Memorial Day marked the fourth time the University of Illinois, Champaign, Illini 4000 Cycling team had a stopover visit at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lehighton.

The bike team returned, but the teammates are new each year.

Thirteen students began at Strawberry Fields on May 23 in New York City. Lehighton was their second stop of 68 until they reach San Francisco on Aug. 8.

Their mission is spreading awareness of the fight against cancer, raising funds for cancer resources, while documenting stories of people with cancer across the country.

They brought spirited enthusiasm and spread positivity while drenched in rain and mud. All appreciated the warm showers offered at Baer Memorial Pool, supper and conversation at the church until settling down for well-needed sleep. They departed early the next morning going through Jim Thorpe on their way to Milton. Read their daily journal entries at www.illini4000.org/2026-journals. The Illini4000 can be followed on Facebook and Instagram.