University of Texas at Austin students will soon arrive in Anchorage after biking more than 4000 miles over 70 days. The cyclists are part of the Texas 4000 cancer ride, an annual event that raises awareness and funds to fight cancer across North America.
Executive director Dr. Beverly Hamilton explained the meaning behind their ride, calling it a reflection of the cancer journey itself. The event began in 2004 and was created by Chris Condit, a childhood cancer survivor and Hamilton’s former engineering classmate at UT Austin.
Condit wanted to give back meaningfully and chose the difficult challenge of biking from Austin to Anchorage for impact. Each cyclist undergoes rigorous training before departure, learning to work as a team and handle long distances together.
Hamilton noted that organizing the ride involves physical preparation, logistics, and significant fundraising efforts for cancer-related research and community grants. During this trip, riders stop in communities they pass, sometimes visiting cancer centers funded by previous rides to learn and connect.
Many participants intend to pursue careers in medicine research or advocacy, and this ride often strengthens or reshapes those career goals. Abby Fields, director of the Rockies route, joined after her grandfather’s successful battle with prostate cancer inspired her to take part.
Fields trained for months, pushing past self-doubt, and now reflects with gratitude after crossing into Alaska and nearing the final destination. She expressed appreciation for even the smallest comforts on the road, including warm meals, places to sleep, and the joy of a shower.
