This morning will be our last in the central time zone. That’s what was on my mind as Todd, TJ, and I were pedaling easy through the humid darkness. Despite leaving at 5 the sun was peaking through the trees already. It’s a good thing too because when I looked down I realized I left my bottles in the fridge at last nights lodging. No matter- I was only a few miles out and I knew today was going to be a good one.
Once I picked them up I had a few hours to myself while I pedaled through Franklin State Forest. The whir of my tires and regular deep breaths I’m accustomed to when the chase is on. I’m not worried about pacing myself these days. It’s become an involuntary task and I can just enjoy the ride.
Once again crossing the Tennessee River and shortly thereafter, the Alabama State line, I’d finally caught TJ for a quick picture and we were off to catch Todd at the Georgia line for our last State line group photo.
It’s been a lot of work to get here. But-it’s voluntary work. We chose this. When I’m having an especially tough day I try and remind myself of that fact. Nobody chooses to get cancer but it happens every day and it’s hard and sometimes impossible to fight. The three of us had over a year to plan, think about, anticipate this trip. What happens when you go in with a nagging pain only to find out your very life is in danger?
Today we made our fundraising goal. Through the extreme generosity of family, friends, colleagues, and strangers we’ve met along the way, more progress treating young adults can be made. We’re all proud to be riding in Sophie’s name and hope that she can see team after team over the years carry her name across this great land of ours. But-there’s still work to do. Until tomorrow…
