Team FARA in Race Across America

Team FARA completed Race Across America in 8 days, 8 hours, and 14 minutes.  An awesome job, by an amazing team!  They came in first place in the 4 person open division.
Congratulations and Thank You to Team FARA and Crew FARA!

Follow the team's blog

Race Across America (RAAM) is currently the most recognized, longest endurance cycling event in the world, and garners worldwide respect for the sheer magnitude of its fitness challenge. www.raceacrossamerica.org
Known as the “world's toughest bicycle race”, RAAM will send over 250 competitors on a 3,000+ mile route with 100,000 vertical feet of climbing, stretching from Oceanside, California to Annapolis, Maryland. Beginning on June 12, 2010, racers will ride relay-style 24/7 until reaching the East Coast with a minimum average speed requirement of no less than 14mph.
 
Trailer for The Ataxian - a film by Kevin Schlanser


 
Team FARA Riders

The Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) will field a team of four riders in RAAM 2010. For more information about where Team FARA will travel in RAAM and how you can help visit: Team FARA's Blog.
 
Note: The interviews on the right were recorded after the team's participation in the RAAM informational seminar which was a 9 hour day of nonstop information about how to get our team across the country safely.
 
About the Team

Kyle Bryant - "It's not just about me anymore, it's about all of us affected by this disease. We're all in this together."
Founder and Director of Ride Ataxia, FARA's cycling fundraiser. Diagnosed with Friedreich's ataxia at age 17, Kyle's symptoms made riding a traditional bicycle unsafe as he reached college. After graduation he purchased a 3-wheeled cycle and began a journey that would change his life riding 3,500 miles in 3 years and raising over $800,000 for FA research. He's been cycling ever since and is no stranger to long distances.

Sean Baumstark - "My commitment to cycling is the core of my physical battle strategy against FA, the disease that jeopardizes the quality of life for myself and many of my friends." Sean was diagnosed with FA in May of 2007. Devastated by the news he immediately started looking for ways to fight back. Searching online, he discovered Kyle Bryant and Ride Ataxia. Kyle and Sean met a few days later and have been friends ever since. Sean rode with the Ride Ataxia team in 2008 from Sacramento to Las Vegas and fights the effects of FA by staying active and fit.

John Lockwood - "I am so excited to be competing in RAAM with Team FARA. I believe this will be the ultimate testimonial for those with FA to take the challenge of fighting the disease head on. I also believe that raising awareness through the 'world's toughest bike race' will bring additional attention and curiosity towards FA that will lead to increased awareness and fundraising to contribute to the research efforts needed to find a cure." John started cycling in 2007 but didn't really get passionate until meeting Kyle Bryant and learning more about Ride Ataxia and his mission to raise awareness about FA through cycling. John has since participated in Ride Ataxia II & III, and various century rides throughout California.

Mike Mellott - "I am excited for the chance to ride for such a great cause and experience an adventure that will change lives because of it!" Mike got into cycling 5 years ago on his mountain bike with the goal to get outside more. Mike has been friends with Sean for years and upon hearing about Sean's FA diagnosis immediately became a strong supporter of the cause. Mike has been road biking since 2008 in Ride Ataxia II from Sacramento to Las Vegas.

Support Crew
FARA and Team FARA would like to extend our deepest appreciation to Crew FARA. Having already spent countless hours on planning calls and dealing with logistics planning, our 13 crew members will be taking time away from work, family and comforts of home to help ensure the success and safety of Team FARA. These 13 people hail from across the country. Yet, there is one thing that unites them: the desire to find the cure for Friedreich's ataxia.

Thank you Crew FARA !