Tim Case Interview in the Clear Creek Courant!

Click Here for the full story!

Nice job Tim! Keep 'em spining!

Sweat Together Get Together

On short notice an invitation was sent out to come join Team Strong Heart for an indoor ride from 7 to 11PM this past Friday night (2/8) at Trailhead Cycling in Champlin. It turned out to be a fun night and a great turnout with many people coming out to ride, socialize, and enjoy a little happy hour to boot!

Thanks to each of you that came out in support of Team Strong Heart! It was great to see all of you.

Medtronic is back for 2008!

Medtronic is back sponsoring the Team Strong Heart mission for the second year in a row! Medtronic's mission statement is not only one of the truly great missions but it is embraced and put into action by the company and all it's employees.

The Medtronic Mission

• To contribute to human welfare by application of biomedical engineering in the research, design, manufacture, and sale of instruments or appliances that alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life.


• To direct our growth in the areas of biomedical engineering where we display maximum strength and ability; to gather people and facilities that tend to augment these areas; to continuously build on these areas through education and knowledge assimilation; to avoid participation in areas where we cannot make unique and worthy contributions.


• To strive without reserve for the greatest possible reliability and quality in our products; to be the unsurpassed standard of comparison and to be recognized as a company of dedication, honesty, integrity, and service.


• To make a fair profit on current operations to meet our obligations, sustain our growth, and reach our goals.


• To recognize the personal worth of employees by providing an employment framework that allows personal satisfaction in work accomplished, security, advancement opportunity, and means to share in the company's success.


• To maintain good citizenship as a company.

IATP joins the TSH mission!

The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, IATP, has agreed to come on board with Team Strong Heart for the 2008 Race Across America.

The IATP is the parent organizer of Peace Coffee and is extremely excited to support the team and solo efforts this year by including Team Strong Heart in their organization newsletter that goes out to approximately 5000 people across the globe.

Founded in 1986 by Mark Ritchie, a trade policy analyst working for the state of Minnesota, the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy promotes resilient family farms, rural communities and ecosystems around the world through research and education, science and technology, and advocacy. For a complete history of the IATP and more information regarding their mission, please visit, http://www.iatp.org/iatp/history.cfm.

Team Strong Heart is pleased to welcome the IATP, Peace Coffee and all other new and returning sponsors for the 2008 Race Across America.

Dorsey & Whitney Foundation provides Donation support!

Dorsey & Whitney Foundation as agreed to match all donations from its partners and employees to the TSH mission. This will greatly help the TSH Forever crew meet it's $25,000 pledge to their mission for Camp Odayin. We thank you from the bottom of our "Strong Hearts!"

Peace Coffee joins TSH!

Peace Coffee has officially signed on to be the coffee sponsor for Team Strong Heart Forever, Team and Solo Edition. Plenty of caffeine to go around!

Here's some info. about Peace Coffee's roots:
Peace Making In late November 1995, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) invited a small group of Mexican farm leaders to Minneapolis to discuss the U.S. Farm Bill. At the end of the meeting, Luis Hernandez from La Selva, a Mexican coffee cooperative, complained that during all the talk, he hadn't sold a single coffee bean. He looked at IATP and said, "You guys should be selling organic fair trade coffee."

Shortly thereafter IATP created Headwaters International and later our brand name, Peace Coffee. In December 1996, Headwaters' first container, 38,000 pounds of conventional and organic coffee from Chiapas, arrived. After the first container, we bought a partial container of Guatemalan Peace Coffee. A portion of the "profit" went to support Guatemalan peace efforts in collaboration with Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Rigoberta Menchu.

In 1997, IATP incorporated TransFair USA and signed the first contracts with U.S. companies roasting fair trade certified green beans. It was the beginning of a new market for fair trade products in the U.S. that continues to grow and expand to new products. In 1999, a second full-time employee squeezed into a tiny office. The Peace Coffee brand was consolidated and the nervously optimistic buzz kept growing. Also in '99, to further our commitment to the environment, both social and ecological, the policy of bicycle-powered delivery whenever possible was adopted.

Peace Coffee continues to grow out of experiences in the coffee regions, time spent working in local cooperatives and a desire to push fair trade to the highest level. Since the first batch of Guatemalan coffee, we have made connections with coffee cooperatives in Mexico, Sumatra, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Peru, Nicaragua and Colombia. We have also changed the supply chain by co-founding Cooperative Coffees (http://www.cooperativecoffees.com/), a coop of roasters formed to import 100 percent fair trade coffee direct from the farmer coops that grow it.

Peace Coffee today includes a staff of twelve and coffee varieties of fifteen and growing. We roast, pack and distribute our coffee beans all under one eco-friendly roof in Minneapolis. In the Twin Cities metro, Peace Coffee still delivers by bike year-round and our suburban accounts get their coffee from a big, bright biodiesel van. What remains unchanged is our complete devotion to the idea of a fairly traded, farmer-friendly product and the wonders of a great cup of coffee.

New Sponsor! 2008 TSH's Tim Case Solo Effort

Welcome Michelle Pearl from Releaf Therapy! Michelle has signed on to Tim Case's Solo effort in the 2008 RAAM. She is taking time off from her solo practice to provide physical and massage therapy AND crew. That's a lot of work and we are so thankful to have someone of here expertise helping Tim reach a monumental goal.

Michelle is a licensed Physical Therapist and Massage Therapist at her solo practice, Releaf Therapy, located in Louisville, Colorado.

Her background as a licensed physical therapist and massage therapist has allowed her to develop a unique art in approaching the science of rehabilitation. Patient centered manual therapy is the philosophy of care. Michelle is a strong patient advocate, always there for them when needed. She performs very specific evaluations and treatment, with hands on manual therapy being the foundation. Very proactive in her field, she is continuously educating herself on the newest techniques to add to her toolbox. Michelle's goal is to empower her patients with the knowledge they need to heal and stay healthy.

Melinda Silbernick Joins TSH Forever completing 4 Person Team Roster!

TSH 2008: John Rotach, Amy Xu, Melinda Silbernick, Jay Thompson

Team Strong Heart Forever's 4 person mixed team is now locked and loaded with a formitable group of athletes!

Having Melinda Silbernick round out the team was really a dream come true. Melinda brings the attitude, experience and mission essential to the team effort in 2008 RAAM.

Here's Melinda's Bio (just seeing her photo kind of says it all!):

Occupation: Educator in Health and Phy. Ed. for 29 years (currently at ISD 279). Marathon Coach for Lifetime Fitness, Cross Country Ski coach, and Triathlon coach.

Home: Maple Grove, MN

Athletic background: 5 time Ironman (Hawaii) Triathlon World Championships. Elite cross country skiing in the American Birkiebeiner.

What attracts me to RAAM: I had heard about the RAAM 10 years ago and thought” how brutal, why would anyone want to do something like that!” Then I was asked to consider being a RAAM team member. I listened to a presentation given by Bernie and Neil. I learned that this is an event to bring about awareness of young people with heart disease. For the first time in my life, I would be riding for a purpose other then myself. It brings a whole new meaning of perseverance, dedication and gratitude, that in itself is the most powerful reward one could receive. Just to know that even one life has breathed easier because Team Strong Heart can make a difference.
I am also very thankful for the outstanding team selected.They are all dedicated people and have their hearts in the right place.

Goals for RAAM: to meet the goals of the fundraising expectations, to carry through the team strong heart mission, to stay healthy and safe throughout this journey, to accomplish the task of the RAAM and finally to keep the Team Strong Heart a live in years to come.

Why Camp Odayin? This past summer, I had a real awaking, my husband suffered a stroke. Fortunately the clot moved through and their were no irreversible side effects; however the doctors link the stroke to a hole and aneurism in his heart from birth. He had since then, corrective surgery on his heart. I soon learned how fragile life is and that little things like Camp Odayin can be larger than life in the eyes of a child.

Jay Thompson signs on to Team Strong Heart Forever 4 person team!

Welcome Jay! You are a tremendous asset to the team! Many of you already know Jay as the friendly force behind the cycling group at Trailhead and as a monster in the pack...but never lets anyone drop off the back and ride alone. He is a "Strong Heart"!

Here's Jay's Bio...

Name: Jay Thompson, age: 44 (45 by the RAAM start date)

My wife Mary and I live in Maple Grove, MN with our three children: Katie 14, Jenna 12, and Luke 10.

Occupation: Sr. Engineering Technician - Three Rivers Park District

What got you started in athletic endurance events and what attracts you to RAAM?

In the mid 80's the phenomenon of the mountain bike first got me into cycling, at the same time Greg LeMonde's success in Europe and his victories at the Tour de France peaked my interest in the sport, I have been hooked ever since. In 1992 I joined a local racing team, the Loon State Cyclists. My involvement as a racer has been limited, and I more accurately describe myself as a club rider. I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of riding and training with such a dedicated group. After years of riding with the Loon State Cyclists I feel I have developed the skills required to be a valuable member of Team Strong Heart Forever.

Why are you interested in raising funds and awareness for Camp Odayin?

The dedication and commitment of the founding Team Strong Heart members was very inspirational. For Bernie Kaeferlein to spawn the idea and make it a reality was truly awesome. To have the opportunity to carry Bernie's vision forward and to accept this challenge with such great friends & teammates as Amy, Melinda, and John is a privilege. Go Team Strong Heart Forever!

Favorite quote or words to live by:

Faith, Forgiveness, Loving kindness, Compassion. It is that simple.

John Rotach signs on to TSH Forever 4 person team!

John Rotach just signed on to the Team Strong Heart Forever mission and compete in the 2008 Race Across America! Welcome aboard John! John and Holly were HUGE supporters of Team Strong Heart's 2007 4 person RAAM team as well.

Here's a bit more about John:

John Rotach
31 yrs old
Holly – wife of 8 years
Lilly – daughter 3yrs
Boo – golden retriever

Anoka, MN for 4 years

Firmware Engineer with Medtronic Inc, Cardiac Rhythm Disease Management
B.S. Computer Engineering – Iowa State University
M.S. Software Engineering – University of St. Thomas

I enjoy:
- bike commuting 8 months of the year (30 miles/day – rain, wind, whatever)
- biking with my wife and daughter (trailer and now trail-a-bike)
- group rides
- racing (road/cyclocross/mountain/triathlon/running)
- playing on the river (boating, wakeboarding, skiing, tubing, fishing)
- cross-country and downhill skiing
- anything outdoors (camping, hiking, dog park)

Why RAAM?
My wife told me to. Seriously. A friend told me, “If your wife says, ‘Do it,’ well, then you do it!” I wanted to find a challenging event for next summer. 24 hr mountain bike solo, Leadville 100, Ironman Triathlon, etc… And then this opportunity came along. It’ll be a great adventure with some great people.

Goals for RAAM?
First to finish - healthy and safe. This is such an unknown you HAVE to say your first attempt is to just finish. I’ve ridden at night enough to know weird stuff just happens. After that, I’d like to finish strong. If I’m riding well and am happy in the final days it’ll be a success. I think a team goal is to have the team happy with their performances, feeling like they gave what they had.

Why Camp Odayin?
I first heard about this camp a couple years ago during a presentation at work. Medtronic has a strong tie to this camp as a lot of the kids have our devices. It really struck me as a magical place. During the presentation I had one of those moments where you really step back and remember how lucky and fortunate you are. To never have gone to a summer camp because you or your parents were afraid you’d have a problem and be miles from a hospital. This camp allows these kids to forget they’re different and just be kids. Doing RAAM…spending that kind of money, that much time, crew, volunteers, organization, resources…just to ride a bike. It can seem a little silly. If what we’re doing can help Camp Odayin with their mission, help just a couple kids, it’ll be worthwhile.

Check out John's training journal by clicking on: http://www.johnrotachtsh.blogspot.com/ or from the sidebar.

How You Can Support TSH

There are several ways that you can help make the Team Strong Heart mission for Camp Odayin a success. TSH is asking for your support through fund raising and sponsorship.

Individual donations made by family, friends, and colleges of TSH members make up the majority of our fund raising goal. Corporate sponsorship in the form of funding and in-kind services play a large role toward reaching our goal and proceeds from sales of TSH team clothing (jerseys, shorts, socks, & tee-shirts) along with raffle tickets also help make the TSH mission possible.

We are very grateful for the support we have received so far. If you are still considering supporting the Team Strong Heart mission, see below for a quick list of ways to do so.

Individual Cash Donations - (Online or Mail-in) Cash donations are tax deductible and collected by the Silent Sports Foundation. SSF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization EIN#. Donations to Silent Sports Foundation can be made online (credit cards accepted) by clicking the donate button below.

Donations are also being collected personally by TSH members OR donations can be mailed to: Silent Sports Foundation - Team Strong Heart - P.O. Box 2827, Minneapolis, MN 55402.

Corporate Sponsorship - if the Team Strong Heart mission fits the criteria for your company's charitable giving program we would like to here from you. TSH would be happy to answer any questions you have regarding our mission. Click here to contact us.

Team clothing is available in the Team Strong Store (coming soon!). TSH jerseys, shorts, socks, and tee-shirts are available for purchase. All items can be purchased online!

Thank you for helping us make the Team Strong Heart mission for Camp Odayin a reality!

Double Header Headwaters 100 & The Laurentian Divide Challenge MTB and Run Race/Tour

It was a gorgeous early morning, sunny and 50s, the Little Bemidji Lake is calm with fog rising from the lake. Loons are still sleeping. Temperature is warming up, the breeze has woken up the lake by stretching its calm nature. Riders after Headwaters 100 race are pumped up for the double header 2nd day race, the Laurentian Divide Challenge 20k mt. bike race/10k tour. A few thought the Yoga is a way of waking up their bodies in the secluded northern woods, many dove directly into the lodge for a hot breakfast meal.

Well, it turns out that this double header event is not just a race/tour, it is about supporting hundreds of kids who have suffered heart diseases. The race organizer promoted and put up this double header race/tour to raise funds to help these kids by donating all race registration proceeds to a non-profit organization who hosts hundreds of these kids at Camp Odayin for three weeks of each July -- free of charge to the kids.

At 10am, the first Laurentian Divide Challenge race/tour was on its way. These following warriors took on the Challenge after the Headwaters 100, totally impressed many spectators and made this fundraising event a history of its own kind.

The race results for 20k race, 10k tour, 5k run are:
David Hogland 1:06:14
Bernie Kaeferlein 1:06:15
Tim Sproul 1:06:16
John Rotach 1:06:22 (on his road bike)
Neil Eerdmans 1:06:30
Cindy Schlafmann 1:12:15
Andy Williams 1:17:14
Larry Schonhardt 37:11 (10k tour)
Melinda Silbernick 20:32 (5k run)
Jorge Paez 23:11 (5k run)

Bernie and Neil did an excellent presentation on Camp Odayin and mission of TSH involving in RAAM 2007 and TSH Forever in RAAM 2008 and many years to come. Also, Paul Sarver and Carol Ruda also did a super presentation on RAGRABRI 2007. The presentations and bonfire stories generated a lot of supports for TSH Forever RAAM 2008 from LSCs and their families.

Amy Xu
Team Strong Heart, 4-member team
RAAM 2008
612-991-4912 (cell)

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL SLIDE SHOW!

Team Strongheart 2007 Rider Team Exchange

Thanks for shooting this Brendon! This was the second rider team exchange and the first night shift of our RAAM. I can only imagine what VMG or the Austrian team would say if they watch this..."we got beat by THESE guys???"
Considering that we were a full rookie team and a full rookie crew, this ain't half bad. I gotta say though, that we got A LOT better real fast! But hey, this is RAAM.
I also wanted to take this opportunity to thank our crew again (for the 1,000,000th time). You guys worked SO incredibly hard for us. Thanks another million!

Neil's signature bike

Great new video from Brendon! This one captures the emotion, nervous energy and anticipation at the 2007 RAAM start line.

Inaugural Minneapolis Bike Tour - Benefit for The Foundation for Minneapolis Parks - Sunday, September 16, 2007

Come join over 3,000 cylists!

The Minneapolis Bike Tour welcomes cycling enthusiasts, leisure cyclists seeking a challenge, families and friends to tour Minneapolis’ spectacular Grand Round Scenic Byway System. For the first time in decades, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is closing parkways and roadways to all motorized traffic! In addition the tour will conclude with a post party, which will include exhibits, great entertainment, food and merchandise.

Register onsite on Saturday, September 15 from 9am to Noon or Sunday, September 16 from 6:30am to 8:30am

Ride start between 7:30am and 9am for both 15 mile and 41 mile routes.

www.minneapolisbiketour.com

About Team Strong Heart

This June (2008) Team Strong Heart will race in the epic Race Across America (RAAM) in support of Camp Odayin. This coast to coast race will see competitors racing around the clock to complete the 3000+ mile course form Oceanside, CA to Annapolis, MD. Billed as the "Worlds Toughest Bicycle Race" there is simply nothing else like it!

Team Strong Heart was first the idea of Bernie Kaeferlein in 2006. Bernie said, I created Team Strong Heart out combination of passions for cycling and for helping people with Cardiovascular Disease. I've been a cyclist all my life and I've been involved in Cardiopulmonary Medicine for the past 14 years. I've worked in clinical research, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and for two wonderful companies, Medical Graphics and Medtronic.

Back in early 2006, I moved from talking about Race Across America (RAAM) with my riding buddies to actually working out the details. At the same time Cheryl Yano from the Heart Failure Society of America introduced me to Sara Meslow, the founder of Camp Odayin. I instantly fell in love with the Camp Odayin mission and wanted to help sponsor campers and raise awareness. Team Strong Heart was born. The name Team Strong Heart came to me easily through a double meaning of using strong athletic hearts through competition as well as through the strength of love and dedication to help hearts in need.

It's been inspirational to have so many others join the Team Strong Heart mission. I had a hope that Team Strong Heart would inspire others and I am so thankful to see that hope become a reality!

Team Strong Heart went on to become a successful reality finishing the coast to coast RAAM epic in 6 days, 15 hours, & 13 minutes. That earned them a spot on the podium finishing third overall (out of 16 in their class). The Team Strong Heart mission was realized and completed! or was it?

On the very day Team Strong Heat crossed the finish line in Atlantic City, NJ back in June ('07) a phone call was made, "Hello. This is Amy, I want to make a team! I want to make Team Strong Heart Forever!" Amy Xu is on the phone and states she wants to carry on what Bernie started! She wants to put together a Team Strong Heart for 2008. The next chapter begins!!

Team Strong Heart has now been entered into the 2008 RAAM race as the rededicated Team Strong Heart Forever. The 2008 team not only includes a new 4-person mixed team, but a second team, a soloist! Tim Case (returning team member of TSH07). These five riders and their support crews will once again take on the challenge to fulfill the Team Strong Heart mission and take on the 2008 Race Across America.

The success of Team Strong Heart is really measured by the support of others. Real success does not happen by crossing the finish line, but by the gracious support of those who contribute to the Team Strong Heart mission. Corporate and individual donations are key! Help make Team Strong Heart Forever a success and the real winners will be the campers at Camp Odayin.

Support Team Strong Heart Forever and we, the crew and race team, promise to give it all as we take on the epic challenge of the 2008 RAAM.

Thank you!


2008 Team Strong Heart Forever
Amy, Melinda, John, Jay, & Tim

Amy Xu Announces Team Strong Heart Forever!

Amy Xu has announced that she is forming a 4 person mixed team to race in the 2008 Race Across America and is racing under the name Team Strong Heart Forever. During our preparation, race and after, Amy has really been on fire with immense drive and passion!

During an interview in August, Amy said:

"I officially signed up the 2008 Race Across AMerica (RAAM), a 4-rider team, TEAM STRONG HEART Forever, on August 5, 2007. I had this desire starting from back in April 2007. I have been very fortunate to follow the news and progress of the 2007 RAAM and the members of the TSH, Bernie, Neil, Tim, and Greg. They have been inspirational and continue to help the 2008 TSH's preparation.

Currently we are in a preliminary planning phase, e.g. forming a team, preliminary talking with sponsors, gathering more information, etc.

The TEAM STRONG HEART Forever mission is to make this event last as long as the RAAM lasts or forever while raising awareness of CAMP ODAYIN as well as honoring individuals' passion for Silent Sports and team work for a life-time journey. The 2008 TSH Forever's goal is to form a 4-person team (mix) with 2-3 alternates and a crew of 10-12.

I am very grateful to have the 2007 RAAM TSH members' share their energy, experience, and provide their support. I also want to thank clubs and members, particularly from Loons State Cyclists, to support the 2008 TSH Forever team in this venture."

Keep 'em spinning Amy! We're pulling for you!

Minnesota Trails Magazine Article

Kate Havelin a writer for Minnesota Trails Magazine interviewed Neil and I shortly after we got back from RAAM. Thanks for the great write up!

CLICK THE ARTICLE TO READ IT FULL SIZE

What a ride!!

Check out Neil's post on last weeks TSH ride!

QCTV Interview!

Neil and I had the opportunity to be interviewed by Jayne Ubl-Johnson the host of Suburban Mix last month. They did a fantastic job putting this together and wow, how about those guests!?! I would have loved to pack the studio with everyone though!

It was nice doing this interview after we had a month relive the stories of the race and crew. It still amazes me what a phenominal accomplishment it was for everyone and everything involved.

CLICK HERE FOR THE QCTV INTERVIEW