RAW & RAAM 2p

Team Spinvox Adventurers was the only team in the Mixed Under 50 category this year. Ian Rolls and Christina Domecq arrived in Annapolis at 5:57pm. The journey took them 8 days and 46 minutes averaging 15.67mph.

The SpinVox Adventurers team is sponsoring ACCION USA (www.accionusa.org). From Ian Rolls:

"Having started my first major company at age 20 in New York, I know first-hand the challenges entrepreneurs face in starting a company and making it successful. There are so many people from under privileged backgrounds and communities who are the budding entrepreneurs the U.S. that have a great product but could use some help taking their company from start-up to established industry player. We want to help these people succeed.

I expect RAAM to be one of those great life experiences that define who you are as a person. And, I hope to set a new mixed team record in the process!"

Unfortunately they didn't set a new mixed team record, they just missed that by over an hour. But they did finish RAAM.

This was what they had to say after the race:

"We set our sights on conquering RAAM this year and we did it! In the last week we have ridden 3,021 miles across 14 states and 53 cities - a true testament to the achievement that is possible through fortitude, commitment and the power of a strong, dedicated team. We will carry with us many memories from our time riding across America - from the challenges such as the soaring climbs, fast flats, scorching temperatures, bike spills, and rain - to the incredibly inspiring encounters we have had with the other riders and teams and the fantastic warmth and generosity of spirit of the communities we rode through. But the biggest take away from this experience will be the wonderful opportunity to have achieved the seemingly impossible- they don't call it the world's toughest bike race for nothing! - with a team in which we all truly believe anything is possible if you put your mind to it. And if you continue to set your sights higher and higher you can really surprise yourself with what you are able to achieve!

Many thanks to all of our supporters throughout the race, your well wishes were greatly appreciated! And, thanks too to our crew who kept each day running smoothly, and to the RAAM organizers for putting on such a well-managed event."

Congratulations SpinVox Adventurers - Well Done!

Richard Waugh and Charles Combs crossed the finish line in Annapolis at 3:48am. They averaged 16.92mph and finished the race in 7 days, 10 hours and 36 minutes. They were the only team in the Men 50-59 Category so can be proud to finish the race.

Reaching Heights, the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Schools Foundation, engages our citizens to help in the work of providing an excellent education to students in our district, an education that prepares them for college and adult life. Our mission is to mobilize community resources to foster highly valued public schools that provide all Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District students a successful education.

Richard just came in from his last pull with a huge smile on his face and said to Charlie, "Wow, this really is fun, isn't it?" He came into the RV and said, "I don't know what happened. The last time I was laying here thinking that I was going to let Charlie down and let the team down, because my legs would just not go. There was nothing there; I was a goner. I was going to ask him for 30-minute pulls and see if he could take up the slack. Now I've got my energy back, and my legs back! I was flying and it felt so good!"

In fact, we're going to be so early at the finish line that, um, the team doesn't have hotel rooms reserved in Annapolis for tonight. Our reservations are for tomorrow. No problem. We'll make the extra effort of driving out of town a few miles to find rooms. What's driving a few extra miles when you've just ridden 3,000 of them on your bike? We'll find rooms. We're all exhausted but I'm not sure any of us will be able to relax enough to sleep.

We will enjoy the next couple of days in Annapolis. We'll rest, enjoy a team dinner and the official RAAM banquet. We have much to celebrate and much, much to be grateful for.

Erik Rosenstein and Tomaz Percic from Slovenia followed Adventures For The Cure in arriving at 2:25am. The 3021 mile journey took them 7 days, 9 hours and 12 minutes. They averaged 17.05mph.

Despite getting lost a few times during the race, they rode brilliantly well. They got their act together, got through it and all obstacles they climbed.

Congratulations E-Hub Team - Well Done!

Adventures for the cure won the Men Under 50 2P Team race.

Patrick Blair and Adam Driscol rode an exceptionally well race. They crossed the line at 6:43pm in Annapolis after 7 days, 1 hour and 33 minutes. They averaged 17.82mph over the journey.

Adventures For The Cure is a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization and USA Cycling Club that exists to raise awareness for Diabetes, to show those diagnosed with Diabetes and their families how leading a healthy and active lifestyle can move you beyond your perceived limits, and to raise funds for Diabetes research. The organization also raises awareness and funds for other causes that the board of directors has selected.

In the past we have raised funds for the following organizations:
• American Diabetes Association
• Kupenda For The Children
• Blood:Water Mission
• Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
• Partners Seeking a Cure

The organization has also set out to inspire others to live healthy lifestyles and to adventure beyond their perceived limits, because ANYTH!NG Is Possible

From Patrick. "My favorite section of RAAM last year was again my favorite (so far) this year. The Missouri hills between Jefferson City and Washington, Missouri are like a long roller coaster. Very steep up and downs for about 50miles. It was awesome!

2 man RAAM is really hard! Last year 4 man was a blast, but this is grueling."

Well you did an excellent job.

Congratulations Adventures For The Cure - Well Done!

Finishes in 7 days 1 hours and 33 minutes with an average speed of 17.82. Winners of the two man race division!!!!!! I've covered these guys most of the way and they deserve some big recognition for their finish. Congratulations to AFC racers and crew!!!!