FW: ViaSat Cycling: Bike to Work Day, ViaSat Cycling Team Clothing, RAAM Crew Positions Open
Chuck Pateros
From: THRIVE
Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2014 2:38 PM
Subject: ViaSat Cycling: Bike to Work Day, ViaSat Cycling Team Clothing, RAAM Crew Positions Open
This is the week to think about cycling!
· Carlsbad’s Bike to Work Day is this Friday, May 16
· The online store for ViaSat Cycling Team Clothing is open until next Monday, May 19 (includes running/fitness and triathlon items)
· Crew positions are still open for the bicycle Race Across America June 14-20 (open to employees, friends and family!)
Carlsbad Bike to Work Day
In keeping with the THRIVE program's efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle, ViaSat supports San Diego’s "Bike to Work Day 2014", which is coming up on Friday, May 16. This is a nation-wide celebration that takes place each year to promote cycling to work as a viable, sustainable transportation option. For many, the biggest hurdle is taking the leap to try it the first time. If you haven't ridden to work before, give it a try. If you already ride to work, make sure to ride in on the 16th to participate.
We would like to encourage all employees to consider biking to work on that day. You might find it to be a really good way to commute. We had a great turnout last year and would like to get even higher participation this year.
ViaSat Cycling Team Clothing
Due to popular request, high quality cycling and workout clothing with our Team ViaSat Exede 2014 design is available at Squadra’s on-line store: http://viasat.ridesquadra.com. The store will close on Monday May 19th. The orders will ship approximately 6 weeks after store closing. You will have the option at shipping to use will call (at Squadra in Carlsbad) or to ship your order to a specific address.
Race Across America Crew Opportunities
ViaSat Team Exede is training hard for the 2014 bicycle Race Across America! The race starts Saturday, June 14, 2014 in Oceanside, California and finishes 3000 miles later in Annapolis, Maryland. We have a team of 8 rookie RAAM riders, including two riders who have crewed for ViaSat in previous years. We have fielded 7 teams in the past, winning the corporate cup in 2011 and the race overall (setting a new course record) in 2012. We still have openings for our support crew. Crew positions are available for friends and family in addition to employees.
In terms of schedule, the person needs to be available from about June 12 to June 22 or later, depending on whether they want to fly back or help drive the bikes back. Also, there will be some time necessary to read the rules and otherwise prepare. They should expect to have transportation and shared hotel costs covered, plus a stipend for food. The crew drives in a vehicle with two riders and a driver who stay together all the way across the country. The vehicle is on shift for 5 hours and the riders relay back and forth however often they like (usually every 15 minutes) until their shift is over and they drive about 300 miles down the course and gets food, hotel, etc. At the start of the next shift, the follow crew member that rested with the vehicle transfers to the follow vehicle and one crew member transitions out to the retiring racer vehicle. A crew member can have a 20, 25, or 30 hour “day” depending on whether they are follow or rider vehicle crew, and whether we have 2 or 3 in the follow vehicle. We expect to take about 6 days to complete the race.
Here is an article about RAAM crewing: http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/raam/raam2.php?N_webcat_id=68
A Crew Member should be:
• A dedicated team player. They are committed to getting the Racers to the finish line. This includes working with other Crew members as a team. They have the ability to focus on the goal and put the priority on the Racers.
• Flexible. RAAM will twist any plans you might make. Everyone needs to be ready to change roles and respond to new plans immediately.
• Resourceful and Inventive. You will encounter situations you couldn't possibly have thought of. You will strive to continue down the road with whatever is available.
• Safety conscious and willing to follow rules to the letter.
• Someone with a sense of humor. Enough said.
Here is a Reader article that might give you more perspective: http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2011/dec/28/cover-team-viasat/
Please contact Mike Gray (Michae...@viasat.com) if you want to find out more about becoming a crew member.
ViaSat Team Exede 2014 at Team Barbeque in Carlsbad Courtyard
Front row, left to right, Matt Falkner, Mike Gray, Jim Derr
Back row, left to right, Aaron Sager, Pat Gillespie, Kim Kim, Chuck Pateros
Missing, David Pettit (Gilbert, AZ)