Jody Cross

August 10 was just an ordinary summer day here in Austin, Texas.

But in Anchorage, Alaska, Austin Community College student Jody Cross was celebrating the completion of The Texas 4000, a bicycle ride from Austin to Alaska to raise cancer awareness.

After more than two months on the road, Cross said she felt excited on the last day of the trip.

“The entire ride I just couldn’t stop smiling and laughing to myself,” she said.

University of Texas alumni and parents greeted the cyclists at the finish line and provided them with a barbecue and places to stay. Cross is now back in Central Texas, preparing for the fall semester at ACC.

After the grueling trip, it’s too early to think about doing it again, she said. But she doesn’t regret it for one second.

“The fact that I did it, and loved it, and helped people along the way makes this journey one of the most memorable and proud things I have ever done in my entire life.”