a dream come true and we've been blessed to meet so many generous people and have many generous hosts. And so it's been really an incredible time."

More information about the organization can be found on https://www.texas4000.org.