Huntington Beach - random updates

June 17th.... Huntington Beach

Well, I can post from my phone to my personal blog but not this site. I happen to be at work waiting for my bike to show up from Fedex...and its two days late. I guess I cant complain and such as we have a wonderful ATS family here to keep me fed, warm at night, entertained and the such - thank you Trever and Raquel (and kids!).

The crew from MN/CO (Steve, Tim, Ed, Tom, Chris and Ryan) headed from CO this morning about 5am loaded to the gills and expect to be in Oceanside tonight...what a trip they had! They are in good spirits and moving quick and we are all ready to rock n roll.

The sushi from last night is sitting well - it wasnt that bad at all...I was expecting MUCH worse but it slid down smooth while everyone was watching for something to happen...dont worry guys, it was good and THANK YOU!

Once the bike is here I will assemble and head to Oceanside and get my mind in the game. Not that crazy of updates yet but tonight will be more. I hope to have some pics going up of the RAAM start area once I am there. Enjoy the day - I should be online for a while until old blue shows up.

Andrew

Change you can believe in...Team Strong Heart makes change and cashes in.

One thing I have been told from the beginning - "you will have rings of fire to jump through all the way to Maryland." That is true and with each trial or ring - you become more aware, you bank on the success of overcoming that obstacle and THEN....when the dust settles you are able to be proactive instead of reactive.

The latest change came in a big way - it was a racer change. This is not the best "change" to make with 3 months to go but we were ready to make that change if need be. So with great pleasure, I am honored to be able to ride with Tim Case and the crew this year on 4-person RAAM.

Our line-up is as such - Andy-MN, Tim Case-CO, Steve Dahlke-MN and Brett Walker-NH. I am not placing them in any specific order at all - because as a team we are on a level playing field. Our talents may be varied but our hearts are in this 100%.

So - for those that don't know us all that much - I will introduce you to the 09 team.


Me - Andy. First time RAAM guy and the past years have brought me through many trials to get to this point and I am very excited to be here. I live in Dayton MN and ride out of Trailhead Cycle with the prior TSH teams. This race means more to me than I thought due to having a heart defect when I was born that corrected itself by age two - I can relate in a small way to Camp Odayin b/c of this my parents are so excited that I have a chance to pay it forward for the kids at Camp Odayin. Though my heart condition is totally resolved - I still think at times that I would have benefited from a place like Camp Odayin - and guess what...I do benefit from Camp Odayin today b/c of the gift they bring to the great and crazy kids that step foot on their grounds. This race is for you Camp Odayin!


Tim is no stranger to RAAM and especially TSH. He completed RAAM 07 in the 4 man team and then the remarkable solo event in 2008 - overcoming many many obstacles along the way. He is the new addition to the race team this year and we are pretty pumped. He has the heart of a lion and is the self-proclaimed Warhead on Wheels. Living in Colorado and saving lives for a living - he has also the compassion needed to persevere through the rough times that will come. We will all lean on his experience and respond when he cracks the whip. Tim is on task and not taking this role as a casual one - we are in it to win it and most importantly leave it all on the road. Don't pick a fight with this guy - he will not back down. Perfect for RAAM. He often talks about how much Camp Odayin means to him and this side of Tim is most admirable. Glad to have you back Home Skillet.




We know Steve as Snack Food Steve... long story but a good one. Steve is the sleeping giant of Trailhead. He knows what to do and honestly is the most level headed of the group (my opinion). Down to earth, solid and doesn't know when to give up - so he doesn't. Ask anyone - Steve has an uncanny ability to just push you with a smile and a nod. Steve has taken this RAAM 09 as serious as anyone and I have had the great pleasure to know him and ride with him consistently - a true companion on the road and off. He will surprise you and did I mention he wont give into the word quit?


Brett Walker - from New Hampshire. Our friend from afar. Many don't know Brett at all but I have had the great pleasure to get to know him a bit over the past few months. Don't let the fact that he is in the financial world fool you into believing he lives in the office - his passion is the open road for hours and hours - in fact he is an accomplished RAAM soloist (07) and MULTIPLE 12 and 24 hour racer throughout the year - nationwide. His most noteworthy accomplishment is when he beat the Amish gal up a hill in Pennsylvania in 07 RAAM...LOL. That pic is funny and Brett - you are a welcome addition to the team. His motto is simple - at the start line he states " this is my race to loose." Kind, funny and focused and realistic. I will accept your counsel as gospel.


So that is about it - we are moving forward to June and still need your help. We have overcome so much this year already but as a community we can come together on this - despite the times at hand. We want this community - that stretches from Colorado to New Hampshire - to reach deep to support our cause. Camp Odayin deserves all our efforts both on the bike and off. Will you answer the call?

See you on the road and look for updates. If you are looking for ways to help - be it CREWING for RAAM, Donations for TSH, Raffle tickets, Vehicle donations or assistance - we are all game.

Andrew

HEEEEEERE we come RAAM 2009!

Official notice to our friends, families and supporters of...

IT IS OFFICIAL! Team Strong Heart is proud to announce that we are now on the registration for RAAM 2009 4-person team competition. We are going to be starting our journey....well....a while ago but the race starts June 20th where we will be biking for Camp Odayin to reach our goal in Annapolis MD some 3000 miles down the road and more importantly to raise major funding for Camp Odayin.

So the time is now. Our goal is in sight. We ask you - community, friends, co-workers, family and loved ones to get behind TSH and support us as we embark on something wonderful - making dreams come true for children in 2009.

"Racing miles to create strong smiles"

I want to formally thank Andrea Riberich at HPI Marketing for pouring her long hours into making TSH visible and for being a great friend of TSH.

Please keep a weather eye for upcoming events - soon - related to raising funds for TSH and Camp Odayin.

See you on the road

Andrew, Brett, Steve, Joe and Tim....and....of course Amy, Bernie, Jay, Holly and the Crew

Black Ice and all things wonderful

update from the training side of things....

I have spent some quality time out of doors biking the past few days...there is a big difference between indoor training and outdoor training. I know - some say each one is better and the debate continues...I personally think it boils down to the mental state of the rider. See, I am prone to get off the trainer indoors...because I can. Outside...20 miles from home...its cold...windy or there are hills...I have to get through it to get home. Outside puts me in a place where my options are limited to - well - biking.

So my time on the trainer this winter is a good lesson in dealing with my nerves. And with that I say bring on the open road - Ill take a tall order of wind in the face - and an extra serving of hill repeat please....and a patch of black ice to keep your wits about you.

Ok - not sure how many actually read through here but there has been some remarkable traffic on the front of funds raised for Camp Odayin. We should have our new website running soon - thank you Amy and Bernie - and we are in some huge needs for the following things as we prepare for RAAM.

Crew Members - by loose definition ( a remarkable, eclectic and somewhat crazy "passionate" group of people that ride across America with us in cars at about 20 mph giving support to Team Strong Heart...the Heart and soul of the team by far. Overcoming logistics, personalities, time management etc...but most of all a group that has what it takes to make this effort for Camp Odayin come together ). want an adventurous summer vacation? Join Team Strong Heart Crew and experience a life of change.

Sponsorship - this is simple. We need assistance in fundraising. Even if you are not on board as a rider, crew, SSF member etc... you can help us. Spread the word and do some research on Camp Odayin and see the real fire that fuels our efforts. This is not for our glory - it is all for the kids. Despite the climate of change and economic windfalls it seems, I have found many still willing and able to give for various reasons. All it takes is knowing our reasons, and then providing proper information and finally giving them the opportunity to help. Utilize the website via paypal, send in orders/donations via snail-mail or come to spin class on Tues/Thursday at Trailhead and see me directly.

Feb 7th, 2009 I will be attending the Primary Fundraising Event for Camp Odayin downtown with a few others from TSH / SSF. ALSO keep in mind that there will be a meet/greet for TSH at the Elm Creek Ski Chalet (not sure of the real name) at 630 PM. Me, Steve and Joe should be there with SSF. AND....don't miss the get together at Trailhead Cycle / Fitness on Feb 28th where you can see local vendors, teams, TSH09 and take advantage of great deals - and I'm sure food.

More long winded stories - Ill keep it short for now.... SEE YOU ON THE ROAD.


Andrew

Training for an epic....

(andy riding a few weeks ago)

Hello from Minnesota

I trust you are about as sick of the cold as I am, that being said, I embrace this weather and live through it...its like the last bit of a giant climb...seeing the top just ahead. This year has new meaning to me in that much is at stake to be successful - June is around the corner and the kids are already looking forward to camp at Camp Odayin. That's right - remember camp?

Remember not being able to wait until the time came to get in the car or bus and head out to the great unknown - get away from mom and dad and the annoying siblings? Lets keep this in mind as we ride this year - be it racing, crewing, helping with fund-raising, encouraging us on training rides, the pat on the back....a "job well done"....all these things will bring us as Team Strong Heart a step closer to success.

I am not the best in training - it is not easy for me to find the joy of the indoor trainer...I have taken a new approach to put as many miles outside as I can - in the tough weather, in the great weather...the idea is to be able to get tough mentally as well. With the help of coaches and prior racers - it will be "easy" to keep on track but come open roads, the miles will begin to compound even more. Extra rides - long rides - trips to Stillwater to do 3 mile long hill repeats and so on. This is not only a time to see Team Strong Heart get strong - but a chance for you to join in on the best sport this planet has to offer....cycling.

So your dollars are needed - yes this is true and "no" I am not afraid to ask but also consider some other things that are critical - your time and your encouragement. I - along with Steve - would agree that our group rides have some of the greatest people I have ever known....not to say that the folks in Long Lake or NH are not - just saying that we are fortunate to have close friends that have stood out in the crowd and have given their best to help.

TSH09 - this is my focus...this is my reason for getting up each day (aside from the normal gig) and when I look ahead to Feb.....June....we have some major things to cover....but as this team moves ahead...so does our community. I thank you in advance for your support.

RAAM in full swing....

Hey everyone - I trust you are all doing well and for the hearty MN folk...I hope you survived the cold snap of a week ago...man, I really want summer to come back to MN.

With soooo much to do - I....WE need your help. There are many things to attend to and we are doing a great job in all areas but the one thing that needs more attention is financial obligations - of course. Who doesn't need more money right? Well, I understand the economic times are not favorable for all...trust me, I have been there and for those that know me - well....you know the deal. TSH is still in fast forward to make this a reality for the kids at Camp Odayin. I am glad to say that we have a strong handful of crew but need more....we have vehicles that will take us through the heartland of the USA....and the money is needed to pull all things together.

Here is what I ask - do you have outlets by which you can promote TSH and Camp Odayin for us? Exposure is the name of the game. If you know us - then you know we are serious for the kids and we give a generous amount to a valid and noble cause. If giving financial support is not in the cards - then maybe you can help us spread the word. Dont heistiate to ask how you can help...asking is the first step to knowing.

If your company or the company you work for is into matching funds or interested in giving - this is a great way to give to a local venue. We will be promoting fund-raisers with the help of Trailhead Cycle/Fitness soon and we are planning events to get this jump started even more. I have some flyers / brochures and personal donation cards at the shop if you are local...just ask the friendly workers...they should have them on the ready.

I am excited and the team is in full prep for this race and your help/efforts and prayers will get us there.

Andrew

Media Outreach

Exciting to note...

Team Strong Heart (TSH) 2009 has sent out our press-release to various locations in the United States (local and national representatives) with the intent to drive two main goals home. First is for Camp Odayin and the second is for Team Strong Heart fundraising.

We have had tremendous success with media outlets in years past and have developed a unique niche and reputation in many circles for the passion we have demonstrated with TSH. This year will be no different. I plan to be busy and to make myself available as much as I can but also our entire team is ready to do their part...What a great way to start the new year.

So, as you gaze through the pictures and testimonies on this site - know that the real story is about Camp Odayin and what we as a community can bring to them through TSH/SSF and RAAM. Your efforts, prayers and financial support are for a cause that will change lives - we thank you and look forward to working with you...

I guess I have to remember to train for this too. If you see a biker on the road this winter in our area - on an orange bike making his way through the snow - it might just be me fighting back Ol' Man Winter.

Thank you for visiting!

Andrew Claflin
TSH09 Team Leader

A New Year of TSH....

Ok, I was entrusted with the almighty rights to post here and to keep things - well - on target. My words will runneth over from time to time but I know the drill.

2009 is upon us and with that comes many new challenges. Racing Across AMerica comes to mind in June and well, if you're like me...it is the all-consuming thing that fills my thoughts daily. TSH is now moving forward as a 4 person team with a mission to 1. Provide for Camp Odayin and 2. Make the trek across America in style and speed. Our team is a focus driven team of passion and desire - born from many different avenues of life - all for one purpose.

I know I speak for the others when I say that I cannot sleep at night sometimes. Our dreams follow our thoughts - be it joy or fear...I must say that I have both types of dreams about this race. I know there will be pain....and underneath it all the joy of the struggle, the joy of the training and the blessing of the fellowship always wins. And when we come to Camp Odayin to present our giving nature - the joys of the children will make our journey complete.

TSH and Silent Sports Foundation (SSF) have teamed to make 2009 yet another productive year in the lives of children. Contributions to SFF will provide a way for kids to enjoy the simple pleasures of life and will assist us in RAAM and continued exposure for Camp Odayin. We do need your support in donations, sponsorship, volunteerism as a crew members, training and of course prayers along the way.

Our team has embarked on an epic saga that will take us to new levels of focus - preparing for what is 6 months from now. It will take countless hours on trainers, changes in our lives, endless hours on the road, planning and preparation - need I say more? We do need your help. If you are looking for a way to help TSH in 2009 or you know of others that feel the need to give - don't hesitate to reach out - we have many things to attend to.

So for now....I say thank you for your interest and thank you for being in support. Seeing that the morning comes quickly these days and my bike is waiting to wake me up in the morning - I am signing out.

To quote our 2008 soloist (Tim Case)....

Keep the rubber side down.


Andrew