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Shaw officer competes in Race Across America Armed Forces Challenge Cup

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  • By 20th Medical Group
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --   A Shaw Airman travelled more than 3,000 miles on a bicycle and passed through 14 states in the Race Across America Armed Force Challenge Cup June 15-26.

Shaw 20th Medical Group Physical Therapy flight commander, Maj. Justin Martin, was one of Team 4Mil's riders for 2011.

Team 4Mil, an eight-person racing team, completed the 30th anniversary RAAM, in a time of five days, 12 hours and five minutes (22.6 mph). They won the 2011 Armed Forces Challenge Cup and finished second overall with the 6th fastest time ever. The team of eight racers and 21 crew members featured active-duty members from all branches of the military.

The team included several wounded veterans, who accounted for four Purple Heart Medals, and the team was successful in returning the Armed Forces Cup to the United States from the United Kingdom.

The team was proud to have successfully competed in the largest and most competitive field of racers ever assembled to compete in RAAM, according to Martin.

"Race Across America is one of the most respected and longest running endurance sports 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. One magazine calls the Race Across America 'The World's Toughest Race,' and now I know why," said Martin.

Starting in Oceanside, Calif., this year's route climbed over 110,000 feet on its way to the shores of the Chesapeake Bay in Annapolis, Md. The eight-person Team 4Mil raced nonstop 24 hours-a-day in two four-person shifts, with each shift riding for up to 12 hours.

Martin has been competing as a cyclist and triathlete for more than 20 years and has found RAAM to be his most taxing event to date.

"It's hard to explain how hard 10-15 maximal effort, 15 minute bouts per shift were. But, add in the progressive sleep deprivation (riders averaged 3 hours of sleep per day), the 50-plus mph night time descents down steep West Virginia mountains, 100-plus degree temperatures in Arizona then snow in Colorado, and it helps provide some perspective. I almost hate to say it, but RAAM made an Ironman triathlon feel short, like one of my average weekend workouts."

Several years ago, John Melia, founder of the Wounded Warrior Project suggested a bicycle ride across the country to raise money and awareness for injured soldiers. With this suggestion, Soldier Ride was born. Fourteen Soldier Rides now exist in 12 states and have made tremendous progress helping wounded veterans regain independence and physical fitness.

With Team 4Mil being primarily comprised of military members, RAAM was the perfect opportunity to help promote the Wounded Warrior Project and the many services it offers.
The pairing of WWP and Team 4Mil has also spawned a series of adaptive cycling clinics sponsored by members from each organization with the goal of fitting injured vets to various types of bikes and teaching them how to train properly.

Team 4Mil has opened the application process for racers and crew to join the team for the 2012 Race Across America event.

The 2012 race is scheduled to begin June 12, 2012 with the eight-person team competition starting on June 16.

"The 2012 team will have their work cut out for them if they are going to improve on our fundraising and racing success, but I'm sure they can do it," The 2011 Captain Jim Weinstein said.

Team 4Mil is an all volunteer, non-profit, comprised of accomplished cyclists and experienced crew members united in their passion for the sport of cycling, deep commitment to the U.S. Armed Forces and to our charitable benefactor, The Wounded Warrior Project, said Weinstein.

If you are interested in joining the team please contact Jim Weinstein at weinsteinjames@yahoo.com.