Four-thousand-mile charity bike ride passes through Kanab

Texas 4000 for Cancer is a charity group fighting against cancer by sharing hope, knowledge and charity in hundreds of communities on their 4,000- mile journey across America. The Sierra Route team consisting of about 20 students from The University of Texas at Austin, pedaled their way through Kanab, on June 18, as part of the longest annual charity bike ride in the world.

A member of the Texas 4000 Cancer charity group pauses to take in the Grand Canyon, on their cross-country biking charity ride to raise awareness for cancer. Photo submitted by John Gosselink.

The team stopped in Kanab, on their way to a day of rest at Zion National Park before continuing the trek to reach the coastal route to Alaska. This year marks the 18th anniversary of the annual bike ride, which was started by cancer survivor and Texas alum Chris Condit in 2004. This is the seventh year Kanab has played host to the Texas 4000. “Cowboy” Ted Hallisey has been involved with all seven events.

“I am so honored to play a very small part in this fantastic event to raise awareness and funds to help fight Cancer,” Hallisey reported. “This is proof that young people still care about the rest of the people around the world. These college students give up the summer, as well as Father’s Day, every year to make the world better for others.”

Kanab business owners have been very generous hosts during the busy tourist season. Crazy Horse Campground provided a free camp space and opened their clubhouse to the students for refreshments, video games, billiards, and access to internet. Best Western Red Hills provided breakfast for the riders before they continued on their way.

The cyclist’s look for free meals and lodging during the trip in order to make sure the funds from this event go to help people battling cancer. Each rider has to raise a minimum amount of money to earn a spot on the team. They also make time to break away from college studies to train for nearly a year leading up to the summer trek.

The crew made a presentation about their 4,000-mile ride and to raise awareness about cancer, on Sunday, June 19, which was hosted by Stuart and Wendy Allan, who also organized dinner for the 20 riders.

For 18 years, Texas 4000 for Cancer has cultivated student leaders and engaged communities in the fi ght against cancer through a 4,000-mile bike ride. Prior to the summer ride, students begin an 18-month leadership development program, preparing their bodies, their minds, and their hearts for this mission, which culminates in this life-changing journey.

Collectively, riders have helped raise nearly $13 million dollars, pedaled more than 5.7 million collective miles and impacted countless lives.

“These students spent almost two years working to fight against cancer, and we are proud to see them embark upon this 70-day journey and engage with cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and supporters,” said Chris Brubaker, Chair of the Texas 4000 Board of Directors, who is also a 2015 Texas 4000 alum. “We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with Abbott and support from our sponsors and host families who welcome riders into their communities throughout the summer ride. Without this generosity our ride would not be possible.”

To learn more about Texas 4000 or to make a donation to their cause, visit texas4000.org.