First Stop on Texas 4000 Bicycle Ride to Alaska
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The Texas 4000 Ozark Team gathered on Fayetteville’s courthouse lawn before getting back on their journey. -
Mayor Mike Stroup, Annie Rost and Glen Renfro donated their talents to entertain the bicyclists at Blackbird Farm. -
Every morning the team gathers in a circle to reinforce their commitment and to voice what makes them grateful. -
The support trailer holds all the team’s gear and bikes and is a billboard for their mission. -
The Texas 4000 Ozark Team with Fayetteville hosts at Blackbird Farm. -
Cake artist Joan Hoffmann donated one of her custom cakes for the evening decorated with the team’s route from Austin to Alaska. As Lead Rider for the day, Laura Toledo wears the flag hoodie that has been passed down from previous Texas 4000 rides.
On the hottest day of the year so far, 25 University of Texas students arrived at the Red & White Inn in Fayetteville on the first stop of a 4,000-plus mile bike ride to Alaska. The group, which raises money for research and to spread cancer awareness, had previously reached out to Blackbird Lodging to facilitate a place where the team could eat and spend the night. Joan and Jerry Herring were happy to donate the evening, and as usual the community turned out to make the night memorable for the bicyclists.
The 19 women and 6 men stayed overnight at the Red & White Inn and the Cabins at Blackbird Farm. The evening was hosted by the Herrings, Dr. Mazie and Brent Leftwich, Rebecca and Bob Axelrod, Pam and Neal Doty, and Joan Hoffmann with Mayor Mike Stroup, Annie Rost and Glen Renfro playing music for the group. Morgan Zator, Todd Campbell and the Axelrods helped the Herrings prepare breakfast Sunday morning at the Red & White Inn.
The students were beyond thankful for an evening featuring Brent Leftwich’s brisket, and a special cake decorated with the rider’s route by Joan Hoffmann. Live music and a firepit to sit around at Blackbird Farm made for welcome rest and conversation after riding in 100-degree weather.
From Fayetteville, the riders next went to Houston and will then travel through the Ozarks on their way to Anchorage, Alaska. The ride takes 70 days. The team travels with three vehicles and a large trailer, with the teammates taking turns riding or providing support. The team that came through Fayetteville is the Ozark Team, with two other teams setting out at the same time, one through the Rockies and another traveling up the West Coast.
For the 20th year, the Texas 4000 competitively selects UT students for an 18-month program designed to cultivate the next generation to lead the fight against cancer. Each student raises money, rides 2,000 training miles with his/her team, volunteers more than 50 hours in the community, and plays an active role in planning every aspect of the ride.
The students made sure the evening was memorable for the hosts as well, sharing their stories and the names of the cancer patients to which they dedicated their ride. In the morning, they gathered around to reinforce their commitment and to voice their gratitudes. They left Fayetteville with new energy and a new set of friends that were also moved by the experience.
“What an honor to get to play for you all,” Annie Rost posted on Instagram after the evening. “My guys and I left changed by your determination and drive to make the world a better place. We will be watching and cheering you on your journey.”
For more information and to donate to the Ozark Team, visit their website, www.texas4000.org or follow them on Instagram at Instragram.com/gozarks.