The idea of traveling from coast to coast across the nation often lands on peoples’ bucket list. For many of those who are able to achieve this feat, it is done with the help of planes, trains, or automobiles. For others, it is accomplished with the help of a bicycle along with lots and lots of determination.
Twenty-two-year-old Elli Stevens falls into the latter category; she is currently preparing for a 4,000 mile bike ride from Baltimore, Maryland to Seattle, Washington.
A senior at Youngstown State University, Stevens deliberated whether or not to register for a half Ironman competition until she saw information on the 4K for Cancer, a program of the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults, and her attention shifted.
“I’ve always wanted to travel and see a lot of sights, and [the bike trip] gives me the perfect opportunity to do that. Plus it’s for such a great cause, and so I really wanted to sign up,” Stevens stated.
In December of last year, her registration was confirmed, and the thought of traveling 4,000 miles began to sink in.
“I was really excited that I was accepted. And then like ten minutes after I realized that, I was like, ‘Oh my God, I’m going to be riding 4,000 miles this summer. I’m crazy,’” she recollected.
Starting June 1, Stevens and a group of about 30 others will travel from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor into the historic Pikes Place Market in Seattle.
During this 70-day-trip, the participants will have the opportunity to not only enjoy the scenic locations, but also the chance to partake in several community service projects by visiting hospitals and hospices. In the past, service opportunities have included visiting cancer patients to deliver chemo care bags, taking part in community dinners, and giving cancer awareness presentations, as stated on the 4K for Cancer website.
In addition, the riders will award two college scholarships to young adults who have been impacted by cancer. Stevens said she is especially looking forward to that portion of the trip.
As a college student herself, she can relate with those who have to take on the burden of paying for college funds, she said. “With those who are receiving the scholarships, they’ve already gone through some sort of hardship from being affected by cancer in some way, and it will be nice to relieve some of their stress by not having to worry about college funds,” Stevens said.
When asked if she’s begun training, she responded, “Uhh…not really,” and let out a laugh. However, she’s no novice to physical training, as she competed in the swim program at Youngstown State University and at Lexington High School, where she graduated from in 2010. Now that she has finished up her final swim season, she will start biking more, she said.
Although biking that many miles may seem too arduous a journey, Stevens said she is looking forward to this opportunity that many other young adults do not get the chance to do.
“I cannot imagine what having cancer is like at this age, or any age for that matter. This ride is so small compared to what cancer patients and their families are faced with, which is why I decided to do the ride. I am honored that I can give back to such an amazing community by doing something so small,” Stevens stated.
Another reason she is choosing to strap on her helmet and hop on the bike is in honor of loved ones who have been affected by cancer. Her grandfather, aunt, and cousin all lost their lives to the disease, she said.
In order to participate, she is required to raise a minimum of $4,500, which goes toward supporting the efforts and initiatives of the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.
To help Stevens reach her goal, visit her personal fundraising page.
