Dear friends,

Tomorrow we ride in preparation for our kickoff to Alaska this Saturday. We've finally received our team uniforms, and they look slick (see below for a pic)! I'm excited to finally head out there. It's a strange mix-- when I'm sitting in my room, I can't help but think just how long seventy days (2+ months) is. But without fail, when I get back with my team, I'm re-energized and reminded of why I agreed to go on this ride in the first place--that is because seventy days is nothing compared to that which cancer patients endure. Tonight the ride began to become a reality. We went over details of "a day in the life of a Texas 4000-er." We reviewed and began practicing the program we'll be presenting to the towns we bike through. And alas, I realized how close I had gotten to my team, especially those on my Sierra route. I'm humbled that our mission to spread "hope, knowledge, and charity" isn't something we riders simply individually embody--rather, we embody this mission as a TEAM of riders. I realized that I trust my teammates to have my back on the ride, as much as they can trust me to have there backs. Departure is coming sooner than I ever expected, and I think it's making us all realize how special our organization truly is. As other college students begin their summer at home or in Austin, we meet and ride for a cause greater than ourselves; and to have a team to experience that with is an even greater blessing. Thank you guys again for your constant support. I wouldn't be here without your encouragement. See you all soon.

all the best,

Eric Chen