Flat, flat Kansas

With only 60 miles to go before we reach the western boarder of Kansas, I think this is an appropriate time to recap our experiences in the Sunflower State. Entering from the East, it doesn't take long for the roads to straighten and the hills to shrink. Its amazing to see the landscapes change as we entered western Kansas, where the soil becomes dry and sandy, and wheat fields fill the land.

The set up of small towns are very distinct in Kansas. Most small towns we've encountered have central town squares or main streets with suprisingly wide, often brick streets. Building fronts are almost all preserved in style and labelling- with brick carved markings indicating the building's age, often more than a century old, and the business in which in first housed.

Aside from the sights, we've met a number of individuals who remind us of our purpose in doing this program. In meeting those affected by cancer in towns like Hutchinson, KS, we are reminded that cancer truly does effect all Americans. More and more our team is understanding, through meeting so many individuals affected by cancer, the need for more people to support cancer research and cancer support programs.

Westward!

Reporting in- 60 miles west of the Mississippi from Ironton, Missouri (Miz-ur-ah, as its pronounced locally) as we're still going strong! Its amazing how quickly the roads became hilly once we crossed the river...its a very welcome change from Illinois flatlands. The area is incredibly scenic and the cycling is excellent.

The hilly landscape is reminiscent of Pennsylvania's mountain roads and its incredible to see how strong every rider on our team has become. Climbs which would have been excrutiating and slow 2 weeks ago are nothing for our group now!

Looking ahead, we've got some exciting landscapes, terrain and physical challenges coming our way- any mention of Colorado's Rocky Mountains is usually followed by anxious laughter and talk of high altitude delerium. For now, we take the trip a day at a time, enjoying the scenery, cycling and people we meet.

Cruising to Chicago!

What an amazing week! We past our toughest day of cycling yet in Indiana, as we travelled 115miles from Grand Rapids, OH to Huntington, IN. The distance coupled with a strong headwind made the day's ride extremely challenging. Luckily we had a day off in Huntington, and the great parish of the Evangelical United Methodist Church took amazing care of us- arranging showers at the local YMCA, preparing meals for us, and being geniunely welcoming.

While the wind remained strong for the next two days, it fortunately changed directions, giving our team a great tailwind as we road to Winamac and Chesterton, IN.

Everyone on the team is excited for our arrival in downtown Chicago today- we are arriving at the Cloud Gate in Millennium Park at 1pm today!

Saturday and Sunday are exceptional days, where supporters and friends will be joining our team as we cycle from Homewood, IL to the U of I campus in Champaign, IL. If you'd like to join us for a day or an hour, please click here for more info . A group of riders will even be joining us in Rantoul, IL for the last leg of our ride in Champaign on Sunday, June 10th. If you'd like to join the group, meet us at 1pm this Sunday at the intersection fo Sangamon St and Century Blvd in Rantoul, IL.

H-O-M-E-S

Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior- Erie, at least, we've seen quite a bit of lately- and it is a gorgeous great lake! Not only are the roads friendly for cyclists, the people are too! The hospitality at the First Methodist Church in Perry, OH and the the First Assembly of God in Vermillion, OH have been amazing- our entire team is immeasurably grateful for the support!

We've unfortunately accumulated a backlog of thank you's in Pennsylvania, so I'd like to thank:

• Harlands Family Style Restaurant- home of the original 21 bun salute for the generous meal provided to our team in Wellsboro, PA
• Greg and Caroline Hayes of Edinboro for hosting us in their awesome home in Edinboro, PA

The Chicago to Champaign Ride Along on June 9 & 10 is shaping up to be quite an event! The Alumni Association is taking out all the stops in planning the festivities in Champaign and we're excited for a big turn out. Expect 2 days of fun cycling, new friends, good food and entertainment- you dont want to miss out on this! Check out the details here.