This morning, Team Xtreme4 put out the following statement to friends, supporters and the media.
TEAM XTREME4 URGES AMERICANS TO BIKE TO WORK DC-based team gearing up to race across the U.S. to promote carbon-friendly transportation choices
Washington, DC - May 14, 2008 - During national Bike-to-Work Week, Team Xtreme4, a team of elite cyclists competing in the 2008 Race Across America (RAAM), called on DC residents, supporters and friends to give up their cars and bike to work. In June, Team Xtreme4 plans to cross the country in six days of non-stop cycling to inspire others to use alternative modes of transportation. Supporters of Xtreme4 have already pledged to walk or ride almost 50,000 miles instead driving during the race week, reducing their carbon footprint by more than 24 tons.
"Biking to work is one of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint," said rider Patrick Serfass, "and it really adds up. In one week, our supporters are going to reduce their carbon consumption by more than the average American consumes in an entire year. Seeing this kind of impact inspires us to train harder in these last few weeks. At this point, we're ready to complete our two goals: win the race, and spread the word about carbon-friendly transportation alternatives. It's an exciting moment."
The Race Across America is an extreme multi-day, non-stop bike race from the West coast to the East coast. Known as "The World's Toughest Bike Race!" this annual competition started in 1982, and has recently gained national prominence. The 2008 RAAM start line is in Oceanside, California; the finish line is over 3,000 miles away in Annapolis, Maryland.
"We have many people signed up to go carbon-neutral the week that we're racing, which was one of our original goals," said Philip Schmidt, also a rider. "Many have pledged to leave their cars at home for the week, and others have chosen to offset their carbon output through our carbon credit sponsor, NativeEnergy. It shows that when you're doing something crazy, and perhaps inspirational, you're able to motivate others to make a difference too. We're just thankful that so many people and companies have taken a look at what we're doing and signed on. We can't wait to race and make them all proud."
The team has done multiple race simulation events, including one that lasted a full 24 hours. Starting in West Virginia, they rode 350 hilly miles in 20 hours all the way to Annapolis following the actual course they'll be racing in June.
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Team Xtreme4 is currently sponsored by:
· Carbon Management Council
· USAT Mid-Atlantic
· Native Energy
· Capitol Hill Bikes
· Fragers Hardware
· Infinit Nutrition
· Race Day Wheels
· Quozo Endurance Sport Coaching
· Spiuk|DPMSports.com
· Erin Baker's Wholesome Baked Goods
· Beljum Budder
· DC Triathlon Club
· Healing Hanz Alternative Therapy
· City Sports
· Results the Gym
· Kip Pierson Photography
· Ergomo
· Derma Hair Care: MediSpa
· SportsLegal Forms.com
: Spread the word via social networks and email.
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