Race Across the West

I was on the Army Cycling team in 1987 and 1988; I am still riding and competing. Somethings are the same and yet very different. While at the Academy, I would feel a “rush of freedom” every time I exited he post gate. Today, I still get that great feeling; albeit different. I feel liberated and free every time I crest a hill climb and have the opportunity to the magnificent view below. I also still think I can ride anywhere. What is different is how I think about a ride. While at the academy, I thought a ride across the Bear Mountain bridge up to the Newburgh Beacon bridge and back to the academy was a long endurance ride. Now, I call it a training ride.

Next month I am racing in a 375 mile ultra-distance cycling event, Texas Hill Country 600 http://www.raceacrossoregon.com/hillcountry This Race is a Race Across America, RAAM qualifier event. If conditions are favorable, my personal goal is to complete the distance in under 24 hours.

In addition, this summer I am scheduled to “Race Across the West.” This race is the first 1/3 or RAAM and includes a major portion of the mountain climbing. To date, this race has proven to be as challenging as RAAM based upon the fact that there have been only two official solo finishers in the past two years. http://www.raceacrossthewest.org

While competition is my primary reason for racing, extending awareness to a charity is also on my list of goals. The Charity that I am supporting is providing college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in combat or training.

The Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation is an organization that provides assistance to the children of our great solders who are unable to see their children go on to college. If you go to the site, you will see a video that explains what the charity is doing and may even bring tears to your eyes. For all of us who know the families of people who have died while in service, it is easy to recognize the value this charity provides. See More

Nearly undocumented, you will find that the charity founder is a grad as are some of the board members. Additionally, the board members cover the administrative overhead and 100% of the contributions are used by the children.

Please pass this information to the cycling team, as well as anyone who can benefit or support the charity. I will be providing more information as these events get closer.

Thank you,
Thomas Lavallee
USMA 1988