Today we are in Utah at Zion National Park. Nearly everyone on the sierra team went hiking in the mountains. They are climbing up to one of the highest points called Angel’s Landing. I decided against the hiking because I’m saving all of my energy for the road and my bike. Instead of exerting my energy, I am sitting at a quaint little coffee shop with Jon and Richard. We decided to use this time to blog and to charge our phones.

Last night we stayed in tents. It wasn’t too cold but all night the wind was wild. Had we not been sleeping inside, the tent would have blown away! Thus far this summer has been an adventure filled with tears and happiness. Along the way we’ve met amazing people that provide for us and encourage us. Most days we live and are treated like local cancer fighting celebrities. The hosts we meet welcome us into their homes and feed us like king and queens. Other times we are completely alone in desolate areas. These are the most difficult moments because in my opinion it is the new faces and their stories that push me forward in my trek across North America.

Today is only Day 17 and my body is already exhausted. I sleep every chance I get. The team jokes that I am always sleeping and Jeehyun (Texas 4000’s videographer) has gotten too many pictures of me drooling and passed out. Most mornings I will wake up, get dressed and as I’m waiting on my teammates to finish getting ready … I will catch an extra 20 minutes of rest either on concrete or in our team vans. I am beginning to minutely comprehend how this bike ride is a metaphor to the battle against cancer. Similar to someone battling cancer, I too am always tired.

On that note, I’m fixing to head back to camp and take a nap. I’m hungry too so I imagine I will wander into town and try to find a restaurant sometime before lunch. This rest day is peaceful. In all directions, beautiful mountains surround me, and I feel revitalized to get a break from spinning my legs in little circles all day …