Well, after 86 hours, 30 minutes, and 2 seconds from leaving Anchorage, the first van arrived back in Austin. The trip back was fun. It was good to roll through familiar roads back to Texas. I'm glad I drove a van back, as I feel it allowed me to decompress with Seth, Chris, Mandy and Mike. The feeling of "What now?" after arriving in Anchorage has passed, and I'm finally getting settled back into civilization, even if slowly. Anchorage left me with mixed feelings. I was a little upset upon arriving because of my rear derailleur was shorn off as I sped through some grass to try to tell the leaders to slow a little for the whole group, but nevertheless I was happy to finish, even if it was on a newly converted singlespeed. We had to keep telling ourselves we were done. No more waking with the sun or exploring new roads. I'm hoping that for all of us, this is but a stepping stone as we strive for even greater goals in life. This trip has shown us what a bit of dedication and persistance can achieve. This is but a step in the fight against cancer, where radiation machines and the rooms that have to be built to house them each cost millions. This is a relative drop in the pond, but next year, we'll add another drop, and yet another the year after. This trip has gained momentum, and will hopefully continue to do so over the years, and maybe we'll raise the pond level an inch. I dedicated my last ride day to Chris, along with Ken Cope, who is a friend fighting Leukemia in the Brazoria Bike Club I cycle with in Lake Jackson when visiting homeward. Chris, like Lance, has shown us what cancer could take from us, and why it is important to fight. To anyone inspired by reading our journal entries, and even those who aren't, it doesn't take much effort to help out. Many of the American (and Canadian) Cancer Society representatives were inspired by our trip, but we are in turn inspired by thier generousity and willingness to fight cancer every day, year round. I definately recommend going out to a Relay for Life, or fill out an application for Texas 4000 next year if you feel a little ambitious. I thank EVERYONE who supported us along the way, and trust that future Texas 4000's will receive even more. This year, North America, next year, the world.

-Steve