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RAAM is a nonstop, 3070 mile bicycle race from Oceanside, California, to Annapolis, Maryland.

Competitors range from solo riders to 8-person relay teams.

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Our A² team is made up of 8 incredible riders, 10+ amazing crew, awesome sponsors, and our supportive friends & family.

While the riders will be the ones cranking out the miles across the country, the support crew is critical — absolutely, positively critical. Crew can make or break the entire race and experience.

If race rules are not adhered to (by riders or by the crew), the whole team can be disqualified and kicked off the course. This isn’t the type of event where breaking the rules is funny, overlooked, or tolerated.

Let’s bring it back to the positive — this race is an amazing, once in a lifetime experience. It’s a special race. RAAM brings together people who say YES to racing their bicycles 3070 miles across the country, and it's an incredible thing to be part of.

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Team A² is racing across America, raising funds to fight against veteran & first responder suicide.

With veterans on our team and in our communities, it's a mission that means so much to us and so many others. Support us as a donor (any amount counts!) and help stop veteran & first responder suicide, one life at a time.

Race Start Date (Team)

June 18, 2022

Distance

3070 Miles

Vertical Climbs

175,000 Feet


 

Fundraising Goal

$1,000,000

A² Fundraising Initiative

Veteran & First Responder Suicide

 

The A² team is cycling over 3,000 miles across the U.S. to end our nation’s veteran & first responder suicide epidemic.

  • Rhonda Vetere

    COMMANDER IN CHIEF & RIDER

    Rhonda is one of the top 10 women in technology globally and has served in large roles spanning global CIO, CTO across Fortune 500 Companies. She is a global executive change agent and disrupter with over 23 mergers and acquisitions — she loves growing people and companies. Rhonda has been recognized as a Top 10 Most Powerful Women in Technology, Most Influential People in the World for Technology, and Top 20 Executive Business Person.

    A passionate global leader, philanthropist, 2x author, and All World IRONMAN 70.3 Triathlete, Rhonda is an endurance corporate athlete who has completed over 86 races and loves supporting good people & important causes.

    Rhonda was the first person to run through the Serengeti 55 miles with armed guards, raising money for scholarship and animal conservation. She just completed her third Serengeti Run in 2021 alongside other races, running 110 miles within 3 weeks.

  • Monty Heath

    COMMANDING OFFICER & RIDER

    Monty is a husband, father of two sons, and former US Navy SEAL with 11 years of military service. Monty joined the Navy in 1993 to be a SEAL. He moved from SEAL Team Two to Naval Special Warfare Group, NSWDG. He joined Red Squadron and deployed to Afghanistan in the winters of 2002, 2003, and 2004. His last mission in Bosnia completed his SEAL team career.

    Monty thrives in high stress environments and during crisis situations. He's worked on domestic and international contracts with the US Navy’s SEAL mentorship program, managed a seasonal guest ranch & horse sanctuary, been a Special Olympics ski instructor, and volunteered as the Executive Director of VETtoCEO nonprofit. Now, Rhonda and Monty have brought together an incredible team to cycle across America in support of a cause that is deeply personal & meaningful to him: stopping veteran suicide.

  • Morgon Latimore

    RIDER

    Coach Morgon is an internationally recognized public figure in the endurance community based in the United States. He enthusiastically spreads positivity, helps people uncover their individual superpowers, and strives to be the light that shines in his community.

    An Ultra Triathlete and Endurance coach, Morgon did the RAAM SoCal 400 miler (team of 4) while living in Oceanside.

  • Keith Eckert

    RIDER

    Born and raised in Chandler, AZ, Keith grew up playing sports year-round and at an early age, discovered his passion for helping others. Keith went on to graduate from the United States Naval Academy and was a Division I collegiate wrestler before commissioning in the the U.S. Navy.

    Now as a veteran, Keith has dedicated much of his life competing in extreme adventure and endurance races, raising over $400,000 dollars for non-profit organizations. Keith is currently a Guardian Revival Champion, where he competes in events across the country to raise awareness and funds to support mental health programs for veterans and first responders.

  • Doreen Wagner

    RIDER

    Doreen is a mother of five, avid cyclist, and fitness professional who believes that empowerment is how individuals reach their full potential.

    Doreen exercises her passion for cycling as a Brand Ambassador for Specialized Bicycle Components and Women’s Team Captain for VSRT and particularly enjoys the challenge of cyclocross and gravel riding.

    Doreen is also the proud mother to a Coast Guard officer. She has co-organized events in her local community in an effort to bring awareness to PTSD and suicide among first responders and veterans.

  • Rob Williams

    RIDER

    Rob Williams is a senior media executive and certified executive coach who is passionate about helping leaders to perform at their best.

    He is equally committed to his family (wife of 30 plus years and four children) and to outside pursuits in the game of golf and endurance sports.

  • Rob Prodan

    RIDER

    Rob is dedicated husband, father of three, a general contractor, real estate developer, and former Virginia Harbor Pilot. Throughout his career, Rob has worked to improve the lives of others. He has worked extensively with Equi-Kids therapeutic riding center, the home of Equi-Vets, which offers wounded service members the opportunity to heal through equine therapy. Rob is also the current Board Chair of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia.

    Rob has completed multiple sprint and Olympic distance triathlons as well as one 1/2 distance and one full (iron) distance triathlon.

  • Rhy Waddington

    RIDER

    Rhy became sought after as Chef at the critically acclaimed Australian venue “Bondi Bar & Kitchen” in San Diego's famous Gaslamp Quarter. Now Executive Chef at Palmetto Bluff Club in SC (and former Executive Chef at the prestigious Winged Foot Golf Club), he has been invited five times to cook at the famed James Beard House in New York City and has also participated in two Friends of the Beard House benefits.

    Rhy sits on the board of the Rockhouse foundation, a charity that supports education in Jamaica. Through his love of running marathons Rhy has helped raise significant funds to help both the Rockhouse and other charity's reach their funding goals.

  • Alex Othmer

    CREW CHIEF

    Alex attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nautical Science and his U.S. Coast Guard Third Mate Unlimited Tonnage License. Upon graduation, Alex commissioned as an Officer in the U.S. Navy, where he served as a SEAL for eight years.

    Alex holds a master’s degree in psychology from Penn State University and is currently pursuing a second graduate degree in Public Leadership from the University of San Francisco. Alex is the co-founder & executive director of Guardian Revival and the co-founder & CEO of Ox Box.

  • Veronica Day

    SUPPORT CREW

    Veronica is a former Team USA skeleton athlete and currently works at the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee. Her 9 year career of plummeting face first down an icy chute included a National Push Title and a North American Cup Overall Championships.

    She has immersed herself into a variety of non-profits, including the Serengeti Girls Run, and acts as the Board Chair for Crossover for Change, a non profit focused on creating opportunities for girls and young women in Uganda. Veronica is excited to join the A2 RAAM team for her next extreme adventure.

  • Scott Benoit

    SUPPORT CREW

    Veteran affairs are very important to Scott as both his mother and father were Marines and met at Quantico during WWII. Athletics have always been his sweet spot, and after a short stint in professional football, a chance meeting led to a successful 20 year career as an international fashion model. Traveling globally afforded Scott the opportunity to hone his climbing and skiing skills in the Alps, Tetons, Rockies, and Sierras.

    Scott has beautiful family with wife Madison, a RN (and Rhonda’s best friend), and a son and daughter. Scott is heavily active in mentoring the youth of Santa Monica thru several sports clubs as well as the Little League along with volunteering with the local Red Cross and Special Olympics.

  • Dr. Rob Scanlon

    SUPPORT CREW + MEDIC

    Rob is a practicing ICU (Critical Care) physician, husband, and father to two boys. He is a small arms enthusiast and avid long range precision shooter, a passionate hiker for 20 years with special interest in Wilderness Medicine and survival in austere environments.

    For RAAM 2021, Rob was the day shift transition vehicle navigator and team physician (Team One Mile). Rob has deep respect for those in uniform and is highly motivated to take part in efforts which give back and thank all for their service.

  • Dr. Ira Schneider

    SUPPORT CREW + MEDIC

    Ira Schneider, D.C. is a practicing certified chiropractic sports physician. In addition to his regular practice of 30 years, Dr. Schneider has worked as either the medical director or part of the medical support team for events such as professional cycling, professional rodeo, Crossfit competitions, and extreme sports. In addition, he has had many amateur and professional athletes under his care over the years. He has multiple post graduate certifications and has been teaching and supervising sports med students for the last 18 years at a Division 1 campus.

  • Dr. Aaron Schneider

    SUPPORT CREW + MEDIC

    Dr. Aaron Schneider is a Southern California native and received his doctorate from Palmer College of Chiropractic in San Jose. Since graduating in 2017, he has practiced in several clinics in California, honing his skills and training in various techniques and practice styles. Prior to chiropractic school he was the rehab specialist at the Chiropractic Sports Institute.

    Dr. Aaron believes that by restoring the natural motion of all the joints in the body, and thus restoring the ideal communication between the brain and the body, it has the ability to heal itself. He works from head to toe to make sure your body is moving as efficiently as possible.

  • Dr. Lane Spero

    SUPPORT CREW + MEDIC

    Lane is a practicing Orthopedic Spine surgeon in Connecticut. He enjoys sports of all kinds & loves the outdoors, especially skiing, boating, & swimming. He sits on the Connecticut Orthopedic board & multiple hospital committees and is active in many community events. He’s been involved in bringing new spinal technologies to market & is excited to enter the biking community.

  • Tennyson Hulcy

    BIKE MECHANIC

    I have worked in the bicycle industry for 25+ years in California, Texas, and New Mexico. I have worked in all capacities in shops as well as Head Mechanic for numerous professional road cycling teams. Currently, you can find me working in Santa Fe at Broken Spoke bicycle shop.

    I personally am excited to do RAAM because it's been on the bucket list for a while. It’s different from your normal stage race. I also have family that served in the military — my father (Marines) and uncle (Navy).

  • Michael Frazier

    SUPPORT CREW

    Mike Frazier is a veteran who served in The United States Coast Guard and the United States Army. With over 12 years of military service, Mike has been on multiple combat deployments and shipboard boardings resulting in drug seizures and personnel detained.

    After being injured during his military service, he fell into a depressed and unhealthy space. Mike learned how work around his limitations as well as help others with his resilience, leading him to create Noble Warrior to grow a community to help veterans going through similar experiences.

  • Katherine Conaway

    SUPPORT CREW + COMMUNICATIONS

    A digital nomad since June 2014, Katherine works remotely while traveling full-time. She has visited 50+ countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Katherine is a writer, artist, marketing consultant, strategist, and creative problem solver.

    Before working in the design industry in Brooklyn, Katherine taught abroad at American schools in Morocco, Switzerland, and Bulgaria. While studying Mathematics & Art History at Williams College, she won 3x NCAA Championships with her crew team. Katherine is passionate about education & empowerment.

    Katherine has worked with Rhonda since 2016 and is excited to help the A2 team successfully cycle across the USA in support of stopping veteran suicide.

  • Margaret Knap

    SUPPORT CREW

    Margaret grew up in Chicago as a first gen-American. She attended the US Naval Academy, where she studied Political Science and played D1 basketball. She went on to serve in the USMC as a supply and fiscal officer, during which time the issues of active-duty and veteran mental health were brought to the forefront.

    Aside from people, she also really cares about the one thing that enables all life: the environment. She has a master’s in Environmental Studies and aspires to contribute to sustainable solutions in the future. In the meantime, she puts her finance skills and enthusiasm for watching numbers grow to work in real estate.

  • Nick Harutyunyan

    SUPPORT CREW

    Nick is a 3rd Degree Black Belt at Glendale Tae Kwon Do, a business owner, and a presidential award winning community service member. At the Dojang, he learned how to be committed in creating a positive and fulfilling experience around his family and community. He continues to keep up his positivity, through personal as well as environmental adversity, and always delivers the same quality to his community.

    Nick is excited to join the A2 RAAM team and cannot wait to deliver all he has to assist the team in accomplishing their goals.

  • Cassie Hansen

    SUPPORT + LOGISTICS

    Cassie is a Phoenix, AZ native who currently works at Guardian Revival as a donor relations manager, where she expertly manages thousands of relationships and plans, coordinates, and executes multiple fundraising events a year.

    Cassie is passionate about supporting our veteran and first responder communities, as her father was a law enforcement officer, and her husband is a veteran. Cassie is an avid traveler and can be found adventuring with her dog, Chewbacca.

  • Brad Penley

    CREW CONSULTANT

    A 2007 Graduate of the US Naval Academy, with five counter-terrorism deployment as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer, Brad has advanced degrees in Special Operations, Strategy & War, and Finance. Commander Penley is currently serving as executive leadership to Navy Special Warfare. Additionally, he is a General Partner at Growth VUE Properties, where his passion is supporting missionaries and veterans programs through real estate investing.

  • Rick Penley

    SUPPORT CREW

    Father of three military sons and one daughter-in-law who fought in multiple campaigns across the globe. He has guided and mentored them through a total of 14 deployments. His eldest son, Brad, is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Lieutenant Commander, and his twins are Micah Penley, former E2C Hawkeye Lieutenant Commander, and Craig Penley, former Army Special Forces Major, who is married Laura Penley, an active duty Blackhawk Medevac Pilot.

  • Rachel Martin

    SUPPORT CREW

    Rachel is a passionate entrepreneur, small business owner and philanthropist in the southern Maine / Seacoast New Hampshire region. She owns Forward Motion Events; an optimistic, philanthropic events company committed to creating community through collaboration and connection. She produces the award winning Pumpkinman Triathlon and Running Festival, the all women's Luna Run, and Rick's Run 5k. She created Rick's Run in memory of her father, a Vietnam veteran, who suffered in silence with PTSD.

    Rachel understands first hand how precious life is, having lost both of her parents. She was the co-crew chief for an 8-person Race Across America Team last year and is excited about contributing to the success and mission of team Aligned Alliance!

  • Shelby Hatch

    SUPPORT CREW

    Surgical tech / combat medic retired, Master Sergeant (MSGT) 20 years in.

  • Marley Sianto

    SOCIAL MEDIA

    A young Maasai lady with vast experience and passion for East African tourism, conservation, and cultural preservation, Marley holds a Master of Arts degree in International Relations at United States International University Africa and Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from Daystar University. She has 8 years’ experience as the Tourism marketing coordinator for Narok County.

    She is the founder of the ‘Solar for Manyatta’ project run by her community based organization, Naretoi Ang’, which means ‘our help’. The former Miss Tourism World Africa 2014, works with various NGOs to empower women, educate and mentor girls. When she is not at work, she engages in high adrenaline sporting activities such as Olympic weightlifting and CrossFit.

  • Rob Mains

    VIDEOGRAPHER

    Rob is a professional content creator specializing in Videography and Editing. Throughout his career he has successfully combined business development and creativity which ultimately led to the formation of RebelVictory Media. His client list includes brands like: Nike, The North Face, 3M, The Beard Club, Lamborghini Paramus, Lion's Den Training, GIGO Fund, Job Path, and many more.

    Rob is happily married so a pre-school teacher and father of a wild 4 year old son. He enjoys crushing Crossfit WODs, long runs, tactical training, and demolishing tacos whenever possible.

  • Patrick Sikes

    PHOTOGRAPHER

    Patrick Sikes is a professional photographer based in southwestern Connecticut. A generalist by trade, his work includes aerial, maritime, event, editorial, product and portrait photography. His client list is broad, including local startups, national news outlets, international yacht manufacturers, luxury events as well non-profit causes, all in pursuit of the strongest and most synergistic relationships.

    In 2022, he is excited to add to the adventure photography resume as Lead Photographer for Guardian Revival, covering such events as the Iditarod Trail Invitational in Alaska this winter and the cycling event Race Across America this summer.

  • Chris Brychcy

    PHOTOGRAPHER

    Avid Outdoors Adventure Seeker. I have passionately been shooting photography and film for the past 10 years and opened my business, Aerial Lifestyle Productions, 7 years ago.

    I shoot sports to weddings and everything in-between. If it's outside, you can count me in. If you don't see me behind a camera, I will most likely be on the water kiteboarding or out west skiing and snowboarding.

  • Joseph Castle

    CINEMATOGRAPHER

    Joseph had to grow up quickly after losing his mother to ovarian cancer a few days before his 11th birthday. The promises he made to her before she passed away have propelled him to triumph throughout all of his life obstacles.

    Castle holds a master’s degree in television & film production and is a retired Navy SEAL and cancer survivor. He has filmed all around the world and is currently filming a feature documentary/drama about his frogman adventures.

Support Our Team

While our 501(c)3 filing process is underway, we are partnering with Guardian Revival, a 501(c)3, to receive donations until we are able to accept donations directly. All donations will be earmarked as part of A² RAAM.

Email Rhonda with any Qs (or to coordinate donation by check).

More about RAAM

From raamrace.org:

“For 38 years, Race Across America (RAAM) has been challenging ultracyclists from around the globe to push their physical and mental limits to the farthest reaches. Starting in Oceanside, under one of the longest piers in California, RAAM spans over 3000 miles, climbs 175,000 feet, crosses 12 states, and finishes at City Dock in Annapolis, Maryland, the east coast sailing mecca.

The route travels west to east, traversing three major mountain ranges (Sierra, Rocky and Appalachian), crosses four of America’s longest rivers (Colorado, Mississippi, Missouri and Ohio) and the Great Plains. Also, passing through such iconic American landmarks as the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, Monument Valley, Great Plains, and Gettysburg.

Open to amateur and professional racers, in solo, 2-, 4- and 8-person relay teams, there is no other race in the world comparable to RAAM. The Race has become a global icon, having had over 35 countries represented. Not only has RAAM proved to be one of the most challenging races in the world, but has become a huge platform for racers to raise awareness and money for charities of their choice. Racers have raised over $2 million per year over the past 5 years.

Race Across America is one of the most respected and longest running ultra-endurance events in the world. RAAM is seen as a pinnacle of athletic achievement not only in cycling circles but the greater sporting community as well.

RAAM is a race! But, unlike the three great European Grand Tours (Tour de France, Vuelta a Espana and Giro de Italia), RAAM is not a stage race.

RAAM is one continual stage, once the clock starts it does not stop until the finish line. It is the world’s longest time trial… the ultimate race of truth.

RAAM is 30% longer than the Tour de France. Moreover, racers must complete the distance in roughly half the time, with no rest days.

RAAM is not limited to professional cyclists. RAAM is open to professional and amateur athletes alike. While solo racers must qualify to compete, anyone may organize a team and race.

Racers come from all over the world and all walks of life. Racers are both amateurs and professionals. The majority are ordinary people, with full time jobs and a passion for riding their bicycle. Racers range in age from 13 to 75. Approximately 50% of the racers are from outside the US. About 18% of the racers are women.

Team racers have a maximum of nine days but most finish in about seven and a half with the fastest in just over 5 days. Solo racers have a maximum of 12 days to complete the race, most finishing in 11 days with the fastest finishing in under 8 days.”

“For 38 years, Race Across America (RAAM) has been challenging ultracyclists from around the globe to push their physical and mental limits to the farthest reaches. Starting in Oceanside, under one of the longest piers in California, RAAM spans over 3000 miles, climbs 175,000 feet, crosses 12 states, and finishes at City Dock in Annapolis, Maryland, the east coast sailing mecca.

The route travels west to east, traversing three major mountain ranges (Sierra, Rocky and Appalachian), crosses four of America’s longest rivers (Colorado, Mississippi, Missouri and Ohio) and the Great Plains. Also, passing through such iconic American landmarks as the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, Monument Valley, Great Plains, and Gettysburg.

Open to amateur and professional racers, in solo, 2-, 4- and 8-person relay teams, there is no other race in the world comparable to RAAM. The Race has become a global icon, having had over 35 countries represented. Not only has RAAM proved to be one of the most challenging races in the world, but has become a huge platform for racers to raise awareness and money for charities of their choice. Racers have raised over $2 million per year over the past 5 years.

Race Across America is one of the most respected and longest running ultra-endurance events in the world. RAAM is seen as a pinnacle of athletic achievement not only in cycling circles but the greater sporting community as well.

RAAM is a race! But, unlike the three great European Grand Tours (Tour de France, Vuelta a Espana and Giro de Italia), RAAM is not a stage race.

RAAM is one continual stage, once the clock starts it does not stop until the finish line. It is the world’s longest time trial… the ultimate race of truth.

RAAM is 30% longer than the Tour de France. Moreover, racers must complete the distance in roughly half the time, with no rest days.

RAAM is not limited to professional cyclists. RAAM is open to professional and amateur athletes alike. While solo racers must qualify to compete, anyone may organize a team and race.

Racers come from all over the world and all walks of life. Racers are both amateurs and professionals. The majority are ordinary people, with full time jobs and a passion for riding their bicycle. Racers range in age from 13 to 75. Approximately 50% of the racers are from outside the US. About 18% of the racers are women.

Team racers have a maximum of nine days but most finish in about seven and a half with the fastest in just over 5 days. Solo racers have a maximum of 12 days to complete the race, most finishing in 11 days with the fastest finishing in under 8 days.”

Learn more about donation & sponsorship opportunities