Meet the Crew: Chief Anne!

1. Introduce yourself! Who are you?

Je suis Anne, le Crew Chef. 

Hi Anne! We love you!

2. How did you get wrapped up in this RAAM adventure with Dani and Kacie?

Weeeell, I began by crewing for Kacie at her Double Ironman last year and really enjoyed it. Who knew many of the people who were there would be going on this journey with us?!  Dani, Kacie, Jason, Emily, Keith, George, Coach, Ben, Laura… fingers crossed that my old French friend Guy does show up and that Kirby doesn't.  Anyway, after that I got roped into Kacie's 8 person RAAM team last year and had a ball.  Ergo sum…in!   

So, it's a little bit crazy how many people from the double iron are a part of this team! 

3. Which part of RAAM are you most looking forward to?

I am most looking forward to the Start, getting our boots on the ground and going, and the Finish, when everyone is safe, sound of mind/body, and can understand the magnitude of the accomplishment.  That being said, the insanity and fun will fill the middle and that's the part we'll talk about in years to come!   

4. Dani is a dog person, and Kacie is more of a lizard/snake/bird person. What kind of person are you?

Hmmmm, I don't really enjoy domesticated animals that can't take care of themselves, unless they provide you with resources.  I really want to raise a baby cow and become best friends with it.  

Ok, the problem with baby cows Anne, is that they don't STAY baby cows, but we have talked about this, so I'll let it slide

5. How are you going to make a unicorn appear in Kansas?

The Minister of Fun never reveals her plans.  Suffice it to say, it will be memorable.  

The minister of fun is awesome. Hula skirts, tea parties, dinos, temporary tattoos, and lots of fun signs are always a MAJOR lift.

6. What is your favorite kind of ice cream? (Kacie believes this tells you a lot about a person)

Green mint-chocolate chip, preferably eaten right next to an Ocean.  

I don't think that answer actually had anything to do with the ice cream. 

7. If you could fill a swimming pool with anything, what would you fill yours with?

I would definitely try jello and see what happens...  

Probably this.

8. What kind of music are you going to be putting on your RAAM playlist. Yes, you will be creating a RAAM playslist, might as well start thinking about it now.

Oooooh, all kinds.  I'm working on that now.  I think I'm going to mix up geographically themed hits and pump-up jams.  

Anne loves a theme on her albums.

9. Dani and Kacie are really counting on some glitter. At what point in the race do you think glitter will really come into play?

I agree with Leslie, West Virginia could use as much glitter as it can get.  

Ugh. You are probably right.

10.  If you were abducted and taken to outer space, which planet would they take you to?

Asgard, to be with Thor.  

Incredibly nerdy, and yet, and excellent answer.

11. If you could have any one super power (other than sprinkling awesomeness on people because you do that already) what would it be? 

I would be able to read people's minds and become invisible - omnipotent and omnipresent - tough to beat.  

12.What is the longest you have been without a shower? Without brushing your teeth? 

Tough to say.  At least 5 days with no shower, eezy peezy.  Probably no more than 2 without teeth.  My goal is to not shower 'til we cross the Mississippi river.   

Anne, we are all incredibly grateful for you! We are excited to have you as Chief! 

Meet the Crew: Ben!

1. Introduce yourself! Who are you?

I am Ben Murphy! That's enough for now.

2. How did you get wrapped up in this RAAM adventure with Dani and Kacie?

One of the original crew members had to bail for the trip and Dani asked
me if I had any plans for the summer and if I could help. So I fit it in
my BUSY (not) schedule.

Thank you so much!

 3. Which part of RAAM are you most looking forward to?

The part when things get hard for the girls and they fight through!

Awesome.

4. Dani is a dog person, and Kacie is more of a lizard/snake/bird person.
What kind of person are you?

I'm going to go out on a limb and say Lemurs.

Kacie loves lemurs too! Can you tell? It's entirely possible she just spent a lot of time looking at google images of lemurs.

5. How are you going to make a unicorn appear in Kansas?

I am unicorn.

I knew we asked you to join this team for a reason.

6. What is your favorite kind of ice cream? (Kacie believes this tells you
a lot about a person)

Cookie Dough?


 7. If you could fill a swimming pool with anything, what would you fill
 yours with?

Bunnies

Hope they are not vampire bunnies.

 8. What kind of music are you going to be putting on your RAAM playlist.
 Yes, you will be creating a RAAM playslist, might as well start thinking
about it now.

A little bit of everything! Yes, everything!

 9. Dani and Kacie are really counting on some glitter. At what point in
the race do you think glitter will really come into play?

When Dani and Kacie are going through a rough time and start attacking us
and name calling, we will cover them in glitter to make them feel special
and loved!

We do love glitter!

10.  If you were abducted and taken to outer space, which planet would
 they take you to?

Probably mercury because the heat is the most extreme.

 11. If you could have any one super power (other than sprinkling
 awesomeness on people because you do that already) what would it be?

To be able to ride my bike across the Country!

Excellent Choice!
 
12.What is the longest you have been without a shower? Without brushing
your teeth? 

No comment.

We are excited to have you on board Ben! 

FINAL Jersey Order!

Did you miss out on our awesome jerseys? Here's your last chance!

We are taking orders from now until July 1 for our final round of jersey orders!

As soon as we finish, we will be putting our finishing time on the jersey as well!

They will not arrive until mid-August, and we appreciate your patience in our custom orders!

If you would like to get your hands on one, here's how!

1. Donate $85 per jersey and $100 per shorts to Camp Twin Lakes here: www.raam2013.org 

2. Send us an email and let us know what size you want to order (Male or Female cut too) here: powerpedalsandponytails@gmail.com  

3. Also, let us know how we can get it to you if we need to ship it!

4. For this round of jerseys, we will keep it open through July 1st!!

5. Look fantastic mid-August weeks while showing your support for our team and Camp Twin Lakes!

Meet the Crew: Will!

1. Introduce yourself! Who are you?

I am Coach Will Dillard. I have been Kacie's coach during her many adventures for the last 4+ years.

2. How did you get wrapped up in this RAAM adventure with Dani and Kacie?

Coached Kacie and followed her progress last year during her RAAM participation as part of an 8 person team and when she told me she wanted to do a 2 person team I said, "I've got to be there for this!!"

3. Which part of RAAM are you most looking forward to?

Probably the finish celebration, but I'm sure I will enjoy many aspects of the event.

4. Dani is a dog person, and Kacie is more of a lizard/snake/bird person. What kind of person are you?

I am particular intrigued by wolves.

So, this isn't a picture of Will, but I could not resist it.

5. How are you going to make a unicorn appear in Kansas?

Since Whaky Tobacky is legal in Colorado more likely to see a unicorn by breathing the Colorado air.

Well, that was unexpected!

6. What is your favorite kind of ice cream? (Kacie believes this tells you a lot about a person)

Ben & Jerry's New York Super Fudge Chunk

7. If you could fill a swimming pool with anything, what would you fill yours with?

Banana Pudding

8. What kind of music are you going to be putting on your RAAM playlist. Yes, you will be creating a RAAM playslist, might as well start thinking about it now.

Upbeat, pumping music. No RAP or Hip Hop.

9. Dani and Kacie are really counting on some glitter. At what point in the race do you think glitter will really come into play?

Probably across Kansas.

Oh, we know you will. Sorry, I had to take this picture back out.

10.  If you were abducted and taken to outer space, which planet would they take you to?

Venus, that's where the women are, correct?

11. If you could have any one super power (other than sprinkling awesomeness on people because you do that already) what would it be? 

Probably flying.

12.What is the longest you have been without a shower? Without brushing your teeth? 

Probably 2 weeks without a shower while on a climbing trip with my son. Have to brush my teeth every day.

 

Please feel free to add any thoughts/jokes/things everyone should know about you!

I once was made up to look like the Mummy (from the original movie with Boris Karloff). I was transported around to different locations in a coffin inside of a hearse to promote an all-night Halloween movie event at a local theater. My driver was a Mad Scientist and my side kick was Frankenstein.

We might need pictures of this.

Meet the Crew: Emily!

1. Introduce yourself! Who are you?

My name is Emily Beaulieu

2. How did you get wrapped up in this RAAM adventure with Dani and Kacie?

 Well Dani told me about this crazy adventure that her and Kacie though would be fun and asked me to join them in this adventure, and I accepted the challenge.

By the way, she is a bike mechanic. Could be important on RAAM!

3. Which part of RAAM are you most looking forward to?

The Rockies.

4. Dani is a dog person, and Kacie is more of a lizard/snake/bird person. What kind of person are you?

 I am a Dog person.

5. How are you going to make a unicorn appear in Kansas?

I don't think I can make a unicorn appear. Sorry Dani...

Say WHAAAT?!?!

6. What is your favorite kind of ice cream? (Kacie believes this tells you a lot about a person)

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough...duh

Yum.

7. If you could fill a swimming pool with anything, what would you fill yours with?

Mac n' Cheese

8. What kind of music are you going to be putting on your RAAM playlist. Yes, you will be creating a RAAM playslist, might as well start thinking about it now.

IDK yet...

We are looking forward to a picture like this!

9. Dani and Kacie are really counting on some glitter. At what point in the race do you think glitter will really come into play?

At the finish line

We are holding you to this.

10.  If you were abducted and taken to outer space, which planet would they take you to?

One in a different solar system.

11. If you could have any one super power (other than sprinkling awesomeness on people because you do that already) what would it be? 

Flying so I could avoid ATL traffic.

12.What is the longest you have been without a shower? Without brushing your teeth? 

7 days.  2 days. 

Meet the Crew: Beau!

1. Introduce yourself! Who are you?

My name is Beau Bearden.  Who are you is such a broad and unfair question you know.

2. How did you get wrapped up in this RAAM adventure with Dani and Kacie?   

Becoming a part of the crew came about in an odd way but it was meant to be I believe.  I was at group ride with Keith in January and as things were wrapping up he mentioned briefly something about crewing for PPP as we were talking.  I pretty much stopped Keith immediately and started asking him questions like when it was, how long it took, who else was crewing and telling him how cool I thought it was.  I have always enjoyed supporting friends in other races so it really struck a chord for me.  But I knew RAAM was way more than just supporting and cheering someone on.  When I couldn't get it out of my mind I called Keith and told him I really wanted to be a part of the crew and asked him to mention something to the Dani and Kacie.  After a couple more days of the idea consuming me I just reached out to Dani to let her know I really wanted to crew.  At that point we had some initial conversations and then Dani brought Kacie and Anne (Crew Chief) in on the conversation and it went from there. 

    

3. Which part of RAAM are you most looking forward to?  

Since I cannot wrap my mind around how someone can do something of this magnitude I am just looking forward to the entire experience and seeing things first hand.  I love endurance sports but RAAM is truly in a category all by itself so being a part of this is a once in a lifetime thing.  Just being there from start to finish and being able to witness Dani and Kacie cross the US on their bikes is going to be absolutely amazing. 

    

4. Dani is a dog person, and Kacie is more of a lizard/snake/bird person. What kind of person are you?  

I cheated and saw what Leslie wrote and I am for certain a unicorn person too!  Like in a really bad way.   But I do have a cat, Carter, who is really cool and sits like a human being. 

For real. This is his cat.

 

5. How are you going to make a unicorn appear in Kansas?  

Oh that cannot be revealed.  Top Secret! Sara and Klo got a preview at Ironman Texas but it’s going to be much better.  Or much worse depending on how you look at it.  At IMTX before I could get out of the car to cheer the athletes my friends would go speak to the nearest police officer to make sure they would not arrest me.  I did not get arrested but I was kicked out of a store when I went in to get something to drink.  Dani and Kacie will for sure think they are hallucinating.

I tried to get him to cough up a picture, but he would not acquiesce. 

6. What is your favorite kind of ice cream? (Kacie believes this tells you a lot about a person).

  Caramel, nuts, and vanilla.  You can throw chocolate in there but just a little.  I think it's called Turtle Tracks at the gas station but now I go to Stone Cold and just point at what I want.   Good stuff. 

7. If you could fill a swimming pool with anything, what would you fill yours with? 

  Coca-Cola.  I drink it non-stop.   Is there a 12-step program for this?  I need it. 

8. What kind of music are you going to be putting on your RAAM playlist. Yes, you will be creating a RAAM playslist, might as well start thinking about it now.  

  I am all about the mash ups that bring old school 70 & 80's together with new artists.  If it's a concert you will find me at the Kenny Chesney concert when he rolls though town.   Country is my roots being from Oklahoma but I am pretty sure the crew would kick me out of the car if I pull out Garth Brooks. 

Oh man, we heard some serious mash-ups on Heart of the South! 

9. Dani and Kacie are really counting on some glitter. At what point in the race do you think glitter will really come into play?  

When we had the crew retreat Dani mentioned something about glitter during RAAM and I actually wrote this down as a part of my notes because I thought it was such an odd request.  I have been thinking about this and have a couple ideas but nothing is set in stone.   I did go to Hobby Lobby and found all kinds of glitter for every type of use.  Who would have known?  Deciding how I will use it will have to come to me in a dream. 

10.  If you were abducted and taken to outer space, which planet would they take you to?  

Without question, Venus.  Thankfully you did not ask why. 

Is this why?

11. If you could have any one super power (other than sprinkling awesomeness on people because you do that already) what would it be?   

Not go #2 for 8 days 18 hours and 57 minutes.   

Ewwwwwwwww!!!

12.What is the longest you have been without a shower? Without brushing your teeth? 

  I have been on some long hiking/camping trips with little or no showers and brushing my teeth with my finger but I will say that has been a while. Most recent of course was HOTS 517 where I went 2.5 days without either.  It’s scary how bad we are going to smell.   So bad we are going to have to fart to make it smell good in the car. 

Please feel free to add any thoughts/jokes/things everyone should know about you! 

Competing in endurance races has been a big part of my life for many different reasons much like others who take on this crazy sport.   Part of it’s the challenge and part of it is how I feel when doing a race no matter how hard it is.  It’s really neat to be a part of such a great community and friends which lead me to be a part of Pedal, Power and Ponytails.   I know this experience and being a part of the team to help Dani & Kacie reach their goal will rank as one of the best experiences ever!  I can’t wait.  

Meet the Crew: George

1. Introduce yourself! Who are you?

My name is George Washington Darden IV.  I'm a professor at Georgia Gwinnett College and a triathlete. 

2. How did you get wrapped up in this RAAM adventure with Dani and Kacie?

I'm married to Kacie.  She has supported all of my endeavors in life--Ironman, Ph.D., etc.--and I am happy to have the chance to support her in this.  

3. Which part of RAAM are you most looking forward to?

It would be easy to say "the finish," and I am indeed looking forward to that.  That being said, I don't think that I know what the most meaningful and memorable thing will be.  I look forward to the positive experiences that I haven't even imagined.   

4. Dani is a dog person, and Kacie is more of a lizard/snake/bird person. What kind of person are you?

I used to thing dogs were okay before I became a cyclist and they started trying to knock me off my bike.  I've always been simultaneously fascinated and terrified by snakes.  I've kinda gotten into turtles lately.  My long-time favorite animal is the regal frog.        

Like this guy?

5. How are you going to make a unicorn appear in Kansas?

Unicorns are actually so common in Kansas that we'll be hard-pressed NOT to see a few.  Of course, we'll be surfing so fast on those tailwinds that we'll probably whiz right by.      

Ugh, that is not how I remember it.

6. What is your favorite kind of ice cream? (Kacie believes this tells you a lot about a person)

Van-Choc-Straw.

That's Neapolitan for everyone else.

7. If you could fill a swimming pool with anything, what would you fill yours with?

Key Lime Milkshake from Robert Is Here.  

Oh man, that is a good choice. Those are the best milkshakes in the entire world.

8. What kind of music are you going to be putting on your RAAM playlist? Yes, you will be creating a RAAM playslist, might as well start thinking about it now.

It will be a mix of pop and inspirational music.  There will be plenty of "inspirational pop" like "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Dreams" mixed with your standard Michael Jackson/Justin Timberlake fare.  Club music.  80s hits.  Nothing too deep, too emotional, or too thought-provoking.  My playlist will be distinguished by its lack of musical integrity.  

9. Dani and Kacie are really counting on some glitter. At what point in the race do you think glitter will really come into play?

At what point will glitter NOT come into play?

10.  If you were abducted and taken to outer space, which planet would they take you to?

Pluto.  Oh, wait, that's not a planet.  

11. If you could have any one super power (other than sprinkling awesomeness on people because you do that already) what would it be?

Flying.  I realize that it's trite, but that's it.  I also think it would be cool to breathe at all times--underwater, in space, etc.  I feel like there are certain things that a lot of people can actually do that feel "super" to me, and I would love to be able to do those, too: dance, swim, sing, play the piano, touch my toes, etc.   

12.What is the longest you have been without a shower? Without brushing your teeth?

I think that the longest that I've been without a shower is three days, but I'm totally guessing.  I don't actually remember a time in my life when I went without a shower for three days, but I'm betting that there was an occasion.  Same with brushing my teeth; I would guess that the longest is like 72 hours, but I really don't know.  I've never had a cavity, by the way.  I try to take advantage of any opportunity to tell people that.   

Thank you so much for all of your dedication to our team George!

Meet the Crew: Steve

1. Introduce yourself! Who are you?  

Steve

Steve and Jason (Dani's boyfriend, another crew member, and team gear guru)

 

2. How did you get wrapped up in this RAAM adventure with Dani and Kacie?

What is this RAAM you speak of, and why do you keep sending me emails?

Well, RAAM is a 3000 mile...umm...never mind--just get on that plane in June, ok?

3. Which part of RAAM are you most looking forward to?

What is RAAM?

Oh boy.
You are not fooling us. We know you have crewed before.

 

4. Dani is a dog person, and Kacie is more of a lizard/snake/bird person. What kind of person are you?

Currently, a living person, but eventually that will change.

5. How are you going to make a unicorn appear in Kansas?

 What kind of perverted question is that?

6. What is your favorite kind of ice cream? (Kacie believes this tells you a lot about a person)

I only eat ice cream after exchanging gunfire.  Then, I eat whatever I want.

We hope that you will have no frozen treats on RAAM.

7. If you could fill a swimming pool with anything, what would you fill yours with?

 Water.

8. What kind of music are you going to be putting on your RAAM playlist. Yes, you will be creating a RAAM playslist, might as well start thinking about it now.

The sound of silence.  Loud.  

9. Dani and Kacie are really counting on some glitter. At what point in the race do you think glitter will really come into play?

I have special poisonous purple ninja star glitter, too be used when people start complaining.

10.  If you were abducted and taken to outer space, which planet would they take you to? 

 I would politely decline to be abducted.  

11. If you could have any one super power (other than sprinkling awesomeness on people because you do that already) what would it be? 

I am already unkillable.  I need no other superpower.

12.What is the longest you have been without a shower? Without brushing your teeth? 

Twenty two plus days.  In Jordan.  In the summertime.  With no shade.  For real.  Also add no change of clothes, toilet paper, or shelter.

Oh wow--clearly this RAAM thing is going to be a breeze for you!

Thanks Steve! There is no doubt you will be a fantastic addition to our team! 

Meet the Crew: Leslie

Dani and Kacie are not the only ones crossing the country starting June 15th! They will be supported by 10 incredible people who have volunteered their time and energy to support the team! We would like our supporters to meet our crew. This will be a 10 part series of blog posts so that you can meet all of them before they leave!

Up first?

 Leslie!!

1. Introduce yourself! Who are you?  

Hi! My name is Leslie Shapiro, a few friends call me "Pinky" and I'm thrilled to be part of the insanity!

2. How did you get wrapped up in this RAAM adventure with Dani and Kacie?

Oddly enough, as a total stranger, Kacie offered to help crew for me at a 24-hour race years ago. We "met" on an women's cycling forum and have been following each other's adventure through the forum.  Last year, when there was a last-minute cancellation, Kacie invited me to join her on an 8-person RAAM team. Even odder, I agreed. When they were short a person or two for their crew this year (and after meeting and riding with Dani) I knew I wanted to help them reach their dream.

RAAM 2012

Everglades 2013

3. Which part of RAAM are you most looking forward to?

Crabcake Eggs Benedict at Chick and Ruth's Delly in Annapolis.

4. Dani is a dog person, and Kacie is more of a lizard/snake/bird person. What kind of person are you?

Dog, cat and unicorn.

5. How are you going to make a unicorn appear in Kansas?

Kansas? Not gonna happen.  Colorado... well... you'll see!

6. What is your favorite kind of ice cream? (Kacie believes this tells you a lot about a person)

Publix Chocolate Cookie Quarry Frozen Yogurt mixed with Coconut Road Fro-yo.  Try it.  You'll thank me. 

(After RAAM--we are all over this!)

7. If you could fill a swimming pool with anything, what would you fill yours with?

Nutella.  If it's a hot tub, then Sweet Tomatoes' Cream of Mushroom soup.

8. What kind of music are you going to be putting on your RAAM playlist. Yes, you will be creating a RAAM playslist, might as well start thinking about it now.

P!nk, Glee!  and any other artist with a !!! in their name.  

9. Dani and Kacie are really counting on some glitter. At what point in the race do you think glitter will really come into play?

Glitter must wait until West Virginia.  West Virginia is in dire need of glitter.  Trust me on this. 

Like this?

10.  If you were abducted and taken to outer space, which planet would they take you to?

Andromeda. Or Alpha Centauri.  I know, those are both stars, but I want to be in their orbits.

11. If you could have any one super power (other than sprinkling awesomeness on people because you do that already) what would it be? 

Flight.

12.What is the longest you have been without a shower? Without brushing your teeth? 

Backpacking through the Grand Canyon. 5 days. I couldn't stand to be near myself.  On the hike back out of the canyon, I knew we were almost there when people started to smell good. 

We might get the chance to break more than one record on this race!

Thank you so much Leslie! We are going to have quite the adventures together!