Day 21 and 22 were spent in St. Louis, MO at the Washington University of St. Louis (WashU).

I have been enjoying all the hosts so far, but this was definitely one of the best because it made me feel like I was in college again! I am excited to go back to UMBC in the Fall for my last (ahh!) year of undergrad.

We had a service day at the Hope Lodge in St. Louis the next day. We had a lot of fun making dinner for the patients, and I learned how to make an amazing garlic butter spread from one of the other riders, Josh. I also met an amazing woman, Christy, from Alabama who is going through bone marrow therapy. I had been feeling a little down from not riding lately, and she definitely inspired me and reminded me that the 4K is not just about the biking, but also about meeting and inspiring the people I meet.

Day 23 was my first day back on the bike. We rode to Montgomery City, MO.

It was definitely tough getting back on the bike after being off for 5 days for my knee injury. Although I didn’t feel knee pain, I was feeling very sore and tired after just 15 miles! My team was very supportive and we made it through an insanely long gravel road. One of the best feelings was seeing Steve and Emma (both alums and Ulman Cancer Fund staff) at the end of the night! It felt like a little piece of home!

All I have to say about Missouri… it’s incredibly humid and hot!