Time Station #4 - Parker, Arizona

Crew member Emerald Simmons reports on FB: "In Arizona! Amy went straight through the night stopping in Parker for a 4 hour rest."

Amy reached TS#4 in Parker, AZ at about 7:20AM CDT.  She has now raced over 280 miles ridding that distance in just over 17 hours!!

Conditions in Parker this morning: 76F, clear, SSW winds at 10mph.  Amy will be down for a rest now until about noon.  When she starts ridding again she'll see temps up around 100F.

Time Station #3 - Blythe, California

photo: RAAM 2010

Amy passed through TS#4 in Blythe, CA at about 4AM CDT this morning.  As of TS#4 Amy has ridden 230+ miles and has been going steady for more than 14 hours!  The temperature in Blythe was 77F with wind out of the south at 8mph.

The forecast for today as the racers cross into Arizona will be warm with temps into the 90's and mostly south winds.

RAAM 2010 Sights & Sounds Video

Time Station #2 - Brawley, California

photo: RAAM 2010

I guess my time zone calculations were a little off, doh!  Amy has just passed through TS#2 (10:53 CDT) at Brawley, CA .  She has be riding for nearly 11 hours and has already covered 142 miles.  Conditions in Brawley are 91F with a west wind at 20mph.  The riders should like that wind!

Next is TS#3 at Blythe, California... 89 miles down the road.

Time Station #1 - Lake Henshaw

photo: RAAM 2010

At 5:55 (CST) Amy passed through Time Station #1 in Lake Henshaw, California.  Weather conditions at the time was about 77F with a west wind at 10mph.  She's getting a nice little push!

The next Time Station is #2 in Brawley, CA in another 88 miles.  She should reach Brawley sometime after midnight.

Amy Xu - Team Strong Heart Underway at RAAM!

At 2PM (CST) Team Strong Heart's Amy Xu started in the 2010 RAAM Solo Women's Division.  Along the 3005 mile non-stop race course are 55 time stations.  Between reports from her TSH crew and tracking the results on the RAAM website we will update her current status and progress here at teamstrongheart.com with as real-time information as possible.  Check back often!

2010 RAAM Solo Women & Men 60+ Start

On behave of Amy and Team Strong Heart, I would like to thank all of you for supporting Amy and Team Strong Heart's mission for Camp Odayin.

Next up for Amy is Time Station #1 at Lake Henshaw, California.  The distance to Lake Henshaw is about 54 miles with an elevation gain in excess of 2750 feet.  The RAAM course gets serious right away!

The temperature at race time in Oceanside was 68F with SW winds at 6mph.

Amy Starts the 2010 RAAM Today!

2010 Team Strong Heart

L2R: Dennis, Sandy, Jackie, Sally, Tim, Amy, Emerald, Doug, Michelle, David 

Today is the day!  At 12PM Pacific time (2PM CDT) Amy Xu will start in the 2010 Race Across America Solo Division.  Amy is one of only 5 women racing in the solo division this year.

Best wishes to Amy and crew for a safe and successful race.  Go AMY!

Be sure to check back for updates as the race gets underway!

Tour de Mission hill ride -- June 1, 2010

By 9:20pm, the backyard post Tour de Mission hill party was "terminated"; it was not that we were too loud for the neighbors, or music got bored -- a care call came in that I need to sleep!!! before taking off today (June 2) for the sleepless RAAM -- I truly forgot...we were laughing so hard, we were so loud, we were like a bunch of camping kids talking under the skys about how our paths crossed on bikes -- That is the essence of Tour de Mission.

While enjoying your ride, find The Bike Writers' -- "ENJOY THE RIDE -- Following a Natural Cycle Through Life" -- a life reflection of a cyclist, his friends, and families -- to be published soon.

Your friend, amy xu

Amy Xu/Team Strong Heart in the News!

Check out this article printed today (5/28/10) in the St. Paul Pioneer Press!

Plymouth's Amy Xu will attempt to cycle nearly nonstop for 300 hours coast to coast

Newest 2010 Crew member (#15) -- Jay Thompson, Team Strong Heart 2008 rider

Welcome on board, Jay (from right -- TEAM STRONG HEART 4-person team -- Jay, Amy, John, Melinda, taken in Oceanside 2008 RAAM).

Jay came on board this week to crew us from MN to CO and is the designated reporter for TSH website/facebook for race progress. Thank you.

Please join me to thank the following individuals for volunteering their time in helping the Team Strong Heart mission in 2010 Race Across America.

Sandy Roman (MN) - crew chief

Michelle Pearl (CO) -- crew chief

Minghong (Sally) Wang (NH)

Doug Donelson (CO)

Emerald Simmons (CO)

David Detmar (TX)

Tim Sandy (CA)

Dennis Richardson (CA)

Jacquelyn Torborg (MN)

Richard (Dick) Roman (MN)

Dale Nordick (MN)

Susan Just (MN)

Dave Waltz (MN)

Qiuwen (Janet) He (NH)

Jay Thompson (MN)

Amy

Memorable Evening Ride in MN -- May 20, 2010

Team Strong Hearts from local cycling groups came out for a memorable evening ride. (Courtesy of Quang Vo and Larry Sayler).

See other photos and event report on http://www.teamstrongheartamyxu.blogspot.com/

Team Strong Heart mission event in Boulder CO - May 16-17, 2010

As Team Strong Heart crew and rider are preparing its mission close to its final stage before heading to the race start (Race Across America 2010), co-crew chief, Michelle Pearl, organized a mission fundraising event last weekend -- this time, in the Heart of the Race Across America -- its headquarter -- in Boulder, CO.

Michelle gathered all the donated items from her friends and local CO businesses (bike shops, band, restaurants, hotels, spas, bakeries, etc. etc.), as well as Team Storng Heart sponsors from MN, and raised $2,100+ on Sat. night. RAAM president and CEO attended the event, pumped up our team and supporters, and praised all the efforts we have done for Camp Odayin charity mission. On behalf of Team Strong Heart, I invited the RAAM organizer to visit Minnesota this fall and give us a recap of RAAM 2010 and RAAM history.

Counting down 22 days to start, Team Strong Heart has many tasks ahead before the race start. As Eric Kenny, the Team Strong Heart 4th year coach advises -- obstacles usually happen when you take your eyes off from the goal -- So we stay focused.

Amy Xu (Dorsey & Whitney, partner)
Team Strong Heart 2008 (team) and 2010 (solo)
612-991-4912
http://www.teamstrongheart.com/
http://www.teamstrongheartamyxu.blogspot.com/

Press Release in California and Colorado -- May 11, 2010

From Michelle Pearl (co-crew chief),

"I would imagine that most of us have ridden a bike at some point in our lives. The first time you learned how to pedal, and keep your balance was such a euphoric moment. Then maybe you did your first 10 mile ride whether it be to work or with your family, or something bigger like a weekend club ride preparing for a 100 mile century or triathlon. At some point, most of us have experienced some perception of what it means to ride your bike, but can you just imagine for one second, riding your bike for 20 hours, then sleeping for 3 hours, and then getting up and doing it again for 13 days?

On June 8th, 2010 there will be a very select group of athletes doing just this feat, in the Race Across America (RAAM). This is the 29th year that the RAAM (which is considered the hardest international endurance event) will take place. Athletes will leave from Oceanside, CA traveling 3,000 miles to Annapolis, Md, and are given 10-13 days to complete it, depending on their category. Each year several teams participate in this incredible race that has no prize money. Aside from the personal challenge this race poses to each athlete, it is also one of the largest fundraising opportunities for hundreds on different charities.

This year, Team Strong Heart will be competing in the RAAM for the fourth year in a row. The team was developed in 2007 by Bernie Karferlein, after attending a fundraiser for Camp Odayin, a camp in Stillwater, MN for kids with congenital heart disease. He was so inspired, that he decided to use his love of cycling as a platform to raise money for the camp, and participate in the RAAM. In 2007 Team Strong Heart raced a 4-person all male team, in 2008 they had a 4-person mixed team, along with a solo male racer, then in 2009 a 4-person all male team that took first place, and now in 2010, Amy Xu the first Asian American female to race in the RAAM, will be competing in the SOLO division.

Team Strong Heart is based out the Twin Cities, Minnesota USA, and functions under the Silent Sports Foundation. Their mission is to raise awareness and funds for Camp Odayin. This camp provides a very special experience for kids all over the country with congenital heart disease, who's medical fragility limits their abilities to normally participate in such opportunities. The camp has an all volunteer staff including a full time pediatric cardiologist and nurse. They have high tech medical equipment available at all times for any emergency. The families who have already had to manage large medical bills, only have to pay a small administration fee, and otherwise the campers attend with funds given by donation.

Although Amy is the SOLO racer representing Team Strong Heart, this mission is truly a team effort and can not be completed without the assistance of an efficient support crew. This year's crew is made up of 14 people. Each person has a vital job. Amongst those jobs includes a driver, navigator, feeder, bike mechanic, physical therapist, massage therapist, and nurse. This year's crew is an eclectic mix of incredible men and woman from all over the country that have come together, donating weeks out of their lives as volunteers to achieve the same goal.

Months, days, and hours are dedicated to the preparation, fundraising, training, and strategizing for the Race Across America. On June 8, 2010 Team Strong Heart will begin their mission on the start line, at the pier in Oceanside. You can track their mission and race progress, just as the kids at Camp Odayin and supporters will, across the country all the way to the finish line in Annapolis.

If you would like to learn more about Team Strong Heart, and their mission, or make a donation, please go to http://www.teamstrongheart.com/

You can learn more about the race, and follow the daily statistics at http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/

To learn more about Camp Odayin, please go to http://www.campodayin.com/

"

TEAM STRONG HEART 2010 crew announcement - May 7, 2010

I'm pleased to announce that Team Strong Heart 2010 includes total 14 crew members:

Sandy Roman (MN)
Michelle Pearl (CO)
Minghong (Sally) Wang (NH)
Doug Donelson (CO)
Emerald Simmons (CO)
David Detmar (TX)
Tim Sandy (CA)
Dennis Richardson (CA)
Jacquelyn Torborg (MN)
Richard (Dick) Roman (MN)
Dale Nordick (MN)
Susan Just (MN)
Dave Waltz (MN)
Qiuwen (Janet) He (NH)

On behalf of Silent Sports Foundation and Team Strong Heart 2010 RAAM, first of all, I want to thank you all for being a part of the Team Strong Heart 2010 mission to help Camp Odayin charitable cause in RAAM 2010. I welcome you on board. Also, I want to thank our co-crew chiefs, Sandy Roman and Michelle Pearl, for their hard work to get us all together in the last few months. Without them, this will not happen. I'm very grateful to all of you and look forward to being a part of this team and your rider. We come from many different parts of the country with all different background, yet as a whole, we are going for a common mission. I'm very proud of us. Moving forward, no matter what happens on this journey, we are the Team Strong Heart 2010, and we are a part of the Greater Team Strong Heart family now.

One of our main goals is to help bring awareness of cardiovascular diseases that Camp Odayin kids suffering in their daily lives. On our crew, we have a member whose family had experienced such devastated diseases, and we also have crew members who themselves are the survivals of other potentially life-threatening diseases. Currently, we are blessed with good health and great energy.

In regards to the race event, our #1 goal is to make this crossing safe and a great experience for all of us. I encourage everyone to sit back for a moment to visualize our journey ahead and say a prayer for all of us as well as the loved ones back home, and thank our families and friends who support us in this mission. We'll have hundreds of thousands of folks back home, across the country and beyond, to support us. I'm not afraid of the challenges ahead even though the roads ahead are very treacherous and somewhat dangerous. Please take care of yourself and be vigilant to all dangers around us and help each other. Together, we CAN do this.

(Above photo is courtesy of Mellow Johnny bike museum, Austin, TX)

Amy Xu (Dorsey & Whitney, partner)
Team Strong Heart 2008 (team) and 2010 (solo)
612-991-4912
http://www.teamstrongheart.com/
http://www.teamstrongheartamyxu.blogspot.com/

RAAM Simulation Ride from Oceanside CA to Blythe CA -- April 16-17, 2010

Reports from Team Strong Heart co-crew chief, Michelle Pearl -- see www.teamstrongheartamyxu.blogspot.com

Letters from Camp Odayin -- April 2010

"It's about the mission"-- by Erin Lewison, a 7th grader student of Maple Grove Junior High and winner of Team Strong Heart mission contest

Details http://www.teamstrongheartamyxu.blogspot.com/

"INVICTUS" -- to those unconquerable souls (2/28/2010)

From coming across William Ernest Henley (1849-1903) poem "Invictus" in its Chinese translated version when I was a teen, to watching Clint Eastwood's movie "Invictus", starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon, I came to a conclusion that we do live in One World, a "World of Cherishing Unconquerable Souls". Sticking to my mind, while traveling through different time and space and living in different lives, has been and will always be those words of courage, perseverance, and endurance that have inspired us all (Below text from William Ernest Henley's poem "Invitus"):

"Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate,

I am the captain of my soul."

Amy Xu (Dorsey & Whitney, partner)

Team Strong Heart 2008 (team) and 2010 (solo)

612-991-4912

http://www.teamstrongheart.com/

http://www.teamstrongheartamyxu.blogspot.com/

The last RAAM indoor simulation ride 2-19-2010

Spring rides are around the corner while we wrapped up the third and last indoor simulation ride last Friday, 2-19-2010. In a normal winter season here in MN, many cyclists in clubs do not see each other unless they enjoy a common winter sport, such as xc skiing, or go to a holiday party. The common language have been, "Hey, you look quite different without that helmet on," or "Boy, you look faster on skis..." Of course, these jokes will be replayed or repaid during the non-winter season.

Our three indoor simulation rides have become a great winter get-together time among the Greater Team Strong Heart families and friends. Even though some of us stayed in touch through weekly club spinning workouts, etc., we are all in different rebuilding phases or goal race planning stage for an exciting cycling season ahead.

I have posted some training details and comments on the three RAAM indoor simulation rides on the companion blogsite: http://www.teamstrongheartamyxu.blogspot.com/. Thanks for your participation and support, and hope to see you soon on the road.

Amy Xu (Dorsey & Whitney, partner)

Team Strong Heart 2008 (team) and 2010 (solo)

612-991-4912

http://www.teamstrongheart.com/

http://www.teamstrongheartamyxu.blogspot.com/

Happy Lunar New Year Day & Heart-Day (2/14/2010)

2010 Team Strong Heart Fundraiser Raffle Tickets are now available:

A variety of prizes include a new bike, a new bike trainer, a new bike frame, a free 2-night lodging at Rainbow Resort, movie theater tickets, books on RAAM for kids, DVDs, Gophers Football tickets- club level tickets ($100 value), EK Endurance Training gift certificates ($200 value), GO-Girl products (priceless), etc. The top 4 prizes are:

1st Prize: new 2009 Gary Fisher aluminum/carbon with carbon form $1,000 value
2nd Prize: Rock N Roll Pro from Kinetic donated $699 value
3rd Prize: Diamondback Insight 1 flat bar road bike $499 value
4th Prize: 2 night stay Rainbow Resort Lodging (up to 4 people) $350 value

Tickets: $5/ each (Need not be present to win)
Drawing held at Trailhead Cycling & Fitness, on June 26, 2010, Sat. at 6 pm

Please contact: teamstrongheart@gmail.com or xu.amy@dorsey.com for tickets