Gearing Up

The Race Across America starts on June 11th.

I'm Cassie's crew chief this year.  It occurred to me yesterday that once the race starts, all I have to worry about is keeping the crew focused.  They'll be given their jobs and responsibilities beforehand.  They are all dedicated and  committed to Cassie's quest and her desire to raise awareness of veterans' issues.  They are the ones who will make her cross the finish line.  They just have to be taught how.

We have most of the vehicles lined up and have arranged for a three day house rental in Oceanside before the race.  The lodging is really critical because it is where our crew members will assemble.  Having them all in one place and spending time together will help them bond as we join together for a common cause.

The house will also serve as a school for the crew.  We have a combination of RAAM veterans along with some newbies.  Everyone will need to be put on the same page.  That will be easy for the newbies.  My concern is getting the veterans to keep an open mind and not let past experience discriminate.

The race itself is frightfully expensive.  I've been putting out feelers to a variety of companies whose sponsorship could well benefit from being associated with Cassie's effort.  We need buckets of money just to feed and house the crew as well as pay for the vehicles themselves and their associated expenses.

Cassie herself is getting ready physically and mentally.  I worry that she spends too much time agonizing over things that shouldn't be her concern.  All she needs to concentrate on is getting herself ready.

Having won the Sebring 24 Hour last month, she's well on her way.

Making It All Happen Again

The die is cast!

Lots to do with little time.

First things first, though.  Cassie's brainchild, Pedal For Heroes, received IRS 501(C)(3) charity status several months ago.  Last week, the first bicycle was delivered to a veteran!  Bicycles are more that a means of transportation, they are also a valuable form of therapy.  We fully intend it to be the first of many!

Next up on our dance card is the second annual Pedal For Heroes event.  If your fitness center is not on board, tell them to get on the stick or, in this case, on the seat!  The idea in Ohio is to spin (stationary bike) one minute for each Ohioan lost in the Middle East since 9/11.  Not in Ohio, pick your own poison.  Cassie's goal, which I fully support, is to turn Pedal For Heroes into a national institution, helping vets throughout this great country of ours.

Some fitness centers don't have enough cycles.  They've learned that other forms of exercise will do as well.  Last year we had folks swimming, on rowing machines, jogging, etc.  Just figure how much you want to give per minute and go for it!

If you're not up to riding or otherwise exercising your brains out, you can still make a tax deductible contribution to her quest.  We not only need support for the annual event, but Cassie also needs to raise a very large bucket of bucks just to take part in the Race Across America.  It costs a lot to cross the country to raise awareness of veterans' needs.

She'll make it all the way across this June.  I know.  I've got her back.