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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Ari's Angels - Friday, June 15th

Hey guys,

It’s Friday at 6 pm EST and we are in Colorado. It’s been a crazy 24 hours or so since I’ve written to you last. We went from the incredible beauty and heat of Monument Valley Utah, into the evening and Colorado where last night for one pull I was riding at 35 degrees and freezing.

The highlight of the trip so far was cresting Wolf Creek Pass at 10,857 feet. The highest point of RAAM 2007! We went through such towns as Durango, Pagosa Springs, South Fork, and Cortez Colorado so far, and right now John and I are waiting to do the final of the three passes over the Rockies – Cuchara Pass.

The crew has been awesome. It is very sad to be losing John McCarthy in a couple of hours in Trinidad. He is an amazing crew person and a friend beyond measure. His upbeat humorous and laid back approach to moving us forward and keeping us nourished and rested has been amazing and inspiring. However, we’ll be picking up Bob Skold and Doug Rage, so we’ll have an extra man!

The climb up Wolf Creek went up just about 3000 feet in 8 miles or so. Getting us up to the top took all we had. I’ve sent a few pictures along for your amusement. By the way, as I crossed the 115 desert floor yesterday I developed an uncanny ability to read the minds of the people in the air-conditioned cars passing by. I hope I can use this gift later in life. Ironically however, every voice that telepathically entered my brain was saying the same thing. “What on earth could possess this idiot to ride out here in this God forsaken heat?”


I think we are all missing our families a little now. . .and nursing little aches and pains (maybe more than a little), but there is an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment. I am truly blessed and honored to be surrounded by such friends on this adventure. Till next time!

Riding for an NF cure, and my sweet little angel Arianna!
Steve
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Ari's Angels - Thursday, June 14th

Well friends, we’re off and running. Really tough day yesterday. From Congress, Arizona at 3000 feet and we crested 6400 (near Prescott) at one point, back down to 4500 feet through Chino Valley to Paulden, then made the grueling climb through Little Hell Canyon, and by the time we reached Williams AZ we were back over 7,000 feet. Temperatures exceeded 115 degrees through most of the climbs, however I was able to keep cool by dipping a towel into the cooler ice water and wearing it on my neck. . .a new fashion statement J ! Albeit one you probably wouldn’t want to make.

Last evening, the two Bill’s rode from Williams, through Flagstaff, even did a short climb on historic Route 66, then went north and skirted the Southeast corner of the Grand Canyon. They also went through Tuba City, past Yellow Butte, Whiskey Bottle Rock, and into Kayenta Arizona.


We’re now riding past Agathia Peak on Highway 163 towards Mexican Hat Utah.

We are tired, but generally happy. Our struggles have been mostly organizational in nature as we move our gear from one support vehicle to another. We are sleep deprived and trying to eat as much as we can. The scenery is now breathtaking as we go into Monument Valley.

Life is Good!
Riding for NF!
Steve
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Shannon's Soldiers - Thursday, June 14th

We met up with the Shannon's Soldiers team in Flagstaff, AZ on Tuesday evening (6/14), attached are a couple pictures of their pit stop. Everyone was pumped and running off of pure adrenaline and excitement. We know it wasn't sleep as none of them had yet learned the fine art of sleeping in a moving, active RV in thirty minute bursts. Not one of our four riders had slept a wink! By day three of four, we'll sure they'll have that one down. We got everyone showered and fed, washed a mountain of dirty clothes, and sent them up on their way to the four corners area by the time it was dark.

Our four riders have divided into two - two man teams with John Asher and Pat Mahoney taking one leg, and alternating shifts approximately every four hours with Peter Alexandre and Dan Schmidt. Despite a few minor delays, the team is making great time. Thankfully, no accidents or penalties! You can check their progress and time station updtes on the RAAM website: www.raceacrossamerica.org (Team #408 - Shannon's Soldiers for CTF Research).

The Shannon's Soldiers crew is holding up well and dividing up their responsibilities between driving, navigating, cleaning, and the countless other jobs that need to be done. These guys are amazing!! There will be a crew change in Kansas City, MO sometime this weekend. Approximately half of the crew will be replaced with some well rested and fresh volunteers to help push through to the finish line.

On another note, we just heard that Shannon's Soldiers has made the news. Look for an article in the Arizona Republic on Friday (6/15/07).

Onward to Atlantic City, NJ!

PS: Tell the Ari's Angels team that Shannon's Soldiers STILL has enough food stuffed in their motor home to make it to New Jersey without stopping!! Who knew you could squeeze so much stuff into (or on top, under, and behind) a motor home??

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D-Day .........Tuesday Morning

Hey Folks,
It’s Tuesday morning. . . .Everyone is here, happy and healthy. I think Shannon’s Soldiers have enough food stuffed in their motor home to make it to New Jersey without stopping. . .it looked tasty too. I think we’ll just follow along behind and pick up the crumbs they leave in their wake. We all leave at 5 pm EST and travel on up a little mountain range and down into the California and Arizona desert for few hundred miles. Our riders and crew are pumped and ready to move. We’re leavening Oceanside with our chief, Ken Edmonds, Dawn Wilson, Rick Rickards, and John McCarthy crewing. We’ll lose Rick and pick up Dan Kendra and Doug Slemmer 24 hours into the race in Prescott Arizona. I think I’ll be riding during that leg. I’m reminded of a tee shirt my wife showed me one time about two skeletons sitting leaning against a cactus with the caption, “Yes, but it’s a dry heat”.
More to come!
Steve
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Ready to Race Across America

Children’s Tumor Foundation’s riders are ready to Race Across America.

Pat Mahoney receives an award at the RAAM starting banquet from Steve Kendra for his team’s outstanding fundraising efforts on behalf of the Children's Tumor Foundation.

Ari’s Angels Team poses with the eight-person team from MD Anderson Hospital also riding for NF research. In all 16 riders out of the 195 RAAM team riders will be riding to end Neurofibromatosis.