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

Happy New Year 2010!!! TEAM STRONG HEARTS!!!

Amy Xu tackles the climb outside Congress, AZ RAAM 2008

I'm very honored to once again represent Team Strong Heart in taking on the challenge of RAAM 2010 to continuously support our Camp Odayin mission. Currently, the information is posted on www.teamstrongheartamyxu.blogspot.com or www.raceacrossamerica.org.

The 3,000+ mile journey in 2010 will start in Oceanside, CA on June 8 (for the female solo category), through 15 states, and finish in Annapolis, MD. This mission has no limit and is beyond ourselves -- it is the Will to Do and Soul to Dare. Your help and continuous support for TEAM STRONG HEART's mission to support Camp Odayin kids are greatly appreciated.

All individual donation proceeds go to support the RAAM 2010 mission for CAMP ODAYIN (check made payable to and mail to: SILENT SPORTS FOUNDATION C/O CAMP ODAYIN, P.O. Box 2827, Minneapolis, MN 55402)

Best wishes,

Amy Xu

Team Strong Heart 2008 and 2010

Team Strong Heart needs YOU! in 2010

Seasons Greetings! from Team Strong Heart and the Silent Sports Foundation.

If you have not heard Team Strong Heart has once again registered a team to participate in the 2010 Race Across America (2010 RAAM). Exactly what form this squad will take is yet to be determined.

This is where we need to hear from you! Ideally we would like to see a 4-person relay team take shape. To date, two riders have expressed strong interest. Tim Case, TSH and RAAM (soloist & team!) veteran, is tentatively heading up this effort.

So what this means is ANYONE who has interest in participating in this epic event, either as rider or support crew, here is your opportunity!! Spots are open right now and we would like to hear from you if you are interested. Anyone who is interested should reply within a week or so as we try to get a good idea what form the 2010 will take.

If you are interested please let us know by sending a response here: 2010 TEAM STRONG HEART

The date for this year's Race Across America team start is June 12, 2010. The race itself takes around 7 days. With travel days to the start in Oceanside, CA and return home from the finish at Annapolis, MA the entire adventure takes about two weeks. And guaranteed... this will be two of the most interesting and exciting weeks you'll ever live!

So for anyone who is interested, please give it some thought and get back to us soon. We look forward to hearing from you!!

Please feel free to respond with any questions you have, we would be happy to answer inquires you might have regarding Team Strong Heart or RAAM.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Jay Thompson - President Silent Sports Foundation 2007 Team Strong Heart Member

Final TSH09 - victory comes in pairs!

As a final cap on the events of Team Strong Heart for 2009, I wanted to leave you all with a final note of success. The primary goal for Team Strong Heart was to see the lives of children and young adults changed by means of economic relief. Team Strong Heart once again delivered a sizable amount to Camp Odayin and as a result many children were able to experience life in ways we all take for granted.

Team Strong Heart succeeded on the road but more importantly we have succeeded in the hearts and souls of the families and children at Camp Odayin. We are closing out our books and moving to 2010 and I am sad to see 2009 head into the past. Working for Camp Odayin and TSH this year was an honor and the friends that joined the TSH family agree...2009 was a success in ways that carry no equal.

So, as we head into the planning for 2010 (not me but others), I encourage you all to stay the course and support TSH as your dollars and time DIRECTLY affected the lives of people living with heart conditions. Your hard earned dollars made a major difference....to that I say thank you.

Keep a weather eye on the plans for years to come. We aren't going anywhere but rather we are gaining more support to further this cause.

See you on the road!

Andrew Claflin

Final Review for 2009 from the people of RAAM

Just in and released from the Race Across AMerica organization...

Team Strong Heart posted in FIRST PLACE.

RAAM 4-Person Male
1st Team Strong Heart (USA) 3021 miles - 6d 10h 30m (19.56mph)
2nd Austria Triathlon Team (AUT) 3021 miles – 6d 15h 07m (18.99mph)
3rd OC Quattro (USA) 3021 miles – 6d 16h 25m (18.83mph)
4th Vencendo Desafios Team Brazil (BRA) 3021 miles – 7d 8h 07m (17.16mph)
5th Team SaveBuzzardsBay.org (USA) 3021 miles – 7d 8h 42m (17.10mph)
6th Berliner (GER) 3021 miles – 7d 10h 23m (16.94mph)
7th Ari’s Angels (USA) 3021 miles – 7d 14h 35m (16.55mph)
8th Equipe Schwarz (GER) 3021 miles – 7d 21h 15m (15.96mph)
9th Drew’s Crew (USA) 3021 miles – 7d 23h 18m (15.79mph)
DNF Team Surfing USA (USA) 1911 miles – TS #32 – 3d 21h 51m (20.37mph)

Despite having all things crazy take place in that week, one thing was the clarifying of where we stood on the record. This sums up all speculation and will aid in resolving our minds and hearts even though we all know what we did on the open road. RAAM sent this email out as a final resolve to the race and I think I speak for all on the team/crew/sponsors and friends (along with the other 4 person teams) that this was what we all needed!

This is big for us, all of us. Enjoy the week and keep ridin'!

Andrew

TSH and Fat Tire - Chequamagon 40

It appears that Team Strong Heart is going to represent in the Chequamagon Fat Tire Festival in Sept - Congrats to JayT and family for letting the creative juice flow on the essay. As we all seem to stride back to normal life - LOL - we are gearing up here and there for some major races/rides etc... Melinda, Amy, Jay and Neil (TSH 07-08) are team time trialing in the Firehouse 50 race in a few weeks and may the Good Lord have mercy on you guys...Melinda is on fire and not easy to draft behind. Love ya Melinda and fear ya on the bike.

The best part of RAAM thus far has been the new friends and added family to the TSH society. I have had a blast keeping tabs with all the crew/riders. We should have some posts of some of the 09 crew's crazy adventures riding here and there.

Chequamagon is right around the corner and I cant wait to wear the Team Strong Heart kit with pride and to race with friends and more over...enjoy this race for all that it is...painful and fun.

I see its raining outside right now and that means one thing...time to ride the mt bike in the slop!

TSH Party July 11 @ Trailhead, More Photos

More random photos from this years championship RAAM effort...

RAAM Pictures and July 11 Party

Hi all,

We are hard at work assembling and editing pictures from our championship RAAM effort this year. Stay tuned for the release of an official Team Strong Heart picture and video DVD. In the mean time, don't forget the party and raffle at Trailhead in Champlin on July 11 and here's just a few of the pics from this year's epic race...

Tim

Raffle Drawing July 11th....

Andy and Brett (front) Climbing in CO. Long steady and steep climb

With the close of RAAM...or the break from RAAM as it seems many are now in the hunt to continue the adventure next year...we are having our raffle drawing and party on July 11th at Trailhead Cycle in Champlin, MN. Don't worry, you don't need to be present to win but you do have to have a purchased ticket to potentially win.

Might I add that you are all winners in this as your hard earned money and time have allowed TSH09 to WIN BIG on RAAM and most importantly your donations have fueled the dreams of so many at Camp Odayin - another successful year. Our goal has been simple - help our cause first and foremost...then leave it all on the road for the race. We were able to accomplish both tasks with victory - my hats off to all of you!

With that being said - we have some quality prizes to add to the mix and more coming. Eric Kenney - of EK Endurance - has offered some free coaching as a prize for the raffle. He has given to me three coupons for his services to try out. If you are wondering who he is and how good he is - ask Steve or myself. We followed his plan - Steve more than myself - and look at the results. 1st place finish doesn't lie. Thank you Eric for your contribution to help TSH and to see people enjoy biking more and more!

From high dollar Hed Wheels to vacation stays at Rainbow Resort to various gifts in between...make sure to attend the raffle to not only claim a gift or two but to also hear the great stories of RAAM2009.

A side note - the recovery of the TSH team is going well. Easy does it is the key phrase. Give us a week or two and we will be back in the hot seat laying down some serious miles and it looks like Steve may be sporting a new frame here soon...he rode so hard he destroyed his Orbea...that is pure power!

See ya on the road and thank you for your continued support!

In my quest....

I was able to find a video of TSH on RAAM 09. Well, its actually me and the story is funny. When we came to the salt lake area, we had lost Steve off the front. What that means is that the wind was so fast that all the riders were flying past the time stations and gaining enormous amounts of time on their crew. Steve continued on the path across the landscape that looked like the Iraqi plains. The bad thing is we didn't know exactly where he was b/c he was so far out front.

After about an hour of searching here and there, we knew he was up the road but wow...it took a LONG time to find him. The cars needed gas and night time was soon to follow so we had to fuel up and that meant Steve was alone in the tailwind. This normally isn't a bad thing - but come 8pm we had to have a car behind us... Brett and I were in the RV heading up the road at 70mph and the two cars were concerned that Steve may have taken a wrong turn so they were looking on other roads - it was a bit confusing at that station. After about an hour we were worried that Steve was out of water - he was - and it is hot. We put the pedal down and found a yellow / green jersey about 1/2 mile ahead of the RV. We didn't think it was Steve b/c there was NO way anyone could have made that kind of ground on the cars...it was Steve. We passed Steve quickly then and yelled to transition to get him OFF the bike ASAP. I got out and realized that my bikes were on the Jeep and Steve had his back up bike on the RV - we have the same pedals.

In haste - I grabbed his bike which is about 3 sizes too small and Steve blasted by at about 35 mph - not stopping. Back into the RV and up the road we go. I yelled again - GET OFF THE ROAD WHEN WE STOP!!!! In this transition - I found out why Steve was so far ahead - 30 some mph tailwinds had ALL groups holding major speed for miles on end. Problem - Steve had compact cranks on his back up bike and it was TOO SMALL. Just then, a car came up from behind and I thought it was our Jeep....I had been riding for about 40 mins at that time at 35 mph and at times 40 mph and figured my time on the bike here was to just relieve Steve until Tim could make it up. The car turned out to be a Media Truck and they took some pics and vids of me cruzin - maxed out spinning on the compacts biggest gear...LOL. I look like a circus performer on a small bike - no offense Steve as you are not a circus performer...but one bad #$$ biker instead.

So the vids are of me on Steves bike...lacking leg extension and with close to an hour or just under on the bike I was dry as the salt air was creating breathing issues. The Jeep finally got up to me with 1 min to go before lights and follow veh became mandatory. In this stretch - Steve and I were able to make ground on the 8 person team - donate life - and passed them. they eventually passed us for good in Missouri I think but it was a healthy battle for 2000 miles...yes, they were an 8 person team.

Just a note - the form here is not that good as the bike is too small for me...I did end up sitting way off the back of the seat to make it work so my knees wouldn't break but my quads were burning. That was the most fun on a bike in a long time. 35-40 mph for about an hour on a flat. I made a comment to the media truck as they rode along side me saying " So this is what its like to be Eddy Merckx on a training ride..." We all laughed a bit and I pressed on ... wondering if our Jeep was going to make it up in time for night riding. They did and it was dad and Ed that brought relief. Steve and I later said it was way too much fun on that section but the heat and salt were too much to deal with at times.

Looking for more vids....

Andy

Tailwind and Talent

The 2009 edition of the Race Across America was an epic journey for Team Strong Heart. It was a journey that began many moons before the start last Saturday and it is a journey, that, for many of us, will continue far into the future., well beyond our championship run of this year.

To say that the Race Across America is “just” a bike race is like saying that Rome is just a city. The RAAM changes your life, changes the lives of those closest in your life and very much reaches into all aspects of life for crew, racers, staff and organizers. You’ve completed RAAM, what can’t you achieve?

In 2009, Team Strong Heart has set a new standard for organizing and executing the “world’s toughest bike race,” with honor, integrity and class. Plus, we were damned fast. Like one of our crewmen, Terry, told me after a late night shift on the road…”You guys have tailwind and talent.” What else is there really?

I can personally attest that Andy, Steve, Brett and myself, along with our crew, pushed ourselves to the ultimate limit during this years RAAM. It was awesome. Of course, once the race begins, most of the racers don’t really see very much of each other. I saw Steve every time we traded off a riding pull, but for the most part we spend time alone on the road and with our crew in one of the support vehicles. That being said, I knew with absolute certainty that each of the racers and crew were giving 100% all of the time, from the time we headed out to Oceanside to when the very last of us left Annapolis today. Steve and I knew that if we put in the effort, that effort would continue on into Andy and Brett’s shift on the bike. Having that knowledge adds a certain level of “comfort” to the race, knowing you aren’t working in vain.

There were so many stories to come out of this race and many of you will be fortunate enough to hear about just a few of them. The grandure of RAAM comes both from the sheer immensity of the race, the distances involved, the amount of climbing, etc., but it also comes from those individual and highly personal moments out on the bike, in the RV and out on the road. As k us and we’ll be happy to share, but absolutely nothing can replicate the real thing in real time.

There were ups and downs in emotions, fatigue and terrain, but we always came back to the mission and values that Team Strong Heart has strived for since its inception. We had some amazing and wonderful and terrible things happen out on the road, and we certainly couldn’t have predicted the crazy 12 hours in Missouri that changed the race for our team and our main competitors team. Some finished the race and others weren’t so lucky, but arriving in Annapolis came with both a sense of honor and a sense of respect for those who didn’t quite make it We are grateful for everyone on the road, finishers or no.

To encapsulate the race into a one or two page blog is a fools errand, to be sure. Instead, let me suggest that from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean there are roads that are high enough to cross the continental divide, low enough to be ridden below sea level, steep enough to reach out in front of your bike and touch them and also steep enough to tuck in so deep into your bike that your chin rests on your handlebars. We had tires delaminate, shoes melt into the pavement from the heat, wind whip across us on a 4000 foot descent, dogs jump out, cars and racers get lost or get well ahead of the rest of us, deer snap to attention on the side of the road, elk bugle at 10,000 feet at 0300 in the morning, and humidity that makes you permanently moist, from beginning to end.

But we return to the people who comprise Team Strong Heart. If I have anything to say about it, we will ALWAYS return to our supporters and our crew who bring us to the start line every year and draw us to the finish line in our deepest, darkest hours. Without your love and support, none of this would be possible.

Plans are already being made for the 2010 RAAM. Yep, I said it. We’ll be back for another go at it, one way or the other. I am going to form a four-man or person relay for next year,or maybe I‘ll go solo again. Who knows (wink)? We have to defend our title, right? We may have some new solo racers out there and there might even be a womens team forming in the future. Al of this is wonderful news, now let’s get back to work.

Come join us and see for yourself if what is said is so.

Camp Odayin is grateful for our efforts. I’m grateful to be associated with a world-class organization and promise to carry the Team Strong Heart torch into the future.

Yours in cycling, supporting the hope and promise of Camp Odayin and keeping the rubber side down.

Tim Case

Team Strong Heart Wins 4-Man Race Across America!

Celebration!

Hi all,

Groggy from a too-short nap...early this morning Team Strong Heart crossed the finish line in Annapolis, MD in FIRST PLACE, with a new Team Strong Heart trans-continental record time of 6 Days, 10 Hours and 30 minutes!!!

Many thanks to our crew, staff and racers for another epic adventure in the Race Across America, truly the toughest sporting event in the world.

Stay tuned for a full race report, photos, updates and random thoughts on our championship effort...

Keep the rubber side down.

Tim Case

Ben Popp Solo Finish

Ben Popp - photo by RAAM

Just a quick post regarding RAAM soloist Minnesotan Ben Popp. Ben finished today (Sunday, 6/28) with an official time of 11d, 1hr, 12min. Congratulations to Ben Popp!

Saturday Update

Steve & Tim in route earlier - photo by RAAM

Andy & Brett in route earlier - photo by RAAM

Update 8Am CDT: Team Strong Heart has officially finished the 2009 Race Across America!

TSH crossed the finish line in Annapolis, Maryland early this morning at 3:46AM CDT. The team completed 3021 miles of racing with an official time of 6 days, 10hours, & 30 mins with an average speed of 19.56mph.

Congratulations to Team Strong Heart! We look forward to hearing from the team after a well deserved rest.

Update 1:07AM CDT: Team Strong Heart just passed through Mt. Airy, MD and time station #51. It looks like TSH will finish the 2009 RAAM right around 4AM CDT. 2967mi raced, 54mi to go!! Soon racers & crew can experience a real bed and a good nights (or day) sleep. These riders & crew have done it all on very little sleep, not more than 2 or 3 hours at a time for most. And that's for 6 plus days straight!

Update 12AM CDT: This is it! Team Strong Heart is closing in on Annapolis, Maryland and the conclusion of RAAM.

There are only three time stations left! TS#51 at Mt. Airy, MD, TS#52 at Odenton, MD, and TS#53 in Annapolis, MD. Current conditions in the area: 68F, scattered clouds, and calm.

Friday Update

last 80 mile pull. leaving PA to finish...should be done abouut 3 am

RAAM Tatoo - directions through WV.. (6/22)

RAAM- whe full grown men sleep like babes (6/26)

Tim Case (6/26)

Steve and Tim exchange (6/26)

Ed & Lara workin' the hills of WV

Friday 2:30AM, Andy, soaking wet, downpour, somewhere in Ohio... (6/26)

RAAM Leaderboard

Team Strong Heart Progress Map

Update 11:30PM CDT: Team Strong Heart races through Hanover, PA and TS#50 at 11:04PM CDT. Less than 100 miles now remain until the finish. How often does 100 miles sound like so little?

Update 10:00PM CDT: Team Strong Heart is now in Pennsilvania and closing on TS#50 in Hanover, PA. Should be riding through Gettyburg, PA right now. Once they reach Hanover, TSH will have less than 100 miles to go! Current conditions: 68F, clear, calm.

Update 4:30PM CDT: TS#47 has been passed. TSH is now in Maryland. Current conditions: 87F, clear, winds W 12mph with a chance of more thurderstorms. Closing in on the finish line, less than 220mi to go! RAAM estimates are for a 3AM CDT finish.

Update 2PM CDT: Team Strong Heart will enter Maryland and pass through a couple time stations before moving in Pennsylvania. After Pennsylvania its back into Maryland for good and on to the Finish line at Annapolis!

Right now the team is in route to TS#47 at La Vale, Maryland. The miles are ticking down... about 250mi to go!

Update 12:30PM CDT: Team Strong Heart is now on their was to Gormania, WV after reaching TS#45 in Grafton, WV. Current conditions in Gormania: 72F, overcast, winds W 8mph. 2707 miles raced, 314 to go!

The Austria Triathlon Team has now moved past the OC Quattro Team as the next team back from TSH. The gap appears to be about 3 1/2hours.

Update 7AM CDT: TSH has reached West Virginia now after racing through storms overnight. Right now they are racing toward Smithburg, WV after passing through Ellenboro, WV and TS#44 at 6:50AM CDT this morning. Conditions in the area are a little more bearable now at: 69F, clear, dew point 65F, and light south winds.

Only nine time stations remain until Annapolis Maryland and the finish. RAAM projects have an estimated finishing time of around 2AM Saturday (6/27).