During the school year, I will be preparing to ride 4,000 miles from Austin to Anchorage by training physically and raising $7,500. I will spread cancer awareness and raise funding for cancer research while on the ride.

My grandmother, her mother, and her mother's five sisters all contracted breast cancer as a result of a genetic condition. My grandmother fought cancer and won, although my grandfather did not win the fight in his own battle against cancer. Thus, I ride for my three sisters and hope for their future.

I also ride for knowledge. Throughout the ride, I will absorb people's stories and pass them on to strengthen community. The love and strength of those battling cancer will strengthen me as a leader, a friend, and a servant. I ride for anyone who has generously enabled me to grow through community, and anyone whom I can give to in the same manner. 

Finally, I ride for charity. I don't bike for myself. Instead, I hope to pour myself out for anyone affected by cancer. I will spread hope, knowledge, and charity biking to engage rural American communities in the fight against cancer. Thank you for your support -- even if it is just reading this message -- and please reach out if you would like to talk about anything.

To Alaska and Back,

Gavin