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

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!