UT students in front of Axios reporter Torey Van Oot's home during their Texas 4000 journey. Photo: Torey Van Oot/Axios
A group of UT students spending the summer pedaling from Austin to Anchorage made a pit stop at our colleague's house in Minneapolis last week.
The big ride: The students are about halfway through the Texas 4000, an annual charity ride for cancer research.
In all, about 75 students are making the journey across three different routes.
Between the miles: The students rely largely on donations and volunteers to host and feed them, so that more of the money they've raised can go toward the cause.
That's how about two dozen of them ended up in Axios Twin Cities reporter Torey Van Oot's backyard for homemade brisket and carnitas tacos, esquites, and loads of dessert.
💠Torey's thought bubble: These students were seriously inspiring! They'd already spent 32 days on their bikes and had about 38 more to go by the time they landed at our door.
But they remained cheerful, gracious, and mission-driven — a joy to host!
Plus: We were honored to aid in their side goal of sipping a beer from every state they ride through.
Go deeper: Follow their journey, learn more, or donate via Texas 4000.