Crew Members

Emily When Pat and Marc first told me about this race, I couldn’t believe what they were taking on.  Biking 3,000 miles across the country in 9 days is an incredible feat.  The more Pat and Marc talked about RAAM, the more I realized just how enthusiastic, motivated and determined they were.  They immediately began a demanding and difficult training regimen.   As I saw the hard work they were putting into this and the support of their friends and family, I knew I wanted to be a part of the team.  I plan to do all I can to help them reach their goals of finishing the race and raising awareness and funds for Down’s Syndrome.
Gabriel There are several reasons for which I want to help in this race. The first one is that I want to see how my brothers are doing. Secondly, I would like to become a Navy SEAL, but the only way to do so is to pass BUD/S, and this experience will show me what happens when your body and mind is put to the limit. I want to know how my brothers are doing during the race. If I were sitting at my house on the couch watching TV, I would have absolutely no idea whatsoever as to what is going on. On the other hand, if I am over there being DJ and choosing music for the team, I both know what is going on, and I am helping my brothers go through this amazing test of strength, endurance and motivation. In addition to knowing what is going on, I wish to know what happens to your body and mind when it is put to the limit. During RAAM, a rider encounters obliterating heat, numbing cold, and very high winds. Furthermore, a rider racing solo has to choose whether it is worth it or not to continue in the race. Fortunately for me, my brothers chose not to race solo, but when you are passing the BUD/S, you are the only one who can fight your way out of it. This experience will show me how bad things can get, and how willpower is enough to make you cross the finish line. I want to be part of this team because I want to be empiricised and know how the race is going first hand. BUD/S is probably the most emotionally and physically draining thing a human can go through. Right behind it is doing RAAM in solo. For that matter, I will need all the experience I can to make my dream come true. Obviously I will not be the one to be exposed to this, but I want to be there to help my brothers get through it themselves, and who knows, maybe in a few years you will see me graduate BUD/S and become a Navy SEAL.
Jeanne I am thrilled to be part of the crew for Marc and Patrick. l love adventure! Cheering friends and loved ones on as they embark on new and challenging endeavors is so cool! This is definitely one of those experiences! Fundraising for research to better understand Down syndrome and to assist individuals with Down syndrome to maximize their life potential is a great cause. Go Team Xtreme!
Lisette The RAAM race is known worlwide as the most difficult race in the world. Just like the racers who put all their will and energy into it, the support team has to provide the most efficient and dedicated support possible for the racers to succeed. It is not only a sporting adventure, but also a team-spirited adventure requiring much mental strength. As a foreigner, it is all the more appealing to get this experience in the US.
Marie When my brother first invited me to come over and participate in the RAAM as a crew member, I performed a brief search and realized that this meant taking a 2-week vacation and spend it in a car driving at 15 mph for days and nights in the desert and in the great plains, having no sleep, no comfort, and massaging our athletes 24/7. What do you think I answered? NO WAY I am doing this! Denis, a very wise man, asked me to sleep over it. After a good 3 weeks, I realized that all these efforts have a meaning, that is achieving something amazing and that I want to help “our boys”. It is so enjoyable to have a family assemble to work together towards a goal, parents and aunties supporting the young people. In addition, on very selfish grounds, participating in the RAAM is an incredible adventure, a once-in-a-life experience and I have to jump into it!
Stephanie Some time ago, Marc encouraged me to participate in my first triathlon. While I was nervous and apprehensive, Marc’s steady support and encouragement was just what I needed to cross the finish line and have that wonderful feeling of accomplishment. A number of years later, and after successfully completing four triathlons, I am happy that Marc had the faith in me that I did not have and that he encouraged me to push my limits. Marc is ready for a new challenge, and as his soon-to-be wife (we will be married for just THREE weeks when the race begins!) and his biggest fan, I would like to be there to provide him with the same level of support and encouragement he offers me every day. Marc is one of the most determined, adventurous, and stubborn people I have ever met and I know that this race means a lot to him. It is for this reason that I would like to be there as a source of strength and to cheer him on as he crosses the finish line.