Our crew is complete! These amazing individuals will be on the road supporting Patrick and Andrew, making sure they reach the finish safely.  Each member has been carefully selected and we feel so fortunate to have these team members helping us out every inch of the way from Oceanside, California to Annapolis, Maryland.

It takes a special person to volunteer their time to be a member of a crew.  They must be calm under pressure, work as a team, be innovative, know when to speak up and when to bite their tongue, and be a cheer leader, psychologist, cook, massage therapist and bike mechanic at any time, day or night.  These dedicated individuals are truly special.  They put their own lives on hold to support Andrew and Patrick on the race of their life.

Jonathan from Texas – Crew Chief Jon has vast experience crewing for RAAM four times – 3 solos and 1 two man team and the Race Around Ireland – solo.  He has been a part of PAC Tour providing support as a crew member and also as massage therapist and bike mechanic.  With over the 50,000 miles crewing experience, both Susan Notorangelo and Lon Haldeman of PAC Tour and his race crew experience have well prepared him to take on the role of crew chief.

Bill from Vermont I mostly ride a bike because I like to eat too well.  Never met a bakery where I couldn’t find something wonderful!  Tracey and I started riding with PAC Tour in 2005 and enjoyed it so much we started doing some crewing for Susan and Lon a couple of years later.  We met Andrew and Patrick on the Elite Tour in 2010 and immediately liked them both.  Never a frown the entire trip from either of them – just always the best, most positive attitude.  And they’re strong, tough riders as well. After riding and crewing with them again on the Ridge of the Rockies trip last year we decided they’re really special guys, and we were eager to help when they decided to enter RAAM.  It will be an unforgettable experience I’m sure.

Tracy from Vermont I started riding a bike in 2004 when my knees objected to any more running.  I wished I had started riding earlier in life as we have had the very best experiences riding our bikes across country with PAC Tour.  We were fortunate to be able to crew when Patrick and Andrew rode the Elite Tour.  Both were always positive, cheerful and strong regardless of the weather, the roads or whatever else was happening.  I can’t imagine a better pair to crew for in RAAM and am so excited to have the opportunity.

Lara from Minnesota  In 2004, I rode my first cross country bicycle tour.  A year later, I discovered PAC Tour which only fueled my desire to ride more and more miles.  Every year since, it has been a pleasure to ride and crew with Susan Notorangelo and Lon Haldeman.  It was during the 2010 Elite PacTour where I learned of both Andrew Puddy’s and Patrick Seely’s strength of character along with their prowess on the bicycle.  It truly is an honor to be a part of their 2012 RAAM support crew.   I have been on a crew twice previously for RAAM.   I’m hoping this will be beneficial to Patrick and Andrew for a safe, strong, and enjoyable journey to race across America.

 

Brian from Winnipeg Canada  Working two jobs didn’t give me much time to ride until I retired in 2007. Then in 2008, I discovered PAC Tour and that was when the fun really began. There is no better way to explore the country than on a bike. Lon and Susan have taken me places I never dreamed I would have a chance to see. I have had the pleasure of being on several PAC Tour trips with both Patrick and Andrew over the past few years, and I have been impressed by their power and endurance on a bike.  But what struck me even more was how they are always upbeat and always smiling. I was thrilled and honoured when they invited me to be part of their RAAM crew. This is sure to be the experience of a lifetime.

Greg from New York I became interested in biking when I was twelve and rode 20 miles to the local airport. Immediately after, I thought, “I can make it cross country” and knew that one day, that dream would come true. After two shorter tours, I went coast to coast at 15, and the next year, I discovered PAC Tour and have ridden across the United States twice with them. PAC Tour introduced me to the world of ultracycling, most notably RAAM. As a first-time crew member, I’m excited to experience RAAM for the first time, and I’m excited to help Andrew and Patrick as they race cross country.

Marc from Australia Gaday – I have been riding for the last 11 years. I guess I fell in love with riding when Andrew Puddy and a bunch of others rode from Adelaide to Melbourne in Australia. On the trip, I got to know Andrew really well because he was my roommate. Once over his snoring, we became good mates. To describe Andrew in one line – “ If you were in a pinch, he would watch ya back. He is such a Gladiator”.  In regards to Patrick, he must be a good bloke because he’s a mate of Andrews.    Why crew RAAM?  “Because it is going to be the greatest TEAM adventure of my LIFE” and I’m not even riding it!  Bring it on”.

Frank from Australia I have been on a bike for the past 50 years, but I’m a new kid on the block when it comes to ultracycling.  Having found some more time to kill these last few years, I’ve enjoyed riding most days, wherever the whim takes me. I met Andrew and Marc some years back and we have since spent many hours traversing the hills of South Australia. You can tell a lot about an individual when you spend hours on a bike, and Andrew impressed me from the very start. He is someone who has the personality and mindset to meet the extreme challenge of a RAAM. This is my first effort as a support crew, so I’m eager to look, listen and learn, and foremost support Andrew and Patrick.

 Greg from Australia  I have ridden bikes since age 10, so that means 63 years in the saddle.  Mainly a road rider, but will throw a leg over anything with two wheels.  I am retired now after working in the IT industry for 42 years – leaving more time to regularly ride my bike, averaging around 300km weekly.  Always built and maintained my own bikes and those of my family and friends.  Have worked as a professional mechanic for long distance events in all states of Australia and can turn my hand to any required task on a long distance ride. I enjoy cycling and the people who do it – salt of the earth.  I met Andrew on a ride from Perth to Adelaide and became good friends and then supported him on another ride from Adelaide to Ayers Rock and Alice Springs.

  John from Maryland My association with PAC Tour, as both rider and crew member, has facilitated my exposure to RAAM and various other ultra-cycling activities. Along the way, I have developed close friendships with many outstanding people. Supporting Andrew and Patrick on their adventure will just expand that horizon. Plus, it is all for a good cause. My contribution to the team includes some PAC Tour and RAAM crewing experience and a good work ethic. I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this undertaking and look forward to working with everyone!

  Mike from New Hampshire My bike was the way I got around when I was a kid.  For my first multi-day ride, at 18 I convinced a friend of mine to do a two week ride from New York City to Maine and back. Later on in life, I remember watching the first RAAM on TV and was intrigued by it. This will be a new experience for me.  Andrew and Patrick make a great team and are two of the nicest folks I have met on PAC Tour. I have heard many RAAM crew stories and I want to experience RAAM close up. Andrew and Patrick have given me that chance, and I am looking forward to the experience and adventure that this will be.  Crewing will be a lot of work, but it will be fun to be a part of Andrew and Patrick’s team.

 

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