TexOz Rider Report by Peter Wilson

2 Men, 2 bikes and 8-support crew complete RAAM2007 in 9 Days 4 Hours.

The Date is 12 Jun 2007, the Place is Oceanside Pier California, the event is the Race Across America, a 3050-mile non-stop cycle race, and the finish line is 10 days away on the Boardwalk at Atlantic City.

Team Donate Life TexOz stands ready at the start line; we wear the number 205 so we are up the front as the 2-person team numbers are all in the 200’s. The 4 and 8 person teams lining up behind.

With all the pre-race photos, well wishers and hype both Gary and I missed our call to the line but on arriving at the marshals gate we were ushered into our proper spot on the starting grid to much noise and fanfare, it was hard not to get carried away with the emotion of it all – nearly 3 years of dedicated preparation to get to this point – and no idea how the next 10 days would unravel – You cannot train for RAAM in the traditional sense like you can for a marathon. When I ran marathons it was traditional to train daily over a third of the distance with a long run of around half distance once every 3 weeks – this would be the minimum to guarantee that you at least had a chance of completing the 26 miles 385 yards to the finish line. For a 2 person RAAM team, that same strategy would have you riding 500 miles a day and once every 3 weeks riding 750 miles – Just not possible – for me anyway.

RAAM starts with a parade ride – a mixture of recreational riders, local club riders and the RAAM competitors. Gary and I both rode the Parade with Gary turning back before the Neutral Support Race Zone where I stepped up to take TexOz through to the 28 mile mark when Gary would take over and ride through to the 1st Time Station at Lake Henshaw at 55 miles. The riding was easy and very fast – a mixture of adrenalin and good riding terrain. We were into it and TexOz was looking good, really good – we held our own against the 4 and 8 person teams staying in touch and in front of some for 2 days.

We tore the 2nd time station apart, Gary was riding fast between 25 and 30 mph on the flat, I was cruising at 20 mph I had trained to ride at 15 to 18 mph but the conditions were good and I believed I was comfortable with the pace – we were on a schedule of 1 hr on 1 hr off at this stage all going according to plan.

From TS2 to TS 3 the route took us up onto the Interstate 10 (I-10) and our first taste of night riding. We were still flying.

TS3 to TS4 sees us arrive at Blythe 228 miles done only 2818 to go. It was on this leg that we tried the 1st of our sleep strategies, Gary would go to 2 hr pulls to let me sleep then I would follow with a 2-hour pull so Gary could sleep.

After I woke from my sleep, I could sense that something was wrong, everyone looked worried – in direct contrast to how everyone was when I went to sleep. Gary was in trouble and it looked serious – he was riding at 10 mph and all over the road. Off the bike he was a mess – I elected to do a long pull to let the crew sort him out and get him a decent sleep thinking, no hoping that was all he needed.

I ended up on the bike for 6 or more hours and our average speed dived to below12 mph. Riding in to Williams TS8 I was a very disheartening to see that Gary was totally wasted even after such a long time off the bike. It was explained to me that 2 things had happened, firstly Gary was dehydrated and required a drip, this was arranged and administered at Prescott – secondly Gary had red-lined his heart in the desert and his heart was fluttering- he was medicated to control his pulse – he was given permission to ride whilst on the medication but it restricted his heart beat to 90 bpm no matter what he did – he was speed limited and could produce no power – so hills were out of the question - the concept of the Texan flatlander was born.

There was real concern now that we wouldn’t make the cut-off at Cortez TS14, but I was in no mood to give up. Gary and I had often discussed our strategy should one of us become sick or damaged – in that each of us should be prepared to ride for 24 –48 hours solo, whatever it took, in the hope that the incapacitated rider could recover. So this was it – the Crew Chief crunched the numbers and said that to reach Cortez before the cut-off I would need to maintain 13 mph average. So I changed the saddle on my bike for the comfortable Gel seat I brought alone – one of 3 different saddles in my pack up – got on the bike and rode – My thoughts were in a mess – here we were struggling at the end of Day 1 – I had thought that the sort of trouble we were in would be a Day 3 or Day 4 affair – some things in life just come early. Flagstaff, Tuba City, Kayenta all went by in a blur. When the
going was flat we put Gary on the bike for short pulls so I could rest even 15 minutes off the bike was appreciated. At Kayenta TS11 Gary was very week again and needed more sleep so he was put to bed in the RV and I prepared to ride through Monument Valley to Mexican Hat. It was hot, very hot but I had on my Skins and a neck shade and the 5 weeks training in 130 degrees in the Australian Desert paid big dividends – That ride is now a cherished memory, I was so strong – there was a favourable wind – not exactly a tail wind but anything that is not a headwind in appreciated. And the scenery was – well it was Monument Valley Utah.

At Mexican Hat Gary was much recovered and ready to ride, my fear was that he would try to make up for lost time and hurt himself again but I needn’t have worried – yes he was down, he was very disappointed for himself and the team – but ride he did and although still under the affects of the medication he was riding well enough to keep us alive. Gary seemed to be able to hold a good pace for about 25 minutes so the Crew Chief ordered a 30 minute on, 30 minute off, Schedule and a 1hr 30 minute sleep break every 24 hours both of us off the bike together. I didn’t like the idea of both riders being off the road together but did as I was told. It turned out to be the magic formulae and we stuck to it for the rest of the race. It meant that neither of us developed chronic fatigue and could match each other in effort day in day out. We shuffled the pulls around a bit on the climbs as Gary could still only perform on the relatively flat – that’s if you consider there are any relatively flat areas on the RAAM route.

We hit Cortez in 53 hrs 47 min – 7 hours inside the 61 hr cut-off time.
Good, we were still in the race – Gary was still very weak, depressed and still under the influence of his medication but he was hoping that as the effects wore off his performance would improve.

Cortez was the last of the dramatics, I feel sure that the Crew Chief had many issues and that’s his story to tell, but for us riders is was just a matter of getting on the bike every 30 minutes and riding. There was even some fun stuff in there somewhere where both Gary and I were on the bikes together working turns and really enjoying the ride.

Wolf Creek Pass was memorable, Gary started the climb until he was done then I took over and destroyed the mountain – 5 weeks training at 8,0000 feet, 7 days in the Grand Canyon alone, really paid off – I also did La Veta solo – I love riding the mountains and because Gary was still below par I don’t think he minded me hogging all the climbs.

The cut off at El Dorado KS, TS28 was hit at 110 hrs 45 min – 12 hrs inside the cut-off, we were back and very safe.

Next the cut-off at Indianapolis TS40 was hit after 161 hrs 54 min, 14 hrs inside the cut-off we were improving with each day. Gary was out from under the effects of his medication and he was much more aware of his hydration and calorie requirements.

Leaving TS 50 in the dark, I was settling in to one of 4 long hard climbs, the climbing was relentless at this stage as every molehill felt like a mountain. One climb in particular was listed in the Route book as a walker, No way – I have not met the RAAM rider yet who would get of and walk – not now, not here, in site of the finish line. There was 3 Solo riders in front riding at 18 mph and swapping places at the front – these guys were in a caravan and racing hard – after 8 days of racing I couldn’t believe my eyes. I was motivated to catch them and climbing well I closed on the 3rd rider to a distance of about 20 yards – my crew called me off – I wasn’t about to pass them and establish any sort of lead – not with them traveling at 18 mph. Stay back was the order don’t interfere with the Solo race just stay back 100 yards and watch the drama unfold. What a site – rock music blasting out to the riders and a lot of tactical posturing was going on – wonderful stuff. At the top of the climb Gary took over but we wasted too much time on the changeover and lost touch on the downhill – Gary rode hard but they had descended like demons and there was no sight of them. At the next climb I took over again and clawed back some of the time but by then
the caravan had broken up – the 2 in front were disappearing fast and the 3rd guy was in sight but still going strong – as his lights disappeared over the summit – I was told – that’s it Pete there gone – settle to your own rhythm now and lets get on with the business of getting to the finish line. At once I felt lonely, we had been following those guys for over an hour and it was exciting – now it was back to 30 minutes on, 30 minutes off, eating, drinking and riding – we had a long night ahead.

It was not until we hit Pennsylvania that the true Gary came back to the team. Through Pennsylvania and into New Jersey as we approached the finish line Gary was awesome – his form on the bike was picture perfect and so strong he was cruising hitting 30 mph on the flats in an effortless rhythm that was something to behold. We were meant to be still doing 30-minute pulls, but with my agreement, and unknown to Gary (If you ever read this Gary please forgive us) the support crew started to top and tail my pulls and give Gary and extra 10 minutes. It make sense as I was working hard to average 22 mph and Gary was cruising at an average of 28mph we had to capitalize on his effort. We cruised into McDonalds at TS 56, the RV and the rest of the support crew were zooming down the freeway to meet us at the finish – or supposed to be, we learnt later that they were stuck in a traffic jam due to an accident –
at one point it looked like we would beat them to the finish – I could only imagine the stress this caused the crew after 9 days of ushering us across the country, would they miss the finish?.

Gary and I both rode the last leg to the freeway ramp to pick up the police escort – perhaps we should had rode hard as the clock was still ticking – but we were basking in the euphoria of finishing – the formalities of the finish line were for everyone else – to us riders the clock stopped on the Freeway Ramp. We both rode the escorted trip down the freeway – I found the pace very fast and had to draft the escort car – what was going on did the nice policeman think he were escorting motorcycles to the finish line. Well it made the 5 miles down the freeway a quick trip I guess, then it was onto the boardwalk, through the finish tape and up onto the podium – that was it for me – I lost contact with the real world – whatever I said or did I hope was it was appropriate. I remember none of it. I hope I thanked all my
friends and family, Team Donate Life and especially our superb support crew in an appropriate way. I’ve seen the official photos and I like them all, Gary and I look like we were satisfied with our effort - 9 Days and 4 hrs – good enough for a pair of 55 year olds looking for adventure – Well we got the adventure bit in Spades.

Will there be a solo attempt – Let me just say that I haven’t discounted the possibility. As for Gary, well the potential is there and should he give it a go – if he wants he already has a Crew Chief in me. Well done Pardner – lets hope there is more to come from the TexOz partnership.

To all my Team Donate Life colleagues, whether you rode, crewed ,or supported from home, congratulations on a simply superb effort. On behalf of Gary, myself and the TexOZ Support Crew let me just say that we all found the TDL community and our collective involvement in the 2007 addition of RAAM to be nothing short of amazing - it was without doubt an experience of a lifetime and thank you all for your part in making it happen. I hope to maintain my association with TDL and to work/ride/crew another RAAM once again under the TDL Banner. I need to thank Jason and in particular my friend Kent for their support and encouragement without which my involvement with TDL could not have been possible - to both you guys I remain truly
grateful.

So here is my take on this years RAAM

Enjoy,

Peter Wilson

TDL Mentioned in Chew's Views - From RAAM Website

From Chew's Views - Day 12:

9 hours after Phoenix, the 6th 2 person team & first 50+ 2 person Team Donate Life – TexOz finished. The team consists of Texan Gary Barnes & Australian Peter Wilson. Having been on many crews, Peter has been planning RAAM for 5 years. He crewed on the Royal Air Force 4 person team 3 times and for Chris Hopkinson (first British rider to finish solo RAAM) in 2005. After crewing for Hopkinson, Peter knew he had to do 2 person or solo. About RAAM, Gary said, “It teaches you there is no such thing as a solo effort.” He knew about RAAM before Team Donate Life. Gary added, “Since Texas didn’t prepare me to climb, I designated Pete as the team climber.”

While a senior in college, Gary took a 2,500 mile unassisted trip on which a car hit him head-on. This made him realize that every pedal stroke is a reminder that life is a gift. Gary thanked their bike sponsor Jim Hoyt of Richardson Bike Mart (Lance Armstrong). Gary & Peter held up criss crossed little flags of their countries. RAAM race director Terry Zmrhal gave Team Donate Life (TexOz was the last of their 5 teams to finish this year – their 2 person mixed Team Beauty & The Beast DNFed) a special plaque in appreciation of their RAAM support. The team had an emergency neck brace (Peter saw what solo RAAM did to poor Hopkinson’s neck) ready, but didn’t need it. Gary rode on the 8 person Team Donate Life last year. TexOz was impressed as they rode behind 3 soloists at 18 mph. After completing a 2 man team, Peter feels farther away from solo, and can’t see himself doing it for at least 5 years. Gary wanted the 2 man team record until he got sick in the desert.

From Chew's Views - Day 11:

The final (8th) 8 person Corporate Challenge Team Donate Life – Heels On Wheels finished on Wednesday morning. The first all women 8 person team, they established a new division record of 16.57 mph. To give you an example of how/why older well established records are harder to break, the 4 person women’s team record is 18.57 mph set in 1996 by Team Florida. The oldest woman ever to ride RAAM, 65 year old Eleanor Markb rode to the summit of Wolf Creek Pass in Colorado. Descending at 50 mph, Mark made a statement for any senior citizen. Karen Lehman was deeply moved when she rode 6 miles with a local rider through tornado-devastated Greensburg, KS. RAAM marketing director Jeff “Bubba” Stephens performing MC duties on stage was brought to emotional tears by the Heels on Wheels team. As the route passed through Ohio, Jeff made a slight detour/stop at his house where his 4.5 year old daughter Paige asked him about the girls in the race. Jeff said these women are terrific role models for his daughter.

This is the first time in the history of RAAM, that we have had at least one all women’s team in every division (solo, 2, 4, & 8 person)! Deirdre Greenholz said there are 97,000 people waiting nationwide for organs. My colleague Perry Stone asked Greenholz on the phone, “Why are you in last place?” She said this has been with her since Monument Valley AZ/UT, and she made a list of the many reasons why. For 7 women on the team, RAAM was their first bike race. They didn’t get to see each other very often. Nicknames were used for all crewmembers like Flat Tire. Light rain began to fall during the awards ceremony, and it got heavier by the end.

Conversation with Deborah Georges

I had a chance to talk to Deborah Georges a few days ago and she filled me in a bit about what happened on her ride.

"I"m fine I guess. I'm recovering," she said. "I was descending into Osage Beach - I was on a descent. I was going very fast down the descent, I was holding a really good line, and I was enjoying it."

Her crew was right behind her and filled her in later on their view.

"I hit a rock or a crack and started wobbling. I flipped over the bicycle and landed on my ride side, I broke 10 ribs on my right side and my right clavicle." She said she landed in a ditch off an embankment on the side of the road.

"I've never had broken ribs before. It's painful, but I have a very high tolerance to pain. I'm more determined than ever to ride solo next year."

In typical cyclist fashion, she showed more concern for her bike than her body. "My bike - thank God - is O.K. There isn't a scratch on it!"

She explained her state of mind before the crash. She was riding solo because her partner had dropped out of the race in Colorado. But because they had registered as a two-person team, she had to still meet the two-person requirements even though she was only one now. Her crew rallied around her and they all made the decision to carry on and attempt to finish on her strengths.

"I had to get to the Indiana time station to stay in the race. I was hustling. I was riding strongly. We were determined to make it."

About the accident she said: "I didn't see it coming. It was unfortunate, especially since I was riding so well. I'm sure I would have made it."

Her entire crew stayed by her at the hospital as she got checked out.

"They wanted me to stay another day, but I was determined to get up and I checked out."

Although originally Deborah and crew wanted to go on to Atlantic City, the van had to be returned to New York and they wouldn't have made it in time. Plus, the nurse on her crew, Kim Kennedy, didn't want her driving all the way to Atlantic City. So she's with family right now on the West Coast.

She has especial words of thanks for her crew. "There was such good karma. In spite of everything that happened, I had a ball! I've already begun raising money for next year."

Hopefully Deborah will be riding for Team Donate Life next year. What a true competitor. Thanks Deb!

Gary and Pete @ The Finish

Some great pictures of two admirable men at the finish line:
http://gallery.raceacrossamerica.org/gallery/3039729#165401360

6.21.07 - TDL TexOz Rides the Boardwalk!!

The TDL TexOz 2-man (50+) team of Gary Barnes and Pete Wilson reached the finish line on 6/21/07 at 9:24 Eastern Daylight Time.

3042.8 Miles total
220:11 Hours total
13.82 MPH Average Speed
9 Days, 4 Hours, 11 Minutes

What an awesome achievement for two guys who had never met before, and battled serious health issues across the country but NEVER gave up. Way to go - you guys rock! Thank you Gary and Pete!

Finished With Grace

From Jason Weckworth

My favorite quote from RAAM this year came from our Crew Chief (and my wife), Kristen. "You need a tremendous amount of grace to be a part of RAAM."

We finished well. We finished, period. That is all that matters.

As I fall asleep tonight in our hotel room in Atlantic City, my mind is primarily surrounded by the following thoughts:

Kristen, thank you for your grace. You will always be my favorite crew chief.

Crew, thank you for your serving attitudes. You kept us safe, and you brought us all the way across the country in 7 days. You are simply amazing.

Teammates: Thank you for your training, your intensity, and your fundraising. We have made history together as the first 4-person team in TDL.

Crew Member Families: Thank you for allowing us to take part of your family away for the past 12 days and for all the sacrifice you have made on our behalf.

Friends, Co-Workers & Family: Thank you for your comments, phone calls, and e-mails of support. It means so much.

Financial Donors & Sponsors: Thank you for making a difference. You are helping us change the world and save lives through our message.

Grace Valley, Heels on Wheels, Primo, Beauty & the Beast, Tex-Oz: Thank you for your alignment with TDL, your passion for our cause, and the incredible sacrifice you have made for TDL. To all teams and Crew, I hope that this memory will last a lifetime.

Kent Mulkey & Tamsin DeLong: Thank you for choosing TDL. We are becoming something very big because of your efforts.

RAAM: Thank you for a great race that was extremely well organized.

I can't wait to start evaluating this year, and to start planning next year! We will only get better.

Please stay tuned for the many pictures that we will download from our cameras when we get home. We will post them to our site through our photo gallery.

To everyone involved with TDL: Thank you.
--Jason, June 20, 2007, 8:36 P.M.

6.20.07 - TDL Heels on Wheels @ the Finish - Pics of Felix & Christine too!

Heels on the Podium
TDL Heels on Wheels & Crew at the Finish
Christine & Felix in Atlantic City

6.20.07 - Team Donate Life Featured in Chew's Views

Two TDL teams were featured in Chew's Views from the RAAM website. RAAM veteranDanny Chew has completed RAAM solo 8 times, winning first twice and placing in the top four the rest of his tries.

The 2nd 8 person Team Donate Life – Grace Valley arrived in Atlantic City on Monday just after dusk, nearly 6 hours after Team Psycho. They all attend Grace Valley Christian Center. Riders and crew have raised over $50,000 since January for organ donation and transplant. Dr. Rick Perez started the first RAAM Donate Life Team in 2005. He raced last year on a team with Dwight Morejohn, and last year’s solo Enduro winner Jonathan Boyer raced for DL. Dwight was the captain of this year’s Team DL – Grace Valley, which included his son Justin. There are a total of 6 Donate Life Teams this year: two 2 person teams, one 4 person team, & three 8 person teams including the all women’s team Heels On Wheels. The team commented, “God gave me two kidneys for a reason, and you can have one of mine.” Dwight has the oldest bike in RAAM – a 1961 Cinelli he has been riding since 1971. In transcontinental tradition, team members swam in the Atlantic Ocean, and dipped their front wheel in the ocean after dipping their rear wheel in the Pacific Ocean before leaving Oceanside 6 days ago.

6 hours after North Coast Cycling, the 6th 8 person Team Donate Life – Primo made it to Atlantic City. All rookies, they met a week before the start. A year ago, Alan Travis was given 3 days to live, and had triple by-pass surgery. Travis said, “I have more arguments with myself when I do my own events like 10Ks, marathons, & IronMan triathlons than I did with our 24 person crew/riders. 70 year old Don Peters stressed the safety factor, and said, “We finished and had a ball.” Don quoted Pete Penseyres who said, “Typically the wheels come off on day 4.” And that was no exception for Primo.

6.20.07 - TDL Heels on Wheels Hits the Boardwalk!

The TDL Heels on Wheels: Anja Wehrmann, Dee Larsen, Deirdre Malone Greenholz, Eleanor Mark, Karen Lehman, Robin Withrow-Wong, Ruth LeBlanc and Sherri Stone and their crew, reached the finish line on 6/20/07 at 8:54 Eastern Daylight Time.

3042.8 Miles total
183:35 Hours total
16.57 MPH Average Speed
7 Days, 15 Hours, 35 Minutes

Twenty-eighth over all - a remarkable showing for a team of mostly rookies brand new to cycling. Fantastic job team Heels! Thank you!

Link to TDL Heels pics on the RAAM website

6.20.07 - TDL Race4Life Arrives on the Boardwalk!

Jason, Lorenzo, Dave, Chris and their crew just arrived on the Boardwalk, about 20 minutes past midnight on 6/20/07, East Daylight Time.

3042.8 Miles total
175:02 Hours total
17.38 MPH Average Speed (17.31 with penalties)
7 Days, 7 Hours, 2 Minutes (47 minutes with penalties)

Twenty-third overall - a very respectable finish and no doubt a race to the end. Thanks Race4Life!

Links to Race4Life's pics on the RAAM website: Race4Life Pics

6.19.07 - Photos from TDL Grace Valley at the Boardwalk

The excellent bloggers at TDLGV posted these wonderful pictures of Grace Valley at the finish. Personal use only please.

Grace Valley Team, June 18

Team Donate Life - Grace Valley

June 18, 2007 - 11:24 — Perry Stone
Team Donate Life - Grace Valley is maintain an approximate 3 hour lead over third place Cheniere's Making Cancer History Team. TDL-Grace Valley has maintained an average speed of 20.74 miles per hour and are working very hard to stay over the 20mph mark and to stay ahead of the rest of the field.

Team Donate Life is dedicated to raising awareness to encourage people across America to sign up on their own state's organ and tissue donor registry; to find out about your state's registry, go to: www.donatelife.net. More than 97,000 Americans are on the waitlist for the gift of life; one-third of them will die as they wait. TDL cyclists also encourage fundraising for organ transplant research and public education efforts, as well as forming cycling communities to raise community awareness. To learn more, go to: www.teamdonatelife.com.

6.19.07 - TDL Heels on Wheels Update

A sad note for crew member Harish Prasad, driving for the Left Heel. Harish received a phone call early this morning telling him his father had died unexpectedly. Harish, a UCDMC employee in physical medicine and rehabilitation, is on his way to the Baltimore airport (driven by Deirdre's dad) to fly back to Sacramento ASAP.

The Left Heel is understandably bummed out by this turn of events.

"Quite a blow," said Robin Withrow-Wong. Harish has been a great crew member, she said. Just fun to be with, not to mention a great cook. Harish has been cooking the Left Heels homemade curry on their journey. "He's awesome".

More updates later on what the TDL family might be able to do for Harish.

6.19.07 - TDL Primo Rides the Boardwalk - Ninth Overall!

3042.8 Miles total
159:10 Hours total
19.12 MPH Average Speed
6 Days, 15 Hours, 10 Minutes

Ninth overall - Well done Team Primo!

Link to TDL Primo's pics on the RAAM website

6.18.07 - TDL Grace Valley Finishes in Fourth Overall!

3042.8 Miles total
146:56 Hours total
20:71 MPH Average Speed
6 Days, 2 Hours, 56 Minutes

A new TDL Record - and an awesome achievement for 8 rookies (actually 7 rookies and 1 excellent RAAM veteran) from Davis, CA.

Thank you guys!

6.18.07 - Update on Deborah Georges

From the RAAM Website:

Team Donate Life - Beauty & the Beast - DNF Accident
June 18, 2007 - 19:28 — Perry Stone

Deborah Georges had a very tough RAAM. First of all, her and her team mate called it quits, so she decided that the only logical thing to do was to ride the rest of the course solo. Only a couple thousand miles, but to her, “no-problem”. At the time she called me to update me and she was very excited to face the challenge and without hesitation she lunged right into it. I admire that sort of moxie. A couple days later, she has a bit of a crash on her bicycle and her 2007 RAAM comes to an end. I talked to her while she was getting patched up and all she could talk about was traveling to Atlantic City, to participate in the banquets and see everyone. I tried to suggest, she might want to rest a bit, but she wasn’t buying. Some people just have more energy than others and Deborah Georges is one of them. WE wish her a speedy repair and look forward to hearing about the next challenge that she pursues.

6.18.07 - TDL Heels on Wheels Have Posted Lots of Photos

Anja Wehrmann and Ruth LeBlanc transitioning.


This is the Heels mascot - the Gnome.

Check out the Heels blog at: Heels Blog

6.18.07 - TDL Grace Valley Featured in RAAM Video

Check it out here on You Tube

6.18.07 - Belated Article on Deb Georges Before Her Crash from RAAM Website

Great article here from RAAM Time Station 28 volunteer Robert Giacin. He shows what spirit Deb Georges has. Read on - you'll be moved.

RAAM - Sans the Beast by Robert Giacin
June 18, 2007 - 05:53 — Terry Zmrhal

06/17 10:08 -
Just as I was getting comfortable I heard the roar of applause and cheers for Deborah Georges of Team Donate Life - Beauty and the Beast outside the porta-potty. Okay, personal business will have to wait.

Stepping out, I grab my camcorder and digital camera as I see Debora shaking hands with RAAM TS28 veteran Larry Robertson, greeting him with a big smile. Announcing she has to keep moving, she thanks us for manning the time station. In less than two minutes Georges is back on the road and moving east. It was my first time meeting Georges on RAAM this year but I never realized it would not be my last time to see her.

It was after she headed back out and we spoke with crew members that we learned that Deborah Georges, from Miami Beach, Florida was not half of #200 Team Donate Life but now she was THE WHOLE TEAM. Beauty and the Beast was now Beauty Sans The Beast! Or to put it simply... #200 Team Donate Life - The Beauty.

After #209 Team Beat Cancer came through, we chose to pull stakes in El Dorado. Numerous locals visited and several people had volunteered for periods of time but Larry Robertson and I felt spent and needed to go home. Unfortunately being a RAAM junkie I could not leave RAAM so easily.

I decided to move east and shoot photos and video of Team Beat Cancer for a while. After leap-frogging several times, I proceeded on to Yates Center, where I caught Deborah Georges just 100 yards away from Time Station 29. As The Beauty Crew tended to Georges' needs she shared some thoughts of the struggle she was facing. Not a complaint could be heard from this short, fit, and well tanned woman; she was simply speaking facts, tactics and she had her goal set... to reach Atlantic City.

With customized cycling sandals, toes cut off of shoes, she was ready to roll. Before pulling out of Yates Center, I would receive my first Father's Day gift, Georges signed a RAAM T-shirt for my daughter. Belle, from Beauty and the Beast, is Rachel's favorite Disney Princess, and she now had a 2007 souvenir from Deborah the RAAM Princess.

With determination in her voice and a smile on her face, you could not help but want to be there for this competitor. I made a decision to continue on to Time Station 30, Fort Scott, Kansas and shoot video and photos despite the exit towards my place in Ottawa, Kansas was halfway there. The next several hours were great! Georges was always in a good mood though she admitted later it had been a very emotional day for her. Whenever I was on the roadside videotaping her she smiled, waved and occasionally shouted, "Atlantic City, here we come!"

To look at my first few clips you would have thought this cyclist was on a sightseeing trip of America, but she was determined, and I had to figure out how it could be captured. My tactics involved moving ahead and hiding myself where I could see her, but she could not see me; hunched down in a drainage ditch, hiding behind a rusting antique car while shooting through broken out windows and shooting long across a farmers field allowed me to film Georges determined pursuit of the Atlantic City Boardwalk. You could almost set your clock as she maintained a steady pace and every 30 minutes she was right where I expected to see her.

Georges arrived in Fort Scott, Kansas, Time Station 30 at 19:23, seven minutes sooner than I expected, even though the heat seemed to intensify since leaving Time Station 29 and pains in her knees.

After a potty break, and a crew change, I received my second Father's Day gift, this one from the crew. The crew chief arranged for me to ride in the pace vehicle for a few miles to capture on tape Georges' crossing into Missouri and then have The Beauty RV return me to my van. I shot video as she climbed the hill towards the Missouri border, then we pulled alongside so I could welcome her to my home state of Missouri. Deborah Georges was beaming, "I am having a ball and I think RAAM rocks!"

It was difficult to leave her, knowing my time had run out to give to RAAM this year, but my time spent documenting Deborah George's pursuit of Missouri, enroute to Atlantic City, New Jersey was a wonderful wrap-up to several days spent following the progress of the all competitors first hand in the 2007 Race Across America.

I wish to encourage all the time stations to keep up the good work. All the riders praised the time station workers and they still need our help.

Robert Giacin - RAAM TS 28 / El Dorado, Kansas

P.S. As soon as I can get my photos and videos cataloged and uploaded, I will provide a link for viewing.

6.18.07 - TDL Race 4 Life Vehicle Problem

3pm RAAM time - 6/18/07

Colette called Debby Bell from outside Columbus OH and they are having vehicle trouble. There is brake trouble with their van so they are parked in a Loew's parking lot trying to get a replacement vehicle. Hopefully Hertz will deliver an SUV to them in a few hours. In the meantime, 3 riders are on the road in one vehicle and the follow vehicle has the resting rider and they're all going forward. The crew in the 3rd vehicle will get strategized, empty out their supplies and wait for their new SUV then drive to catch up with the rest of the team.

Colette says the riders are doing great so this setback is rather frustrating.

6.18.07 - Update on Deborah Georges

This just in from TDL crew member Heidi Landis in Atlantic City:

"She had to go to a hospital somewhere in Missouri...broken collar bone and 10 +/- ribs. UGH!!! Not sure if they'll drive the rest of the course and meet us here........crew seemed to think so."

6.18.07 - Beauty and the Beast's Deborah Georges Crashes

From the RAAM website:

Team Donate Life - Beauty & the Beast
June 18, 2007 - 09:16 — Perry Stone
Deborah Georges, the lone remaining rider of Beauty & the Beast crashed earlier today while descending into Camdenton, MO. The cause of the accident remains unclear but speculation is that she developed a high speed wobble. Deborah Georges does not appear to be seriously injured however she was taken by ambulance to a local hospital for examination. No decision has been made on the future of her race and we will update you as soon as we learn any details.

All of TDL is pulling for you Deborah - you have tons of guts - we're proud of you!
--posted by Jocelyn, TDL RAAM rider 2006

6.17.07 - TDL TexOz Update

I spoke to Gary Barnes of TexOz today - Gary was also a RAAM 2006 TDL rider.

"This is a little more than last year," he said. He went on to say that he has a recurring intermittent heart flutter and it kicked up while he was riding. "I had a little atrial (sp?) flutter, a heart problem. They gave me some meds, it takes a while, about 24 hours to kick in."

His crew pulled him off the road a while so he could rest. But he's back on the road and doing well. Gary is trading 30 minute rotations with his TDL teammate Pete Wilson from Oztrailia.

"Pete, he's an inspiration," said Gary.

Gary welcomes all the positive thoughts that are flooding his way.

--posted by Jocelyn, RAAM 2006

TDL Deborah Georges Carrying on as Solo Rider

From the RAAM Website main page - an article by Perry Stone:

Team Donate Life-Beauty & the Beast: Now She is One.
The ole two person team reduced to one rider story developing here. Deborah Georges is carrying on as a solo rider, however RAAM fans should be aware that she is still officially classified as a 2 person team and must meet all team requirements to officially complete RAAM. Deborah Georges, 49, of Miami, FL has been riding solo now for a little more than 24 hours. In that time she has lost only about a half a mile an hour in overall speed. That is pretty freaking impressive! However, the emotional charge of “going it alone”, can often be like fueling a campfire with newspaper, a big burst of energy which quickly dissipates and then actually inhibits the flames. But a good start is a great start! Now the rider and crew must work together to stabilize their routine and reduce emotions, they are now in the business end of RAAM. They must find a calm, clinical base to operate from and focus on the mechanics of RAAM racing, - safety, speed, nutrition and rest. Georges is not lacking in courage and stranger things have happened so lets keep our fingers crossed and see how she goes.

Pretty freaking impressive is right! Way to go Deborah!

Grace Valley Team, June 15

TDLGV Crew June 15

YouTube video of Rick Neptune flying down Wolf Creek Pass CO June 14:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gT2qNTAEL7M

We’re in the town of Ulysses, Kansas, using wireless at the Single Tree Inn. Our riders cleared time station 23 and are moving at a great clip to time station 24 (if they’re not already there) rode through rolling hills last night in an area of Colorado so remote, everything but the grass and highway lit up by the headlights of our vehicles was absolutely impenetrable black. Brief flashes of electric blue lightning lit up the sky, but oddly not the ground. We had a few showers, which for the riders meant riding through 50 degree temperatures. Crew and cyclists are exhausted, trying to catch whatever sleep they can.

We’re challenged by logistical changes that are taking us far off our pre-planned schedule (but also giving us better efficiency), malfunctions to equipment, and terrain and geography that cut out communication between cell phones, push-to-talk Nextels, and 2-way radios.So words will not be enough to describe how absolutely overwhelmed we are by the support you’re showing the riders in the comments. I just read some comments over the phone to our riders in the shuttle, and it’s just the encouragement they need right now. This is the first time they’ve heard the comments from the blog — I’m going to be sure to pass ALL of them to crew and riders as soon as we make it to the next rendezvous point.We are also overwhelmed by God’s tremendous grace to us these past few days, as over and over again we’ve been blessed by His presence and watchful care, protecting us from harm and serious injury, and divinely ordaining seemingly . The wonders we’ve seen are too many to name right now.

Ron Lewis got a camera and microphone pointed at his face from a car for an interview while riding his turn. We’ll watch for that video update! He felt he was bonking once and forced himself to eat half a peanut butter sandwich and got totally rejuvenated. So there are highs and lows as to how they feel.

Erica on crew:

Today we went through Greensburg, Kansas, not just 6 weeks ago, this entire population of people had all they owned destroyed by a tornado. Driving through the remains of the town, I felt such a sense of loss for the people there. Seeing trees that had been stripped of all of their branches, metal strewn everywhere, the whole town meeting for meals under a tent; I couldn’t fathom what this could be like, let alone see the images of what true destruction actually looked like. RAAM had briefed us on what had happened in this town, and had also asked us for donations for the town, I hope all of this will be a small contribution to restore the town back to its original state. We are heading out of Kansas, after a very eventful day…our team is about to cross time station 29 in Yates Center, and the media crew is here rooting for the underdog of non-professional cyclists with a unified drive and vision unlike any other, to give glory to God.Last picture: Father and son Morejohn rotate out

6.16.07 - Grace Valley - a Team of "Rookies"

Nice write up about TDL Grace Valley on the front page of the RAAM website. Those guys do have a certain grace about them, and that's the truth.

RAAM article by Perry Stone

6.16.07 - TDL Grace Valley Breezes Through the Midwest

Justin Morehouse

From the RAAM Website. Photographs copyrighted by Kayvon Beykpour.

TDL Grace Valley is bringing a lot of well-deserved attention to Team Donate Life.

6.16.07 - Change and Challenges

From the RAAM website:

Team Donate Life – Beauty and the Beast were such a team they decided to be two teams. Kent Mulkey has joined Team Donate Life-TexOz as a crew member and Deborah Georges is attempting to finish RAAM 2007 as a solo rider.

I spoke to Kent and he said the recovery from his heat dehydration problems - including nausea and vertigo - were too difficult to overcome. He's crewing with TexOz now - Gary and Pete.

UC Davis Health System Supports TDL

The following article is from the UC Davis Health System's employee Intranet page:

Health system cycling team in Race Across America
June 13, 2007

For the third straight year, UC Davis Health System is represented by a team in the Race Across America, a bicycle race covering a 3,043-mile route from Oceanside, Calif. to Atlantic City, N.J.

As it had in the two previous years, Team Donate Life is using the race as a platform for educating the public about the lifesaving benefits of organ donations. Last year, the team took third place in the corporate challenge division of the race.

The members of Team Donate Life this year are Lorenzo Rossaro, chief of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Dave Stoker, programmer for the UC Davis Cancer Center; Karen Lehman, chief administrative officer for the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Sherri Stone, academic manager for the Department of Radiology; Ruth LeBlanc, administrative assistant at the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute; Eleanor Mark, administrative assistant at the Center for Continuing Nursing Education; and Dee Larsen, a patient records abstractor for the neurosciences clinic.

The race began June 12 in Oceanside and will take six-to-eight days to complete. Updates on the race are available on the Web at www.teamdonatelife.com or www.raceacrossamerica.org.

"People ask me why I'm doing this," said Stone. "It's simple: to save lives. I hope to inspire people to think about the fact that a young, single mother like Sonja Archie, who desperately needs a new heart and kidney, wants only to see her 7-year-old daughter grow up. I'm riding with her picture on my bike, in the belief that she will get her second chance."

Team Donate Life has grown from one team in 2005 and 2006 to six teams this year, including the first all corporate women's team. Team Donate Life's 32 riders now make up 20 percent of Race Across America's entrants.

This year, Team Donate Life received the endorsement of Donate Life America, a national organization committed to empowering individuals to sign up as organ and tissue donors on their state's registry (www.donatelife.net). In California alone, more than 1.4 million individuals have signed up on its new state registry in just the past 26 months. That brings hope to the 97,000 people in the United States waiting for an organ transplant.

June 14th, 14:52, Race 4 Life

Kristen Weckworth Crew Chief of Race 4 Life checked in with a photo of the "Crew of the Heart". In keeping with TDL Tradition, they have named their vehicles for various organs than can be donated ( sign your donor card!!).

Their crew is divided into groups of 3:
The Heart: Kristen, Rick, Brenda (pictured)
The Kidney: Danny, Amalia, Lee
The Liver: Colette, Vernon and Virginia.

Their tie in to this name choice:
Colette's dad is a liver transplant recipient and Vernon and Virginia are pharmaceutical reps for Roche (props to one of our sponsors!!) and they specialize in hepatitis C drugs and studies. How clever is that??

Colette and Jason called in almost simultaneously as they just passed thru Cortez CO Thursday and both sounded great! Jason said they rode thru Monument Valley at early sunrise and it was beautful. They are working on fine-tuning their crew change and bike and rider vehicle transitions because they take about 10 minutes every 4 hrs and they want to streamline
the time. Funny story from last nite: Colette was propped up against the car door sleeping soundly and Jason opened the door to get in the car and Colette almost fell out! Said she was glad she had on her seatbelt or she'd be on the ground! These funny moments keep them going! ( and amused).

June 14 - More Pictures

Race 4 Life's Chris Strutz



Dee Larsen and Karen Lehman at the start



Team Primo riders Eric Chebi & Jason Devine at the start with Mrs. America, aka Shannon Devine (Jason's wife).



Beauty & the Beast Deborah Georges and Kent Mulkey take off




Team Primo member Don Peters

June 14 - TDL Riders on the Road

Team Primo transitioning


Heels on Wheels Sherri Stone


Beauty and the Beast's Kent Mulkey


Team Primo Jason Devine

Left Heel Update!

The Heels just rolled through Montezuma Creek, Utah. Robin Withrow-Wong (shown here with her kids and family at the start line) reports that they are 'in the middle of a gnome throwing contest,' a reference to their SUV's mascot.

They sound in great spirits, although it was hard coming through the desert in the heat. "It was a 111 degrees," she said. "When we finally got to Prescott (Arizona) we thought it felt really cool because it was only 100. It was a really hard day."

She went on to say that the Right Heel group took the overnight through the desert, and Left Heel started this morning at 6:00 a.m. "Our legs are hurting!"

Robin also said she got to meet the two people she's riding for in Oceanside. June is a woman who needs a kidney, and three-year-old Xavier who needs a kidney was there with his family. Both came to see her off and met her family as well. "It was so cool," she said. "I got pictures of them."

Also spoke to Deidre Malone Greenholz who is proud of the way the Heels are performing. "For us we're right on target."

She's happy to know that the Heels are riding in honor of such a great cause, and getting the word out about organ donation and transplant.

Heels, you totally rock!

Desert Heat

The high temps through the Arizona desert waylaid two of TDL's riders yesterday. Both Beauty and the Beast's Kent Mulkey and TexOz's Gary Barnes suffered heat exhaustion/dehydration and were put on IV's for two hours each. Fortunately one of Beauty and the Beast's crew members, Karen, is a registered nurse, and she was able to get both guys back on the road. Both teams are now busy making up their times.

TDL Beauty and the Beast's Deborah Georges was featured on the RAAM website earlier today:

"Team Donate Life – Beauty and the Beast are two time stations ahead of their divisional competitors Team Kitten – www.PeteAndWendyCycling.com. I caught up with Team Kitten Crew Chief Don Mayne in a motel room along the RAAM route and he informed me that both riders and all crew were in a hotel recovering from a lack of sleep and preparing to hold a meeting to decide their next move. Deborah Georges of TDL-Beauty and the Beast tells me she is having the time of her life and has mentally committed to racing in the solo women’s division in 2008."

Kent Mulkey mentioned how great it was seeing all the TDL riders on the road. TDL's Heels on Wheels passed Beauty and the Beast yesterday in Arizona and he got to ride a bit with Karen Lehman. The Heels are having fun he said!

Go TDL - We are proud of you!

June 13, 2007, Grace Valley Team

After a delicious dinner of enchiladas, salad, and rice on the road (a very special thanks to Brittany Klein and Sarah Roby for their assistance in making sixty enchiladas for the team), the whole team was quite stuffed.

Nevertheless, after we arrived at our (very, very comfortable)
accommodations at Oceanside Marina Suites shortly before

midnight, no one objected to an impromptu ice cream party to save several gallons of fudge ice cream Joan Roby had packed on dry ice.

After meeting many fellow Team Donate Life riders at breakfast, we caravaned down to the pier, where RAAM teams were gathering to have their motor vehicles and bicycles inspected by race officials. Team Donate Life's six teams make up 20 percent of the field, the largest ever to participate in the Race Across America. The diversity of teams is astounding, including a
team of UK firefighters raising money for children's hospitals, teams from Australia and Brazil, and many US-based teams raising money on behalf of various charities. With riders prepping their bikes and crew adding
official race decals to support vehicles, the race vehicle parking lot is a hub of frenzied activity. During stretches of down time, we have the opportunity to mingle with people around the world and visit the beach. A few of us go down to touch the Pacific - God willing we'll be able to touch
the Atlantic just over a week from now.

With everything prepped and ready to go, we attend a pre-race banquet, during which RAAM officials give us the latest updates on the status of the race. The solo riders had left on Sunday, and many already received time penalties during the first 24 hours. RAAM officials are very exacting in rule enforcement to ensure rider safety, and it's our goal to absolutely avoid receiving penalties for the duration of the race. We also learn that Greensburg, KS, one of the time stations on our route, was wiped out by a tornado a few weeks ago. We're reminded to be respectful as we pass through a place where dozens of families have lost everything.

We rendezvoused back at the hotel to prep for race day, having one last team meeting, including a surprise visit from Jonathan and Naomi Anderson (and her parents). It happened to be Jonathan's birthday, so we all sing happy birthday before praying as a team and heading to bed.

The next morning, after a whirlwind of packing and preparation and another birthday song (this time for Joan Roby!) and more prayer, we caravaned down to the start line to see the riders off. Eight riders followed an initial parade route, before Rick Neptune split off to take the first leg of the race. Four riders went with him in a shuttle vehicle -- our rotation schedule has five cyclists rotating in roughly 15-minute intervals. The remaining three riders get some rest, the two RVs move about 90 miles down the course, and the rover vehicle moves ahead of the pack to find a suitable parking spot for the RVs. The follow vehicle, not surprisingly, follows the rider. Every five hours, all thirteen crew members rotate to different vehicles, three active riders retire, with three rested riders taking their place.

These transitions every five hours are the trickiest logistical points in our rotation, and the first one is made more difficult by the fact that motor vehicles and riders are on one of three separate routes for the first part of the race. This led to a complication before the very first time station. The shuttle and follow vehicle were caught in traffic, missing the initial rendezvous point with Rick Neptune. He ended up pulling an additional seven miles on his leg before the support vehicles were able to catch up and replace him with a fresh rider. The race then curved up and
down mountains in the southern California desert, giving our team the chance to hone their abilities at making smooth transitions. By time station 2, in bleak Salton City, CA, we'd gotten a great rhythm going, with our riders averaging a speedy 23.25 mph.

Team Donate Life Team Portraits

Beauty and the Beast
Grace Valley
Heels on Wheels
Team Primo

Tex Oz and Race 4 Life not yet posted.

June 11, Race 4 Life

June 11

TDL Race 4 Life

What a great start!! We have some terrific chemistry within out team already (we’ll need that in about 3 days!) For me, the most amazing sight was Sunday evening at our TDL Reception with about 200 people… a sea of TDL jerseys and windbreakers. With 32 riders and 40-something crewmembers, TDL has become a GIANT of its own… well beyond that first naive team and crew from 2005 when we had not expectations or idea what we were getting into. So many team members and crew that are just meeting for the first time… I almost laugh out loud when people ask me if I am part of Team Donate Life! I tell them, “Yes, I got involved in 2003 when I gave a kidney to my dad!”

Now we are well organized and full of strategy ideas… we are giving the other teams tips and ideas! The RAAM officials are extremely kind to us… like it’s one big family of bike enthusiasts. Everyone is so excited to be here.

RAAM is all about the challenges and solving problems… our first two challenges: 1) too much stuff to cram in our three SUV’s, and 2) all our signage started coming off the light kits in the wind – I think we’ve already used 10 rolls of duct tape! Oh, well… nothing too serious.

There is no shortage of practical jokes and laughs. I think the hospital has made Lorenzo a little crazy… or he is reverting back to his childhood. But it makes for some very funny moments.

Jason Weckworth

June 9, Grace Valley Team

June 9, 2007

Team Donate Life Grace Valley - Final Preparation

Saturday 9am

Anticipation for the race continued to build as the Davis-based
cyclists finally got a chance to ride with teammate Rick Neptune, who
flew in from Texas. Leaving at 9am the team went for a 37-mile loop around Solano Lake. Halfway through the course, Rick took the opportunity to test the results of months of intense training, challenging the team with a "Let's go, guys!" and, as Marc Friedheim described it, "we just went red line all the way back home." Asked how he felt about this last team ride before the race, Marc grinned with a pained look -- "Intense."

Saturday, 12:30pm

Gathering in the parking lot behind Grace Valley Christian Academy, cyclists and crew worked quickly to pack the motor vehicles with supplies for the race. On Friday, a group picked up a Ford Expedition and two mini-vans to serve as our rider shuttle, rover, and follow vehicles, respectively. The vehicles were then outfitted with RAAM-approved lighting and signboards, as well as decals for our sponsors and, of course, prominent signage for our cause: "Donate Life."

As the riders were making their way around Solano Lake, a group of crew members drove to Sacramento to pick up two rental RVs that will serve as home bases for sleeping, food preparation, laundry, and race coordination – basically anything and everything that needs to be done to ensure the riders only concern for six days will be to compete at the peak of their abilities. Designated (creatively) RV1 and RV2, one will serve primarily as a crew and command vehicle, while the other will be a sleeping vehicle for retired riders.

With all five vehicles in the school parking lot, cyclists and crew attended to as many last-minute details as possible -- packing every available storage space with food and supplies, discussing the elaborate schedule for crew rotations, and in Crew Chief Ken Jackura's case, building custom platforms to hold the navigational laptops in the RVs.

Saturday 5:00pm

Saturday evening, most of the team members attend a prayer meeting in the sanctuary at Grace Valley Christian Center. Many of the prayers are for the upcoming race – prayers for safety of riders and crew; prayers for unity, patience, and humility among twenty-one individuals as we learn to work as a team in an ever-stressful challenge; and especially prayer that we maintain our focus on glorifying Christ in every way as we race for the cause of organ donation awareness and transplant research.

TDL Riders Party Before Leaving for Oceanside

TDL Riders Dave Stoker (Race 4 Life), Robin Withrow-Wong (Heels on Wheels), Anja Wehrman (Heels on Wheels), and crew chief Renee Carter (Heels on Wheels) get in a little R and R at Sacramento's Second Saturday at Old Soul, before leaving for Oceanside on Sunday.

Go TDL!

TDL Board Member Debby Bell at the Doggie Dash

For the first time in three years TDL board member Deb Bell was NOT arranging last minute RAAM details on the Saturday before the Race, but was instead managing the Doggie Dash in Land Park. Deb has been a long-time advocate for dogs and volunteers for the SPCA.

She wishes all riders Good Luck in RAAM!

Donate Life Day at the River Cats!

Golden State Donor Services did a great job promoting the Donate Life cause at the River Cats game on Saturday, June 2. They must have had over 100 people there wearing super cool green Donate Life t-shirts, and manning two booths set up with literature and Donate Life materials. Thank you Kathryn Doolittle, Tracy Bryan, Dave Fox and the rest of the GSDS team for such a great event!

Here's a picture of TDL exec director Kent Mulkey, digging into some Cracker Jacks.

Party!

The TDL Gala was a wonderful event! It was so nice to wear our heels with out the wheels. It was also a good opportunity to re-acquaint ourselves with the other local TDL teams. The photos have started coming in and they are proof of how much everyone truly enjoyed the party. Heels has 2 more “fund-raisers” to go: this weekend in El Dorado Hills, Sherri’s friends are hosting a tri-tip BBQ and Wed June 6 my parents will host a send off party in their neighborhood for all of TDL. Is it a coincidence that Sherri and I are each having parties that just happen to land on our birthdays?

Deirdre

We get to ride...While others wait

Dear TDL RAAM Riders,

For RAAM 2007, each of you will be given the wonderful opportunity, if you choose, to ride across the country in honor of an individual who is waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.

Believe it or not, to them you are The Heroes - that you would take the time to ride across the country to raise awareness for them. I suspect you see it just the opposite - THEY are The Heroes, ones who have been waiting weeks, months or even years to receive the miracle of life offered through transplantation.

In the next couple of weeks we will be receiving names, photos, locations and contact information for those willing to be “honored” by TDL before, during and after the race. You will have the opportunity to correspond with them and perhaps even meet them as you roll through their area.

Certainly, it is not required of you to participate. If you are interested, we would like to hear from you! We hope, in the next couple of weeks, to match you with someone out there across America whose life would be greatly enriched by one of YOU riding in their honor.

Please respond to me by April 2nd if you would like to participate in this opportunity.

Kent

Inspiration!

I have been in awe all days as i looked at the work all of us have done to raise funds to race across America and spread the word about organ donation. However, one thing for me stuck out - on the donor listing under my name was a small donation from someone named, Kelly Perkins. I wrote to her about Heels on Wheels, told her what we would do in June, and how much i was inspired by what she has done with her life! I sent this article to many of you after reading about Kelly (for those who did not visit the website, please do - Kelly is amazing!).

Kelly now knows Heels on Wheels! We are doing important work!

Thanks everyone!

Sherri