2010 Sense Corp Texas 4000 for Cancer Rolling Through Seattle

Austin, Texas – The longest annual charity bicycle ride in the world, Texas 4000 for Cancer, will be rolling through Seattle on Sunday, July 18. Riders braving rain, sleet, wind, snow and heat in support of cancer research will make a 70-day journey to their final destination, Anchorage, Alaska. The 4,687-mile ride to Alaska which began June 5th is designed to share Hope, Knowledge and Charity with those fighting cancer. Once in Anchorage, the team will visit with cancer patients to learn their stories and spread awareness with the community about cancer prevention.

“This ride comes with some obvious physical demands and perhaps surprisingly, more emotional demands,” said Texas 4000 for Cancer executive director, Jamille Ruebsahm. “As the riders battle natural elements and challenging landscapes, they keep their focus on the cancer patients battling this disease every day.”

More than 50 student riders began their journey in Austin with a 70-mile community bike ride called ATLAS. From there, the team heads north, separating into two routes: Rockies and Coastal as they continue on a ride twice as long as the Tour de France. Beginning each day by dedicating that day’s ride to someone fighting cancer, riders stop along the route to educate people about cancer prevention and early detection, visit with cancer patients and raise funds for cancer research. They also use this time to offer hope, encouragement and hugs to cancer patients of all ages.

“As many college students are enjoying their relaxing summer vacations, this group of 50 students have chosen a 4,687-mile path less traveled, and they’re doing it on a bike,” said Jimmy Schatte, Texas 4000 for Cancer Board Chairman. “The dedication and sacrifice shown by these young people is a testament to their desire to end cancer and their drive to make a difference.”

Texas 4000 for Cancer started seven years ago when, Chris Condit, sought a way to share a message of hope, knowledge and charity with those battling cancer. A cancer survivor himself, Condit decided to take an epic 4,500-mile journey from Austin, Texas to Anchorage, Alaska-on his bicycle.

In the past seven years, over 300 riders have biked more than 1.2 million miles, over 350 days, averaging 80-100 miles per day. These riders have raised more than $1.5 million for the fight against cancer, with the proceeds going to The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center and other cancer research institutions. Upon completion of the ride, the team is honored at the organization’s annual fundraiser, Texas 4000 Tribute, held August 28, 2010 at the downtown Austin Hyatt Regency Hotel.

To learn more about the incredible people that make up the 2010 Sense Corp Texas 4000 team, to make a donation or read the riders’ blogs, visit www.texas4000.org.

http://www.bicyclepaper.com/news/2010/07/12/2010_sense_corp_texas_4000_for_cancer_rolling_through_seattle