This Ain't No Tour

Enough Said...we are ready!

A month from now..meaning June 24th..we can expect to be in Missouri heading east. After the long stretch through Kansas we will be tired, weary, anxious, feisty, checking teams, bridging gaps, nursing sores, eating whatever we can, checking sanity, ready to finish, ready to win, smelling ripe, able to sleep on a moments notice, unable to sleep at all, thanking the crew, cursing the bike seat, lathering up on sunscreen, praising the Lord for Chamois butter...the endless cycles of this routine will continue until Maryland.

If you are like me, I was not able to sleep all that much when the 07 team was on the road...the same thing happened last year. I would find myself wondering, as I stared at the ceiling at 3am..." I wonder where they are now?" With these thoughts I would refresh the map and and check updates and realize that either Bernie was just getting done or Tim was still hammering away or Amy was dealing with weather...and so on. I hope you get sleep but really, I hope you are up late praying for us. Be it solo or team - this is an effort. I applaud the soloists as well as the teams...just to get this going is a race and an epic adventure.

Many have asked - how do we do this? How do we plan this out? How many miles do you ride? Do you ride all night? I can answer some of these - tactics are best kept under wraps but in short....the race is 3012 miles. For the soloists...they race them ALL usually riding about 21 hours a day at least. OUCH! Our four-man team - which has TWO soloists from years past - will each complete about 753 miles in about 6 days. That is a lot of miles. Oh and yes, we have a bike going forward 24hrs a day...yes even at 3am.

Also asked...are you ready Andy? I think that is best answered in MD but I would have to say YES with a fist pump to boot. Physically I feel as ready as I can be and getting better each day. I will depend upon those that have gone before me to instruct on various things but I have to say that physically and mentally I am ready to put the pedals down to close up some miles. Geez, I make it sound like it will be a breeze...it wont but it will be fun.

The difference with the teams is that we will be racing at a faster pace than a soloist and trying to maintain that pace over 3012 miles is the trick...steadfast focus is the key - not to mention nutrition, rest.... Team Strong Heart 09 is ready to embark and ready to make this trip.

Follow us - cheer for us - yell at us to pick up the pace and welcome us home...

So whether you are in Iraq (love you Paul), resting with a beverage in MN, looking for dad on video clips while in New Hampshire, watching from the fire station in CO, checking the blog/site from the ATS offices (not during work hours of course), killing time in Stillwater or behind us in a follow vehicle... cheer for us and cheer for Camp Odayin...they are the reason we are doing this.

Head Honcho

The Guilded Armor of TSH09

THE KITS ARRIVED

Just so yall know what we will look like this year...these baby's are almost here and yes they are available to purchase but we didnt place a large order up front due to time and all other things associated with getting airborn. Its a full zip this year with some new design aspects - the big turtle and new sponsors...and of course some long time trusted sponsors. We wil have to arrange some sort of list/collection system etc if you want to order some kits. The T-shirts are actually Borah's Tech-Tee - its a micro knit poly shirt - NOT COTTON. Trailhead Cycle will have a handful for sale when they come in but the majority were for crew up front. We can order more and I am guessing SSF will have some prices for these soon. I will leave that in the hands of those who know better.

I dont have the bandwidth to collect orders right now so emailing me will result in failure - just sayin'. If somone in SSF can handle this - please do so we can accomodate those that are interested. I wont volunteer anyone.

I am jazzed, excited, nervous, worried, happy and ready to RACE! did I mention almost burned out?

Front of the Jersey

Back of Jersey

Shorts or Bibs rather

Tech-Tee

As of Today...

35 Days till RAAM

Yeah, I am almost scared to look at the RAAM site...like opening up the cell bill...you peek quick then close it up real quick to then deal with it later...you know the drill.

What I have noticed through this fight - and we haven't even gotten to the start line yet - is how much work there really is to do. Just when one pile is worked through - there is another to take it's place. Be it money, crew, logistics, reservations, expectations, oh - and training, tying up loose ends at work ahead of time, baseball with the kids, boy scouts, cub scouts, marriage, training, crew, logistics...the cycle repeats itself many times over...and sometimes a few times a day.

Where we stand is simple - together.

This time of preparation is nothing short of a team effort from our friends at SSF, past TSH racers/crew and current crazies that are working to get this ready. My hats off to you all. Oh, did I mention our sponsors and friends of TSH that have parted with their hard earned money and coveted time to help? You have seen us riding in shops, riding in the snow, riding at night, begging for money, telling the reasons we fight this fight (Camp Odayin), logging endless hours on narrow bike seats and for what? To be ready...to make TSH09 another winning adventure...to represent Camp Odayin with more of what has been in the past - success.

I cannot speak for our team - individually I mean - but we have a passion that transcends anything we have done before. Tim and Brett have done the ultimate - solo RAAM - but Steve and I are rookies in a brutal field. Our team has relied on prior teams and past experience to prep in all ways possible...and then there is another pile to contend with.

Our struggle isn't over but we are in the lead. So to all that I say...bring on the hurdles and the rings of fire...give me your best b/c thus far, TSH09 has overcome so much with the help of so many and we will reach our goal. When I look at the struggles I think only of one thing - Camp Odayin. No struggle I can deal with will ever match the struggles they overcome every day. I hope you feel the same way when you reach out your hand to help.

The promise that is shared by myself, Steve, Brett and Tim is that we WILL show honor and respect to the team - as a team. We will leave all of our effort ON the road - holding nothing back. We will think of Camp Odayin as it hurts and when it is okay - we will chase down the bl inky lights at night and will drive home a hard effort to be the best on RAAM09...best being measured many ways I suppose but we have a mind to win...and winning means we did everything possible to leave it on the road somewhere between Oceanside CA and Annapolis MD...I'm just hoping I leave the last bits closer to MD. :)

WE DO HAVE RAFFLE TICKETS FOR SALE

$5 gives you some "feel-good" reasons to spend to include: $900 gift card at Trailhead, Kurt Kenetic Trainer, Rainbow Resort stay and the HED Jet wheel-set - slightly used but stellar!

If you want some - email me and we can meet up andy.claflin@gmail.com

A Few Good People

Hey all,

Team Strong Heart is looking for a few good people to round out our crew roster for the 2009 Race Across America. Duties include, but are not limited do, making food for the racers, meeting irrational demands of other crew members, racers and race officials, drinking copious amounts of coffee and Red Bull at all hours of the day and night, helping drive across the country at 20 miles an hour, etc., etc.

Seriously, though, we are desperately seeking one or two more crew members for our effort this year. It is a tough job, very much a volunteer position, but pretty much the most epic experience you'll have between the dates of June 18 and June 27 (approximate dates and approximate level of epicness).

Team Strong Heart has an outstanding network of passionate people who organize, race and make this crazy thing happen, year after year.

Won't you join us?

E-mail Team Strong Heart member Tim Case, at tim@timcase.net if you're interested. You won't be disappointed if you do!

More from the Team or just general info...

Friends of TSH and Camp Odayin - I am honored to be here. Honored to ride for a cause that means so much to so many especially during a time when economic turmoil seems more the norm. Aside from the things that we cannot control, I have witnessed countless families give from the heart when it can easily be spent on personal forward movement - both family and companies alike. To all of you - I say thank you. To create such a list would be endless and please take this token of gratitude as sufficient.

We have added some crew members, we have made major adjustments, we have jumped through the rings of fire to only get a little burned yet we have prevailed...as a family. Our family is simply defined as you - our friends, co-workers and strangers that have devoted time and money for Camp Odayin.

We are moving into final preparations for equipment, travel, strategy, potential issues (normal), forms and so on. This process is daunting at times but when I see the children at Camp Odayin being able to enjoy their lives - it is all of a sudden a joy to struggle.

Our efforts are not done yet and we have miles/dollars to go to reach this end. I consider the race to be just getting to California....and the ride across this Great Nation the prize. I am reminded by the few from Camp Odayin that said " we will be watching and waiting to see Team Strong Heart cross this country" and I am truly inspired - and I trust that you are too.

Enjoy the weekend - ride well, ride safe and as Tim says - "keep the rubber side down".

Andrew

TRI-PLE Challenge - indoor triathlon for kids!

SILENT SPORTS FOUNDATION and RAINBOW RESORT Present the:

TRI-PLE CHALLENGE Indoor Kids Triathlon!

Saturday May 30th, 9AM
Maple Grove Jr. High School
7000 Hemlock LN N
Maple Grove, MN

Click here for details

family.

I was surprised the other day when I was informed of my dad's interest to crew for RAAM this year...well, not really surprised but surprised. To have someone so eager to share in this adventure is exciting. Well, dad came up with mom to our oldest boy's band concert and we had a RAAM strategy meeting and he was glad to take some burdens off of my back. Family - I suppose some can say that family is not all that easy (we have all been there) but when the chips are down / the motive is lost - that's when you are suprised by family when they once again swoop in and hold you close then encourage you forward. That's my dad.

So for those that desire to be part of an adventure that is like no other - come on in and join the group of those that support the chance to give kids dreams they can believe in at Camp Odayin.

Enjoy the weekend all and maybe see you on the road.

Inspired at lunch and showing my co-workers some RAAM

I had the chance to enjoy a cup of chili from Potbelly's and then settled in for some inspiration on RAAM. I cued up this video - promotional on youtube for RAAM 08. What I saw was the neat side / painful side and inspiring side of this...and I am sure my thoughts don't even come close to what actually goes on.

With that I say there are some really great moments caught on film about racers and crew and how this type of event - racing or crewing - will change your life.

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

24 Hours of Spin at Trailhead - TSH Event

I must say - my body was not all that ready however I was told that I looked pretty alert and in good form even at the last pull at 530 -600 pm today...lip service???? Ill take the props. I learned a bit in the past 24 hours that I can add to the memory bank for extended riding - no...I am not some self proclaimed expert just saying I noticed some things.

One....hydration and not to over-do it or suffer the consequences of bathroom runs all the time - a good balance was struck. Two....overcoming lack of sleep - even within a short period of time like 24 hrs. Three...a good saddle is worth it's weight in gold at least a hundred times over. Four....the right foods that are easy to digest. I didn't fail in these but rather noticed the effects of being on track and slipping behind. The best trait of all was the value of support from friends and new-friends even at 4 am (Cindy, Greg and Tim). Thank you for the early hour smiles.

Joe and I did about equal amounts of riding and I was on a variety of bikes/spin machines including the Shimano prototype Electronic-DA Orca - super cool. It came out to about 15 hours of riding blended into a 24 hour span of time with no more than 2 hours of actual sleep...the rest of the off-time was more or less awake but not on a bike seat.

Once Saturday a.m. rolled around we did break to get some quality brekfast down at Houdy's and helped Larry/Pam get the shop set up for the open house and then back on the bike to finish off the ride. I was glad to be done and realized that this is only a taste of RAAM...and not even a really good representation of RAAM. I had a chance to talk with some vetren epic riders to gleen some advice (Handyman Jeff and Steven Hughes)...thank you guys as your advice on tips/tricks will be taken seriously.

All done - wide awake and totally spent....


ac

Thank You!

Thanks all for coming out tonight to support TSH2009 4-person team for its mission to fundraiser for Camp Odayin in 2009 RAAM.

If you did not get a chance to come out tonight, please stop by Trailhead Cycling and Fitness shop this Sat. (Bike Expo) and meet the TSH members.

Andy, Joe, Steve, and Brett, we'll be with you all the way!!!

Best wishes to all riders and supporters in this coming season. You can follow the TSH news on www.teamstrongheart.org.

TSH09 Raffle Tickets are in and for SALE!

Team Strong Heart Fundraiser Raffle

Grand Prize - slightly used HED Jet wheel set - Shimano
1st Prize: Gift Card from Trailhead Cycle ($900)
2nd Prize: Kurt Kinetic Road Machine Trainer ($370)
3rd Prize: 2 Nights Lodging Rainbow Resort ($300)

Tickets $5/each
Drawing Held July 11th, 2009 @ Trailhead Cycle - 6pm
Need not be present to win

There is going to be much more than these three...and many variety as well. I will have some of these at Trailhead Cycle in Champlin.

Other gifts include:

Cycling posters

Various Bike Shwag Items

Team Strong Tech-Tee Shirt

Great Clips coupon for hair cut

Mary Kay Cosmetics - assorted gifts

Anytime Fitness Coupons

(I will try to get a better picture. My camera battery was dead and this is from my phone)

RAAM 2009 - right around the corner

Yes, I check the RAAM site each day...and the count-down is ... well...the number is decreasing and my anxiety is increasing in a good way. The wheels are in motion and we are picking up steam.

Training is ongoing and constant - more than I have done this early in the year for sure. It feels good to be getting lean in Jan but I am really not liking the healthy diet. I get to a point where I think of food as fuel - and then it all tastes like chicken...or tree bark as Kashi is a staple in our home.

Couple of things to remember this next week. Feb 25th at Elm Creek is a ski event and meet some riders of past and present Team Strong Heart. We 'should' have our 2009 Raffle Tickets by then so bring some cash to purchase tickets.... $5 / ticket. Lots of great prizes that will be drawn after RAAM in June.

Trailhead Cycle/Fitness is hosting an open house on Sat the 28th and TSH09 will be hosting a RAAM simulation starting at 6 pm Friday t0 6pm Sat - yes, 24hrs of spin. I will be doing the intervals of 30 mins on - 30 mins off and some intermittent rest. The idea...get a feel for the mental game we will all be going through. Again - some information will be there to help donate to TSH/SSF to help Camp Odayin. Heck, hop on a bike and spin with TSH09 for a few bucks (cheap promotion) and know that your dollars will go to support a worthy cause.

We should have a list of items that will be raffled away - the big prizes will be listed on the ticket.

Hope to see you there....expect to see you there.


Andy

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

Team Strong Heart 2009

Welcome to the Team Strong Heart website, a place where you will find frequent news and updates about the mission and activities of the members of Team Strong Heart.

For new visitors to the site, please be sure to check out individual member blogs, found on the right side of this page. For returning guests, welcome back!

Team Strong Heart was founded in 2006 for the purpose of raising awareness and funding for Camp Odayin, a national camp for children with congenital heart defects and disease.

Team Strong Heart is a band of dedicated bicycle racers and volunteers who have participated in many sporting events for our charity. The largest event that we have partnered with is the Race Across America bicycle race. This race is the biggest ultra-endurance event in the world and is a non-stop bicycle race that begins in Oceanside, California and ends 3000 miles later in Annapolis, Maryland.

For 2009, Team Strong Heart will be hosting two 4-person relay teams for the Race Across America. We are currently seeking both racers and crew members for the event which kicks off next June. If you have ever wanted to participate in an unbelievably rewarding and challenging ultra-endurance event, now is your chance!

For more information about being a part of Team Strong Heart, please contact team member Tim Case at tim@timcase.net.

Stay tuned for more details about our upcoming events, racer profiles and plans for the upcoming year...

Team Strong Heart