As we prepare for Launch on Tuesday, we asked the crew for some thoughts ahead of the ride...
1. What part of the bike route are you most interested to ride and why?
[Hugh] I am most interested to ride the middle parts of the route, like North Dakota and Michigan. Although I have been to these states, I am excited to see what life is like in the small towns there, and what biking is like in those places. I am also excited for the mountainous parts of the route, even though it will be tough.
[Cole] I'm most looking forward to biking through North Dakota. I've heard so much about it from my brothers, yet not many people go, so I want to go experience it for myself.
[Max] I am most interested for riding through North Dakota because it seems like a very cool place with pretty scenery. I also think that North Dakota has a very different feel to it compared to Chapel Hill which I am excited to experience.
[Sean] I am most excited about the coasts on our trip because it will be the only times we see the beach this year. They also mark the beginning and ending of our trip.
[Wyatt] The part of the ride I find most interesting is the fact that we are using panniers. I find this the most interesting because this is different than how we have been riding.
[Daniel G.] I'm most interested to ride the west coast portion because the scenery will be very pretty and new to me, and we have some big climbs in store for us. Also, my dad and brother will be joining us for that portion so I'm sure it'll be nice to see them again. Lastly, we'll be on the home stretch and I would have gotten a lot out of the trip.
[Janet] I'm looking forward to seeing many places on the trip, particularly the Washington mountains and water. But, two weeks into the trip, a section of the ride takes us serendipitously within a mile of family. I hope we'll have a chance to see them, even if only briefly.
[Mike] I’ll be looking for the quintessential spot, where looking out over my handlebars I see two yellow lines running perfectly parallel all the way to the horizon. When I turn to look back the view is a mirror image. This means I’ve arrived in middle America under my own power, riding on nothing but some pieces of steel and rubber.
2. With only a couple days before the start, what thoughts and feelings are going through your mind?
[Max] I am very excited to depart on the trip because I truly have nothing to do anymore and have become very bored. I am sad I won’t be seeing lots of my friends and family over the summer but I plan to keep in touch.
[Wyatt] I have many thoughts and feelings before leaving on the trip. The main feelings that I feel are excitement and readiness. My thought is “can we leave yet”.
[Sean] With only days before the start of our journey, I am getting even more prepared and thrilled. I am not excited to be without showers, but I will be able to represent an amazing organization with a once in a lifetime experience.
[Daniel G.] I was nervous last week but over the past few days it has really set in that I'm doing it. Also, I'm very lucky to do the ride with this group of guys that I trust a lot. Lastly, riding with a cause that I'm more familiar with and I can get behind will surely motivate me the whole trip.
[Janet] I'm excited to be riding with this crew, as many are towards the end of their high school years and this is one of their last big trips together before heading to college. I am also grateful I have the health and physical ability to ride, as I am just recovering from an injury.
[Hugh] I am feeling nervous but excited. I am nervous because biking almost everyday for most of the summer is very tough to prepare for, but I am excited to spend time with the crew and see a lot of cool stuff.
[Cole] I'm anxious to get started but I'm also psyched about it! We've all trained for over 1,000 miles and are just ready to get started!
[Mike] For several years, I have heard plenty of stories about bike trips. Listening to my sons, I would imagine and paint pictures in my mind of what it would be like. My mind has now reached its limit on painting these imaginary scenes and seems to be saying, “no more, let’s just see what its really like”.
3. What most impresses you about the Be Loud! Sophie cause?
[Daniel G.] I think one of the things that impressed me the most was that the Be Loud! Sophie foundation funds the position at UNC 100%, so that the specialist can have creative control and really follow Sophie's vision. I was also impressed by the fact that this is one of the only programs in the US that targets teens and young adults, so I think it's important for us as a crew to spread awareness about the emotional struggles of cancer as a young adult, and the benefit of having a specialist.
[Wyatt] There are many things that impress me about Be Loud Sophie. The thing that impresses me the most about Be Loud Sophie is that it was all created by a teenager, and that it is still thriving in today’s world.
[Hugh] What impresses me most is how despite being sick in the hospital, Sophie was still trying to improve the lives of the patients that came before her. I was also impressed how her parents were able to turn her vision in reality, and are continuing to improve the lives of young adult patients who were previously somewhat underserved compared to children and older patients.
[Max] I am most impressed by how thoughtful was towards teens and young adults with cancer. I feel that her idea to begin this organization was very courageous and thoughtful especially given that she herself was also sick. I am very excited to support Be Loud! Sophie and bike for such a great group.
[Cole] Be Loud! Sophie is a very impressive foundation that always strives to spread Sophie's ideas. Even though it's only in UNC, it's a very important and often overlooked part of cancer treatment for adolescents across the country. I hope to help spread the word about it, to inspire more people to create foundations like it, and to be loud!
[Sean] What impressed me about Be Loud! Sophie is how much of its support goes directly into its cause. With other organizations, they use fundraised money for different uses, not just their purpose.
[Mike] Talking to everyone involved in the foundation has really opened my eyes to the incredible work and results that can be achieved through Social Workers. In the past when I heard about diagnoses, hospitals and patients, I would naturally think of doctors and nurses doing amazing things. Having a chance to hear how Be Loud! Sophie emphasizes and prioritizes the social aspects of working with adolescents and young adults makes me realize how powerful someone helping to make decisions or advocating or just listening can be in providing patient care.
[Janet] I am so impressed that Sophie had the vision to create a program that helps teens and young adults facing an overwhelming illness to stay true to themselves. The Steiners have done a fantastic job of staying true to bringing that vision to fruition.