Crew member (Dennis) connecting Team Strong Heart with San Diego media

Check this out: http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/3416

Joyful Evening For Team Strong Heart Supporters -- May 20, 2010

The Thur. night regulars (riders) who ride out of TRAILHEAD CYCLING AND FITNESS (the sponsor of 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 Team Strong Heart) were surprised by the rider turnout at the shop parking lot -- no food, no pastries, no drinks -- that doesn't matter. Our guest photographer from Saint Paul Pioneer Press was impressed and very apologetic for his late arrival due to the massive cross-town traffic jam from the east surburb to the west suburb of the Twin Cities, MN. If you think the large turnout is for a photo on paper, you are dead wrong. In fact, the riders were hiding away from the camera lens. Yet, it was totally a heart-felt "send-off" rider party for Team Strong Heart 2010. Representing TSH 2007, 2008, 2009, riders and supporters just laughed, chuckled, bonded with memories, warmed up, then faced off at its summer monthly Fletcher Time Trial Series (#2) fun race.

Event Director, Jay Thompson (2008 TSH RAAM team rider) reported that the course record was tied (22:10) for the 9.7-mile, 4-corner course on the countryside roads. 15 out of 21 riders (15 racers, 2 "lead-offs", 4 timers/helpers/supporters). It was a wonderful evening. Memories will sure be replayed in June, particularly on June 20, somewhere in West Virginia.

Go Team, and "Remember this Night".

Team Strong Heart in CO -- May 15, 2010

Higher elevation training seems to be a must for riders particularly for me to acclimate the 100,000+ feet of climbing during RAAM's 3,000+ miles coast to coast journey. The mile-high cities in CO provide the great opportunities for such training.

Last weekend, Team Strong Heart organized a fundraising event in Boulder CO, and I had an opportunity to hit the road after rain/snow moved out of the Boulder area. After missing a turn towards the Carter Lake which was supposed to my route with some good rolling hills in the 5,000+ feet condition, I later found myself accidentally climbing west towards the Estes Park --a few snow patches appeared after a 20-mile steady climb!!! The good thing was that the slope was gentle and I was able to stay in a low HR zone. The best part of this was coming back down, literally, a 20-mile downhill. The beautiful mt. views, clouds, falling rocks, melting snow into the riverfall made the best of this experience -- I'm very grateful for being in the nature while knowing the best is yet to come in June.

Amy Xu (Dorsey & Whitney, partner)

Team Strong Heart 2008 (team) and 2010 (solo)

612-991-4912

http://www.teamstrongheart.com/

http://www.teamstrongheartamyxu.blogspot.com/