Welcome to Team Inspirations website and how you can get involved

RIDERS & CREW PROFILES - the solo team , the four man team, the four lady team and Team Inspiration logistics

SOLO RIDER & CREW
JIM REES - cyclist Having completed RAAM as a solo rider in 2007, there's only one reason Jim is returning! It's the same reason every competitor goes back to have another go at the same race! Deep down there is a belief that Jim can go faster and that is what he is committed to do in 2008. Jim's background is Ironman and having competed in numerous Ironman events including Hawaii, Japan, New Zealand, Germany & the UK, Jim took on the challenge of Raam and captained a 4 man team in 2005 finishing a credible 4th overall. He runs his own successful Leadership business, he's an author, keynote speaker and a parent to 6 kids. To visit Jim's business web site please go to Ripple Leadership. He has a passionate belief that we are all Built for Greatness and he's doing everything he can to prove it. top^
Donna von Tunk - Medical / Joint Crew Chief Donna runs her own sports injuries and McTimoney chiropractic clinic. She enjoys being part of the transformation of the body going from pain to compete wellbeing from a physical, mental and spiritual perspective. Every morning she wakes up with a broad smile encouraged by the challenges and learning experiences that greet her every day. Being a part of RAMM, she says ‘is a very special honour and opportunity to learn and experience great things about team dynamics and herself’. This is my second RAAM and I'm as excited this time as last time. The experience will be shared with some new crew members and a new route. I am visualising our challenge now which includes a triumpant crowning of Jim as the new fastest british soloist across America. top^
Mike O'Keefe - Joint Crew Chief Mike has been involved in Team Inspiration since early 2007 and is a keen supporter of the message that 'We are all built for greatness' and that we should adopt a 'Can Do' attitude and not a 'Can't Do' one. Kids have a lot going for them and as adults we may need to just point them in the right direction and let them grow. Last year Mike was unable to go to America due to work commitments but he is desperate to be a part of this wonderful expireince this year. Jim is a true inspiration to many people and Mike is honoured to be a part of his crew for RAAM 2008... THIS BRITISH SOLO RECORD IS COMING HOME WITH US!!! Mike has spoken at a number of schools and groups about numberous topics such as how to get the best of a work experience opportunity and how to prepare for interviews etc and he cannot wait until he returns from RAAM 2008 when he can talk to everybody about 'If you want to do something then set your plan out and go for it'. Mike is a web site designer with his wife Sue who is also a strong supporter of Team Inspiration and co-web site designer for the Team Inspiration web site. They have two children Max (17) and Georgia (14). Mike is also a keen Arsenal supporter and is a qualified FA Level 2 football coach and coaches a number of youth teams but his primary involvement is with the under 15 girls teams at Luton Town Ladies. This season the girls have won the League, the League Cup and the County Cup... AWESOME :) Up The Hatters :) top^
Nicola Pendleton - Logistics / Crew I’m a musical, sporty, accountant who qualified young and grew up too quickly – although some would say I haven’t grown up at all. I work in the family Business, Gem Estate Management Limited, alongside my dad. Initially he was supposed to be racing in RAAM as part of our 8 man team but unfortunately he felt that we couldn’t both have the time off from work at the same time. So he withdrew to give me the opportunity to stay crewing in the solo team for which I thank him (although I may have changed my mind by the 10th June!). With sport I’m primarily a hockey player and have played at National League level. This season I’m playing for Harpenden Hockey Club being coached by the inspirational Lisa Wooding (GB & England player) and Simon Letchford (England U16 & U16 coach). In order to give something back to the hockey world I’m assistant coach for the Hertfordshire U13 & U12 Girls development squads and love nothing more than seeing young children feel that sense of achievement at having accomplished a new goal or learnt a new skill. I initially got involved with RAAM because of my dad, Max, who is 30 years older than me and for him cycling is a lifelong passion. In fact, all of our family have had strong cycling links from my sister to one set of my grandparents who met at a cycle club all those years ago. I’m really excited about being involved in this extra-ordinary feat of human willpower and strength and I hope this will be my first big chance to make a difference in the world … the first of many! top^
Sue Yu - Logistics / Crew My 18 year old son thinks I'm crazy! But fast approaching my 50th birthday it was definitely time to take a step (or two) outside my comfort zone, and when my friends Mike & Sue O'Keefe (see above) mentioned Team Inspiration were looking for crew I was hooked. What better way to celebrate this milestone than to support this fantastic team across the USA! I have no background in sport or therapies, but a passion to learn, and enthusiasm and motivation to help this truly inspirational team. Also, not forgetting the worthwhile cause of helping raise funds for cancer research. I am looking forward to making a whole host of new friends, learning a multitude of new skills, seeing fleeting landscapes of America! and coming back with a true sense of achievement. top^
Jennifer Whalley - Crew I'm currently a student at UCS studying Bsc (hons) Psychology and Sociology. Prior to this I was involved in events management, event crew and theatre production. I enjoy travelling, meeting new people and experiencing new things. I am hardworking and sociable and I can't wait to get on the road with the crew and give it all we've got! top^
Catherine Rumbelow - Medical / Crew This is my year of saying “yes”. So when I was honoured with the chance to support Jim’s record-breaking attempt, I couldn’t say “no.” As the team’s McTimoney Chiropractor, my focus will be to adjust Jim’s body, to enable his brain and nervous system to function optimally (under the circumstances!) Every cell needs clear communication from the brain, via the spinal cord. I’ve been in practice for over 7 years, and have seen daily miracles of health and well-being restored through chiropractic adjustments. I look forward to the personal challenges ahead, and can’t wait to play my part in this adventure! I am humbled by the opportunity to apply the art of chiropractic to such an inspirational athlete, and thank Jim for inviting me to join the team. top^
Mick Kelly - RV Driver / Crew I am married to Heather and we live in Hatfield with my son Stewart (23) and daughter Laura (19) Having reached 50 in November and hung up my football boots a couple of years previously I have been looking for something other than beer and wine to throw my energy and passion into. I am really looking forward to the challenge and hope I can play some part in helping the teams reach their targets. top^
FOUR MAN TEAM - RIDERS
Andy Irons - cyclist I was born and raised in Australia after my parents emigrated there in 1952. My interest in sport starting from an early age – I would go and watch my elder brothers whilst they competed in canoeing races. It was a natural progression that I would eventually compete too. I have since competed in the National and Australian slalom and the White Water Championships leading on to representing England at the 1982 Commonwealth Games which was in Australia. Along with other competitions during my canoeing time I also competed in the Devizes to Westminster 127 mile canoe race in 1984. I had always been an avid bike rider from the age of 3 so it was natural after my canoeing that I changed to bikes as a way of keeping fit. Cycling also gave me one of my first jobs as a courier…… This progressed onto road racing for 12 years in Australia, which whilst also keeping fit it enabled me to travel round Australia and enjoying the countryside on route! I rode at Club level and also National level competing in various competitions on the way. I moved back to England in 1998 and my love of cycling continued. I train a minimum of 5 times a week averging 60 miles per outing. top^
Richard Newey - cyclist I am married with 2 children and work as a risk manager on the London 2012 Olympics. I have been cycling for the last 4 years initially this was mountain biking having raced in the National Premier series and also completed the CristAlp Grand Raid a 133km race in Verbier, Switzerland. More recently I have been road racing having achieved my 2nd category license I race for Agiskoviner.com. Last year I took part in 6 stage races and numerous other road races and time trials. Prior to cycling I spent my time rock climbing and mountaineering across Europe. Achievements included a top 3 place in a national indoor climbing competition, climbing frozen waterfalls in Norway and reaching 8000m on the North face of Everest in 2000. top^
Lee Cairns - cyclist I live in East Yorkshire with my wife, who has been a great support to me with my passion for cycling. I began my sporting life as a triathlete then moved into road cycling, timetrials, and mountain biking. Have raced in Belgium for the past three seasons. As a junior triathlete I was ranked 3rd behind Spencer Smith in the UK and now ride for the UK No.1 time trial squad -Team-Swift. My mother is my inspiration, after learning to swim at 40 and over the next five years becoming the 5th fastest long distance swimmer in the UK, she sadly lost a three year battle with breast cancer, but showed me how important it is to go after what you want in life. It is said the only thing that stops us from getting what we want in life is the story we tell ourselves as to why we cannot have it!...Like 'NIKE' keep telling us...'Just Do It'...My mother proved you can, and I intend to do the same. top^
Jo Maddox - cyclist Who am I? I am 38, live in Cheltenham, am originally from Lancashire, divorced, have a 4 year old son, work as an Occupational Psychologist, teach skiing a few weeks every year am a keen swimmer and support Man Ute. More about my job: My work is varied and ranges from raising self esteem in disaffected teenagers, to building team compatibility between board directors. In my experience people are people and have much the same emotional needs whether they are high fliers or ordinary jo's. More about me: I enjoy having goals and keeping fit and spent a few years playing water polo. Previous to that my main interest was learning to fly, which became too expensive to sustain. My main passion has always been skiing, and I became a ski instructor at the age of 18 which has enabled me to spend time in my favourite environment, the Alps. Last year I survived falling down a mountain which has encouraged me to regain my fitness and take on this new challenge. top^
Sue Golt - Joint Crew Chief An administrator at Lister Hospital is also a mother to Oscar aged 10 and Ryan aged 8. After being inspired by Jim a couple of years ago, she has spent time in personal development and has trained as an NLP Coach Practitioner. With being about to turn 40 she really believes her life is now beginning and says “I’m really excited about having this opportunity, not only to support the team which is an honour in itself, but also to work alongside so many inspiring people, completing such an amazing challenge and getting to see, albeit fleetingly, some fantastic parts of America. They say life isn't measured by how many breaths you take but by how many moments take your breath away. I am certain I will have many of those moments during RAAM 2008, and I will use those to go on to inspire others to find as many for themselves.” top^
Sue Gipson - Crew / Massage Therapist I am an Assistant Manager at ASK Restaurant in Biggleswade. I recently qualified as a Remedial Masseuse in August 2006, I work from home building up a business, hoping to be full time in the near future. I compete in Triathlons, I belong to FVS TRI Club, I enjoy training and enter competitions throughout the year. top^
Sue Groves - Crew / Massage Therapist Having worked for 15 years in the investment market I decided to get of the corporate treadmill and try something new that would inspire me. I needed something that would help others and by chance got myself into sports and remedial massage. I get a real buzz out of relieving the pain that the body deals us and also helping clients continue playing the sports they enjoy. The prospect of participating in RAAM fills me with trepidation (as it is an endurance race and not for the faint hearted) but also excitement knowing that I will be part of it and can help the guys physically complete the race. I have a number of mottos that I live by but the one probably most pertinent to RAAM is that you only get out of life what you prepared to put in. top^
Andy Mottershaw - Crew / Bike Mechanic What can i say? I`m 42 and an ex cyclist which got me interested in the Race across Amerca and the display in Biggleswade town centre. I work as a service engineer, mainly in the North London area but can cover all of England and Scotland. I live with my fiance Helen in Biggleswade and have a 12 year old son who lives with his Mum. top^
Jake Elston - Crew / Bike Mechanic Age; 18 Occupation; Barman/Paintball marshall I’ve been introduced to RAAM through Jim who I’ve known for a few years now after riding with him and racing bikes myself for a time. But, after some success on the bike, I decided that unfortunately; riding was no longer for me. I have since turned back to the sports I enjoyed before bikes were in my life, namely rugby and cricket with the recent addition of paintball – which I LOVE!!!!! I’m actually lucky enough to work for a paintball games company near London, meaning I get a regular fix of adrenaline most weekends. When I’m not paintballing I’m either at work behind bar at my local, out partying with mates or seeing my girlfriend. I’m immensely proud of the fact I’m now involved with Team Inspirations RAAM effort and I cannot WAIT to get out there!!!!!!! top^
Nick Collins - Crew / Sports Physio I am what you call a late entry to RAAM and the crew of Team Inspiration....so late in fact I was asked to join a week before we fly out!! Safe to say that when Jim mentioned what he was doing and why it was an easy decision to make and join up to this great event......well it actually took me an hour to decide completely but when I made that decision it just felt right, also I couldn't take the smile off of my face as I drifted and started to picture what i've got myself into. I still can't quite comprehend what i'm joining into (sinking in though!), yet talking to the team and crew and how positive they are I just know that this will be a great experience. To work with world class athletes is an opportunity that doesn't happen very often so i'm relishing using my skills to do my bit for the team. As far as my skills go I am a personal trainer and sports massage therapist. I've had so many different jobs I never thought I'd find one that I would love as much as the one I do now, the satisfaction I get out of making my clients smile and achieve things they didn't think was possible is great. My own inspirations in life come from my family and friends, when I lost my Dad 3 Years ago it makes you cherish things that much more and as he said to me 'No Regrets'......... this is how I live and why I said yes. top^
FOUR LADY TEAM - RIDERS Click on link to visit there auction web site: www.kelliandkerry.com
Katie Ford - cyclist D.O.B : 04/04/86 Cycling team : Durham University CC How did I start ? Cycling is something I have always loved since I can remember. Because of my epilepsy and loosing my driving licence to it, my bike became more of a tool to get around which made me fitter generally, which I liked. As I got more and more into the fitness, my bike became more of a key part of that. Now the best part about my bike is knowing no one can ever say I'm not allowed to ride. It was this that got me starting to think about raising awareness for eplilepsy and trying to prove a point that the illness doesn't cause its sufferers to loose their independence. I figured that RAAM was a pretty good way of proving the point. What inspires me Day to day, my mum has always inspired me, because of what she has achieved purely by hard work and determination and never through anyone else's hand outs. In terms of RAAM, Kerry White inspires me as she also has an illness to compete against on top on the RAAM itself. Jim Rees' pure determination and grit to become an official finisher is also something I found truly inspiring. What I want to achieve Short term To compete and finish RAAM 2008 as part of the first British female 4 person team to do so and qualify for solo RAAM. Long term To become the first British female to complete the RAAM as on official finisher. Maybe to become the fastest ever female finisher or RAAM. Motto -"dont let other people tell you what you limits are" top^
Kerry White - cyclist - A RAAM LEGEND Twenty to twenty-two hours a day of cycling for nearly two weeks through 14 states, across all types of terrain and in all weather conditions, all while managing type 1 diabetes. For most people, this sounds impossible. In retrospect, it does sound pretty crazy, but it is also the ultimate way to challenge yourself with what life is truly about. This past year, I was determined to enter as a solo competitor and fulfill what seemed to me to be the ultimate challenge - could I be tough enough and good enough to complete what might be classified as one of the greatest tests in the limitations of humanity - what more can I say in regard to compelling reasons (in the warped kind of way that ultra endurance athletes think!). To simply make it to the start line of RAAM is the ultimate test in organization, determination and will power. To finish would be the icing on the cake. My goal was to finish in the time cut off of 12 days and five hours. Managing sleep deprivation, keeping average speed above 10.1mph (the minimum to meet the cut off times), tolerating and consuming enough food to sustain energy and coping with physical ailments such as saddle sores, were just a few of my personal fears in undertaking this event. My additional challenge was to manage my type 1 diabetes in order to maximize physical performance - a challenge that I struggle with on any normal day, let alone while riding 20-22 hours a day. To read Kerry's amazing story please click here. top^
Lauren Schrichten - cyclist I was born and raised in Ventura County, CA. I grew up going to the beach every weekend for as long as I can remember. I played softball and basketball in high school until I discovered surfing my senior year. My life quickly changed. I became obsessed with surfing and decided to pursue the competitive circuit full time. A few years ago I saw the Ironman World Championships on tv and decided that by the time I turn 30 I will cross the finish line at Kona. Last year I started to get burnt out on competitive surfing full time. I retired in May to pursue my Ironman goal full time. I was a crew member for a 2-man RAAM team last year and thought that they were nuts or that maybe I was even just for crewing. One of the riders asked me to crew again this year but I couldn’t afford to take time off from my Ironman training. Then the opportunity came up to race on Team Inspiration’s 4-woman team. I figured that if I can do an Ironman then I can do RAAM and if I can do both of those then I can do anything. I am swimming, biking, and running distances that I never, in a million years, thought I would ever be doing. I am training 4-6 hours a day but if the waves come up I can pass up the opportunity to get some good surf. I look forward to the caffeinated adventure that starts June 11. top^
Kelli Rohrig - cyclist I've known Kerry White and the Vail men's RAAM team for years by way of the mountain bike world. I didn't quite understand all the statistics and strategy behind racing RAAM until a few years ago while racing an adventure race with a former RAAM team winner. It was dark, well below freezing, our team only had one light set that was fully working and we weren't 100% sure we were going the right direction- what a better time to discuss RAAM and what it's like to be a member on an insanely fast team. I was shocked once I realized what went on out on the road and my option of the people I knew involved in the race changed drastically. I'm a jack-of-all-trades kind of athlete, I've competed in almost every sport out there, but this is a whole new opportunity. When Kerry emailed me asking me to join Team Inspiration, it was truly one of the most honorable moments in my life. To be offered an opportunity to participate in RAAM, riding with so many incredible people and knowing how many of these people have equally incredible stories to tell! I am a massage therapist, co-own a landscape business and adventure tour company with my husband and I coach a junior Nordic ski team and junior Freeride ski team. As an athlete, my long history includes being a pro mountain biker, pro adventure racer, former telemark extremes competitor, I had a brief career in white water kayaking and try to ski every day in the winter and ride every day in the summer. I'm a under-over achiever. top^
Robin Dodd - Crew Occupation: Student/Bike Master Family status: My girlfriend Kate, who inspires me in everything that I do. What inspired you to take on the momentous challenge of crewing for a RAAM team? Kerry White offered me the chance of a lifetime to be her mechanic on the RAAM in 2007, and I gladly accepted. I'm always looking for some adventure and the chance to take a long road trip, plus I got to play with bikes. What wasn't to like? Favorite quote, that fuels your ambition: 'Use the Force, Luke.' What would you like most to express to the world? That the glass is half-full. top^
Albert Lopez - Crew Im curretly a senior at Cal State Long Beach and in the process of earning my BS in Kinesiology. I have always been interested in athletics and I am working on earning my CSCS ceritification. I work for the City of Whittier in recreation and I am also a highschool tennis coach. I was notified of this great opportunity and I am happy to be part of this team as a crew member. Cant wait to meet all the wonderful people and riders. Good luck to all riders!! top^
Jonathon Frame - Crew Age: 22 Occupation: Student/Lifeguard Family status: In a relationship What inspired you to take on the momentous challenge of crewing for a RAAM team? Adventure Favorite quote, that fuels your ambition: “Go without a coat when it’s cold; find out what cold is. Go hungry; keep your existence lean. Wear away the fat, get down to the lean tissue and see what it’s all about. The only time you define your character is when you go without. In times of hardship, you find out what you’re made of and what you’re capable of. If you’re never tested, you’ll never define your character.” -Henry Rollins top^
Karen Jarchow - Crew Age: 23 Occupation: ATC, Vail Sports Medicine Physical Therapy Family status: I come from a strong Minnesota family base. The youngest of two older brothers, and the first to fly the coop! Having family in the Vail Valley has made it an easy transition to calling the mountains my new home. What inspired you to take on the momentous challenge of crewing for a RAAM team? My inspiration was motivated by an ultra endurance event, travel, and supporting a great cause! What's to say 'no' to! Favorite quote, that fuels your ambition: Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing at all. -Helen Keller What would you like most to express to the world? Being so young, I'm not sure I have much to express quite yet. However, I feel as though the ability to learn and grow from something each day is very important! Whether life throws you joy and happiness or grief and stress. Take each trial or tribulation as an opportunity to know yourself that much more! top^
Vino Anthony - Crew I was born February 21, 1942, making me 66 years old. Two things have to be considered here before I go on; #1 Don't forget my birthday, I like very good dark chocolate. #2 Have respect for your elders. With that put on the table, I will now go on. I am sort of semiretired now, having run my own business for 40 years. I am also a photographer, how good is questionable but I like taking photos. I have been a skier since the age of 3. I have raised two dynamic athletes one being Kelly Anthony Rohrig and my son Chris Anthony. I like sitting around eating potato chips and watching the history channel or senseless movies so I guess you could say I'm easily entertained. I am a 250 pound person in a 137 pound body. I have an IQ of 50 but I was taught to drive a car at slow speeds. I don't drool on myself so I will not embarrass anyone in public places. top^	Picture to follow
George Baglin - Joint Crew Chief George likes a challenge - last year she spent a month in a SA township making a film for a charity that she works closely with. She is a Project Manager for an engineering body and likes to do things outside of the 9 - 5 where she can. A trained business and life coach she is looking forward to putting those skills to the test and challenging herself to spend time without her creature comforts and sleep. top^
Katie Klein - Crew Age: 21 Occupation: Physics Student Status: In a relationship hat inspired you to take on the momentous challenge of crewing for a RAAM team? Events are fun and I really dig bicycles! It's also cool to be part of a team. Favorite quote that fuels your ambition: I can always quit later. What would you like most to express to the world? Don't trust politicians. top^	Picture to follow
Kreston Rohrig - Crew Kreston is Kelli's husband, training partner and sanity. A gifted athlete, Kreston has recently started to compete in mountain biking and telemark extremes. To Kelli's disdain at no longer being the fastest Rohrig in the house, she concedes that Kreston went from rookie peddler to fast cyclist in a very short time. A rock star around the house and out on the road, Kreston is a champ at providing many services such as car fixer, house organizer, bike cleaner, cook and crazy girl mellower. In his real life, outside the RAAM world, Kreston is a ski patroller, EMT with the local ambulance service, landscape guru and ski guide. (Yes, this bio was written by Kelli). top^
Fiona Wilson - Team Inspiration Logistics and Joint Crew Chief on the 4 Man Team
Fiona Wilson has been involved with Team Inspiration since the beginning. She crewed in the 2005 RAAM and supported Jim Rees's solo RAAM in 2007, driving across America. She will crew again in RAAM 2008 and is intrumental in organising the biggest challenge yet for Team Inspiration; three teams and crew for 2008.She is involved in several charities, including Cancer Research UK, who will be the beneficiary of funds raised by the team in 2008. Fiona runs her own publishing company and dabbles in property development. She will be an active part of Team Inspiration's work with children. top^