Beginning June 20, 2015, members of the NF Endurance Race Across America team will embark on an extraordinary journey that will test their physical limits, mental resilience, and commitment to a cause. As competitors in Race Across America (RAAM), the team will endure 3,000 miles on their bicycles across the width of the North American Continent. The route takes them from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, crossing over two mountain ranges and climbing 105,000 feet.
The team will be supported by a 10-member crew riding in two vehicles and an RV. A crew member has many responsibilities and is constantly improvising, adjusting and adapting. Meet the members of the NF Endurance Race Across America crew:
Gillian Carpenter (Lake Dallas, TX)
Why are you crewing for the NFE Race Across America team?
To help spread the word and raise awareness for NF. Also, to support my sister, Angela Earle, as she is racing this year.
What are you most excited about during the ride?
To watch the team succeed and meet their goals. The excitement of reaching each of the time stations and the camaraderie of the team and crew throughout the race.
What are you looking forward to the least during the ride?
The constant sitting!!
Connie Oslica (Conway, AR)
Why are you crewing for the NFE Race Across America team?
For me, the challenges RAAM presents the crew and riders have a certain parallel to the lives our children with NF face. There are tall peaks, deep valleys, rolling hills and time on the plains. Children with NF face challenges everyday related to NF… some days they run the full gambit of highs and lows with a single doctors visit… They don’t have a choice, the kids and their parents must “pedal” through the peaks and valleys…. Why I do this… In hopes that one day we may be blessed with a cure so that folks with NF can spend a little time on the plains, with a nice tailwind, pedaling carefree down the path of life.
What are you most excited about during the ride?
On a recent training ride with Lesley we made a brief stop at a convenience store. A gentleman at the store asked us what we did for a living that enabled all that time to ride a bike. Lesley and I told him of our mission to fund research for the cure of NF and how we used our “off” time to train and prepare for RAAM…. Preparing for such a ride consumes more time and energy than one can imagine… what I’m most looking forward to is witnessing the recognition our supporters have of this effort through their donations and seeing these hard working ladies cross the finish line!
What are you looking forward to the least during the ride?
The Rocky Mountains… as crew our job will be to keep the team focused and moving forward. At times in the Rocky’s the physical challenge will be more than the body really wants… We must push the team through, it won’t be easy.
Ren Oslica (Conway, AR)
Why are you crewing for the NFE Race Across America team?
I want to help raise awareness, and help fund the research efforts to find a cure to end NF.
What are you most excited about during the ride?
I am really excited about the beautiful scenery we will encounter. I am most excited about helping the riders accomplish a goal they have worked unimaginably hard to train for, and to see the positive impact it will have on finding a cure for NF.
What are you looking forward to the least during the ride?
Sleep deprivation and the emotional toll it will take on the team as a whole.
Katie Holt (Conway, AR)
Why are you crewing for the NFE Race Across America team?
I am crewing in support of my Mom, Lesley Oslica. I have crewed in two other rides, one being my Dad’s, and have always wanted to see my mom thrive on her bike!
What are you most excited about during the ride?
I am the most excited to get the awareness out for neurofibromatosis! Seeing strong women riding their bicycles across the US for those that are affected. Not to mention this will be an interesting Mother/Daughter experience.
What are you looking forward to the least during the ride?
I will miss my 6 month old daughter most of all. However, I am definitely not looking forward to the amount of sleep I will get.
Christina Turnbough (Conway, AR)
Why are you crewing for the NFE Race Across America team?
I am crewing to support this team of 4 women to cross the United States in 8 days to bring awareness to everyone I can about this disease that affects children and more importantly their parents. As a parent of three healthy children, I just can’t even imagine what these parents go through daily and for the life of their child. Eight days does not even compare to what these parents endure day in and day out.
What are you most excited about during the ride?
Supporting my daughter and friends who are riding in this race and raising awareness for NF. There are so many people who I have talked with about this disease that are not aware of how this disease impacts these children and their families.
What are you looking forward to the least during the ride?
I am looking forward to seeing our riders cross the finish line and bringing awareness about NF.
I am dreading those mechanical problems that are bound to occur during this 8 day ride.
Cathie Leys (Valley View, TX)
Why are you crewing for the NFE Race Across America team?
My main reason is to help with NF awareness. Whether that means talking to media along the course, supporting the crew with logistics, making a burger or pickle run, driving or navigating while these crazy people ride, I will do whatever it takes to raise awareness.
Another reason is my daughter Angela is one of the riders and I believe that my being there will help to keep her motivated an encouraged. This is going to be an experience that she will remember for the rest of her life and I want to be a part of that with her and the team.
What are you most excited about during the ride?
Oh there are so many things to be excited about… The amount of media attention that CTF (and thus NF) will get before, during, after the ride. Helping the riders be the best that they can be, while dogging them to eat, hydrate, and sleep on command. Being part of one of the most difficult events on the planet. Spending time with part of my amazing, dedicated NF family. Watching the team cross that finish line will be really emotional.
What are you looking forward to the least during the ride?
Telling the ‘girls’ they have to eat even when they don’t want to. And, going down the mountains in the daytime and even worse at night. I DO NOT like heights or steep drop offs.
George Hathcock (Malvern, AR)
Why are you crewing for the NFE Race Across America team?
I am crewing to support the team, my wife and best friend Julie Hathcock in our support to end NF.
What are you most excited about during the ride?
I’m excited most about to opportunity to be a part of a great team for a great cause
What are you looking forward to the least during the ride?
I’m not looking forward to the sleep deprivation.
Zac Oslica (Bellevue, NE)
Why are you crewing for the NFE Race Across America team?
I am crewing to help my aunt who is a rider and also because my cousin is affected by NF.
What are you most excited about during the ride?
One of the things I’m looking forward to the most is getting to see some beautiful parts of the United States. Along with this, I’m looking forward to being part of this incredible team.
What are you looking forward to the least during the ride?
While on the other hand being cooped up in a car for several days might get to me!
Steven Kramer (Manchester, NH)
Why are you crewing for the NFE Race Across America team?
To support my daughter Angela (Rider), Kylie’s Team and CTF, and to bring more awareness and understanding of NF.
What are you most excited about during the ride?
Finishing!
What are you looking forward to the least during the ride?
The slow moving.
Leah Lanette Tilley (Conway, AR)
Why are you crewing for the NFE Race Across America team?
First and foremost, I’m crewing because of real lives…our NF Heroes…my NF Hero. I became actively involved with the Children’s Tumor Foundation of Arkansas over three years ago as a PR/Marketing volunteer, but this involvement didn’t turn into a true commitment to the cause until my life was completely changed by a little wonder woman with NF who is now eight years old. Princess Mavia stole my heart with her glowing smile, huge hugs, creative mind, insane memory, and endless love. I cannot make her tumors disappear; I cannot ease the day-to-day worries of her parents; I cannot personally donate thousands to fund research for the cure. I CAN and WILL go any distance to end NF for her and other NF Heroes like her though.
Second, I’m crewing because of our riders. Four remarkable women, whom I’m blessed to call friends, are going to the extreme for their passion in an event where less than 20% of participants are female. Two of these riders are mothers to NF Heroes and have committed their lives to ending NF. The other two riders participate year round in events with the NF Endurance Team. They inspire me on such a deep level. I’m honored to publicize their journey, create their graphics, make their sandwiches, and ruin my clothing with grease from their bikes.
Finally, as Maya Angelou best stated, “I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.”
What are you most excited about during the ride?
The experience.
What are you looking forward to the least during the ride?
The unknown.
Ed Oslica (Bellevue, NE)
Why are you crewing for the NFE Race Across America team?
It’s all about supporting and creating awareness for the NF family! I’m truly honored to be part of a team which represents the unwavering physical and mental endurance it takes to accomplish not only the goal of Racing Across America, but fighting to find a cure for NF.
What are you most excited about during the ride?
Meeting people across the country seeing sights I’ve yet to see and creating life long memories with my family and new found friends.
What are you looking forward to the least during the ride?
I can’t drive 55…you know how the song goes and losing my voice from screaming encouragement for 3000 miles.
