“Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well” . . . Voltaire
It is often written that cycling is a solo sport, but it requires a lot support. This past year I logged over 9600 miles and competed in some pretty Epic events. These memorable rides would not be possible had I not had such a great support system. 
I am so blessed to have such a great family that indulged we when I said “I am just going out for a short ride and 5 hours later” strolled back into the house. My awesome wife Karen (K1) has always encouraged me with my cycling and that is one of the main reasons that I have enjoyed so many memorable rides. She has graciously stood by patiently during many of our mini vacations only to find that I have taken off for a quick spin from Scottsdale to Lake Bartlett and back and then spending the afternoon at the Giants Spring Training facility for some relaxation. At least in Arizona, there was the pool, so she did get some rest in. With a side trip to Sedona, to climb the Mingus Mountains and then a hike to Devil’s bridge. She is truly a a cyclist’s best companion. She encouraged me through the spring months in preparation for RAAM, which saw more mini vacations to the Outer Banks, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. 
She served as my race manager during RAAM, missing countless hours of sleep to make sure I was rested, fed, ready for the next leg all while following along always trying to keep a smile on my face and to take the time to laugh. With some crazy costumes to boot, it always worked and during the many hours in the saddle, I realized how blessed I am to have her in my life. Ian, Brittany and Bailey wrote some inspirational cards that Karen gave me just before every shift that I rode. They were words of inspiration, motivation and helped get me pedal the next stretch of the journey. I must admit the “King Of Miami” may not be the most inspirational, but he holds a humorous spot in my heart.
Ian, Kelly and the Adams family (Yes, I still love saying that the Adams family are my in-laws) made the journey from Scottsdale to seek us out in the Sonoran Desert. 
How they found us, I may never know, but their determination to spend just a few minutes to cheer me along with their loud cheering and entertaining signs was tremendously heartwarming. It was great to know that I had support along the way. Ian followed the race via the live streaming tracker and intercepted at the best location possible. Yes, you can say that we had a special moment in the desert. I think of that time often and it made me want to go on because I knew that Brittany and Bailey would be at the City Dock in Annapolis. Maybe another time, but I know that was a main priority for them both and I knew they were with me for every pedal stroke. I have been blessed with a loving family, and there is nothing more that one could ask for.
Next on the list, is my zany brother D. He also crewed on our RAAM race team and without his organizational skills and manner to endless details, we would probably still be in the desert somewhere in the middle of Arizona. Not only did he drive one of the support vehicles from the east coast to San Diego, he then willingly agreed to chase us back across to the east coast. 
Unfortunately the journey ended in Durango, but we still feel like we could have made it. He was so inspired by RAAM, that he has since gone and purchased a bike and entered his first race this past September. We have many plans for the future to shred the roads together. For those that know him, he definitely always has everyone in stitches. It is always humbling to realize that that someone would want to serve in the support vehicle at 2 a.m.
Lorie Lewis quickly jumped onto our support crew and believe that I promised her a relaxing trip across the country. Lorie jumped in with both feet and was a contributor from day 1. There was no task too small for Lorie as she navigated, 
guided and kept the team in good spirits throughout the journey. She kept the team well grounded as everyday we shared some much needed fellowship, which she turned into a wonderful blog called “Life in 5 Hours Shifts”. The blog highlighted the fruits of the spirit and kept us well grounded as we grit our teeth and trekked to Durango.
Connor Lewis (Eagle 1) was the youngest member of our team, but at times showed the most maturity of our crew. He was so excited to be part of the journey that he was willing to give up a big concert being held on the East Coast. Connor was our photo journalist and shot some great footage, which was compiled into a great video called “Going All The Way”. Connor quickly grasped
the nature of the race and added some process to many tasks that quickly went astray. This pains me to say this as a process guy. We had a process, but it seemed to get lost in the chaos within the RV. As a matter of fact, I still have visions of our racing plan sitting on the floor of the RV, with multiple sets of footprints. Connor always had something of a bag of tricks and never ceased to amaze the racers and crew members. Connor was a true blessing and honed his skills as a navigator and innovator with keeping the team hydrated and fed on the course.
Karen Morgan (K2), The Pilot. Karen was a true asset to the team as she is a cyclist, but her true contribution to the team was her ability to keep me motivated through the our waning legs of the race. Being a pilot she was very comfortable behind the wheel. She saved a mishap or two along the way as I had an encounter with a few dogs. Normally outracing dogs, ala Kevin Costner 
in American Flyers, I was sure I could out sprint a couple of intimidating looking dogs, who took off after me. Thinking they would stop at their property line was my initial thought, thinking that I would only need to sprint for a few hundred yard. Little did I know that this property was several hundred acres and these dogs were on a mission. K2 was also on a mission and made sure the car was conveniently placed between me and the dogs. The dogs quickly realized they were no match for an SUV and backed off. Note K2 with process in hand keeping the rest of the crew on task.
Last but not least is Kim Weatherly. She was our masseuse and I must say this was one of my biggest fears of RAAM. I started as a massage-phob, but Kim quickly turned that around. As you can see, I am stiff as a board as I receive my first massage, ever. With a gentle touch and clear concern for every ache and pain, she quickly got all the kinks out. Kim pitched in navigating and keeping me going on the climb into Flagstaff. With temperatures continuing to
drop by the hour, she provided additional layers that made the 70 to 42 degree drop in temperature tolerable. I would not have been able to keep riding had it not been for the massages and the commitment to ensure that as I finished a leg that I had a drink and something to eat.
There are others that I have to thank for their support and will continue in future blogs, but its off to the trainer for another sufferfest!!!
Thank you team for the great support and your extraordinary efforts made for a memorable ride!!!