I love cycling because nothing feels greater than a nice breeze going through your hair while you are cruising downhill... whether this is on a day consuming adventure or simply heading to class.

While wind in your hair is the most pleasurable thing on my trip to class I learned a life long lesson of the dangers of cycling... while riding without a helmet I avoided a pedestrian during the "rush hour" at UT on the last Monday morning in November. My avoidance, or quick jerk of the handle, resulted in me flying through the air at 20 miles an hour and meeting the unfriendly pavement. After 3 days in the hospital, a moderate concussion, and a broken elbow later,(and having been asked by hospital staff how good my bike skill are- uh oh), I realized the importance of wearing a helmet.

I also realized how nervewrecking a hospital stay can be...while I was only bedridden for 3 days, I can't even fathom how long and drawnout a hospital stay for someone going through cancer treatment may be. What kept my spirits up and has helped speed up my recovery is the encouragement of my friends and family visiting and great doctors and nurses taking amazing care of me (thanks Brackenridge Hospital. I owe my biggest thanks to my boyfriend, Garrett, who was the to hold my hand and keep up my spirit for days and weeks the minute I crashed ... I hope that our long ride and many visits to cancer patients across the country will bring a smile across the bedridden patients and speed up their recovery and renew their spirits!!!

PS: To all of you that have asked me if I will still be riding my bike to Alaska- YES ABSOLUTELY! Nothing can slow me down now!