The Who

Jere Ballard - (49) married, father of two. (Jere’s son, Josh will drive our support vehicle). Jere is employed as a Master Technician ... he keeps his company’s machines running and so, his job on the tour will be to keep our bikes running. Jere’s job is the constraining time factor; when his vacation days expire, we better be home. Jere has no touring experience, but a whole lot of cycling experience. Jere has back problems, arthritis, severe allergies, a finicky digestive system and works 3rd shift. Cycling actually makes him feel better and more tolerable to be around. Whenever Jere announces he doesn’t feel good, heaven help the pack as Jere picks up the pace in order to feel better. The more Jere hurts himself and others, the better he feels. He is a seasoned racer, having raced in over a hundred races locally and nationally, since starting cycling at age 30. Jere took 2008 off from racing, but he still trained hard, logging12,700 miles outdoors and 3,000 miles on his indoor trainer! Jere currently weighs about 150 and intends to get down to 140 by the start of the trip; lean & mean. Tim & Sam’s goal will be to reign Jere in and not let him race across America.
Tim Rohrbaugh - (56) married, father of two. Tim was fortunate to be able to retire three years ago, after working 30 years in the Information Technology field. Tim, a former runner, began cycling about 10 years ago after developing knee and ankle problems. Tim’s cycling intensity increased after his retirement and he was rewarded by winning two gold medals in the 2008 U.S. Transplant Olympics. Born with kidney disease, in 1993 Tim received a kidney transplant from his brother, after spending 8 weeks on dialysis. Not only did Tim capture the gold in the 5k time trial and the road race, his times were the best in all age divisions! Tim has the most touring experience, having completed a 4 day ride across Pennsylvania (395 miles) and riding the length of the Blue Ridge Parkway in 5 days (470 miles). In 2008, Tim logged 8,105 miles, almost double his previous best. Tim’s trip responsibilities will include sharing navigation duties, communication, and bridging the gap between Jere and Sam.
Sam Gates - (48), married, father of two. Sam is a 2nd generation attorney in a family owned, general practice law firm. Sam was a former USAF navigator, so his trip responsibilities will be logistics, weather and navigation. Sam is the least accomplished of the BRAG2009 team and the weakest link in the chain. Sam cycled a fair amount with Jere while in law school, but as his practice grew and daughters got more involved in sports, his riding took a hiatus and he lost touch with Jere. In his mid forties and with his daughters finished with college and sports, Sam started cycling again for exercise and as a stress releaser. Sam reconnected with Jere, met Tim along the way, and began cycling more and getting progressively stronger. Sam is the consummate Weekend Warrior, often hanging onto the back of the pack, after taking one or two obligatory pulls at the front. Not particularly concerned with total miles, Sam’s GPS, nonetheless, indicated he rode 4,300 miles in 2008,by far his best. Sam’s idea of racing is passing everybody he can on organized, charity rides. Jere and Tim let Sam join their cycling team, South Mountain Velo, only because he advertised on their jerseys. Or was it because they enjoy stomping on a lawyer? Sam currently weighs 200 and will probably weigh that for the start of the trip, figuring he’ll lose 20lbs through the Rockies. If Sam can get his mass through the Rockies, the boys can look forward to drafting off him on the wind swept plains.

The real reason Sam rides are for the end of ride treats ... http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd18/Hanovercyclers2007/?action=view&current=S6300152.jpg

Wounded Warrior Battalion

Each of us have our own reasons for riding a bicycle across the U.S. Cycling is both my exercise and therapy. My reason for riding across the U.S. is simple; I aways wanted to and I think it will be easier and more fun than training for and running a marathon. Although, I suspect there are a lot more people that have run a marathon than have ridden a bike across the U.S. Once the decision was made to do the ride, I figured the more people I told, the harder it would be not to do the trip. A lot of people's initial reaction was to ask if I was doing it to raise money for a charity or cause. I had no charitable intention or cause. But a cause became clear to me after the brother of one of my daughter's best friends was nearly killed in IRAQ in early 2008.

1st. Lt. David Borden, USMC was leading a patrol in IRAQ when his squad came under gunfire. One of Dave's squad members was killed. A wounded insurgent strapped with explosives detonated himself in close proximity to Dave and his other soldiers. Dave ultimately lost a leg and suffered other serious injuries. Dave's life hung in the balance for months. As I write this, Dave is undergoing further operations on his amputated leg. When the mountains get steep, the wind and weather miserable, I will have Lt. Borden as my inspiration and motivation, as nothing I will endure will compare to what he has and continues to endure. Therefore, in honor of Lt. Borden, my cause and purpose is to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Battalion East.

The mission of the Wounded Warrior Battalion East is to provide and facilitate assistance to wounded/injured/ill Marines, Sailors attached to or in support of Marine units, and their family members, throughout the phases of recovery. The battalion is responsible for tracking and non-medical case management for all seriously ill or injured Marines east of the Mississippi River to Lanstuhl, Germany.

Beginning January 1st through Memorial Day, 20% of my law office's initial office consultation fees, charged by me, will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Battalion, in honor of Lt. Borden. Anyone wishing to contribute may contact me at sam@gatesandgates.com.

Thank you Lt. Borden and all veterans for your sacrifice and service.