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| Dave Stauffer |
Rider: Dave Stauffer
Age: 47
Residence: Easton, PA
Athletic history (cycling results & other):
Top 10 finisher in the nightmare tour-2009 177 miles of hills circumventing Lancaster County. In 2008 & 2009 I raced the Univest Cyclesportiff. A very hilly 62 mile course the pros raced after us. I finished 20th out of 200 riders. I had a 20 mile an hour avg. speed. I finished 29 min. off of the winning pros time. They had their teams working for them while I was on my own.
Are you
supporting an organization or Charity? Tell us why.
The National Fibromyalgia Association. I have a friend who has this condition. There needs to be more research on this condition. They need to find out what causes it and how to cure it. A couple of our teammates have this condition. If riding our bikes brings more attention to this condition then I feel as if we were accomplishing a lot.
What are your expectations from RAAM?
To continue to improve and to ride strong & to the best of my ability in 2010. To see this beautiful country of ours. To have fun and to make it fun for my teammates.
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| Denise Stone |
Rider: Denise Stone
Age: 48
Residence: Long Valley, NJ
Athletic history (cycling results & other):
2008 and 2009 RAAM Finisher. 2009 1st place Mixed Team. Set the woman’s record for the "Nightmare Tour" (11 hours, 15 minutes) in Lancaster, PA - 177 miles of hills circumventing Lancaster County, riding 356 miles during the "Longest Day" a 24-hour ride also in Lancaster County
What intimidates you most about RAAM?
The things you can't control! Weather, illness, injury, navigation challenges, mechanical issues, crew fatigue, etc... Riding may actually be the easier part of Team RAAM. The talent and determination of our crew made all the difference in 2009 RAAM.
Are you supporting an organization or Charity? Tell us why.
I am riding for the National Fibromyalgia Association for the third year. My good friend and crew mate has Fibro and has been battling chronic pain, fatigue and health issues for many years. She is incredibly strong but when the condition flares up she is incapacitated.
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| Karl Wianecki |
Rider: Karl Wianecki
Age: 41
Residence: Convent Station, NJ
Athletic history (cycling results & other):
I am an avid triathlete participating in Sprints, Olympic and half triathlons… I enjoy running in distance races such as half marathons and hope to run in the NYC marathon eventually. I also enjoy skiing, snowboarding and mountain biking.
Considering all sports, what were the events or outcomes that most impacted your life in both negative and positive manners?
The satisfaction that comes with finishing endurance events and continually striving to improve my performance. I have been inspired by others that achieve personal accomplishments in the face of disabilities. I will always remember a man who carried his disabled son through all stages of a half ironman distance triathlon to allow him to experience the thrill.
What intimidates you most about RAAM?
3000 miles!
Are you supporting an organization or Charity? Tell us why.
The National Fibromyalgia Association to support their efforts to raise awareness for this debilitating disease.
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| Gernot Wolfram |
Rider: Gernot Wolfram
Age: 48
Residence: Eastry, United Kingdom
Athletic history (cycling results & other):
With the age of 10 I watched a bike race in Italy called the Giro d’Italy collecting all the drinking bottles. I decided to become a road biker but it took me 10 years more to start road racing and mountain biking. I moved to Cologne where I participated in cycling marathons on a weekly basis since 1994. In parallel I started running. My highlight is the Chicago marathon which I finished twice in 3:45hrs.
What intimidates you most about RAAM?
The only thing I’m worried about is that there will be no time and no opportunity to get some really hot and spicy Italian pasta. But thanks to our huge All Wheels 4 Fibromyalgia crew this will be definitely manageable.
Are you supporting an organization or Charity? Tell us why.
National Fibromyalgia Association - to help the 10 million people that fight chronic pain everyday.
What are your expectations from RAAM?
RAAM can really make you suffer and experience your own limits. I will push myself to continue to improve and it will be an inspiring experience. RAAM is an infectious experience making me want to work toward a 2 rider team.
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Bios for Crew Members
Name: Jim Leith, RV Guru
Age: 71
Residence: Florida
When did you first hear about RAAM and what prompted you enter the race?
We first heard of the RAAM & Fibromyalgia when Denise Stone was involved in the race in
2008. We thought that this was a wonderful endeavor, as well as a great challenge, not only for those that ride the bikes, but for those of us that are there to support them.
What type of training are you doing to prepare for the event?
The training I am doing is planning what type of nourishment to bring along so that, as support, we can stay in shape and focused on getting the riders through safely.
What are some of the challenges that come with biking 3,000 miles in 7 days?
As support, the biggest challenge is safety. We must insure that switching riders is done with the utmost care. The next is to do as much as we can to make sure that the riders get the nourishment and the rest that they will need to complete the 3000 mile race.
When and how did you first learn about fibromyalgia?
We learned of Fibromyalgia from speaking with the group from the 2008 race.
There are numerous charities you could have chosen to support through this ride. Why the National Fibromyalgia Association?
We support research on all devastating diseases, any of which are very worthwhile. However, being directly involved in this project is a “hands on” opportunity, which makes the contribution more personal.
What do you hope to accomplish through the event?
My goal is to help bring the All Wheels 4 Fibromyalgia Team safely to Annapolis and in first place!!!
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| Deb Feather |
Name: Deb Feather, Rider Crew
Age: 47
Residence: Manheim, PA
When did you first hear about RAAM and what prompted you enter the race?
I was recruited for RAAM crew by my great friend and college teammate Denise Stone and awesome friend Brenda Weaver. I love to help people accomplish their goals. The three of us competed in RAAM last year (2008) and had a blast. Just can't wait to do this again.
What type of training are you doing to prepare for the event?
Focusing on my health.
What are some of the challenges that come with biking 3,000 miles in 7 days?
Lack of sleep!
When and how did you first learn about fibromyalgia?
I have had fibromyalgia for 15 years.
There are numerous charities you could have chosen to support through this ride. Why the National Fibromyalgia Association?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that alters your entire life. Most people do not understand that you may feel good one day and horrible the next. Awareness, understanding, empathy and a possible cure in the future are the reasons why I choose to help the NFA.
What do you hope to accomplish through the event?
To make it to the finish line safely and without any penalties.
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| Brenda Weaver |
Name: Brenda Weaver, Rider Crew
Age: 46
Residence: Long Valley, NJ
When did you first hear about RAAM and what prompted you enter the race?
I learned about RAAM while crewing for Denise Stone at the Nightmare tour in August, 2006. I crewed in RAAM - 2008 on Team CycleSmart, a 4-person mixed team, and had an amazing time. I look forward to another great experience on All Wheels 4 Fibromyalgia.
What type of training are you doing to prepare for the event?
Learning as much as I can about nutrition, researching navigation options to minimize challenges in the eastern part of the country and staying in shape.
What are some of the challenges that come with biking 3,000 miles in 7 days?
Lack of sleep and the loss of cognitive function!
When and how did you first learn about fibromyalgia?
I work in the pharmaceutical industry and have been working in the pain area where I learned about this very debilitating disease.
There are numerous charities you could have chosen to support through this ride. Why the National Fibromyalgia Association?
Fibromyalgia is a wide spread chronic pain condition that affects 10 million people. The challenge with this particular disease is lack of awareness. I want to participate in this event to help the NFA in their mission to raise awareness for the millions of people that suffer from this disease and help to find a cure.
What do you hope to accomplish through the event?
To make it to the finish line safely and as fast as possible.
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| Yvette Hess |
Name: Yvette Hess, RV & Rider Crew
Age: 28
Residence: Silver Spring, Maryland
When did you first hear about RAAM and what prompted you to participate?
I've heard about people riding across America for forever, but never racing. What are they CRAZY?? Yeah, I wanna know them!
What type of training are you doing to prepare for the event?
Well just the other night I stayed at work all night. I crammed myself into tiny chairs, slept with the lights on, and woke up every forty minutes or so. I think I'm ready.
What are some of the challenges that come with biking/crewing 3,000 miles in 7 days? More importantly is the reward of working together as a team toward a common goal. Crewing 3,000 miles in 7 days is absolutely amazing. Seeing the country at 25 mph, stopping in small towns, and meeting people from many states is something everyone talks about and never gets around to doing. I am thrilled to say I have and can't wait to do it again.
When and how did you first learn about fibromyalgia?
I guess I learned about it on TV. I saw commercials for Lyrica that explained fibromyalgia.
There are numerous charities you could have chosen to support through this ride. Why the National Fibromyalgia Association?
Those commercials really touched me. It seemed like a painful disease that didn't have nearly enough exposure. Bringing awareness about Fibromyalgia could make a difference in many people's lives.
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| Connie Weaver |
Name: Connie Weaver, RV Crew
Age: 57
Residence: West Hartford, CT
When did you first hear about RAAM and what prompted you enter the race?
Last year, sitting on the sidelines cheering for Team CycleSmart.
What type of training are you doing to prepare for the event?
Learning every aspect about building the best strategy to play including: Nutrition, navigation, night riding, crew rotations, sleep deprivation, cleanliness…. Chief cook and bottle washer!
What are some of the challenges that come with biking 3,000 miles in 7 days?
Maximizing efficiency while living in close quarters with no sleep. Working to keep the team on strategy…and contingency planning for the unexpected.
When and how did you first learn about fibromyalgia?
Learned about fibromyalgia from other team members who have the condition and watching their struggles during the training rides.
There are numerous charities you could have chosen to support through this ride. Why the National Fibromyalgia Association?
I really didn’t understand Fibromyalgia until I volunteered to participate in this event. Since that time I have come understand and witness firsthand how debilitating this condition can be to very strong people. It is a great cause and raising awareness is critical for so many people that suffer from this every day.
What do you hope to accomplish through the event?
To encourage the team to be the best they can and win and maybe see a little of the country at the same time.
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| Janna Wianecki |
Name: Janna Wianecki, RV Crew
Age: 41
Residence: Convent Station, NJ
When did you first hear about RAAM and what prompted you enter the race?
Last year, I followed Team CycleSmart and I became obsessed with the event. I didn’t want to sit on the sidelines again - so I jumped in.
What type of training are you doing to prepare for the event?
Practicing navigation and transitions, learning every role within the crew… I have a lot of reasons to see that the cyclists finish this ride healthy and safe.
What are some of the challenges that come with biking/crewing 3,000 miles in 7 days?
Close quarters, no sleep, bonding with Dad (our RV guru). Supporting the riders while maintaining sanity.
When and how did you first learn about fibromyalgia?
I learned of fibromyalgia from a friend who has the disease. No one should suffer with such little understanding and so much pain.
There are numerous charities you could have chosen to support through this ride. Why the National Fibromyalgia Association?
Fibromyalgia is a wide spread chronic pain condition that affects 10 million people. The challenge with this particular disease is lack of awareness. I want to participate in this event to help the NFA in their mission to raise awareness for the millions of people that suffer from this debilitating disease and help to find a cure.
What do you hope to accomplish through the event?
To win because if we don’t these nutty riders will want to do it again, and again…
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| Harry Marks |
Name: Harry Marks, Rider Crew
Age: 50ish
Residence: Easton, PA
When did you first hear about RAAM and what prompted you enter the race?
I've known about RAAM for quite some time, but have never personally known any participants until last year.
What type of training are you doing to prepare for the event?
Riding hard, and working out the navigation.
What are some of the challenges that come with biking/crewing 3,000 miles in 7 days?
Sleep!!!
When and how did you first learn about fibromyalgia?
Learned about the disease from other team members who have the condition.
There are numerous charities you could have chosen to support through this ride. Why the National Fibromyalgia Association?
Fibromyalgia is a wide spread chronic pain condition that affects 10 million people. The challenge with this particular disease is lack of awareness. I want to participate in this event to help the NFA in their mission to raise awareness for the millions of people that suffer from this debilitating disease and help to find a cure.
What do you hope to accomplish through the event?
To do our best, to finish as fast as possible, to be safe, and to be part of a winning team.
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| Mike J Green |
Name: Mike J Green, Massage Therapist
Age: 36
Residence: Vail, Colorado & Tempe, Arizona
When did you first hear about RAAM and what prompted you to participate?
I first heard about RAAM in an article in Tailwinds Magazine/Newspaper (Tucson, AZ) in 2003. It sounded intriguing at the time, and over the years the thought of taking part in it has been a greater & greater desire for me. I am excited about being the team's massage therapist this year! However, I dream of someday of becoming a competitor in RAAM.
What type of training are you doing to prepare for the event?
As the team's massage therapist, just going to work is all the preparation I need. I am performing massages on tired skiers on a daily basis, and I know from experience that my skills should cross over to working on tired cyclists during the week-plus long RAAM. I am familiar with the needs of cyclists as I too am a cyclist and I have worked on my teammates over the last four years (It's been a great way to pay for my expenses at past events.).
As far as preparation on the bike, I am currently finding my cycling legs as the weather here in the Colorado Rockies is constantly keeping me guessing. I got caught in a snow storm on my way to work (32 miles) just two days ago. I'll be so glad when Spring finally arrives for good.
What are some of the challenges that come with biking/crewing 3,000 miles in 7 days?
Obviously, there'll be many challenges. I'll be taxing on both the riders and crew. I have toured by bicycle the Scandinavian landscape for three weeks at a time (eight, ten, or twelve-plus hours per day), so I am familiar with the needs & feelings of the riders. Just last year I traveled by overland truck across southern Africa for 56 days. Needless to say there's a lot for me to learn, but I'm working with an experienced team and I am confident in my own abilities, so I don't foresee any obstacle too big to overcome.
When and how did you first learn about fibromyalgia?
I briefly learned about fibromyalgia during the pathology portion of my massage school training at UCMT Tempe, Arizona in 2005.
There are numerous charities you could have chosen to support through this ride. Why the National Fibromyalgia Association?
As a late addition to the team, the decision was made prior to my arrival. I am planning a career in the health care industry (Physical Therapist), so I will take this opportunity to learn more about this disease.
What do you hope to accomplish through the event?
First and foremost, I hope to do the best job that I can in order to assist the team in reaching the Finish line with the best possible time; and I hope to make friends and have fun as well.
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| Julian Dean |
Name: Julian Dean, Team Mechanic
Age: 21
Residence: Martinsville, NJ
When did you first hear about RAAM and what prompted you to participate?
Just a few days ago actually (late march '09), when I was approached to be the team mechanic. I decided to join up to see the country while doing something I love, and supporting a good cause while I’m at it.
What type of training are you doing to prepare for the event?
In addition to continuing my day job as a bicycle mechanic, I will be trying to pick up on what all the other jobs require so I can help out when I’m not wrenching.
What are some of the challenges that come with biking/crewing 3,000 miles in 7 days?
This many miles in this short a time is sure to put some wear on rider and bike alike. With the support of a team hopefully we can all get through in one piece.
When and how did you first learn about fibromyalgia?
I did some research to better understand fibromyalgia after I decided I would join the crew this year. I hope to learn more about this condition along the way.
There are numerous charities you could have chosen to support through this ride. Why the National Fibromyalgia Association?
Based what on I've learned so far, it seems that there is still a long way to go in researching this painful affliction. Hopefully exposing fibromyalgia will help get the word out there to gain support for research and a cure.
What do you hope to accomplish through the event?
I hope to help keep the team rolling smoothly into a first place, and maybe having a little fun while doing it.
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| Richard Jones |
Name: Richard Jones
Age: 42
Residence: Newton, NJ
When did you first hear about RAMM and what prompted you to participate?
I first heard about the race a couple of years back from my friend Doug Palen, he was competing that year and early in January/February cycled over to my house during one of his training rides. What prompted me to join the team for this years’ race? Really it was the combination of being able to see the middle part of the US and being part of what I considered a “real” cycling event.
What type of training are you doing to prepare for the event?
I’m working to solve the navigation challenges.
What are some of the challenges that come with biking/crewing 3,000 miles in 7 days?
I’m expecting the greatest challenge to be fatigue, but I expect we’ll run into all kinds of issues/challenges that couldn’t be planned for.
When and how did you first learn about fibromyalgia?
I followed the link to the team web-site and did some reading
What do you hope to accomplish through the event?
Initially I was hoping to provide active participation with the team, but since the last training ride I’m concentrating on the navigational tools and my goal is for the team to not get lost in this years race.
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