D171 - Non City Sights

Another very cool part of this journey is that we get to see things we might not see in our own backyard. From technical advances, like wind farms, to the absence of light at night. The last two images are the good side to be unplugged with a camera. Just a reminder to always take a moment to slowdown and not take what you see for granted.

Enjoy.

Ja mata, Brian

D169 [RAAM] The Race is On

After a year of training, dieting, and planing to the 10th degree the race has started. Time passed incredibly slow in the hours and minutes leading up to the official start for team Ohio Cycle Works Charities, but now we can all feel the seconds ticking away. 

Today, I was in the runner vehicle which means we run ahead of the riders and support vehicles to get supplies, food, errands, and laundry for everyone. The positive side of this is we get to see the course the riders will eventually ride and can provide feedback. Also, as the riders need specific items, we can pick them up and do a hand-off with the support vehicles if needed. With no request from the riders or support teams we headed out to our destination, Prescott Arizona. Shortly after we were underway we hit the desert, and that is about the time we realized we forgot to stock up on water and snacks for our vehicle. Well it really sunk in once we noticed the temperature outside the car had hit 100 degrees, but we stopped briefly to rectify the situation and continued on our way. Some sights from our travels today:

Ja mata, Brian

D168 [RAAM] The Team

Inspections completed, gear checked, maps verified, teams introduced, and we are suited up and ready to go. Less than 12 hours to go until official race time. 3000 miles, 6 days, and countless hours of watching the world go by from bikes, an RV, and a couple of SUVs.  See you on the road.

Enjoy.
[Fine looking team is you ask me!]

Ja mata, Brian

D167 - [RAAM] The Gathering

Most of the team has made it to California with a good amount travel hiccups. From cancelled flights, delayed flights that cause missed flights, change of airports, and realizing that San Diego Airport has two terminals when pickup up team members it was an adventure. Today was a long day, but short, I'm sure, in comparison to the days to follow. For those reading, you can follow our progress, though my eyes as a crew member at least, on this blog. Also, at the RAAM website to see the status of our team Ohio CycleWorks Charities, and info. In the coming days I will also post links to more blogs to follow our progress. Tonight's images are photos of one of the support vehicles with it's fancy decals attached. Speaking of support, it is not too late to donate to the cause, just $5 to help us achieve our goal of 100K. If you already have donated 'Thank you!' but want to help spread the word you can re-post this link on Facebook or Twitter. If social media can make Rage Against Machine's song 'Killing in the Name' the #1 Christmas song of 2009 in the UK, then it can surely help raise 100K for Akron Children's Hospital. Helping is only 2 click away!

Enjoy.

The last image is one of the airport cell phone lot, as we spent a bit of time there waiting on those flight delays, including mine.

Ja mata, Brian

D158 - Cyclist & Ohio Cycle Works Charities

Getting ready to head home and I see cyclist racing by, perfect for a photo of the day. Especially since RAAM is coming up in a week and a few days. Our team and crew, Ohio Cycle Works Charities, will start in Oceanside California making our way to Annapolis Maryland. Keep your eyes on the blog for posts from the road. Also be sure to check our site Ohio Cycle Works Charities for more information about the cyclist, our mission to raise awareness and funds [$100K] for children in need via the Akron Children's Hospital, and to donate to the cause. With the power of social media [Facebook & twitter] and everyone's networks spreading the word we could more than hit the goal. Think of it like this, if we could get 1 person for each of the miles of the race (3,000 from CA to MD) to donate $11, we would blow the remainder of our goal out of the water!  Now that be a feat that would surely put smiles on the faces of the kids at the Hospital. Or 6k people at $6 each, which is not impossible, just takes a little bit of work to get there and you’re only missing out on one Coffee. The minimum to donate is $5 via the site: Ohio Cycle Works Charities, spread the word!

Enjoy,

Ja mata,   Brian