Illini 4000 bikers for cancer research. (Photo Provided)

NEW MARTINSVILLE — The Illini 4000 — a group of 17 bicyclists traveling from New York City to San Francisco — stopped in New Martinsville on Tuesday after riding from Morgantown on W.Va. 7, logging 102 miles in a day.

One of the riders averaged 70-plus miles per day, but Tuesday was definitely a long, hard trip.

The Illini 4000 are bicycling 4,800 miles to raise the awareness of cancer and raising funds for cancer research. They travel all back roads across the country and use no interstates.

The group is made up of Illinois University students and alumni. The St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in New Martinsville put the riders up for the night and served them breakfast before starting their next leg of the trip to Athens, Ohio, on Wednesday.

The riders rose early at 5:45 a.m. for showers and breakfast to get on to the next stop. The Tyler County and Wetzel County EMS squads supplied cots for the riders who were very appreciative after sleeping on the floor at other places. The United Methodist Church on Howard Jeffers Drive also opened its doors early Wednesday for the group to shower.

Girls bring their bikes inside for the night. (Photo Provided)

Joe Herrick, Dan Pastilong, Pat Lilkendey and Denise Klug from the Catholic Church cooked the breakfast and stayed with the riders, providing anything needed. The Catholic Church made a monetary donation to the group as well. Herrick and his helpers said this is an awesome thing the young people are doing, adding they are a fun and polite group to be around.

“I enjoyed listening to all the stories of their experiences out on the road,” Herrick said.

Some of the riders said Tuesday was their hardest day by far with all the region’s elevations and road conditions. One of the riders took a spill on one of the steep hills with a bandaged elbow, but said he was ready to keep riding.

The group left New York City on May 31 and plan to arrive in San Francisco on Aug. 17. People can follow the group at https://www.illini4000.org/ with daily updates on their cross-country journey for a worthy cause.

Donations can be mailed to: The Illini 4000, P.O. Box 2431, Champaign, IL 61825. Donations can also be made on Venmo at @illini4000 or Zelle at treasurer@illini4000.org.

Day nine of 77 for the bikers and supporters. (Photo Provided)

The Illini 4000 is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

According to information from the organization, “The Illini 4000 is … dedicated to documenting the American cancer experience through The Portraits Project, raising funds for cancer research and patient support services, as well as spreading awareness for the fight against cancer through annual cross-country bike rides.

“Two UIUC students, Jon Schlesinger and Anish Thakkar, met each other while biking while studying abroad together in Singapore in 2006. When they arrived back to Illinois within the walls of Allen Hall, the idea of Illini 4000 first began upon discussing something great they could do together with their summers. Riders were recruited from on campus as well as nation-wide through the Adventure Cycling Association.

“The first ride took place during the summer of 2007. They rode from New York City to San Diego with 18 members, 14 students from UIUC and four from off campus. Originally the intent was to donate to pediatric cancer, but in the end, their $55,000 went to the University of Illinois’ American Cancer Society & Camp Kesem. Our CK-Illinois donation is what allowed for their chapter to open at UIUC.

“This year will be the Illini 4000’s 17th ride, donating to 10 different beneficiaries in our history, with over 275 alumni, and we have donated over $1 million.”

Bikers enjoy a meal at New Martinsville. (Photo Provided)

Since starting, the organization has ridden more than 58,320 miles, which is equivalent to riding around the earth 2.3 times.

The group has also collected 410 portraits for the Portraits Project; biked through 25 states on its routes; and raised and donated more than $1.3 million since 2006.

“We would not be able to do what we do without the support of our donors. We appreciate every contribution to our cause and would like to especially acknowledge the many businesses who have partnered with us in our fight against cancer,” the Illini 4000 noted.

“Our organization has identified several beneficiaries that we believe are doing the most meaningful work in researching cancer treatments and supporting those affected by the disease. These beneficiaries, both local and national, help us put our fundraising dollars to work and we are excited to work with them to make a significant impact on the fight against cancer.

“The Cancer Center at Illinois unites world-class faculty who uncover fundamental knowledge, innovate new technologies, and enable cancer-free lives. Our interdisciplinary expertise in science and engineering, exceptional facilities, and novel educational experiences are changing the way we take on cancer.

Illini 4000 dads support their girls. (Photo Provided)

“Please donate if you can, every donation counts no matter the size. Thanks to the Illini 4000 group for taking on such a long hard journey to try and help make a difference in cancer research and aid people dealing with cancer.”

Illini4000 bikers. (Photo Provided)

Joe Herrick showing the young ladies their cots. (Photo Provided)