Team FARA members are running, walking, biking and swimming for FA research around the world. While they are geographically dispersed, Team FARA is united with the same goal: to draw attention to FA through acts of physical endurance and to support the advancement of FA research towards treatments and a cure for FA.
16.6.10
Vista
Arizona - and up Mingus Mountain. From the top, we were privy to this
magnificent view of Haywood Canyon.
Running strong
I lost track of days now... getting a little time to read some of the
comments from everyone. Thank you all for your support, thank you for
being a fire behind us giving motivation when nights get dark and the
miles get long. Know that just as much as we are in your thoughts that
you are in ours as well... The friends family I love you!
comments from everyone. Thank you all for your support, thank you for
being a fire behind us giving motivation when nights get dark and the
miles get long. Know that just as much as we are in your thoughts that
you are in ours as well... The friends family I love you!
Maize/Wichita support
Team FARA just got a huge shot of energy back about 25 miles from Bill & Marty and their families! These 2 fellow FA patients rallied their troops and they set up with posters and loud cheers at the time station in Maize! They also got us a police escort through town! It was exciting and motivating to ride in to this kind of support! The FA community as a whole is making a difference, and we are honored to be representing that community in Race Across America.
Bill, Marty, and families - thank you for your support! You'll never know how motivating and empowering you guys are for this team! Hope is alive and kicking (and pedaling too).
Bill, Marty, and families - thank you for your support! You'll never know how motivating and empowering you guys are for this team! Hope is alive and kicking (and pedaling too).
We will try to upload pictures from this rendezvous later.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Team FARA in 2 RAAM Headline Stories
Team FARA and supportors were profiled today in the RAAM headline stories and Mary Caruso and Felicia DeRosa also were featured in an article on keeping up Team morale (I personally can't think of two better people for that job!).
Check out these stories!
http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/raam/raamfp.php?N_webcat_id=109
(scroll down the homepage for headline stories)
Check out these stories!
http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/raam/raamfp.php?N_webcat_id=109
(scroll down the homepage for headline stories)
3000 miles; 3000 visitors...
Team FARA riders and crew have past the half way point! WOW, WOW, WOW!
I was able to witness the overflowing pride and gratitude for our Team today at the Simpson's home in Yonkers, NY today for a day of FA research. The Simpson's hosted an FA research team and FA families so that blood samples from patients, carriers and controls could be collected for various research studies. Everyone who came in to participate was buzzing about Team FARA. Everyone had their own update, favorite photo or blogpost.
I just checked up on the blog analytics.... drum roll.... we are at 2229 unique visitors to this site!
Magic 8 Ball: Do I see 3000 in our future? Yes, Yes!
Help Team FARA raise awareness! Spread the word!
I was able to witness the overflowing pride and gratitude for our Team today at the Simpson's home in Yonkers, NY today for a day of FA research. The Simpson's hosted an FA research team and FA families so that blood samples from patients, carriers and controls could be collected for various research studies. Everyone who came in to participate was buzzing about Team FARA. Everyone had their own update, favorite photo or blogpost.
I just checked up on the blog analytics.... drum roll.... we are at 2229 unique visitors to this site!
Magic 8 Ball: Do I see 3000 in our future? Yes, Yes!
Help Team FARA raise awareness! Spread the word!
Kansas
daughter with FA. His message: "Welcome to Kansas Dorothy! Get after
it! We have a disease to cure!"
Mark, Lauren, we are thinking of you as we start our 4th night on the
road.
Thanks for the BBQ!
Life on the road
to find a roadside refuge for relief.
Kansas, we have a problem
amount of shut-eye in between successive shifts, while travelling in a
beater RV, is proving difficult. John is displaying all the signs of
sleep deprivation: cackling at Phil's third grade jokes,
seriously considering our dares to ride naked (if the price is right)
and having trouble dressing himself (see pic). It doesn't help that
his crew is nearly as delirious.
Sunrise in Kansas
strong! Film crew has gotten some amazing footage so far... If you
haven't checked out the documentry trailer do so by using the link on
top of page!!!
15.6.10
We're Gonna Get This Done!
I heard the blog had 600 hits yesterday! Your support and cheers mean so much to the team and crew and we appreciate all the messages - they help keep us going strong. One of the highlights of the race is we went through Durango, CO, which was a critical point because we had to make it by a certain time in order to stay in the race. We made it with 6 hours to spare - a huge boost for the team! Mike and Sean conquered a huge 10,800 foot climb - the highest point of the trip. John and I finished a 3,000 foot climb. Exciting!
The crew is just awesome! Every single person is doing whatever it takes to make life doable for us so we can focus on the ride. On average we take 4 hour shifts in teams of two, with 30 minute rotations. After riding we get in the RV, eat and drink, and then sleep for 2 1/2 hours. The crew wakes us up 1/2 hour before our next shift to get us ready. Two follow vehicles constantly communicate with one another where we are and changes to the schedule rotation. It's amazing and cool to go to sleep for a couple of hours and then wake up and see we're 60-80 miles further than before. We never stop moving more than 10 minutes.
RV Life is real close corridors. Nine people are in the RV all at once. The generator went out for more than a day so we did not have air conditioning, lights or electricity to charge our cell phones. We'll be in Kansas tomorrow which will be hot and humid so we're glad the air conditioner is now working and the RV is fixed. The weather is great and I sleep with no blanket.
We are now in Trinidad, CO. We have a hotel room and are rotating taking showers. We get to sleep in an actual bed for a couple of hours.
As many of you heard, Sean had a minor injury to his eye and our gofer vehicle with Felicia and Mary Caruso took him to the ER. The team never stopped riding... and Sean came back just hours later to ride. This is a huge example of NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, WE'RE GONNA GET THIS DONE! ~ Kyle Bryant
The crew is just awesome! Every single person is doing whatever it takes to make life doable for us so we can focus on the ride. On average we take 4 hour shifts in teams of two, with 30 minute rotations. After riding we get in the RV, eat and drink, and then sleep for 2 1/2 hours. The crew wakes us up 1/2 hour before our next shift to get us ready. Two follow vehicles constantly communicate with one another where we are and changes to the schedule rotation. It's amazing and cool to go to sleep for a couple of hours and then wake up and see we're 60-80 miles further than before. We never stop moving more than 10 minutes.
RV Life is real close corridors. Nine people are in the RV all at once. The generator went out for more than a day so we did not have air conditioning, lights or electricity to charge our cell phones. We'll be in Kansas tomorrow which will be hot and humid so we're glad the air conditioner is now working and the RV is fixed. The weather is great and I sleep with no blanket.
We are now in Trinidad, CO. We have a hotel room and are rotating taking showers. We get to sleep in an actual bed for a couple of hours.
As many of you heard, Sean had a minor injury to his eye and our gofer vehicle with Felicia and Mary Caruso took him to the ER. The team never stopped riding... and Sean came back just hours later to ride. This is a huge example of NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, WE'RE GONNA GET THIS DONE! ~ Kyle Bryant
John Bomb Jovi
John possesses the innate ability to bomb downhill at speeds in excess of 60 MPH while simultaneously grinning ear to ear (maybe he has no choice).
John Bomb Jovi
simultaneously grinning ear to ear.
Tappin' the Rockies
Our cold activated cans are a piercing cobalt blue - Current temp is a frigid 33 degrees (it is the Rockies). The fourth day has begun, and so has our steepest climb (up to 10,800 feet).
Day 3
In my opinion, Day 3 of any journey is a telling day. It is the day when the adrenaline from the anticipation of the start begins to wear down and you start to feel the fatigue of the road. It is the day when you figure out what works and what needs modifying. It is the day you search for some constancy and a good routine. It is the day when you show yourself and the world just how you respond to adversity. . . Our day 3 was a long one but held within it were so many dimensions of the Team FARA's strength.
Heart
Having overstuffed the RV with food the day prior, Meir and I didn't have any shopping duties today so we stayed close with the team to be on hand as things came up. In being with the team for a longer time, the first thing I was struck by was how upbeat all of the cyclists were. Nobody whined about being fatigued. No mention of sleep deprivation or physical challenges from time on the road. Look in their eyes and you'd see a trace of the weary but look at their faces and watch them out on the road cranking up hill after hill and pull after pull and you'd be overwhelmed by their heart.
Courage
On Day 3, the guys finished up our time in AZ in the morning, spent the afternoon moving through UT all in time to start climbing in CO in the evening and through the night. Climbing in CO in the dark. . .traffic moving by you going at least 65 mph around turns, up climbs and just whipping by you on the descent. Look at this figure moving in the dark night illuminated only by a bike light, reflective tape and the lights from his trailing support car and you'd be awe struck by their courage.
Teamwork
The follow vans and RV crew have been right behind the cyclists for every turn of the crank- keeping some long hours to make sure the cyclists are safe and that the efforts on the road are coordinated (ie studying maps to be sure the work is shared between riders and that everyone knows the exchange points so that the effort keeps moving forward and wastes little time). They found that some of the shifts were extending too long and needed some modification. It took the day and a lot of flexibility and selflessness from the individual crew members to get transitioned to the new schedule. It was a challenging transition but the team really pulled together to cover the intense shifts of the day and get on a new rotation.
Sean sustained a minor injury around his eye that we needed to have checked out at a local ER in Durango....(no worries Mom...it happened in the safe confines of the RV while trying to wrestle a sleeping bag into its sack and he is OK with eye drops to treat it). Because we arrived in Durango (location of the medical facility) in the middle of Sean's on the bike shift, the crew chief took him off the course to get this addressed. This meant subbing John in on his rest time to keep the group moving forward. John rose to the challenge, and Sean immediately following his return from a 2.5 hour ER wait jumped into the rotation eager to get back and serve his team. When I left them around 4am this morning, John and Kyle had just finished their shift and Mike and Sean were about to climb to the highest point on the RAAM route. They started at an elevation around 7500 feet and were climbing to over 10500 feet. Watching the crew and the cyclists come together and cover each other, you'd be inspired by their teamwork.
Energy
You all feed us with you energy. Your notes, your postings, your well wishes, your eagerness to be on the route cheering the riders along. Keep up those kind thoughts and prayers for safe travels, health and energy. We really do feel it when we are tired. . . and it gives us the heart, the courage, and the inspiration to keep going.
Heart
Having overstuffed the RV with food the day prior, Meir and I didn't have any shopping duties today so we stayed close with the team to be on hand as things came up. In being with the team for a longer time, the first thing I was struck by was how upbeat all of the cyclists were. Nobody whined about being fatigued. No mention of sleep deprivation or physical challenges from time on the road. Look in their eyes and you'd see a trace of the weary but look at their faces and watch them out on the road cranking up hill after hill and pull after pull and you'd be overwhelmed by their heart.
Courage
On Day 3, the guys finished up our time in AZ in the morning, spent the afternoon moving through UT all in time to start climbing in CO in the evening and through the night. Climbing in CO in the dark. . .traffic moving by you going at least 65 mph around turns, up climbs and just whipping by you on the descent. Look at this figure moving in the dark night illuminated only by a bike light, reflective tape and the lights from his trailing support car and you'd be awe struck by their courage.
Teamwork
The follow vans and RV crew have been right behind the cyclists for every turn of the crank- keeping some long hours to make sure the cyclists are safe and that the efforts on the road are coordinated (ie studying maps to be sure the work is shared between riders and that everyone knows the exchange points so that the effort keeps moving forward and wastes little time). They found that some of the shifts were extending too long and needed some modification. It took the day and a lot of flexibility and selflessness from the individual crew members to get transitioned to the new schedule. It was a challenging transition but the team really pulled together to cover the intense shifts of the day and get on a new rotation.
Sean sustained a minor injury around his eye that we needed to have checked out at a local ER in Durango....(no worries Mom...it happened in the safe confines of the RV while trying to wrestle a sleeping bag into its sack and he is OK with eye drops to treat it). Because we arrived in Durango (location of the medical facility) in the middle of Sean's on the bike shift, the crew chief took him off the course to get this addressed. This meant subbing John in on his rest time to keep the group moving forward. John rose to the challenge, and Sean immediately following his return from a 2.5 hour ER wait jumped into the rotation eager to get back and serve his team. When I left them around 4am this morning, John and Kyle had just finished their shift and Mike and Sean were about to climb to the highest point on the RAAM route. They started at an elevation around 7500 feet and were climbing to over 10500 feet. Watching the crew and the cyclists come together and cover each other, you'd be inspired by their teamwork.
Energy
You all feed us with you energy. Your notes, your postings, your well wishes, your eagerness to be on the route cheering the riders along. Keep up those kind thoughts and prayers for safe travels, health and energy. We really do feel it when we are tired. . . and it gives us the heart, the courage, and the inspiration to keep going.
Help spread the word; 1000 miles and 1000 visits!
Team FARA is closing in on 1000 miles this morning (1/3 of the way to Annapolis). Unbelievable! Keep Crankin’ Team – you are all doing AWESOME.
Kyle and the Team created this blog to keep us all connected their journey and to help raise awareness. So far it has been really successful!
We have had >2000 unique visitors come to learn about Team FARA (yesterday was the peak traffic day with 596 visitors). Overall, there are >4,000 visits which means many of you are checking back in to watch the progress and get updates. The average time on the site is >3 min, 30 sec which is also significant when we think about raising awareness.
Kyle and Team embarked on this journey to raise awareness for Friedreich’s ataxia. We can all help them and show our support for all of their amazing effort and commitment out on the road. Tell your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers about Team FARA and send them to the blog. What better way to show support for the Team then getting more visitors to this site.
As the Team closes in on 1000 miles, let’s see if we can get to 1000 visitors in a single day.
Kyle and the Team created this blog to keep us all connected their journey and to help raise awareness. So far it has been really successful!
We have had >2000 unique visitors come to learn about Team FARA (yesterday was the peak traffic day with 596 visitors). Overall, there are >4,000 visits which means many of you are checking back in to watch the progress and get updates. The average time on the site is >3 min, 30 sec which is also significant when we think about raising awareness.
Kyle and Team embarked on this journey to raise awareness for Friedreich’s ataxia. We can all help them and show our support for all of their amazing effort and commitment out on the road. Tell your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers about Team FARA and send them to the blog. What better way to show support for the Team then getting more visitors to this site.
As the Team closes in on 1000 miles, let’s see if we can get to 1000 visitors in a single day.
14.6.10
Durango
Team FARA arrived in Durango at midnight eastern time - six hours
before the cutoff time. Sean's having a little trouble with his eye so
John's covering for him...the show must go on. Annapolis or bust.
before the cutoff time. Sean's having a little trouble with his eye so
John's covering for him...the show must go on. Annapolis or bust.
Team FARA featured on RAAM photo of the day
A photo of Kyle Bryant and crew member Mike Andresen is featured on the RAAM website today, as the photo of the morning.
http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/raam/raamfp.php?N_webcat_id=109
The RAAM website also has lots of event photos and also regularly updates the Teams progress to various time stations which I have found as a good resource for staying updated.
http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/raam/rcracer.php?s_N_Entry_ID=2618&s_N_Year_ID=33
Good-bye Arizona, Hello Utah!
http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/raam/raamfp.php?N_webcat_id=109
The RAAM website also has lots of event photos and also regularly updates the Teams progress to various time stations which I have found as a good resource for staying updated.
http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/raam/rcracer.php?s_N_Entry_ID=2618&s_N_Year_ID=33
Good-bye Arizona, Hello Utah!
A View from the Go-For Car Day 2
Meir and I woke up in Blythe, CA and had some catching up to do to get with the group. A few phone calls back and forth to the RV, and we had our "go-for lists" for the day- regular food shopping for the group, 12v plug in fans for the RV...and the replacement orange flags from the evening before. Apparently, the RV rental company did not put oil in the generator and it blew. Being Sunday, they were no real options for repair or exchange. Paul has a line on that today. Though it was toasty, temperatures did not get as hot in AZ as they could have been and by the time we caught up to the group in Prescott---things were cooler. So that was good.
We drove to Parker, AZ, the next time station and Walmart in the vicinity. Struck out again on the flags as well as the fan; however, wandering up the street found the 12v fans in a home improvement store and the flags in a marine repair shop. This felt pretty lucky seeing as how there were few signs of life in Parker where the route went through. The hunt for the flags may continue....as these were a bit smaller than the ones we had....but good enough for now. So with a car overstuffed with groceries, we made our way to Congress and the RV. We missed them by minutes but did get to see Mike M. powering up the first in a series of climbs to Prescott. Then we passed Sean and crew on the road waiting for the exchange from Mike. They both looked really strong. Next we met the RV in Prescott at yet another Walmart parking lot and stuffed it to the gills with groceries (no more grocery shopping for at least a day).
John and Kyle were stretching and getting ready for their upcoming shifts and the series of climbs out of Prescott and into Flagstaff. . . over 6000 feet of climbing total and billed as the toughest section west of the Mississippi. Since the RV isn't permitted on this stretch, the two follow vans needed to take all four riders with them for the climb. This required some van re-configuring to recline the seats for Sean and Mike to rest during Kyle and John's shift. While the crew took care of the vehicles, Kyle geared up to ride and was visited by one of the head race officials. He was just checking in on the team, and Kyle took the opportunity to tell him a little about FA and how it impacts his and Sean's bodies and energy production.....as well as how important cycling is to him to keep his heart strong. And very quickly after, the team was off on their climb. The RV headed for some quick showers and up the course to meet the cyclists on the other size of that 90 mile stretch.
Meir and I went ahead one time station to Tuba City, Az so as not to be too far from the team in the AM. Going up the course, we encountered several other teams in night-time close follow mode. At 7pm local time, all crews ae required to keep the riders in their headlights to light their way and make them more visible to nightime traffic----that is close follow mode. We encountered this the night before...but there was a lot more room to pass them tonight. The night before was really tight with the only option for passing being the oncoming traffic lane---and bit of a white knuckled ride. So that is the view from the go-for car on day 2. Onward to UT and CO.
Oh- Linda, we haven't been keeping a roadkill count (at least I haven't) but a bird with a deathwish did dive bomb the car window while Meir was driving yesterday....causing Meir to slow down to about 40 mph and beep at any critter that came within 10 feet of the car.
We drove to Parker, AZ, the next time station and Walmart in the vicinity. Struck out again on the flags as well as the fan; however, wandering up the street found the 12v fans in a home improvement store and the flags in a marine repair shop. This felt pretty lucky seeing as how there were few signs of life in Parker where the route went through. The hunt for the flags may continue....as these were a bit smaller than the ones we had....but good enough for now. So with a car overstuffed with groceries, we made our way to Congress and the RV. We missed them by minutes but did get to see Mike M. powering up the first in a series of climbs to Prescott. Then we passed Sean and crew on the road waiting for the exchange from Mike. They both looked really strong. Next we met the RV in Prescott at yet another Walmart parking lot and stuffed it to the gills with groceries (no more grocery shopping for at least a day).
John and Kyle were stretching and getting ready for their upcoming shifts and the series of climbs out of Prescott and into Flagstaff. . . over 6000 feet of climbing total and billed as the toughest section west of the Mississippi. Since the RV isn't permitted on this stretch, the two follow vans needed to take all four riders with them for the climb. This required some van re-configuring to recline the seats for Sean and Mike to rest during Kyle and John's shift. While the crew took care of the vehicles, Kyle geared up to ride and was visited by one of the head race officials. He was just checking in on the team, and Kyle took the opportunity to tell him a little about FA and how it impacts his and Sean's bodies and energy production.....as well as how important cycling is to him to keep his heart strong. And very quickly after, the team was off on their climb. The RV headed for some quick showers and up the course to meet the cyclists on the other size of that 90 mile stretch.
Meir and I went ahead one time station to Tuba City, Az so as not to be too far from the team in the AM. Going up the course, we encountered several other teams in night-time close follow mode. At 7pm local time, all crews ae required to keep the riders in their headlights to light their way and make them more visible to nightime traffic----that is close follow mode. We encountered this the night before...but there was a lot more room to pass them tonight. The night before was really tight with the only option for passing being the oncoming traffic lane---and bit of a white knuckled ride. So that is the view from the go-for car on day 2. Onward to UT and CO.
Oh- Linda, we haven't been keeping a roadkill count (at least I haven't) but a bird with a deathwish did dive bomb the car window while Meir was driving yesterday....causing Meir to slow down to about 40 mph and beep at any critter that came within 10 feet of the car.
Kyle & Sean
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
13.6.10
Day 2 Complete
rocking (see Mike below). My shift and the day is done - goodnight.
In the mountains
The team just reached Prescott Arizona. Sean and mike are on a gnarly
climb right now and are pulling strong in memory of nick.
climb right now and are pulling strong in memory of nick.
We will switch teams in about 25 miles and RV support will not be
allowed for 95 miles.
The team is getting a little warn down and having a little trouble
figuring out how to choose the right food that will agree with our
bodies and keep us fueled but we know what needs to be done...
In Memory of Nick Olson
Team FARA is riding today in memory of Nick Olson, a courageous young man, whose battle with FA ended June 10th.
Kyle Bryant "The Team has learned that Nick passed away and we would like to dedicate today's ride to Nick. We are all thinking of him, his sister, Aubrey, and his family as we work our way through the desert and begin our big climb later today to Flagstaff. This is what this ride is about... feeling the pain and loss and working to bring attention to this disease so that others know about it and can help us all work towards treatment and a cure."
Nicholas Flynn Olson, born on December 21, 1988, graced the world with his smile for 21 wonderful years before leaving this earth on June 10, 2010. Nicholas was diagnosed with the rare neuromuscular disease Friedreich’s Ataxia at the age of 6, and was the National Goodwill Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in 1998 and 1999 and traveled the country promoting fundraising for research. He had a profound impact on the world. He inspired everyone he met by how he fought his disease with courage and a positive attitude despite his progressive losses from the disease. He was an Eagle Scout and high school home coming King. He enjoyed the news and politics and loved hunting and friends and family. Nicholas had a strong Christian faith and is certain to be happy in heaven. Nicholas is survived by his parents, Bruce and Cindy Olson, sisters Aubrey and Brittney, niece Cayli, grandparents John and Joyce Olson and Carol Rodberg, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Kyle Bryant "The Team has learned that Nick passed away and we would like to dedicate today's ride to Nick. We are all thinking of him, his sister, Aubrey, and his family as we work our way through the desert and begin our big climb later today to Flagstaff. This is what this ride is about... feeling the pain and loss and working to bring attention to this disease so that others know about it and can help us all work towards treatment and a cure."
Nicholas Flynn Olson, born on December 21, 1988, graced the world with his smile for 21 wonderful years before leaving this earth on June 10, 2010. Nicholas was diagnosed with the rare neuromuscular disease Friedreich’s Ataxia at the age of 6, and was the National Goodwill Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in 1998 and 1999 and traveled the country promoting fundraising for research. He had a profound impact on the world. He inspired everyone he met by how he fought his disease with courage and a positive attitude despite his progressive losses from the disease. He was an Eagle Scout and high school home coming King. He enjoyed the news and politics and loved hunting and friends and family. Nicholas had a strong Christian faith and is certain to be happy in heaven. Nicholas is survived by his parents, Bruce and Cindy Olson, sisters Aubrey and Brittney, niece Cayli, grandparents John and Joyce Olson and Carol Rodberg, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Sun is up - the sky is blue
the Brazilans are now a distant memory...we'll see who we can take out
next. John brought us in to Arizona, where RAAM has been experiencing
some problems with the local law enforcement - but there's a new
Sheriff in town.
A Note From The Crew. . .
First, we are so proud of our Team FARA cyclists for such a strong start. Mary & I last saw Sean and Mike at an exchange near Time station #2 in Brawley, CA. They should be tucked into bed for some well deserved rest by now, and Kyle and John pedaling away on 78 on their way to Blythe, CA.
They are accompanied by Crew Chief- Mike Bryant (Kyle's Dad), Phil Vickers (Sean's Brother), Blake Andrews (Kyle's friend), and Mike Gore (Sam Bridgman's friend). The crew makes sure the riders are protected from traffic, that their path is well lit, that they know which direction to travel, are well fed and hydrated, and that the transitions between riders is safe and within the rules. Everyone is decked out in stylin reflective gear and headlamps. (When we get a good photo of the crew in their gear, we'll post it.) Most of this crew has worked back to back shifts (ie on the road since the start)---and they retire for the evening at 4am and a new shift begins. The RV was manned by Stephen Parsons (Erin's O'Neil's friend) and Bob O'Neil (Erin O'Neil's Dad) on the first shift. Steve masterfully navigated some curvy, narrow and hilly terrain to get to the meet up point with the riders back in Borego Springs. Paul Konanz (Brianne Konanz's Dad) and Tracy Allgeier (Mike Mellott's friend) are at the helm of the RV now-----finding quiet places to pull the RV off the road so resting riders and crew can get some sleep. They juggle that with the need to stay ahead of the riders on the road. Diane Bryant (Kyle's Mom) and Aaron Farley (Kyle's Roommate) have had the food prep shifts--keeping the fridge well stocked with sandwiches and making sure the riders eat. Mike Andresen (FA parent), drove one of the rider follow vehicles at the start. Mike meticulously researched the Day 1 route for the team to ensure that the riders were well informed of the challenges of this route---and planned their coverage accordingly. Mary and I spent the late evening attempting to chase down our first "go for" run. The mandatory safety flags on our two follow vans got pretty beat up over the first 80 miles---so we went in search of replacements. We struck out at Home Depot---and with most stores closing by 9pm we decided to make our way up the course to put us in closer position to the team tomorrow morning as well as possible safety flag suppliers like Walmart or Sears.
One of the things I find most striking about the crew's role is the care, focus and coordinated effort required of the group. There is constant communication between two way radios in the different vehicles to keep everyone moving in the same direction and on the same page. There is also an awful lot of care and focus---crew watching out for cyclists, crew looking out for other crew. Great work team!
They are accompanied by Crew Chief- Mike Bryant (Kyle's Dad), Phil Vickers (Sean's Brother), Blake Andrews (Kyle's friend), and Mike Gore (Sam Bridgman's friend). The crew makes sure the riders are protected from traffic, that their path is well lit, that they know which direction to travel, are well fed and hydrated, and that the transitions between riders is safe and within the rules. Everyone is decked out in stylin reflective gear and headlamps. (When we get a good photo of the crew in their gear, we'll post it.) Most of this crew has worked back to back shifts (ie on the road since the start)---and they retire for the evening at 4am and a new shift begins. The RV was manned by Stephen Parsons (Erin's O'Neil's friend) and Bob O'Neil (Erin O'Neil's Dad) on the first shift. Steve masterfully navigated some curvy, narrow and hilly terrain to get to the meet up point with the riders back in Borego Springs. Paul Konanz (Brianne Konanz's Dad) and Tracy Allgeier (Mike Mellott's friend) are at the helm of the RV now-----finding quiet places to pull the RV off the road so resting riders and crew can get some sleep. They juggle that with the need to stay ahead of the riders on the road. Diane Bryant (Kyle's Mom) and Aaron Farley (Kyle's Roommate) have had the food prep shifts--keeping the fridge well stocked with sandwiches and making sure the riders eat. Mike Andresen (FA parent), drove one of the rider follow vehicles at the start. Mike meticulously researched the Day 1 route for the team to ensure that the riders were well informed of the challenges of this route---and planned their coverage accordingly. Mary and I spent the late evening attempting to chase down our first "go for" run. The mandatory safety flags on our two follow vans got pretty beat up over the first 80 miles---so we went in search of replacements. We struck out at Home Depot---and with most stores closing by 9pm we decided to make our way up the course to put us in closer position to the team tomorrow morning as well as possible safety flag suppliers like Walmart or Sears.
One of the things I find most striking about the crew's role is the care, focus and coordinated effort required of the group. There is constant communication between two way radios in the different vehicles to keep everyone moving in the same direction and on the same page. There is also an awful lot of care and focus---crew watching out for cyclists, crew looking out for other crew. Great work team!
12.6.10
GPS Tracker is Online!
After some minor hicups, the GPS Tracker is online and you can follow
us live from the link above.
us live from the link above.
We just dropped into the desert and the temperature went up as the sun
went down. Here comes the first night of the trip.
At TS #1
> That's RAAM code for time station -Sean is cruising. We're just over
> three hours in, so far so good - Sheriff Gore runs a tight ship. The
> glass elevator is coming up...
> three hours in, so far so good - Sheriff Gore runs a tight ship. The
> glass elevator is coming up...
Successful Start
We are at mile 23. Sean is starting his first pull. Everything is
running smooth. Mike just kicked butt on a gnarly climb.
running smooth. Mike just kicked butt on a gnarly climb.
Kyle Bryant
Ride Ataxia
5020 A Street
Sacramento, CA 95819
rideataxia.org
kyle@rideataxia.org
Race Day
My alarm just went off but I have been awake for a couple hours. Heart
racing, butterflies flying, I gotta save some of this energy for the
race (don't worry there's plenty more where that came from).
racing, butterflies flying, I gotta save some of this energy for the
race (don't worry there's plenty more where that came from).
I am grateful for our dedicated crew who has been up for a couple
hours making final preparations.
This morning we will walk through rider exchanges in the parkinglot
and then the race starts at 2pm!
Trying to sleep
It is 1230 on the morning of the race and we are trying to get to
sleep despite strong feelings of excitement, anticipation and purpose.
This is going to be an epic journey and I am glad to have you here to
experience it with us!
sleep despite strong feelings of excitement, anticipation and purpose.
This is going to be an epic journey and I am glad to have you here to
experience it with us!
The GPS tracker will go live today and we will try to update the blog
as often as possible.
The race starts at 2pm today!
11.6.10
10.6.10
Successful Day!
and lighting and all the bikes have all required reflective tape and
lighting. Everyone pulled together and ironed out all the details to
make it happen on time.
We finished up the day with a huge meal at Outback Steakhouse. On the
way back from the restaurant we discussed the difference between a
triplet repeat and a point mutation in FA. Mike Andresen gave us a
laymen lecture from the back of the rental car and brought us a little
closer to an understanding...now I realize many of you have no idea
what a triplet repeat or a point mutation is so here's my challenge:
For those that have a decent understanding of these concepts, please
post your explanation in a comment below. Perhaps we can all learn
something about FA and what causes it.
By the way I checked the analytics and we had 408 hits on this blog
yesterday! Biggest day ever! Thank you for spreading the word. Stay
tuned and tell a friend!
9.6.10
Oceanside
We made it to Oceanside, unloaded the bikes onto our hotel rooms and
went to dinner as a team.
Tomorrow the crew will finalize all the wiring and signage for all
vehicles and have them ready for inspection at 5pm. Meanwhile the
riders will go on a maintenance ride to make sure everything is
working properly after the trip down.
We will get together at 430 for the team photo then inspection is at
5pm sharp. Tardiness will result in a time penalty.
went to dinner as a team.
Tomorrow the crew will finalize all the wiring and signage for all
vehicles and have them ready for inspection at 5pm. Meanwhile the
riders will go on a maintenance ride to make sure everything is
working properly after the trip down.
We will get together at 430 for the team photo then inspection is at
5pm sharp. Tardiness will result in a time penalty.
Still Driving
get there. The RV is very packed so we don't want it to go faster than
55mph. That made for a long day!
We are on our way to Oceanside! We had overwhelming support at Nugget this morning as you can see from the photo below! I told the crowd that when I was first diagnosed with FA my family and I were scared, we did not know what the future would hold. So it means the world to us to have their support. The same goes for YOU, thank you for reading.
Now we are on the road with 8 people in the RV and 6 people between the two vans. We will meet Felicia, Mary and Mike A. in Oceanside this afternoon.
Now we are on the road with 8 people in the RV and 6 people between the two vans. We will meet Felicia, Mary and Mike A. in Oceanside this afternoon.
8.6.10
Anxious
We are leaving in the morning. It's hard to believe this is actually happening!
Up at 430, leave the house by 545, Breakfast and sendoff at Nugget with friends, family and supporters (pictures, I promise). Then we are off on a 9 hour drive down to Oceanside for the final preparations for the race!
Mike M and I set up our phones to be able to post to the blog so you may see some shorter posts and there may be a little bit of a trial period as we try out the new posting method.
One last thing before I attempt to calm down and get some sleep...I just checked the analytics for this blog and today we got more hits than ever in one day (190), granted this blog is young but the point is that we want that number to keep going up! We are not pushing donations as much with this race, more than money we want people to hear about the cause and this crazy adventure. This is an opportunity to help the cause without writing a check. So please take this opportunity and instead of reaching into your wallet reach into your address book and send this link along to as many people as you think might find it interesting. Lets send the hit count through the roof! I am setting our team goal (you are part of the team) at 1,000 hits in one day. That seems a little high but lets think big! I will try to keep you posted periodically on the hit count and I promise to try to keep the blog exciting, entertaining and up to date.
Good Night.
Up at 430, leave the house by 545, Breakfast and sendoff at Nugget with friends, family and supporters (pictures, I promise). Then we are off on a 9 hour drive down to Oceanside for the final preparations for the race!
Mike M and I set up our phones to be able to post to the blog so you may see some shorter posts and there may be a little bit of a trial period as we try out the new posting method.
One last thing before I attempt to calm down and get some sleep...I just checked the analytics for this blog and today we got more hits than ever in one day (190), granted this blog is young but the point is that we want that number to keep going up! We are not pushing donations as much with this race, more than money we want people to hear about the cause and this crazy adventure. This is an opportunity to help the cause without writing a check. So please take this opportunity and instead of reaching into your wallet reach into your address book and send this link along to as many people as you think might find it interesting. Lets send the hit count through the roof! I am setting our team goal (you are part of the team) at 1,000 hits in one day. That seems a little high but lets think big! I will try to keep you posted periodically on the hit count and I promise to try to keep the blog exciting, entertaining and up to date.
Good Night.
Preparations
Bob and Steve are getting the vans ready
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while Mike M and Mike G get all the bike gear together.
.jpg)
I think we may just pull this off.
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while Mike M and Mike G get all the bike gear together.
.jpg)
7.6.10
More News Coverage!
Bob, Steve and Mike G. are here. We got the Dodge Caravans we needed. The racks are assembled. The PA systems are hooked up. We still have a lot to do but we had a very good start today.
Tomorrow we will continue with preparations and then we leave the next day!
Plus Channel 13 came out and shot a story!
Check it out: Cyclist Riding Across Country Despite Illness
Tomorrow we will continue with preparations and then we leave the next day!
Getting Started
We are finally getting started today!
Mike Gore is flying in at noon and then we are heading over to pick up the CB's (6 vehicle to vehicle radios with a range up to 30 miles!). Then we will head back to the airport to pick up Bob and Steve at 2pm. At 230 we will all meet (plus Mike Bryant and Paul K.) at Dollar car rental to pick up the rental vans.
The rental van issue:
We have been planning a rack system for the vans and in order to make it work we need at least one Dodge Caravan (two preferred). The problem is that the rental company was unable to guarantee the make and model of our vehicles so we are crossing our fingers. We need the Dodge so bad that we made a duplicate reservation at Enterprize! Hopefully the universe is good to us today.
Once we get the vans we will bring them back here to m place to install the racks and make sure we are not going to need to buy different/extra parts.
We will get all the bikes by tomorrow morning and Mike G. will do the final tune ups and get familiar with the bikes (Mike is the "Bike Whisperer"). Tomorrow we will finish up the preparations and load all the gear into the Vans and the RV, I'm a little nervous about how much stuff we have but it will probably seem a little more reasonable once it is out of the boxes and out of my living room.
Mike Gore is flying in at noon and then we are heading over to pick up the CB's (6 vehicle to vehicle radios with a range up to 30 miles!). Then we will head back to the airport to pick up Bob and Steve at 2pm. At 230 we will all meet (plus Mike Bryant and Paul K.) at Dollar car rental to pick up the rental vans.
The rental van issue:
We have been planning a rack system for the vans and in order to make it work we need at least one Dodge Caravan (two preferred). The problem is that the rental company was unable to guarantee the make and model of our vehicles so we are crossing our fingers. We need the Dodge so bad that we made a duplicate reservation at Enterprize! Hopefully the universe is good to us today.
Once we get the vans we will bring them back here to m place to install the racks and make sure we are not going to need to buy different/extra parts.
We will get all the bikes by tomorrow morning and Mike G. will do the final tune ups and get familiar with the bikes (Mike is the "Bike Whisperer"). Tomorrow we will finish up the preparations and load all the gear into the Vans and the RV, I'm a little nervous about how much stuff we have but it will probably seem a little more reasonable once it is out of the boxes and out of my living room.
6.6.10
Weather
Yesterday and today have been the first hot days of summer here in Sacramento and as I sit here sweating (I'm training for the heat...no just kidding, I just don't have central air) I am thinking of what the weather is going to be like on the route.
The following is a periodic report by one of our crew members, Mike Andresen, which shows the predicted highs and lows along the route. These numbers will change a little because we are still a week out but this gets us in the Ball Park. I can't wait for Parker!
Weather Report - One Week Before RAAM
Race day temp estimates by Time Station plus trends beyond California
- Oceanside – Highs 72 lows 58. Wind 6 mph W.
- Valley Center (inland) – Highs 81, lows 55 Wind 8 mph W
- Borrego Springs - Highs 97 lows 69 Winds 8 mph NW
- Blythe - Highs 101-3 lows 70 Winds 10 mph S-SW
- Parker - Highs 104 lows 73 Winds 9 mph SE
- Salome - Highs 100 lows 70 Winds 9 mph W-SW
- Congress - Highs 93 lows 61 Winds 9 mph S
- Prescott - Highs 81 lows 49 Winds 11 mph S-SW
- Cottonwood - Highs 95 lows 61 Winds 11 mph S
- Flagstaff - Highs 79 lows 41 Winds 13 mph S SW
- Tuba City Highs 91 lows 55 Winds 11 mph S SW
- Kayenta Highs 85 (pollen warning) lows 55 Winds 9 mph W
- Mexican Hat - 92 (high pollen warning) lows 58 Winds 11 mph W SW
- Montezuma Creek - 92 (high pollen warning) lows 57 Winds 12 mph W SW
- Cortez – 86 (high pollen warning) lows 45 Winds 14 mph SW
- Durango - 81 (high pollen warning) lows 43 Winds 13 mph S SW
- Pagosa Springs - 79 (high pollen warning) lows 43 Winds 10 mph S SW
- South Fork - 73 (high pollen warning) lows 47 Winds 16 mph S SW **”nickel size hail” today
- Alamosa - 81 lows 47 Winds 16 mph S **Severe Hail – take shelter” today
- La Veta - 77 (high pollen warning) lows 48 Winds 15 mph S-SW
- Trinidad - 81 (high pollen warning) lows 56 Winds 16 mph S-SW
- Kim - 81 (high pollen warning) lows 55 Winds 17 mph S
- Walsh - 87 (very high pollen warning) lows 60 Winds 16 mph S SE
- Ulysses - 89 (very high pollen warning) lows 61 Winds 16 mph SE
- Montezuma - 87 (high pollen warning) lows 62 Winds 16 mph SE
- Greensburg - 89 (high pollen warning) lows 67 Winds 15 mph S SE
- Pratt 90 (high pollen warning) 67 15 mph T-storms
- Maize, El Dorado, Yates Center, Ft Scott
- Weaubleau 84 66 8 mph SW 10-60% H daily TStorm
- Camdenton 84 68 8 mph W 10-60% H daily TStorm
- Jefferson City 86 68 8 mph W 10-60% H daily TStorm
- Washington 79 65 Tornado Alert, FLOOD WARNINGS Winds 13 mph W NW 10-40% H daily TStorm
- West Alton - Mississippi River – 84 Widespread Tornado Alert, FLOOD WARNINGS lows 69 Winds 9 mph 40-60% H daily TStorm
- Greenville, Effingham, Sullivan
- Bloomington 80 64 14 mph W
- Greensburg
- Oxford 87 67 Winds 8 mph W SW 40-60% H daily TStorm
- Blanchester, Chillicothe, Athens, Ellenboro, Grafton
- Gormania 79 57 6 mph W 10-60% H daily TStorm
- Hancock 90 66 7 mph SW
- Rouzerville, Hanover, Mt Airy, Odenton
- Annapolis 83 71 10 mph S SWW 20-60% H daily TStorm
5.6.10
Whatever it takes
RAAM is one week away and as I sit among all the items that have been shipped to my house for the trip (Bike racks, nutritional supplements, bike tools, reflective safety equipment, bike parts, trike parts) I am a little nervous but I am feeling pretty confident. We have done everything possible to give the team the best chance at conquering this race.
1. We have been training like crazy. In fact the team is finishing up our heavy training this weekend and we will be pretty light as we make the final preparations this week. Sean rode 70 miles yesterday, I rode 50 today, Mike rode 60+ today and John rode a century today. We all plan to ride a pretty good ride tomorrow and then the rest of the week is just mental preparation.
2. We have assembled a solid crew with a strong commitment to the cause:
Mike Bryant - Grass Valley, CA
Diane Bryant - Grass Valley, CA
Paul Konanz - Santa Rosa, CA
Tracy Algeier - Sacramento, CA
Aaron Farley - Sacramento, CA
Blake Andrews - San Luis Obispo, CA
Phil Vickers - Bakersfield, CA
Mike Gore (Mechanic Mike) - Seattle, WA
Mike Andresen - Portland, OR
Felicia DeRosa - Exton, PA
Mary Caruso - North Branford, CT
Bob O'Neal - Boston, MA
Steve Parsons - Boston, MA
These 13 people come from different places all over the country and each person has a different specific reason for joining the team but there is one thing that unites this crew: the desire to find the cure for Friedreich's ataxia.
We have had weekly conference calls with our 13 person crew for several months. The stuff discussed on the calls included topics like figuring out how to rack 5 bikes and two trikes on two rental vans when we aren't even guaranteed that we will get the vans we want. and What are we going to eat? and How are we going to get the gear back when we get to the east coast? and How do we fit 9 people in an RV with 6 people sleeping at a time? and What about showers and other hygienic things? and the list goes on...and on. I am sure there have been a few sleepless nights among the crew members as the ponder their individual tasks. And we still have quite a few sleep deprived days and nights ahead of us.
With all of this in mind when it comes down to it the fact remains that we just need to do whatever it takes to get safely across the country. In doing so we are representing of FA FAmilies worldwide who are willing to do whatever it takes to cure this disease.
1. We have been training like crazy. In fact the team is finishing up our heavy training this weekend and we will be pretty light as we make the final preparations this week. Sean rode 70 miles yesterday, I rode 50 today, Mike rode 60+ today and John rode a century today. We all plan to ride a pretty good ride tomorrow and then the rest of the week is just mental preparation.
2. We have assembled a solid crew with a strong commitment to the cause:
Mike Bryant - Grass Valley, CA
Diane Bryant - Grass Valley, CA
Paul Konanz - Santa Rosa, CA
Tracy Algeier - Sacramento, CA
Aaron Farley - Sacramento, CA
Blake Andrews - San Luis Obispo, CA
Phil Vickers - Bakersfield, CA
Mike Gore (Mechanic Mike) - Seattle, WA
Mike Andresen - Portland, OR
Felicia DeRosa - Exton, PA
Mary Caruso - North Branford, CT
Bob O'Neal - Boston, MA
Steve Parsons - Boston, MA
These 13 people come from different places all over the country and each person has a different specific reason for joining the team but there is one thing that unites this crew: the desire to find the cure for Friedreich's ataxia.
We have had weekly conference calls with our 13 person crew for several months. The stuff discussed on the calls included topics like figuring out how to rack 5 bikes and two trikes on two rental vans when we aren't even guaranteed that we will get the vans we want. and What are we going to eat? and How are we going to get the gear back when we get to the east coast? and How do we fit 9 people in an RV with 6 people sleeping at a time? and What about showers and other hygienic things? and the list goes on...and on. I am sure there have been a few sleepless nights among the crew members as the ponder their individual tasks. And we still have quite a few sleep deprived days and nights ahead of us.
With all of this in mind when it comes down to it the fact remains that we just need to do whatever it takes to get safely across the country. In doing so we are representing of FA FAmilies worldwide who are willing to do whatever it takes to cure this disease.
4.6.10
Blog Posting Strategy
We have set up a plan to keep updates flowing while we are on the road. We have a volunteer on the ground who will post for us when we cannot get to Internet access. So when you see a posting that is from mary.hallett@gmail.com (like this one) it is our ghost writer (thanks Mary!) and we will attempt to keep it clear who the post is coming from - me, Sean, Mike or John. Stay tuned - Kyle!
3.6.10
Team FARA on the News!
We shot this story with News 10's Brandon Atchison and it aired tonight here in Sacramento.
Please pass this video on to anyone who might be interested!
Thanks Brandon!
Please pass this video on to anyone who might be interested!
Thanks Brandon!
Send Off Celebration!
One of our generous sponsors is Nugget markets and they are going to host a little send off celebration for us at their Elk Grove, CA location!
We are departing from Nugget market in Elk Grove on Wednesday June 9 and we invite you to come gather and see us off at 715am with our departure at 745 sharp. We will be driving down to Oceanside to make our final preparations for the race and then the start is on June 12. Please come celebrate with us as we begin this crazy adventure!
Link to this event on Facebook!
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