For twenty years, the Texas 4000, billed the world’s longest annual charity bike ride, has been emboldening The University of Texas at Austin students to participate in a 70-day cycle journey across the U.S. and Canada culminating in Anchorage, Alaska. On May 25th, 2024, chemical engineering sophomore, Jason Wang, will start his ride.
What is the Texas 4000?
Texas 4000, founded by former engineering students Chris and Mandy Condit in 2004, competitively selects University of Texas students for an 18-month program designed to cultivate student leaders and engage communities in the fight against cancer. To date, the organization has awarded $4.6 million in grants towards the fight against cancer. Riders aim to raise at least $4,500 each, ride more than 2,000 training miles with their team and volunteer more than 50 hours in our community. Then, they cycle across the country.
Jason is one of 26 riders taking on the Rockies trail, with a team made up of biomedical engineering, exercise science, mathematics, and journalism students. A group he described as passionate, excited, and truly inspiring, they will cycle through and make stops in Dallas, Denver, Salt Lake City, Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park, Banff National Park and Prince George, BC before reaching Alaska. Other Texas 4000 riders are tackling the Ozarks and Sierra trails during the same timeframe.
Jason’s WHY…
“I lost my Grandpas to cancer, and I know friends who have lost their mothers to breast or ovarian cancers, so I want to share stories of valuable people in my life while learning about others’ experiences,” Jason says, “I want to cycle to Alaska to bring awareness to cancer, fight it, and to learn more about its effects.”
Jason was already a rider, initially a novice mountain biker who was later inspired to pursue road cycling for a cause. He practiced martial arts and enjoyed backpacking during his time as a scout.
“I got into mountain biking during COVID. A friend introduced me to the MS150 which led to two years of road cycling the MS150 with ExxonMobil Cycling Club,” adds Jason, “The Texas MS150 was my breakthrough into biking for a cause, as it involved raising money and biking ~150 miles to fuel National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s goal to cure MS and empower those affected by MS.”
“Seeing Texas 4000 tabling on Speedway during the first semester of my freshman year, I decided to give the organization a chance and took up their offer to learn more at an informational meeting. Inspired by the mission of the organization I applied and became a part of the 2024 ride year team. Through spring of 2023, fall of 2023, and spring of 2024 I grew with the team in a number of ways in preparation for this summer but also life.”
Jason didn’t know anyone on the team beforehand, but offered, “I have made a lot of friends from the amazing individuals that participate in Texas 4000.”
A Strong Schedule
Riders leave Austin on May 25th and arrive in Anchorage, Alaska on August 1st. The riders arrange all their accommodations in advance during the training year, rely on the generosity of host families, churches, and schools for shelter, and will camp as needed.
We do have some rest days sprinkled through, but for the most part we will be biking every day.
Jason Wang
“During the ride, my schedule will primarily consist of biking,” he adds, “but the part I am excited for is the granting and story capturing that we will be doing as we travel through the country. We plan on sharing not only our story, but others’ stories regarding cancer while spreading hope and charity through every community we reach with cancer education, donations, documentation, and general resources.” According to Texas 4000, the Rockies route visits many small and remote towns in addition to larger cities, bringing crucial knowledge and hope to communities affected by cancer off the beaten path.
Stretch Goals
Each rider works to raise at least $4,500. “I hope to raise $4,500 or approximately a dollar for every mile I will bike,” he said. To donate to Jason's ride: https://bit.ly/TX4000_JW.
Texas ChE will be following, join Texas ChE Instagram to root Jason (and his team) on!
WRITTEN BY STEPH LEWIS
