Ari's Angels - Saturday, June 16th

Hello Friends!

Half of the Angel’s Team is sitting here in Pratt, Kansas waiting for the two Bill’s (riders) and the two Doug’s (support crew) to arrive so John and I can head off into the evening for another all night adventure. Our pace has picked up, and the weather has been cooperating. The days are sort of running together so please excuse any laps or repetitive information I provide. Yesterday we went up and down all three major passes in Colorado (the entire team helped with the steep sections) and for the past 24 hours have been peddling across the eastern Colorado and western Kansas countryside. We have so many good experiences and pictures to share, it’s hard to pick the ones that in any way define the experience. And, as always, the best memories are not on film. RAAM is truly a team sport. And, this team is performing very well.

I think I had the best shower and breakfast of my life in an old truck stop this morning. . .after John and I did a 196 mile pull though the mountains and all night through the plains. Boy did that feel goodJ. Of course, I’d like to give credit to the riders on the team as they are literally busting their humps riding across the country – but without the crew, I don’t know that we’d be out of California. They are without exception the true heroes of our RAAM adventure. I’m especially grateful to have my brother Dan with us for the time being (he’s leaving us tomorrow). As he has done for most of my life, he is looking after me, and the team, with a grace and perseverance beyond measure. We picked up Bob Skold and Doug Rage last evening in Trinidad and pick up Trish Hardy and Connie Oslica in Kansas City and St. Louis respectively tomorrow.

I am looking forward to catching up with Pat Mahoney and his team in Atlantic City to share some stories, and find out how they made out. I understand they are kicking butt, and will be well rested before we arrive. Like I have mentioned, this is an amazing adventure. . .but the effort that the Mahoney family and their team of supporters have put forth in funding a cure for NF, is beyond compare. We are competing in this Race Across America together, but in the core of all of our hearts as we race to fund treatments and a cure for NF it is clear that there is no us verses them. . .there is only we.

So, from Pratt Kansas, where the fine folks at McDonalds have donated a free meal to all racers and crew in RAAM, I wish you all a wonderful weekend, and I’m looking forward to seeing you soon,

For Ari’s Angels,
Steve Kendra
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Shannon's Soldiers - Friday, June 15th

Hello Everyone;

We spoke with our riders and crew several times today. Our team started the day in Colorado and ended up by nightfall in Ulysses, KS, where they all enjoyed another hot shower at a motel and met up with the waiting crew reinforcements (Jim Manship, Greg Thielen, and Casey Van Balen). Everyone sounds in great spirits, although understandably tired. Sounds like our team is finally getting the hang of sleeping on the road - thank goodness! They're also starting to get a better grip on the logistics required to switch riders without losing a lot of time, although there have been a few hiccups (and one 8 mile detour) in this area. I know the crew is working hard to get their system down and work out the kinks along the way.

One of our riders told his wife back home that this was the hardest thing he has ever done. Funny, I have NO problem believing that to be a true statement! You wouldn't know just how hard it is from watching these guys, though, and the way they are riding. What an amazing test of physical strength and stamina! Thankfully, their bodies and their spirits are holding up well - and there has been a lot of bonding in the process. Every rider has raved about how the crew (Kathy Alexandre, Joe Asher, Mike Asher, Gonzo Grasis, Casey Mahoney, DJ Mahoney, Ciera Sarager, Edi & Jerry Remaklus) are taking excellent care of them. Gonzo, DJ, Edi, and Jerry will be heading home tomorrow and will be sorely missed, although I'm sure it will be great to have some fresh bodies on the crew!


I have to admit, I'm addicted to keeping track of their time and predictions on the www.raceacrossamerica.org website. It's exciting to see how each climb and descent factors into their overall performance!

Until next time,
Stacy
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