Our Adventure! ...and don't call me Francis...

I don't have any photos for the tasks at hand, but I get to include a link. I have begun a discussion with Pamela Blalock, a ultra-distance cyclist currently residing in Boston. I discovered her website several weeks ago. You can find it at http://www.blayleys.com/trips/2002/raam/index.htm

She crewed in 2002, and created a dynamite website with tons of insight into crewing and riders of the toughest race anywhere. As Crew Chief of Team StrongHeart, I am doing quite a lot of research and thinking about how to get this band across the county twice (from Minnesota to California to start the race, across the country during the race, and home again from Atlantic City!) safely and happily.

Pamela's website is a must-read for anyone interested in the technical aspects of the race from the "mule's" perspective. By mule, it is with admiration that I refer to the multitude of crew members that have gotten their riders to Everest and back again as the steadfast animal.

As an important aside, let me include a bit of my family history in explanation. My Father-In-Law, Rudy Stefancic, served in the 10th Mountain Division during the Second World War. They finished the war fighting north along the spine of Italy and crossed the Po River. During a conflict where the internal combustion engine came into its' own, this division of American warriors did their job with the aid of these sturdy critters. Mules carried all of the materiel needed to keep 10,000 soldiers moving and fighting, including field artillery, food, ammunition and climbing gear.

I am happy to be compared to these fine animals (I mean the Mules; I should be so lucky to be compared to the soldiers of the 10th Mountain). Not glamorous, but essential tools whenever the going gets tough.

Ideas are welcome for a better mascot!