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

D45 - Pushing On

Some days it's harder than others. Sara knows this all too well when she first started trying to ride her bike. Some days she would hop on and only make it a few feet before declaring the bike didn't work, frowning and sitting on the curb determined not to look at it. Other days, she would go for 15 minutes, then ask to ride on my back all the way home.

On a larger scale, the Ohio CycleWorks Charities team will be going through tough days as well. Even with the snow, they have to stick to their Regiment to be ready for Race Across America [RAAM] this coming June. But once you get past the pain you have the success, and nothing makes the pain less than support and encouragement. So 'like' the facebook page, follow them on twitter, and donate on the webpage, it's a great cause! The while team is motivated and accepting of the challenge, there is nothing like a push of support to help nullify the pain of training.

Plan your work, Work your plan.

Enjoy.

Ja mata,
Brian

D4 - In Flight + Race Across America!

I love to travel, anywhere and everywhere. And speaking of going places, I am now a staff member for a Race Across America [RAAM] team, Ohio CycleWorks Charity. Here is a link to the team webpage: Ohio CycleWorks Charities , their goal is to raise funds for Akron Children's Hospital. RAAM is a bike race (Not a tour!) from Oceanside, California to Annapolis, Maryland within a max of nine days where most finish within seven (I can barley believe it!). In addition to being a part of the staff, I will also document the progress of the team during the race via my blog with images and video.  I am very excited to be a part of this incredible opportunity of endurance and determination that will, in the end be used to donate to Akron Children's Hospital.

Check out the site Ohio CycleWorks Charities to learn more about the race and to donate to the cause, and check out the images on the site as well!

So why the plane? Well, I will need to hop on a plane to get to the start of the race.

Ja mata,
Brian