View the 2023 Team’s Summer Ride Highlight Video
Overview
Texas 4000 for Cancer is an intensive, experiential leadership development program where UT students raise funds for cancer research and support services by riding over 4,000 miles from Austin to Anchorage. Our students develop skills in leadership, teamwork, project planning, philanthropic giving, community engagement, and physical training. As both a nonprofit and student organization,
Texas 4000 for Cancer is a one-of-a-kind learning and leadership laboratory that culminates in the world’s longest charity bike in the world. We know not everyone can bike to Alaska, but our newly expanded student organization chapter (launching Spring 2025) allows any UT Austin student to take an active role in the fight against cancer.
2026 Team Application will load in Spring 2025
What To Expect as a Texas 4000 Rider
Physical Requirements – Fitness, Health & Safety
Although no endurance sports experience is required, applicants should be healthy and active and can expect to spend plenty of time in a rigorous training program leading up to the summer ride. Riders will log a range of 1500-2000 training miles before the summer ride, part of which is achieved through weekday and Saturday morning training rides. Cross training and mobility exercises, as well as learning and following Texas 4000 for Cancer Rules of the Road for safety, are also a necessary part of the program.
Fundraising & Philanthropy Requirement
We are committed to funding cancer research and support services. Each accepted applicant is expected to raise a minimum of $6,000 before departure on the summer ride and participate in additional organizational fundraising efforts.
Service
All riders must bring with them a history of service and volunteerism and also advance our mission during their ride year, spending time in service to the organization and our partners who share our mission.
Planning for the Summer Ride
All ride team members will actively participate in the planning, preparation, and execution of the program, from finding accommodations, food donations, managing team finances, educational outreach, working with our grant partners, helping to maintain team equipment, plan team fundraising events, etc.
Learning and Growth
During our 12-month leadership program, our riders learn experientially as they gain leadership and decision-making skills, nonprofit experience, fundraising training, and essential planning skills as riders work collaboratively to organize all aspects of their ride.
Rider Eligibility
- Be enrolled at The University of Texas at Austin at the time of application submission (Master’s and Ph.D. students are allowed to apply).
- Be enrolled at The University of Texas at Austin through at least the fall of 2025 (can graduate in Dec. 2025).
- Be available for weekly team meetings on Monday nights at 7 p.m. during the school year (no more than two absences allowed per semester).
- Be available for weekly Saturday morning workouts during the fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters (no more than two absences allowed per semester).
- Reside in Austin, Texas, through spring 2026,
- Have active health insurance from fall 2025 through August 2026.
2026 Team Application Timeline
Info Sessions and Application Opens: Opens Spring 2025
Selection: By end of May 2025
To stay up-to-date on recruitment events and application open dates, sign up here. For specific question, mail apply@texas4000.org
