Hi,my is Brett Wiersum. I was born in Midland, TX, but grew up in Southlake, TX. I graduated from UT with a degree in Anthropology, and moved to Steamboat Springs, CO so I could do some snowboarding and hiking. I love to ride my mountain bike, and this will be my first long roadbike experience, so I'm looking forward to it. I also love to play rugby, and played for UT for the four years I was there. My plans after the bike trip are to do a little hiking around Alaska for about a week, and then back to school, although I haven't figured out where yet. All I can focus on right now is this ride and what an experience it is going to be.

My grandfather and grandmother both were victims of cancer, and I think that everybody knows someone directly or indirectly who has battled with cancer, which is overwhelming to me. With such a deadly disease, I think that there needs to be more taught about prevention, and more research for a cure. The only way to achieve this is with events such as the Texas4000 which will help spread awareness and raise money for research. I think that this ride shows the depth of what people are willing to do for others and that is exciting to me as well. I joined because I wanted to be a part of that. My grandfather was also an avid cyclist, and I think that he would appreciate this and be very proud of what we are doing.