Students Embark on 70 day Bike Ride to Raise Dollars and Fight Cancer

LUBBOCK, TX – The longest annual charity bicycle ride in the world, the LIVESTRONG Texas 4000 team, will be rolling through Lubbock, TX Wednesday around 5-6 p.m. on HWY 84, just 5 days after departing from Austin on to their final destination of Anchorage, Alaska.

While in Lubbock, the 2012 LIVESTRONG Texas 4000 Team will celebrate and share Hope, Knowledge and Charity with friends and family before continuing on their 70-day journey.

Riders brave rain, sleet, wind, snow, and heat in support of fight against cancer and will pedal more than 4,500 miles which began June 22nd . Along their journey, riders will visit with cancer survivors, patients and family members 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 share their personal stories to cancer fighters of all ages.

“This ride comes with some obvious physical demands and perhaps less than obvious emotional demands,” said Texas 4000 Executive Director, Jamille Ruebsahm. “It’s incredibly encouraging for the riders to be supported by the people of Lubbock, and have the opportunity to share their stories about how they pursue this ride in hopes of living in a cancer-free society.”

In its ninth year, 42 student riders began their journey in Austin with a 70-mile community bike ride called ATLAS. From there, the riders head north, separating into two routes: Rockies and Sierra as they continue on a ride twice as long as the Tour de France.

“As most college students are enjoying their relaxing summer vacations, this group of students have chosen a 4,500-mile path less traveled, and they’re doing it on a bike,” said Jimmy Schatte, Texas 4000 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 started eight years ago when, Chris Condit a University of Texas Student and cancer survivor, sought a way to share a message of hope, knowledge and charity to those with cancer. Since its inception Texas 4000 has contributed more than $3 million to the fight against cancer and 400 riders have ridden their bicycles more than 2.2 million miles to honor those fighting cancer.

After reaching their final destination in Anchorage, the Texas 4000 riders are honored at the Tribute Gala, held Saturday, August 25, 2012 at the Downtown Four Seasons Hotel.

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

http://www.kcbd.com/story/18718085/students-embark-on-70-day-bike-ride-to-raise-dollars-and-fight-cancer