tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61983486217505713642024-03-05T02:46:33.614-08:00Team H2Ope - Race Across AmericaUpdates and Blog from Team H2Ope, a 4-person Race Across America cycle team racing to create safe drinking water for the billion people in need.Sara Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837006359983647814noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198348621750571364.post-7382147144675873262012-01-07T11:11:00.000-08:002012-01-07T11:11:35.057-08:00Team Hope Updates2012 RAAM is quickly approaching. Things are coming together and time is flying by!<br />
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Our website is still under construction. We will be moving it to another format in the next few weeks. There will be a announcement of an estimated 24-hour period where it will be down. <br />
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If you have an interest in crewing for Team Hope for 2012 RAAM- please email Andre, racer and team director, at <a href="mailto:Andre365@aol.com">Andre365@aol.com</a> with the subject of "Team Hope Crew 2012" explaining why you would like to be apart. Please mention as well that you located this information via the team blog. <br />
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We are particularly seeking individuals with RV and mechanic backgrounds, 24 years of age or older please (rental car age requirements). <br />
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Jin has been officially announced as the fourth rider on Team Hope. In the upcoming weeks, we will have updated blog profiles of all riders. <br />
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Those are the updates!<br />
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Weekly updates will occur from now on <br />
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Sara<br />
<br />Sara Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837006359983647814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198348621750571364.post-78445698200306031072011-12-10T06:47:00.001-08:002011-12-10T06:48:24.536-08:00Website Under ConstructionHi all, <br />
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Our website <a href="http://www.theteamhope.com/">www.theteamhope.com</a> is currently under construction. For updated information, please refer to our blog and facebook page, Team Hope, until then. <br />
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Thanks.Sara Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837006359983647814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198348621750571364.post-35029255818197300062011-12-06T07:51:00.001-08:002011-12-06T07:54:26.934-08:002012 Registration Done!That's right!<br />
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Team H2ope is returning to RAAM in 2012 and registration fee is paid. All four riders are hard at work training in preparation for the <a href="http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/raam/raam.php?N_webcat_id=1">Epic Race</a> in June 2012! <br />
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We are now seeking out corporate sponsorships to support our journey. Contact our Team Director Andre for more information. <br />
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Ride On <br />
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SaraSara Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837006359983647814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198348621750571364.post-87065439495992415182011-11-20T14:57:00.001-08:002011-11-20T14:58:19.082-08:00Team Hope UpdatesLong awaited Team Hope updates will be coming soon...<br />
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Stay tuned for details!<br />
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If you haven't seen some of our articles in the past, scroll down to the bottom right tab!<br />Sara Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837006359983647814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198348621750571364.post-28111729601516601462011-11-15T06:55:00.001-08:002011-11-15T07:04:54.881-08:00RAAMing Up for 2012<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7n_45YjKGSlbhojv9AiJYo6SNyKyU_uTG8PELhpFK8HXrlu3y-vYPU8T7cAJ5XmjakTeDJiv2K70qIUndBBob3Qd6kZcYmw1n3OlA8q8TKBJ87u3PFBdkV7qmQEOqKW3LT997WlOB-g/s1600/261077_116435725043241_184570790_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7n_45YjKGSlbhojv9AiJYo6SNyKyU_uTG8PELhpFK8HXrlu3y-vYPU8T7cAJ5XmjakTeDJiv2K70qIUndBBob3Qd6kZcYmw1n3OlA8q8TKBJ87u3PFBdkV7qmQEOqKW3LT997WlOB-g/s400/261077_116435725043241_184570790_n.jpg" width="185" /></a>2011 has been a world wind. <a href="http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/raam/raam.php?N_webcat_id=1">Race Across America</a> 2011 has an amazing experience finishing in 7 days, 21 hours, and 31 minutes. Team H2ope would like to thank you for your support and following our progress through our journey to bring awareness to safe, clean drinking water with <a href="http://eco360.me/examples/blue-planet-network">Blue Planet Network</a> and <a href="http://drinklocaldrinktap.org/">Drink Local Drink Tap </a><br />
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Many of you have been wondering what is next for the Team H2ope crew-<br />
Our crew member, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WaterIsLife">David</a>, has been planning the run of a lifetime for Blue Planet Network. Visit <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WaterIsLife">David's Facebook Page</a> to learn more.<br />
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More updates coming soon for the rest of the Team H2ope including RAAM 2012 and introducing our new rider.<br />
<br />Sara Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837006359983647814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198348621750571364.post-75062987453497573502011-06-29T08:35:00.000-07:002011-06-29T08:35:01.877-07:00WE Finished!Sorry for the delay in posting. Internet access and finding the time to post was a challenge indeed. <br />
Team H2Ope finished in 7 days, 21 hours, and 31 minutes. <br />
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I will post pictures soon on our blog. Albums can be found under The Team Hope Facebook Page. <br />
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Thank you everyone for your support of our team and our cause St. Charles School in Uganda, Blue Planet Network, and Drink Local Drink Tap. <br />
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We could not have done it without you.Sara Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837006359983647814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198348621750571364.post-4868535286051876062011-06-17T10:36:00.000-07:002011-06-17T10:36:32.792-07:00One More DayAt 2pm Pacific (PDT) The Team Hope will cross the starting line in Oceanside, California and begin the journey of a lifetime to Annapolis, Maryland hoping to finish in 7 days. <br />
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The last few days is a balance of organized as our crew chief Kat and her family have opened up their home to 4 racers and 14 crew members. we have a full size RV and 2 vans plus Kat's CRV which will act as our chore vehicle probably driving her neighbors crazy yet have been very supportive once finding out what (us) all these crazy people are up doing. <br />
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Today is our last day "TO GET SHIT DONE" This has become my new favorite saying over the past few days personally. <br />
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Josh stepped up with creating the schedule today and delegating the last minute tasks including switching out our RV due to something wrong with the dry shaft or something of that nature. I would go into more detail might I do not know trucks. <br />
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Ruben, Ociel, Nick and others are working out some issues we had with the PA system this past evening during a full out practice session. It was a great learning experience and well done for little experience. From the racer perspective, I felt very safe and comfort with communication between my immediate follow vehicle. Lessons were learned it will only help us work better as a team. <br />
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Several other crew members are WORKING-to clarify not just working. I mean hauling ass. <br />
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Over the past few days I finally been able to meet in person this random group of people that has been emailing constantly back and forth for months. It has been such a great experience and everyone brings something unique to the table. I think it was Ociel who said it is like the Real World. (I am a 21 yr old. It is a stupid reality show that puts people in a house together). Anywho...We will be taking video and pictures 24/7 so I guess that is like the The Real World confession room? <br />
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Yesterday the whole team went down to Oceanside and we will return today again as a team for the team meeting this evening. I will apologize now. Re-reading my sentences back and I feel like I am back in Elementary school failing my writing class. As you might imagine, the logistics of such an event is hard to even describe. Over the past few months, my life come to be solely about RAAM with school and a thing called a social life outside of cycling on the side. I am excited yet stressed and filled with anxiety rolled into one. Take this as my explanation of this rambling blog post. Welcome to my thought process right now of a 21 year old endurance junkie racer. <br />
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Tomorrow hopefully our crew members will be able to post updates and I hope you enjoyed getting some insight and a 'behind the scenes' look to my adventure in Race Across America. Safe travels to all RAAM participants. <br />
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Ride On. <br />
Sara Harper -Racer<br />
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PS: PICTURES ARE BEING POSTED ON <u>THE TEAM HOPE</u> FACEBOOK PAGE. THE PRE-RAAM ALBUM IS UP NOW!Sara Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837006359983647814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198348621750571364.post-15870221483662134282011-06-15T12:36:00.000-07:002011-06-15T12:40:44.988-07:00RAAM PREP WORKNo one knows better how much RAAM prep work needs/has taken place more than our Crew Chief Kat. Kat along with some the California based crew members worked over the weekend beginning the prep work on the vans and RV. A good portion of the team is present though today to help make everything happen<br />
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So far- paperwork is being finished, the RV, CRV (chore vehicle), and our 2 vans our going through "Pimp My Ride". Larry and myself (Sara) will be sharing one van since we are on opposite shifts. Tupperware containers will help keep us organize for the 7 days will be living in it between our 4 hour 30 minutes on and off the bike. Alex and Andre will share a vehicle as well racing on opposite shifts. <br />
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How it works: Andre and I (Sara) will trade off in 4-30 minute tempo rides where our opposite vehicles will pick up and drop us off the road waiting for the next rider exchange to occur. After our shift, we will make our way to the RV where 4 crew members will be sleeping at any given time. The racers will shower up, eat, sleep, then after 4 hours-we will make our way back to our vans. Then the opposite team will be off. Starting Saturday, we will have a racer on the road 7/24. <br />
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<strong>To-Do List Getting Crossed Off: </strong>The vehicles were outfitted with decals for RAAM and sponsors while being installed with a PA System today as well. I'm sure there's so much else going on in Kat's house today that I don't even know about. <br />
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Tonight a few of us will make a trip to San Diego, CA to pick up Emily Monahan who is flying form Erie, PA. <br />
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Pictures will be uploaded soon. Stay tuned for more exciting RAAM blog posts!!Sara Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837006359983647814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198348621750571364.post-84351401936261012732011-06-12T18:51:00.000-07:002011-06-12T18:51:23.413-07:00Help Support Team H2ope!Updates, updates..where to begin! As the starting line quickly approaches and it just 6 days away everyone has been hard at work preparing for our big day NEXT Saturday June 18!<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Our race might end in 7 days but our cause-Blue Planet Network and St. Charles School in Uganda will always continue. We will continue to being awareness to the global water crisis with our partnership with Cleveland non-profit Drink Local Drink Tap. Their outreach program promotes drinking tap and giving back while bringing awareness to the water crisis. Erin Huber, Drink Local Drink Tap, joined our conference call this evening to brief the team on the upcoming details regarding the St. Charles well building. </div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Erin and her crew will be traveling to Africa while we are traveling across the country documenting their trip. Building a life-sustainable well is just one step, they will work with the community to educate them on safe drinking water and how the well works. The headmaster of St. Charles School has welcomes Erin and her team with open arms. The documentary will have several aspects such as showing the children how to use cameras. </div><br />
At 4:30am, they will walk the 4.5 miles with the children that they take every day to receive buckets of drinking water. It will then go through a process in a makeshift shack to use the water. Every child at St. Charles School has a voice and that voice should be heard. We can help give them that chance.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Through the film and our day is done it will live on. We can tell the stories of these children, the global water crisis, and for Team H2ope-to do our part. Every and any donation can make a life-changing impact for another-here's your chance to be a hero. We are racing our bikes to bring awareness, what will you do?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> <a href="https://blueplanetnetwork.org/ext/donationformR2/g_donation_stp_new1.php?dedicate=TeamHope">https://blueplanetnetwork.org/ext/donationformR2/g_donation_stp_new1.php?dedicate=TeamHope</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>For more information on Drink Local Drink Tap, visit <a href="http://drinklocaldrinktap.org/">http://drinklocaldrinktap.org/</a><br />
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Other Team Updates:<br />
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The California-based crew have been extremely hard at work as well prep the vehicles for Race Across America. The RV and supplies have also been picked up! <br />
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On the Cleveland side, Larry did an awesome job pulling together the Cleveland's Touring Club main event called the Sunday in June tour ride! This ride brings out an estimated 1,000 riders to tackle 25, 50, or 100 miles! Josh, Andre, Trish, Larry, (Debbie-Trish's awesome helpful friend :) ) and myself representin talking about St. Charles School, Blue Planet Network, and Race Across America. <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsUr8yyBV8XSrLfY0SLZWkMSF2T7Q2r5PX2-DDaWlCKDZ0T0XdkoivZiXxQAvNNArKDEFeeX83ygywt4YJGXh2qjzIheV56XnDnNxA7mTWIJVqT97XFTxNJFx00ufFgj37jKTtAHA4y0/s1600/cruise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsUr8yyBV8XSrLfY0SLZWkMSF2T7Q2r5PX2-DDaWlCKDZ0T0XdkoivZiXxQAvNNArKDEFeeX83ygywt4YJGXh2qjzIheV56XnDnNxA7mTWIJVqT97XFTxNJFx00ufFgj37jKTtAHA4y0/s320/cruise.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a>As things continue to develop, we will be sending out information through our twitter (see the top of the blog), Team Hope facebook page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Team-Hope/249965686468">http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Team-Hope/249965686468</a>, our website <a href="http://www.theteamhope.com/">http://www.theteamhope.com/</a>, and of course our blog site! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Once the race begins, make sure to follow our updated progress across the RAAM route on the RAAM website! Based on our estimated pace, it can even calculate where will be in let's say Ohio. <a href="http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/raam/rcrank.php?s_N_category_group=1&s_N_Race_ID=1">http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/raam/rcrank.php?s_N_category_group=1&s_N_Race_ID=1</a></div><br />
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</div>Sara Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837006359983647814noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198348621750571364.post-14092847655599114402011-06-12T18:07:00.000-07:002011-06-12T18:07:19.533-07:00WE B COOL<a href="http://blog.cleveland.com/newssun/2011/06/berea_high_grad_cycles_across.html">http://blog.cleveland.com/newssun/2011/06/berea_high_grad_cycles_across.html</a><br />
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Okay well we ain't cool...but we are cycling for a COOL CAUSE and the Berea Sun Newspaper thinks so too! Check out Larry Smith's interview below :) Way to go Larry!<br />
Berea high grad cycles across U.S. for fresh water causes<br />
<div id="MasterContainer"><div id="PageContent"><div id="MainColumn"><div id="ContentWellFull"><div class="full_entry entry_text hnews hentry item"><div id="article"><h5 class="updated" title="2011-06-12T11:38:18Z"><span class="author_byline"><span style="color: #305cb6; font-size: xx-small;">Foll</span></span><span class="adv-photo-small"><strong><img alt="Larry Smith " class="adv-photo" height="155px" loaded="true" original="http://media.cleveland.com/newssun/photo/9677166-small.jpg" src="http://media.cleveland.com/newssun/photo/9677166-small.jpg" width="155px" /></strong></span></h5><div class="entry-content"><strong>BEREA </strong>-- Larry Smith, a 1988 Berea High grad, has ridden a bike since age 5. He began racing BMX bikes at age 12 and rode in many endurance races in later years. <br />
But this month’s cycling endeavor is beyond any ride so far. <br />
Smith will be part of a four-rider, 24-hour team who will travel across the U.S. covering 3,000 miles, climbing through the Rocky Mountains in 40-degree weather, descending into valleys at more than 90 degrees, facing potential storms — all in an estimated 7½ days. <br />
"Why? It’s an awesome opportunity," said the former Berean whose mother, Lorraine Smith, still lives in the city. "We’re helping to provide sustainable, fresh water to villages in Africa and even towns in Ohio where there is a fresh water problem. It’s going to be a pretty amazing ride — and accomplishment." <br />
He is part of Team H2Ope participating in RAAM — Ride Across America. The team is riding for a charity, Blue Planet Network. He is accepting donations that will go toward the charity that helps the fresh water cause. <br />
Smith, a teacher at Carl and Louis Stokes Central Academy in Cleveland, said a fellow teacher from Africa explained the need for fresh water. Smith said there is a village called St. Charles in Uganda that has an orphanage of 300 children. He said the children walk two to three miles each day for their drinking water from a river. <br />
"The sad thing, children who go to get the water on a daily basis fear of being physically assaulted. And some of the young girls even get raped on occasion to get that water," he said. "Even if that occurs, they still bring back the water." <br />
His group also has partnered with the village and Drink Local, Drink Tap, the latter a grassroots effort to reconnect people in Northeast Ohio to their Lake Erie drinking source. <br />
Smith, with the other riders, will begin the race June 18 in Oceanside, Calif. They will ride through Ohio hitting Oxford, Dayton, Chillicothe and Athens as they travel to their final destination — Annapolis, Md. <br />
The riders will break up into two-person teams, each having a four-hour shift. They will ride for 30 minutes, rest of 30 minutes and return to the bike over that four-hour shift. Each will ride about 700 miles to cover the route. Smith has ridden 400-500 miles over a four- or five-day weekend. <br />
"It is not above and beyond me but the way we are doing it, it’s a huge challenge — but for a great cause," said Smith, a Twinsburg resident. <br />
His teammates are Andre Husain of Garfield Heights; Sara Harper, Strongsville and Alex Galindo, California. <br />
Donations are accepted at <a href="http://blueplanetnetwork.org/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #305cb6;">blueplanetnetwork.org.</span></strong></a> and click on Team H2Ope’s link. Follow the team at <a href="http://teamh2ope.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #305cb6;">teamh2ope.blogspot.com.</span></strong></a> <br />
<strong>See more Berea news at <a href="http://www.cleveland.com/berea.%3C/strong" target="_blank"><span style="color: #305cb6;">cleveland.com/berea.</span></a></strong></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Sara Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837006359983647814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198348621750571364.post-30686135046371699992011-06-11T05:56:00.000-07:002011-06-11T05:56:21.262-07:00USA Today RAAM Article<div class="inside-copy"><br />
</div><div class="inside-copy">The ride stuff: Race Across America marks 30 years!</div><div class="inside-copy"><br />
</div><div class="inside-copy">When John Marino, John Howard, Michael Shermer and Lon Haldeman straddled their bicycles at the start of the Great American Bike Race in 1982, they were embarking on a cross-country ride that would redefine their physical and mental boundaries.</div><div class="inside-copy">It was the dawn of the endurance sports boom and there were few cyclists who could realistically race across North America and fewer still who wanted to try.</div><div class="inside-copy">"This was a going-to-the-moon kind of odyssey," Haldeman says. "People would say, 'There's no way you guys are going to be able to do this.' The first people who did it, everybody thought you were absolutely nuts."</div><div class="inside-copy">When the 30th edition of the event, now called the Race Across America, begins this week, the start will look a lot like it did in the '80s.</div><div class="inside-copy">Though 45 or so riders will clip into their pedals in Oceanside, Calif., to race as solo entrants, all of them will be drafting behind the four pioneers at the opening of a transcontinental journey that will require nine to 12 days of grinding through 20-plus hours in the saddle.</div><div class="inside-copy">"There is nothing else in the culture of sports like the RAAM," says Jim Lampley, who covered the first race and four after it for ABC's "Wide World of Sports." "To this day I still see it as the greatest undiscovered sports event on the planet."</div><div class="inside-copy">Historically, half of the riders will complete the 3,000-mile test. Of those who do, many will need weeks or months to recover.</div><div class="inside-copy">Thirty years on, Howard still feels the effects of the carpal tunnel syndrome that made it hard to turn doorknobs for weeks after the race. The extreme fatigue was temporary, but nonetheless devastating.</div><div class="inside-copy">"I just didn't want to get out of bed," he says.</div><div class="inside-copy">___</div><div class="inside-copy">Marino was the driving force in conceiving the coast-to-coast contest. Drafted at 19 by his hometown Dodgers, he turned to cycling after a back injury cut short his baseball dreams.</div><div class="inside-copy">Determined to make an impact in sports, Marino was perusing "The Guinness Book of World Records" when he came across the transcontinental cycling record of 13 days, 5 hours, 20 minutes set by Paul Cornish in 1973. Cornish also lived in Southern California and Marino called him to set up a meeting.</div><div class="inside-copy">"I went to his house and told him I wanted to beat his record," Marino recalls.</div><div class="inside-copy">A bike mechanic by trade, Cornish agreed to help Marino, receiving $500 for sharing the secrets of long-distance cycling. After two years of training and fine-tuning his equipment, Marino was ready. Setting out in August 1978, he broke the record by four hours.</div><div class="inside-copy">An attempt to lower the mark the next year failed, but in 1980 Marino chopped nearly a day off his record, finishing in 12 days, 3 hours, 41 minutes.</div><div class="inside-copy">During an interview to promote a book and film about his experiences, Marino was asked by a magazine editor if he'd make another record attempt.</div><div class="inside-copy">"I said 'I'd like to do this again, but it should be a race,' " Marino says. The editor wrote an article laying out the concept of a "great American bike race."</div><div class="inside-copy">With a name in place, Marino set out to find riders who could complete such a feat.</div><div class="inside-copy">Howard was an obvious candidate. A three-time Olympic cyclist, he had won the third Ironman in February 1981 on the strength of a dominating bike leg.</div><div class="inside-copy">"It was a timely venture," Howard says. "I had been successful in Ironman, so I was looking to do something different."</div><div class="inside-copy">Haldeman stated his case for inclusion with an audacious double continental crossing in 1981.</div><div class="inside-copy">Starting out from New York City, he took 12 days, 18 hours, 49 minutes going east to west into the prevailing headwinds, setting a record that still stands but failing to better Marino's time. Haldeman made an eight-hour layover and then "turned around at 3 a.m. to beat the L.A. traffic on the way out." He was back on the East Coast 10 days, 23 hours, 27 minutes later, breaking Marino's record and lopping more than 12 days off the double-crossing mark.</div><div class="inside-copy">"When I finished the double I figured that's the last thing that I'm ever going to do. I almost felt depressed at the end," says Haldeman. That changed a few hours later, when Marino called to invite him to race across the country before ABC's cameras.</div><div class="inside-copy">The deal with the network was the key to the race, and, once again, Marino had played a crucial role.</div><div class="inside-copy">On the advice of his book publisher, he had hired an agent, Jerry Kushnick, who counted an up-and-coming Jay Leno among his clients.</div><div class="inside-copy">"(Kushnick) had some clout, and along with the film we'd made, we pitched the idea to ABC and they agreed to do it," Marino says.</div><div class="inside-copy">The Great American Bike Race was on.</div><div class="inside-copy">___</div><div class="inside-copy">Howard was considered the favorite given his extensive cycling resume and Ironman victory. Marino was tabbed the most likely challenger because of his record-setting rides and role in organizing the race.</div><div class="inside-copy">Shermer and Haldeman weren't given much of a chance. Shermer had never crossed the country on a bike, gaining the race on the strength of his record-setting ride from Seattle to San Diego, and little was known about Haldeman despite his stunning double crossing.</div><div class="inside-copy">Another unknown before the race was how long the riders planned to pedal each day. Given relatively equal speeds, whoever could stay in the saddle longest would win.</div><div class="inside-copy">It didn't take long to find out once the race started.</div><div class="inside-copy">"Some time very late the first night, it was after midnight — I choke up thinking about it to this day — I was on a freeway overpass in Blythe (Calif.) with Lon's girlfriend, Susan Notorangelo," Lampley says. "Lon had already put 15 to 20 miles on the other riders and I asked her, 'When is Lon going to sleep? She looked at me and said, 'We're going to New York. Aren't you going to New York, too?' That's when I knew that sleep deprivation was going to be a big part of the story."</div><div class="inside-copy">Haldeman stunned his competitors and the ABC crew by riding through the night and most of the next day.</div><div class="inside-copy">"I went the first 42 hours without sleeping, and basically had a six- to seven-hour lead at the end of the second day," Haldeman says. "It was the first time someone had gone that long without sleeping."</div><div class="inside-copy">Haldeman credits Notorangelo, his future wife, with opening his eyes to the possibility by riding 600 straight miles in setting a women's crossing record a month earlier.</div><div class="inside-copy">"That's what gave me the confidence to try it at the start of the Great American Bicycle Race," he says. "After that I was gaining an hour or so a day. I never really had a strategy. I just knew I was going to get caught if I stopped."</div><div class="inside-copy">Shermer was somewhere in Kansas when he found himself questioning whether he could finish.</div><div class="inside-copy">"I remember feeling so bad at some points that I didn't think I could go on," he says. "And then I'd take a two-hour nap and wake up thinking maybe I could. I'd get on the bike and start pedaling and the next thing you know the sun would come up and I'd start feeling better. The body's ability to recover and keep going is just amazing."</div><div class="inside-copy">Haldeman crossed the finish line at the Empire State Building in New York City 9 days, 20 hours, 2 minutes after he left Santa Monica, shattering his own record for the coast-to-coast crossing by more than 27 hours.</div><div class="inside-copy">Howard was next, about 15 hours later, and Shermer trailed another nine hours behind. Marino gutted it out, finishing in just over 12 days, 7 hours.</div><div class="inside-copy">___</div><div class="inside-copy">Haldeman, Howard, Shermer and Marino are reuniting at this year's RAAM to reminisce, hang out and reconnect with a race that all four remained involved with during its early days and has grown to include categories for women as well as teams.</div><div class="inside-copy">The four also will ride — only 50 or so miles to the first checkpoint — when the solo men head out Wednesday to begin their transcontinental odyssey.</div><div class="inside-copy">"It will be sort of like an old-timer's thing," Shermer says. "It's nice that it's made it to 30 races. I'm proud that it's still going.</div><div class="inside-copy">"For me personally it was less about beating the other guys and more about an Everest-type of thing. It has given me the confidence to go out and do the other things I've done."</div><div class="inside-copy">That includes getting a doctorate in the history of science and founding the Skeptic Society and Skeptic Magazine, which are dedicated to "critical thinking about controversial claims." He's also written 10 books and pens a monthly column for Scientific American.</div><div class="inside-copy">Howard is the only one of the four who didn't do the race again.</div><div class="inside-copy">"I decided it was just too brutal, it took too much out of me," he says.</div><div class="inside-copy">He focused on other challenges, setting speed (152.2 mph) and 24-hour (593 miles) records and becoming a coach to those who would follow in his footsteps.</div><div class="inside-copy">"The bicycle to me is a tool of life. It serves so many purposes, some of which are therapeutic. I didn't want to ruin that by continuing to race in RAAM," Howard says.</div><div class="inside-copy">Marino was involved with the race as a participant or organizer for a decade before deciding to move on, becoming a general contractor.</div><div class="inside-copy">Like the others, he still rides and is looking forward to the reunion.</div><div class="inside-copy">Haldeman cemented his legend by repeating as champion the next year and going on to other exploits that included teaming with Pete Penseyres in 1987 to set the tandem crossing record of 7 days, 14 hours, 55 minutes.</div><div class="inside-copy">He and Notorangelo run a touring business that specializes in transcontinental trips and has been the proving ground for many riders who have competed in the RAAM.</div><div class="inside-copy">His latest challenge is taking place in Peru, where he's combining tours with charitable work such as building schools, digging wells, donating supplies. "We basically go where other tours won't," Haldeman says.</div><div class="inside-copy">Sounds familiar.</div>Sara Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837006359983647814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198348621750571364.post-79100974077571037322011-06-09T20:23:00.000-07:002011-06-09T20:23:29.435-07:00Team Hope is Complete!!Team Hope now has filled the final two remaining crew member spots!!<br />
Our team roster consists of:<br />
<br />
<strong>Racers:</strong><br />
Alex Galindo<br />
Andre Husain<br />
Larry Smith<br />
Sara Harper<br />
<br />
<strong>Crew</strong>:<br />
Alonso Gomez<br />
Bill Potter<br />
David Christof<br />
Diana Woolf<br />
Emily Monahan<br />
Josh Futrel<br />
Kat Espino*Crew Chief<br />
Katie Klein<br />
Michele Souder*new crew member<br />
Nick Corrette<br />
Ociel Villamar*new crew member<br />
Ruben Marquina<br />
Trish McNamara<br />
<br />
The countdown continues! 10 DAYS!Sara Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837006359983647814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198348621750571364.post-85943140395457841832011-06-08T13:16:00.001-07:002011-06-08T13:16:19.540-07:00Team Hope Video<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3T3f2Uu0vw&feature=player_embedded#at=58">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3T3f2Uu0vw&feature=player_embedded#at=58</a><br />
<br />
See what Team H2Ope is all aboutSara Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837006359983647814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198348621750571364.post-90986996003875172612011-06-08T13:03:00.000-07:002011-06-08T13:04:45.307-07:00Wednesday June 8A lot can happen in a 24 hour period. <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBP_dujpaBSXrjnNtuYZ-tzout9iG0pBjnyVl7lWeDfxeeMl5XlDOaYWtgYod1CNGMRCXt_A_exNXH4hPYbzS8ZjdEj4sTWdVsqYYicb39zwmWmCSer9bmlEMFVbCWNKdDAqEo_-RUiho/s1600/team+hope+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBP_dujpaBSXrjnNtuYZ-tzout9iG0pBjnyVl7lWeDfxeeMl5XlDOaYWtgYod1CNGMRCXt_A_exNXH4hPYbzS8ZjdEj4sTWdVsqYYicb39zwmWmCSer9bmlEMFVbCWNKdDAqEo_-RUiho/s320/team+hope+2.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3sJno75_olaaVBHJQjAZgAmWBzSs0SvEPDF2eNWJIuZVYprX_tzHMdCnfZMhOZMLhtqN4oopwLruCyIKJKTxQDIJmygqkwnvzx7weoE2UUolYOqXBw8BJ2SroGgVq50S2lAYF7e52_M/s1600/team+hope+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3sJno75_olaaVBHJQjAZgAmWBzSs0SvEPDF2eNWJIuZVYprX_tzHMdCnfZMhOZMLhtqN4oopwLruCyIKJKTxQDIJmygqkwnvzx7weoE2UUolYOqXBw8BJ2SroGgVq50S2lAYF7e52_M/s1600/team+hope+3.jpg" t8="true" /></a></div>I finished my gloves. I am dyslexic-directionally challenged so as silly as it sounds, I would like to make the correct turns while RAAM. <br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Our Team H2Ope kits arrived...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Larry was interview by the Sun Newspaper here in Cleveland, Ohio. The article will print this upcoming Thursday. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Yesterday the Strongsville Post (Cleveland, Ohio) publication called me and I have an interview with them this afternoon. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Trish and I show off our kits...[a kit refers the jersey top, shorts] around Strongsville, Middleburgh Heights, and Berea as we had a nice easy ride. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">In Southern California our crew chief Kat and crew hosted the Ride-In movie night at the Block Shop. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROx4lMPnKrQU7Vb8kT8AfFi4l4pCap0KCX7BIBMSmfDNmSYUBANMHZD9z_rjxdfTKWI-eT7ln2JAw7ofFSmnqqTGeCuIRfom-6MVI28sFqobY0aJEINAuWPKPFMHymdTlTFudQzt64jw/s1600/climbing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; height: 295px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 234px;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROx4lMPnKrQU7Vb8kT8AfFi4l4pCap0KCX7BIBMSmfDNmSYUBANMHZD9z_rjxdfTKWI-eT7ln2JAw7ofFSmnqqTGeCuIRfom-6MVI28sFqobY0aJEINAuWPKPFMHymdTlTFudQzt64jw/s200/climbing.jpg" t8="true" width="173" /></a>I even made friends with a snapping turtle while waiting to meet up with Trish for a ride. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">For those of you who are just checking our the Team H2Ope blog for the first time, thanks for visiting!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Team H2Ope is a RAAM-Race Across America team spilt mostly between Cleveland, Ohio and Southern California. The team is made up of a 4-person relay with 13 (looking for 15 crew members) that begins at Oceanside, California following the RAAM route all the way to Annapolis, Maryland. We will begin our adventure on Saturday, June 18, 2011 just days away!!! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">This is not exactly a 'ride-in-the-park'. The racers have been hard at training for months in preparation for the race. Team H2ope is taking an unique approach to racing compared to some teams. Within a 4-6 hour period, two of the four person will trade off in estimated 30 minute hard effort rides. They will be trading in and out of the same vehicle. The driver and navigator will be hard at work finding a place to pull off the road an estimated 30 minutes ahead on the route where an exchange can take place. During the daytime, the rider who been riding will be approaching giving a signal to the new rider. The current rider must past the hub of the new rider which constitutes the relay. After 6 hours, these two riders will be 'off shift' while the two other on trading off for 6 hours. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Team H2ope was brought together with a passion for cycling and a desire to help provide safe, clean drinking water for those in need. We are racing for Blue Planet Network along with 2 other team [2-person relay and a soloist racer]. Through our Cleveland connection Drink Local Drink Tap and Blue Planet Network we are racing to provide a sustainable well for the children of St. Charles School in Uganda. For our team, this project has become close to our hearts. I think it is something quite amazing to take a skill set such as cycling and make it apart of the bigger picture and make an impact for the better in the world. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The journey to the starting line of RAAM is the most challenging part. Everyday or so I go to the RAAM website sadden that the number of participants drops as the starting date becomes more of a reality. Team H2ope would like to personally thank everyone who has helped to support our cause and bring awareness to the global water crisis on our world. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">To our sponsors: Polar Bottles, Dash Cycles, Action Wipes </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">We truly appreciate your support and we look forward to representing you as we travel 3,000 miles in 7 days across the United States. You not only support us but our cause and for that we are thankful. </div>Sara Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837006359983647814noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198348621750571364.post-12270423040854244052011-06-06T19:45:00.000-07:002011-06-06T19:45:26.292-07:00Final Countdown!<div style="text-align: center;">No more can express it better than <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jK-NcRmVcw">Europe-Final Countdown</a> as we prepare for ...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">THE EPIC RACE ACROSS AMERICA</span></u></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Okay so I might be born in the 90's but I have a soft spot in my heart for 80's hair bands <3</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">12 DAYS LEFT!!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I feel like I am waiting in super slow motion for the ball to drop on New Years Eve counting down...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The team-crew members, crew chief, sponsors, and racers have been hard at work in preparation for months and I can say at least for myself that it feels great to see everything coming together!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We keep pushing hard to complete our ever growing to-do list as the race start approaches. Last night we had a great turnout for the RAAM Rules Quiz conference call with everyone and on Saturday Kat (crew chief), Trish (co-crew chief), Andre, Larry, Alex, and myself were fortunate to hear and learn from Bent Up Cyclists racer who gave us some important tips for the race ahead. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Larry and I got recent upgrades in bikes! We are now Sram Red twins feeling faster than ever :) Dash Saddles, one of our sponsors, sent us our custom saddles which I think are almost too beautiful to put my ass on really :) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Larry worked his magic and put together one last fundraiser in Cleveland that will take place at the Cleveland Touring Club's Sunday in June ride which looks to bring together 800-1,000 riders from what I hear. I just think it's cool that even Cleveland can have a large showing of riders! YAY CLE!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Till the start of the race, I will be posting daily as new developments occur with Team H2Ope!</div>Sara Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837006359983647814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198348621750571364.post-84275287490756661782011-05-31T14:01:00.000-07:002011-05-31T19:10:04.175-07:00Crew Members Wanted!<span class="messageBody">Team Hope needs your help! We are looking for 2 CREW MEMBERS for Race Across America! </span><br />
<span class="messageBody">***1 must be a bike mechanic!***</span><br />
<br />
<span class="messageBody">You must be available from June 15-27. If you're interested, e-mail our crew chief, Kat, at kat.espino@theteamhope.com.</span>Sara Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837006359983647814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198348621750571364.post-65957019997891329452011-05-31T13:54:00.000-07:002011-05-31T13:54:40.615-07:00THIS IS WHY WE RIDE<div class="photo photo_left"><div class="photo_img" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div></div><br />
Over 700 kids from St. Charles School in Uganda don't have access to safe water,<br />
They have to walk 3 miles twice a day just to fill their 5-gallon container.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/253612_2004217101005_1110936123_2331118_6172294_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="img" src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/253612_2004217101005_1110936123_2331118_6172294_a.jpg" /></a>The Team Hope, Blue Planet Network & Drink Local Drink Tap is raising funds to build a sustainable well,</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">To make this happen, a monetary gift from you would be quite swell.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This water well would provide adequate sanitation and reduce disease,</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">With your help, we will see the number of deaths decrease.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We hope you follow our progress as we ride our bikes across the states,</div>Via Twitter, Facebook or on our website - 3000 miles from California to Maryland, for 6 days we will race.<br />
But even when our race is over, our efforts will not stop there,<br />
The Team Hope will raise funds for St. Charles School and others to show that we care!<br />
- Crew Chief Kat Espino & the rest of the Team H2OpeSara Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837006359983647814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198348621750571364.post-172575378044587832011-05-31T13:51:00.000-07:002011-05-31T13:51:41.412-07:00Ride-IN Movie Night!<table class="uiInfoTable mvm profileInfoTable" style="height: 209px; width: 608px;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="data"><div class="description summary"><table class="uiInfoTable mvm profileInfoTable"><tbody>
<tr><td class="data"><div><div>Tuesday, June 7 · <span class="dtstart"><span class="value-title" title="2011-06-07T18:30:00"></span>6:30pm</span> - <span class="dtend"><span class="value-title" title="2011-06-07T21:30:00"></span>9:30pm</span></div><div><span class="dtend">The Block Shop</span></div><div><span class="dtend">604 West Ave L, Unit 101</span></div><div><span class="dtend">Lancaster, CA</span></div></div></td></tr>
<tr class="spacer"><td colspan="2"><hr /></td></tr>
</tbody><tbody>
<tr><th class="label"></th><td class="data"><div class="location vcard"></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="description summary">In Lancaster, California join TEAM H2OPE for a bike ride around Lancaster & a benefit screening of "Tapped." </div><div class="description summary">Tapped examines the role of the bottled water industry and its' effects on our health, climate change, pollution, and our reliance on oil.<br />
<br />
Meet Up: 6:00pm<br />
Roll Out: 6:30pm<br />
Screening of Tapped: 8:00 pm<br />
<br />
Food & beverages will be provided. Donations will be greatly appreciated!<br />
For info about The Block Shop, go to: <a href="http://teamblock.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3b5998;">http://teamblock.com/</span></a><br />
<br />
Also check out out facebook event: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=226836160665446">http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=226836160665446</a></div><div class="description summary"></div><div class="description summary"></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sara Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837006359983647814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198348621750571364.post-26388946317578305402011-05-31T06:50:00.000-07:002011-05-31T06:50:51.953-07:00Help Us Reach Our Fundraising Goal!<a href="http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5505/t/12881/l/eng/my/donate.jsp?supporter_my_donate_page_KEY=2904">http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5505/t/12881/l/eng/my/donate.jsp?supporter_my_donate_page_KEY=2904</a><br />
<br />
Mark Steele from Blue Planet Network has updated our donation fundraising page! We are getting close to our goal amount but we NEED your support to reach it!<br />
<br />
Team Updates:<br />
This week several conference calls took place to discuss our budget, finances, RAAM supplies, and vehicle set-up that will take place days before the race. Some of the California crew members will be assisting our Crew Chief Kat in vehicle set-up as Trish, Diana, Josh, and myself fly out to LAX on June 14!! The days are flying by I say!Sara Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837006359983647814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198348621750571364.post-41684552337825186692011-05-26T10:10:00.000-07:002011-05-26T10:10:26.423-07:00Tapped Documentary!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhoz6ohK68Ev6z2ncZSRwloWHVdhwn4Ot7jJQluDabEJ2Wk33Gl4YtMnuKyjbEdNqG04RLAXBIIEcLQEC-u9mbleFd0nBHNMts234gzwheCC0mXaJvzbpxAFUKtl5GgrxV6sjp6ibiS-I/s1600/tapped.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhoz6ohK68Ev6z2ncZSRwloWHVdhwn4Ot7jJQluDabEJ2Wk33Gl4YtMnuKyjbEdNqG04RLAXBIIEcLQEC-u9mbleFd0nBHNMts234gzwheCC0mXaJvzbpxAFUKtl5GgrxV6sjp6ibiS-I/s320/tapped.bmp" t8="true" width="227px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Thank you everyone who came out in support of Team Hope in Pasadena for our benefit Screening of Tapped!!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Everyone enjoyed learning something from the documentary and we hope it helps to create a change for the better!</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We appreciate your support!!</div>Sara Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837006359983647814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198348621750571364.post-29924415435470246892011-05-25T06:18:00.000-07:002011-05-25T06:18:21.658-07:00Learn MORE About RAAM!<span class="messageBody">Listen to Amy's interview to learn more about the Race Across AMerica! Our very own crew chief, Kat, was a part of Amy's numerous interviews while she was preparing to write her book "Hell on 2 Wheels."</span><br />
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<span class="messageBody">The radio program is on Competitor Radio: </span><span class="messageBody"><a href="http://competitorradio.competitor.com/2011/05/amy-snyder/">http://competitorradio.competitor.com/2011/05/amy-snyder/</a></span>Sara Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837006359983647814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198348621750571364.post-86534199744846728702011-05-25T06:15:00.000-07:002011-05-25T06:15:56.771-07:00Get YOUR Team Hope Gear<a href="http://theteamhope.propellshops.com/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=3466">http://theteamhope.propellshops.com/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=3466</a><br />
At the Team Hope shop a portion of every sale goes to support The Team Hope & the Blue Planet Network – and every order comes with our 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you like what you see, please tell your family and friends to check us out too!<br />
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Don't forget to go to our website <a href="http://www.theteamhope.com/">http://www.theteamhope.com/</a>!<br />
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Free shipping is available for orders over $50!!!Sara Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837006359983647814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198348621750571364.post-65541923972648964872011-05-24T14:35:00.000-07:002011-05-24T14:35:48.416-07:00Go Team Hope Go!The last few days have been action packed for Team Hope!<br />
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This past Saturday night was our RAAM Benefit Fundraiser at Bilo's Bar & Grill in Strongsville, Ohio. Local Strongsville area businesses had been very generous along with our team sponsors to donate over $6000 in raffle prize items!!!<br />
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Thanks to Esbi Salon, King Nails, Absolute Chiropractor, Hoopla, Conrad's Tire Center, Grand Fiesta, Royal Park Fine Wines, Quince, Penn Station, Gepetto's Pizza, Dairy Queen Romeo's Pizza, Steak Escape, Chipotle, Cold Stone Creamery, Sheiban's Jewelers, Pampered Ched dealer-Diane Hawk, Fitness Together, Fleet Feet Sports, Pettit's Garden Center, Lakewood Starbucks, Daybreak Lavendar, Studio Wish, Strongsville Spirit Shop, John Bilo and Bilo's Bar & Grill, Dash Saddles and all the individuals who supported and assisted to make the event a success!<br />
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This past Sunday Andre, Larry, myself (Sara), Kat, and Josh got together in Twinburg where we practiced RAAM hand signals and signs, rider exchanges, and a number of different scernios. <br />
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The days are flying by but we are ready! Trish, Diana, Josh, and myself (Sara) are flying out to California on June 14!!! I can't wait!Sara Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837006359983647814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198348621750571364.post-49212012447452288502011-05-24T14:15:00.000-07:002011-05-24T14:15:35.554-07:00Ohio Sport & Fitness Magazine Article about local cyclists ready to tackle 3,000 miles<a href="http://www.ohiosportsandfitness.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=622%3Alocal-cyclists-ready-to-tackle-3000-mile-race&catid=81%3Acurrent-issue&Itemid=185">http://www.ohiosportsandfitness.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=622%3Alocal-cyclists-ready-to-tackle-3000-mile-race&catid=81%3Acurrent-issue&Itemid=185</a><br />
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Four competitors who will race in this year’s Race Across America (RAAM) hail from Northeast Ohio. Katie Spotz,
24,<img border="0" height="347px" src="http://www.ohiosportsandfitness.com/images/stories/raam%20graphic.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 7px;" width="410px" /> formerly of Mentor, is teaming up with a fellow adventurer in a two-person relay. Andre Husain, 45, of Cleveland, Larry Smith, 41, of
Cleveland and I (21, of Strongsville) have team-ed up with Alex Galindo, 26, of Los Angeles, to cover the distance as a four-person relay team.<br />
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RAAM, one the most respected and longest-running endurance sports events in the world, is a continuous-stage competition where the clock doesn’t stop until the racer crosses the finish line (unlike, say, the Tour de France, in which each segment of the race is separately timed). It begins at Oceanside, Calif., crosses 12 states and 3,000 miles (while climbing 170,000 feet) and ends at the City Dock in Annapolis, Md.<br />
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Soloists, whose race begins June 14, must ride an average of 250 to 350 miles per day to complete the distance in 12 days. Teams will set out June 18 and have nine days to finish.<br />
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The first RAAM was in 1982 when four cyclists dared to race from Santa Monica Pier in California to the Empire State Building in New York City. Since then, it has grown into an international affair, with 40 percent of competitors coming from outside the United States. It added the team (relay) division, including two-, four- and eight-person teams, in 1994. In June, the race celebrates its 30th year with its largest field of competitors. Fewer than 200 people have finished the solo race.<br />
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<strong><img border="0" height="214px" src="http://www.ohiosportsandfitness.com/images/stories/shifting%20gears_katie%20spotz.jpg" style="float: left; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px;" width="296px" />Katie Spotz</strong><br />
Spotz, who became famous in 2009 after becoming the youngest person and first woman to row across the Atlantic Ocean in 70 days and 5 hours, will team with Sam Williams of London, who rowed solo across the Atlantic in 2008.<br />
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Spotz and Williams are racing to raise money for two organizations, Blue Planet Network and Farm-Africa, which are collaborating on a project that will bring safe drinking water to a community in northern Kenya. They hope to raise $50,000.<br />
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Training: Spotz’s training has consisted of riding between 20 and 25 hours per week, with 20 percent as interval training.<br />
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For more information about Spotz’s team, visit rideforyourlives.com. To follow Spotz, see rowforwater.com. <br />
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<strong>Team H2Ope</strong><br />
My four-person relay team also is racing in partnership with Blue Planet Network to build awareness of the fact that a billion people on the planet have no access to safe drinking water and to raise funds for projects that will provide cost-effective, sustainable solutions for several communities around the globe. We’ve also teamed up with Drink Local. Drink Tap.© to raise funds for Making Waves from Cleveland to Uganda, a project to raise the funds and awareness needed to provide fresh-water facilities for St. Charles School in Uganda.<br />
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Training: TeamH2Ope’s training includes repetitive, short, hard efforts mixed with long endurance rides. This approach mirrors what we will experience as we take turns riding during the relay. We also incorporate strength training, yoga and weightlifting into our workouts.<br />
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Speaking for all the competitors, I have no doubt that RAAM will be the most difficult challenge yet for the cyclists competing. Knowing that our efforts will make a difference in the lives of those in need will give us the motivation we’ll need to keep riding. <br />
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For more information about Blue Planet Network, visit www.blueplanetnetwork.org. For Drink Local. Drink Tap.© visit drinklocaldrinktap.org. To follow Team H2Ope, go to www.theteamhope.com.Sara Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837006359983647814noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198348621750571364.post-81657808166807515302011-05-18T13:54:00.000-07:002011-05-19T19:53:24.166-07:00Strongsville Fundraiser Raffle PRIZES!!!!Only THREE MORE DAYS LEFT TILL our RAAM launch fundraising party at Bilo's Bar & Grill in Strongsville Saturday night beginning at 6pm!!!<br />
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Drumroll please.......buzzzz-zzz-zzz<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Strongsville CHINESE RAFFLE ITEMS:</span></span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 78pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Esbi Salon Gift Certificates:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> 2 gift certificates including highlight and styling [1: $125/2: $160 value]</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 78pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">BPN Gift Basket:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Blue Planet network Shirt-gift book, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 78pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 78pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 <strong>Chiropractor Basket: </strong>1 package of biofreeze, 1 free visit to Absolute Chiropractor {$250 value}</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 78pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Chiropractor Basket:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> 1 package of biofreeze, 1 free visit to Absolute Chiropractor {$250 value}</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 78pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">5</span> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>Fluffy Puppy Basket: </strong>Pamper your pup with this 'dog gone to heaven basket'. {$150 value}</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 78pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">6</span> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Uptown Girl Basket</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">: Hoopla Purse, King Nails gift certificate [$80 value]</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 78pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">7</span> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Pimp My Ride Basket</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">: 2-Conrad’s Tire Center oil changes and car cleaning product {$100 value}</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 78pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">8</span> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Grand Fiesta Fiesta!:</strong> Enjoy a dinner out of Gran Fiesta Mexican Restaurant, a bottle of tequila, and a sombrero to make it a party! {$40 value}</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 78pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">9</span> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Friday Night out:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Enjoy a wine tasting at </span>Royal Park Fine Wines in Strongsville, $50 Quince Restaurant gift card, and a bottle of bicycle wine to make it complete! {$75 value}</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 78pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">10</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Food on the Go Basket#1:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Penn station ($20), Gepetto’s Pizza ($10), Dairy Queen Package! [15$] Romeo’s $10, Steak Escape $10, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> {</span>$65 value]</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 78pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">11</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Food on the Go Basket:</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> #2chipotle $10, Penn station $20, Steak escape $10, DQ cake $15, Romeo’s $10 {$45 value}</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 78pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">12</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Food on the Go Basket: #1</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 78pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">13</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Food on the Go Basket: #2</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 78pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">14</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cold Stone Basket</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cold stone creamery package {$30 value}</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 78pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">15</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>Hoopla Purse: Go green with a </strong>100% All Natural Basket {$25 value}</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 78pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">16</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>Sheiban’s Jewelers:</strong>{$50 value gift certificate}</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 78pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">17</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>Pampered Chef:</strong> Perfect for the chef in your life! {$60 value}</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 78pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">18</span> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>Pump n Run Package:</strong> Fitness Together Personal Training 1 week package/ $25 Fleet Feet Gift Card {$300 value}</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 78pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">19</span> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>Couple’s Personal Training: </strong>Fitness Together Assessment and 1 week package {$250 value}</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 78pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">20 <strong>CAVS Basketball</strong> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">: CAVS signed Basketball Ball 2010-2011 season by...</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 78pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">21</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Pettiti’s Garden Basket:</strong> Gift card and garden fun {$30 value}</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 78pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">22</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Starbucks Package:</strong> Have a caffeine addiction? Problem solved! {$30 value}</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 78pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">23</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Daybreak lavender Farm gift basket:</strong> Simply amazing {$70 value}</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 78pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">24</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><strong>College Student Survival Kit</strong>: Everything you could possibly need to survive including ramen noodles, 5hr energy, cheese whiz, and other necessities! {$50 value}</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 78pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">25</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Studio Wish Basket:</strong> A beautiful package by Studio Wish {$75 value}</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">26 </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong> {Ukrainian} </strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>Pyccknn Ctahapt Russian Vodka</strong> {$50 value}</span></span><br />
27 <strong>Wine Basket</strong>: Enjoy wine and other items so you are ready to serve!<br />
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Silent auction items</span></strong></u></span><br />
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>1 </strong></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>Espi International Salon</strong> - Highlight, haircut, and styled by the owner himself-Nuccio! {$250 value}</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>2 </strong></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>Lavender Farm Package</strong> - Simply amazing! {$190 value}</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>3 </strong></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>Fitness Together Duffel Bag</strong> - training sessions and the tools needed to train! {$350 value} </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4 </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>Barrel o’ Booze</strong> - including: 1 bottle of Capt. Morgan Spiced Rum, 1 bottle of Smirnoff Vodka, 1 bottle of Seagram's 7 Crown Whiskey, 1 bottle of El Toro Tequilia, 12 pack Bud Light beer, 12 pack Miller Light beer, 12 pack Coors Light beer, 12 Great Lakes Burnign River Ale, 4 pack Bartles/Jaymes Mojito Wine Coolers, 4 pack Bartles/Jaymes Strawberry Daiquiri Wine, 1 bottle of Barefoot Riesling, and 1 bottle of Madria Sangria {$150 value} {Please not the wheel barrow will not be included}</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5 </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>Strongsville Mustang Football Sign!</strong> - Donated by the Strongsville Spirit Shop {$50}</span><br />
6 <strong>John Bilo himself is donating an autographed item!!!</strong><br />
<strong>7 Dash Saddles-</strong>Carbon Fiber Saddle- {$500 value}<br />
<strong>8 Dash Saddles-</strong>Carbon Fiber Saddle- {$550 value}<br />
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</div>Sara Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837006359983647814noreply@blogger.com0