Day 13 was spent in Greensburg, Indiana. It actually started in Columbus, Ohio and then ended in Greensburg. It was suppose to be a century ride. (100 miles) However, with some wicked thunderstorms this didn't quite happen. Then nasty winds caused us to only be able to ride 30 miles in 2 and half hours. Usually this takes us MUCH less time to do. We instantly knew went we arrived at our first water stop that it was going to be a long day and possibly not be able to make it to the host before dark. Then by the end of our water stop some weird looking storm clouds started rolling in and we instantly knew that there was a storm brewing. We saw lighting and then we knew that we had to take cover. We saw a near by barn and thought that would be the perfect place to take cover for a while. It was pretty hilarious and awesome at the same time because it was the first time a lot of my teammates have been in a barn before. It smelled great in there too. It smelled like pigs and cows. I am used to this smell being from where I am from. It has been pretty great and very funny because a lot of them have been asking me questions regarding farming equipment and crops. I normally am not the person to ask these questions back home, but here I feel famous in the agriculture department. haha I got my first lat on day 13. Admits all of the rain, that just added to that day. We ended up shuttling people back to the host because we knew at this time that we were not going to make it back to the host in time. I ended up changing my tire that evening. However, when I changed it I accidentally took off the presta valve so that meant that the tube was no longer any good. I was very bummed, but after I fixed it, I felt like a pretty legit mechanic. haha I can now fully saw that I can change a bike tire all by myself! (PROUD MOMENT!) haha That evening was wonderful in Greensburg. The people were so kind and giving. They had fried chicken, the best mashed potatoes EVER, green beans, rolls and of course brownies and ice cream. The meal literally couldn't of been better. They even provided each rider with a beautiful comfortable mattress for us to sleep on that evening. I haven't slept that great in a while now.
Day 14 was a pretty special day for many reasons. First reason was that this marked the one year anniversary of Jamie Roberts death. She was on the 2014 Team Portland last year and unfortunately got hit by a truck in Kentucky. Although, I never got the opportunity to meet her, I have heard multiple stories about her and her amazing heart. She was an excellent rider and was always willing to go back down a mountain to climb it back up with somebody else to help push them to keep going. The team then started the saying "Live Like Jamie." This really spoke to me today. It meant to not give up and remember why I am doing this. It also opened my eyes and made me realized how blessed I am with the people I am surrounded by. Couldn't be happier right now.
The second reason why today was so important was it marked that 3 years ago Gino, a teammate of mine on Team Portland, was diagnosed with cancer. He kicked cancer's butt and is riding now for all of those who are still fighting. He is a hero to me. He has been through all of the stages now of 4K For Cancer. He has fought cancer, talked about his story, and now he is living the life of being a 4K rider. He is very courageous and I look up to him and his bravery.
We biked 69 miles today and made it to Indianapolis. We are on the out skirts of the city in a suburb. The last time I was in Indy was when I was at the National FFA Convention back in high school. It was one of the best memories from high school. I got to sing in the Conseco Fieldhouse. Still to this day the biggest audience I've ever gotten to sing for. It was soooo cool! We are going to go to Bloomfield tomorrow. Going to be another 69 mile ride. Bring on the heat, wind, and rain. Never know what to except in the midwest.
Peace out from Indy!
Live Like Jamie!
Congrats Gino!
~Halle Stephens
Day 14 was a pretty special day for many reasons. First reason was that this marked the one year anniversary of Jamie Roberts death. She was on the 2014 Team Portland last year and unfortunately got hit by a truck in Kentucky. Although, I never got the opportunity to meet her, I have heard multiple stories about her and her amazing heart. She was an excellent rider and was always willing to go back down a mountain to climb it back up with somebody else to help push them to keep going. The team then started the saying "Live Like Jamie." This really spoke to me today. It meant to not give up and remember why I am doing this. It also opened my eyes and made me realized how blessed I am with the people I am surrounded by. Couldn't be happier right now.
The second reason why today was so important was it marked that 3 years ago Gino, a teammate of mine on Team Portland, was diagnosed with cancer. He kicked cancer's butt and is riding now for all of those who are still fighting. He is a hero to me. He has been through all of the stages now of 4K For Cancer. He has fought cancer, talked about his story, and now he is living the life of being a 4K rider. He is very courageous and I look up to him and his bravery.
We biked 69 miles today and made it to Indianapolis. We are on the out skirts of the city in a suburb. The last time I was in Indy was when I was at the National FFA Convention back in high school. It was one of the best memories from high school. I got to sing in the Conseco Fieldhouse. Still to this day the biggest audience I've ever gotten to sing for. It was soooo cool! We are going to go to Bloomfield tomorrow. Going to be another 69 mile ride. Bring on the heat, wind, and rain. Never know what to except in the midwest.
Peace out from Indy!
Live Like Jamie!
Congrats Gino!
~Halle Stephens