Hopkins 4K for Cancer

July 23, 2003

To California!!!
Day 53

Tonopah, NV to Benton, CA



We woke up to a hot breakfast made by Jamie and her husband, both active members of the church who fed us a wonderful dinner last night and gave us a place to stay at the elementary school.



After being on the road for seven weeks, our trip really felt like it was coming to a close. Today, we would be entering the state of California. All of us were excited, but even more so by the pancakes, eggs, and fresh milk and orange juice which kept on coming. It was truly heaven that morning, and we didn't mind getting up extra early.



Many dedications were made that morning. I dedicated my ride to Jamie, a determined and inspiring woman and mother who had endured cancer and the struggles of being a single mom. Her father had passed away from stem cell cancer when she was young. This was one of the main reasons that she followed her mother to Tonopah, Nevada. Later, her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, and then with lung cancer. Fortunately, Jamie’s mother is recuperating and doing well.



Throughout this bike excursion we have encountered many people, all of whom have brought a little more light to our view of life. Jamie was someone that affected me as well as many others in a positive way. She told us that she would pray for our safety until the day we cross the Golden Gate Bridge. I wish her good fortune and I hope that her mother gets well soon. Leaving Tonopah was difficult.



The first 17 miles of today’s ride were nice with a decline all the way. Alice and I were riding together, and to make it easier to talk to one another, I decided to ride side by side. Suddenly, I heard a beep-beep, and as I turned around a policeman pulled us over. Fortunately, it was a warning to ride in single file. Alice and I would not have been so embarrassed by this had it not been 100 meters from the water stop. After the officer left, we had to ride to the others, who were smirking at my bad judgment.



Lunch ended up being 60 miles into the total 70 miles of riding, which meant only 15 miles left to our destination. Everyone met at the California border, and we were all thrilled that we were so close to completing this challenging ride. Benton, here we come!



Renee Egusa