Staff writer Luke Taylor caught up with two groups of bicyclists who arrived Wednesday to spend Thursday in C-U — one during their cross-country journey and one as part of a tour of central Illinois. Illini 4000 This year’s Illini 4000 group has made it back from New York after setting out May 25. They arrived at the Beckman Institute to visit with the Cancer Center at Illinois, a longtime supporter of the ride.
"The riders have embarked on an incredible cross-country journey to fight cancer and we’re glad to spend some time with them before they continue their trip west," CCI outreach specialist Jessica Clegg said. Said Illini 4000 president Zona Hrnjak: "The first 2 1/2 weeks of the ride up until Champaign is one part, and then after Chicago, the vibes really shift. The team feels close, the dynamic sets in.
It feels like a huge achievement, but also you kind of realize, 'Oh, this is just the beginning.' " Her advice for this year's cyclists: take the chance to rest and recharge with family and friends Thursday and look forward to cool sights and experiences ahead. Grand Illinois Bike Tour Ride Illinois' Grand Illinois Bike Tour, which travels a different part of the state each year, is keepting it central this summer.
Champaign County is the last stop before heading toward Maroa to end the route. "I know several folks went to school here, so they're going to visit places they remember," Ride Illinois executive director David Simmons said. The group enjoyed a meal at .
