Team Hope - 2003 Challenge
Mississippi River Challenge for Rett Syndrome and Leukodystrophy, 2003
Guinness Record Setting Event for 2 different rare diseases!
*Team members are listed upon information and request. There are additional people who helped during the race who are not listed on this site primarily because the webmaster does not have the information or the person requested not to be listed. If you were involved, and would like to be listed, please contact the webmaster, we are happy to add you."
Team Hope Paddlers
Bob Bradford, MN, during the Mississippi Challenge for Rett Syndrome & Leukodystrophy, 2003, May 13, 2003, Camera used: Angie Phelps
Paddler: Bob Bradford
Bob was one of the two paddlers to race the entire Mississippi River during this Challenge!
Bob's family has been affected by Adrenoleukodystrophy, a rapidly degenerative form of Leukodystrophy
Bob has canoe raced competitively for 21 years prior to this event, with winning accomplishments than include completing 14 AuSable River canoe Marathons (120 mile course),12 General Clinton canoe races (70 mile course) and 5 La Classique International Canoe races in Quebec.
Bob and Al Widding, Sr. currently hold the senior's record time of 15 hours and 21 minutes for the 120 mile AuSable River Canoe Marathon (15 hours, 21 minutes). In 2002, Bob placed first over all in the Yukon quest canoe and kayak race of 460 miles with Bob Vincent of Canada. Bob reports the most exciting of all this 2002 racing season was when he raced with his oldest grand son David Phelps, including the AuSable River canoe marathon.
In May of 2001, Bob placed first with Verlen Kruger in the Great Mississippi Race for Rett Syndrome, completing the 2,348 mile ultra-marathon in 24 days, 17 hours and 51 minutes.
Bob was one of the two paddlers to race the entire Mississippi River during this Challenge!
Bob's family has been affected by Adrenoleukodystrophy, a rapidly degenerative form of Leukodystrophy
Bob has canoe raced competitively for 21 years prior to this event, with winning accomplishments than include completing 14 AuSable River canoe Marathons (120 mile course),12 General Clinton canoe races (70 mile course) and 5 La Classique International Canoe races in Quebec.
Bob and Al Widding, Sr. currently hold the senior's record time of 15 hours and 21 minutes for the 120 mile AuSable River Canoe Marathon (15 hours, 21 minutes). In 2002, Bob placed first over all in the Yukon quest canoe and kayak race of 460 miles with Bob Vincent of Canada. Bob reports the most exciting of all this 2002 racing season was when he raced with his oldest grand son David Phelps, including the AuSable River canoe marathon.
In May of 2001, Bob placed first with Verlen Kruger in the Great Mississippi Race for Rett Syndrome, completing the 2,348 mile ultra-marathon in 24 days, 17 hours and 51 minutes.
Clark Eid, MN, during the Mississippi Challenge for Rett Syndrome & Leukodystrophy, 2003, Camera used: Angie Phelps
Paddler: Clark Eid
Clark was one of two paddlers to race the entire Mississippi River during this Challenge!
Clark and his wife, Mary Potter, have two children, Amanda and Noah. Amanda has Rett Syndrome.
Clark was raised in the small Northwestern Minnesota town of Fertile, MN and canoed many local rivers in a Lund aluminum canoe. He also instructed canoeing at Boy Scout Camp Wilderness near Park Rapids, MN. Soon after earning his BS in Chemistry from the U. of MN, he and his life long friend Tony Swenson canoed to York Factory on Hudson's Bay via the Red River of the North and the "Middle Track". During graduate school at the U.C. Santa Cruz, Clark took up ocean kayaking and paddled along the California coast, in Baja Mexico, the Kingdom of Tonga, Fiji and New Zealand.
Clark is currently the Director of Project Management at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN, helping to coordinate the manufacture of Cellular and Gene Therapeutics.
In May of 2001, Clark and his wife, Mary Potter, organized The Great Mississippi River Race for Rett Syndrome, 2001, world's longest non-stop canoe/kayak race. Clark and Kurt Zimmermann were the paddlers for Team Double Helix that placed second, behind Team Kruger (Verlen Kruger and Bob Bradford). Clark is the only known person to race the Mississippi River in both canoe and kayak.
L to R Clark Eid, Bob Bradford, Justin Bradford, just after finishing the challenge! Justin is Bob's grandson. Camera Used: Bill Pullen
Verlen Kruger checks the race boat (a Kruger Canoe) during the MRC2003"
Race Advisor: Verlen Kruger
Verlen served as our chief, and only, Race Advisor for this challenge! He and his wife Jenny came to the first few days of the race to provide sound guidance and encouragement. His paddling wisdom was greatly appreciated during the entire event.
Verlen is the only known person to have raced the Mississippi River three times in a canoe; twice down-river and once up-river! Paddlers Verlen Kruger and Valerie Fons set the
1984 Guinness World Record for paddling the entire Mississippi River - 23 days, 10 hours, 20 minutes. In the Spring of 2001, Verlen Kruger and Bob placed first in the Great Mississippi Race for Rett Syndrome, completing the 2,348 miles in 24 days, 17 hours and 51 minutes.
Verlen Kruger (June 30, 1922 – August 2, 2004) was an internationally recognized canoe enthusiast who paddled over 100,000 mi (160,000 km) in his lifetime. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, this is all the more remarkable because he did not start until age 41. Of particular note are the 29,341 km (18,232 mi) Two Continent Canoe Expedition and the 45,130 km (28,040 mi) Ultimate Canoe Challenge, the longest canoe journey ever. More on Verlen….
Verlen served as our chief, and only, Race Advisor for this challenge! He and his wife Jenny came to the first few days of the race to provide sound guidance and encouragement. His paddling wisdom was greatly appreciated during the entire event.
Verlen is the only known person to have raced the Mississippi River three times in a canoe; twice down-river and once up-river! Paddlers Verlen Kruger and Valerie Fons set the
1984 Guinness World Record for paddling the entire Mississippi River - 23 days, 10 hours, 20 minutes. In the Spring of 2001, Verlen Kruger and Bob placed first in the Great Mississippi Race for Rett Syndrome, completing the 2,348 miles in 24 days, 17 hours and 51 minutes.
Verlen Kruger (June 30, 1922 – August 2, 2004) was an internationally recognized canoe enthusiast who paddled over 100,000 mi (160,000 km) in his lifetime. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, this is all the more remarkable because he did not start until age 41. Of particular note are the 29,341 km (18,232 mi) Two Continent Canoe Expedition and the 45,130 km (28,040 mi) Ultimate Canoe Challenge, the longest canoe journey ever. More on Verlen….
Cute Captain Stan in front of his truck and trailer during the Challenge.
Road Crew Captain: Stan Hanson
Stan Hanson was the Road Crew Captain duration this Challenge, providing leadership and planning that kept the team together to a successful finish. His keen sense of logistics and focus overcame obstacles that would have stopped any other attempt!
Stan Bio:
Stan is married to his very supportive and wonderful wife Dana. He's the proud dad to daughter Leisa in Missouri, and son Paul in Washington. Stan is retired from the USAF (air traffic controller) and civil service. Stan and Dana lived near St Louis where Dana worked as a paralegal during this event, but now both are retired and living in Florida.
Stan writes: My love for paddling began in the summer of 1963 when he was a teenager working for the Park Service in Teton National Park in Wyoming. My tent buddy and I split the $100 cost of a used 17-foot, two-person Folbot kayak made of dark green Naugahyde with a rigid wooden frame. We christened it "The River Rat".
Its maiden voyage was on the Snake River from below Jackson Lake dam to the park entrance at Moose, WY. We fly fished for trout, spied on moose grazing in backwaters and startled great herds of magnificent elk. That was when the embers of adventure began to glow brightly within me. Since then I've paddled in Kansas, the Ozarks in Missouri and Arkansas, South Carolina, Florida, North Carolina, Washington, Wyoming, Illinois, Minnesota, Alaska and Canada. I can honestly say my trip down the Yukon in the Spring of 2002 is the biggest adventure I had ever envisioned. Of course, it was more special to be able to share the experience with Jenny and Verlen Kruger.
My most memorable paddling experience actually took place in May 2001 when Team Kruger won the Great Mississippi River Race and I didn’t paddle a stroke! It was a special time for those of us that helped Bob Bradford and Verlen win this historic event. It was made even more special to help raise funds for and awareness of Rett Syndrome.
Stan Hanson was the Road Crew Captain duration this Challenge, providing leadership and planning that kept the team together to a successful finish. His keen sense of logistics and focus overcame obstacles that would have stopped any other attempt!
Stan Bio:
Stan is married to his very supportive and wonderful wife Dana. He's the proud dad to daughter Leisa in Missouri, and son Paul in Washington. Stan is retired from the USAF (air traffic controller) and civil service. Stan and Dana lived near St Louis where Dana worked as a paralegal during this event, but now both are retired and living in Florida.
Stan writes: My love for paddling began in the summer of 1963 when he was a teenager working for the Park Service in Teton National Park in Wyoming. My tent buddy and I split the $100 cost of a used 17-foot, two-person Folbot kayak made of dark green Naugahyde with a rigid wooden frame. We christened it "The River Rat".
Its maiden voyage was on the Snake River from below Jackson Lake dam to the park entrance at Moose, WY. We fly fished for trout, spied on moose grazing in backwaters and startled great herds of magnificent elk. That was when the embers of adventure began to glow brightly within me. Since then I've paddled in Kansas, the Ozarks in Missouri and Arkansas, South Carolina, Florida, North Carolina, Washington, Wyoming, Illinois, Minnesota, Alaska and Canada. I can honestly say my trip down the Yukon in the Spring of 2002 is the biggest adventure I had ever envisioned. Of course, it was more special to be able to share the experience with Jenny and Verlen Kruger.
My most memorable paddling experience actually took place in May 2001 when Team Kruger won the Great Mississippi River Race and I didn’t paddle a stroke! It was a special time for those of us that helped Bob Bradford and Verlen win this historic event. It was made even more special to help raise funds for and awareness of Rett Syndrome.
L to R Race Consultant Verlen Kruger, Captain Stan Hanson, David Phelps, early days of the challenge, May 2003
L to R Angie Phelps (Bob's daughter), Denise Bradford (Justin's mom and Bob's daughter in law), Janet Bradford (team cook and Bob's wife) at New Orleans stop to meet families on shore and feed the crew/paddlers.
Full Time Road Crew Member: Janet Bradford (wife of paddler Bob Bradford)
Janet Bradford served as one of several road crew members for the duration of this World Record Challenge! Janet's unwavering support and optimism helped to bond the team together during the toughest times. Her attention to keeping the paddles and road crew well cared for and fed was extraordinary!
Janet Bio:
In canoe racing, a road crew person is referred to as a bank runner. Janet has been Bob's bank runner for over 20 years. She has taken care of him in the General Clinton Canoe racein New York, the La Classique International in Quebec, Canada, the AuSable River Canoe Marathon in Michigan, and many others. In 2002, she crewed for Bob in the Yukon Quest Canoe Race. The Michigan Canoe Racing Association has presented her a Bank Runners Award!
Janet loves walking an average of 30 miles per week. She has completed four Detroit marathons and one Chicago marathon. Janet also likes to bike, canoe camp and do snow shoe races. She went the entire distance with the road crew.
Janet Bradford served as one of several road crew members for the duration of this World Record Challenge! Janet's unwavering support and optimism helped to bond the team together during the toughest times. Her attention to keeping the paddles and road crew well cared for and fed was extraordinary!
Janet Bio:
In canoe racing, a road crew person is referred to as a bank runner. Janet has been Bob's bank runner for over 20 years. She has taken care of him in the General Clinton Canoe racein New York, the La Classique International in Quebec, Canada, the AuSable River Canoe Marathon in Michigan, and many others. In 2002, she crewed for Bob in the Yukon Quest Canoe Race. The Michigan Canoe Racing Association has presented her a Bank Runners Award!
Janet loves walking an average of 30 miles per week. She has completed four Detroit marathons and one Chicago marathon. Janet also likes to bike, canoe camp and do snow shoe races. She went the entire distance with the road crew.
L to R Bill Pullen, Stan Hanson, Janet Bradford, Bob Bradford, Don Bradford, Clark Eid, Andrew Gribble Camera used: Don Bradford
Full Time Road Crew Member: Andrew Gribble
Andrew M. Gribble served as one of several road crew members for the duration of this World Record Challenge! Andrew diligently kept electronic communication with the outside world, finding power sources in even the remotest of areas! He also provided video and photography support to help capture the excitement of the race.
Andrew Bio:
Andrew M. Gribble grew up in Minneapolis, MN, and received his graduate degree in Communication Studies from Northern Illinois University. As a college professor and freelance multimedia developer, Andrew teaches about and produces digital products, such as online games and interactive learning modules. During the summer, he can be found paddling his kayak on the lakes and rivers of the upper Midwest.
Andrew M. Gribble served as one of several road crew members for the duration of this World Record Challenge! Andrew diligently kept electronic communication with the outside world, finding power sources in even the remotest of areas! He also provided video and photography support to help capture the excitement of the race.
Andrew Bio:
Andrew M. Gribble grew up in Minneapolis, MN, and received his graduate degree in Communication Studies from Northern Illinois University. As a college professor and freelance multimedia developer, Andrew teaches about and produces digital products, such as online games and interactive learning modules. During the summer, he can be found paddling his kayak on the lakes and rivers of the upper Midwest.
L to R, Bill Pullen, Captain Stan Hanson, Jon Young
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Full Time Road Crew Member: William Pullen
William Pullen served as one of several road/race crew members for the duration of this World Record Challenge! Bill was an enabler, finding successful solutions to a host of problems encountered by the team! His "can do" attitude was greatly appreciated! William Bio: Bill has been married for over 20 years to his lovely wife Jean. They live in Fenton Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis. Bill is a retired Police Officer from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Jean is a Project Engineer for Union Pacific Railroad. Although Bill and Jean have no children, they have raised a Champion Bouvier des Flandres named Argus who is their best buddy. Bill and Jean travel the world for adventurers and love doing things together.It doesn't take much encouragement to start them off on a new adventure! |
Bill said, "I was very pleased to be asked to participate in such an undertaking and am truly flattered to be part of this team. To attempt something of this nature, and in doing so increase awareness and support for the individuals and families of Rett Syndrome and Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), is truly an honor."
Right after they finished, on the Parrish boat. L to R, Captain Stan Hanson, Bill Pullen, Clark Eid, Bob Bradford, Janet Bradford, Andrew Gribble
Part Time Road Crew Members: Angie Phelps, Sons David and Jacob, and Daughter Jessie
Angie Phelps joined the road crew during this World Record Challenge at the start of the race on May 10th and stayed with the road crew for two more weeks! Her two sons (David and Jacob) and daughter (Jessie) joined her. Angie was always full of energy and helping the team run smoothly, never failing to step up to get things done.
Angie Phelps joined the road crew during this World Record Challenge at the start of the race on May 10th and stayed with the road crew for two more weeks! Her two sons (David and Jacob) and daughter (Jessie) joined her. Angie was always full of energy and helping the team run smoothly, never failing to step up to get things done.
Angie Phelp's daughter holding up a satellite phone to get better reception... and a set of river charts and maps (remember the olden days?)... in front of the Bradford Van. Guttenburg, Iowa
Part Time Road Crew Members: Angie Phelps, Sons David and Jacob, and Daughter Jessie
Angie Phelps joined the road crew during this World Record Challenge at the start of the race on May 10th and stayed with the road crew for two more weeks! Her two sons (David and Jacob) and daughter (Jessie) joined her. Angie was always full of energy and helping the team run smoothly, never failing to step up to get things done.
Angie Phelps joined the road crew during this World Record Challenge at the start of the race on May 10th and stayed with the road crew for two more weeks! Her two sons (David and Jacob) and daughter (Jessie) joined her. Angie was always full of energy and helping the team run smoothly, never failing to step up to get things done.
Jon Young and Bill Pullen somewhere between Baton Rouge and the finish line
Part Time Road Crew Member: Jon Young
Jon Young joined the road crew during this World Record Challenge near the St. Louis area around May 20th and helped to the end of the Challenge. Jon was always there to lend a hand and help make sure that things ran smoothly.
Jon Young joined the road crew during this World Record Challenge near the St. Louis area around May 20th and helped to the end of the Challenge. Jon was always there to lend a hand and help make sure that things ran smoothly.
Part Time Road Crew Help: Tammy & Bob Hanson
Tammy and Bob Hanson, and their children, joined in and helped the road crew during the first 4 or 5 days of the race.
Tammy and Bob Hanson, and their children, joined in and helped the road crew during the first 4 or 5 days of the race.
Tony Swenson, David Carrington, Verlen Kruger during the 2003 challenge
Part Time Road Crew Help:
Tony Swenson
Tony Swenson, from Blaine, MN grew up in Fertile, MN, and canoed with Clark on many adventures, including taking the Middle Track to York Factory on Hudson's Bay. Tony joined the road crew for the first few days of the race when he was really needed and later joined the team celebration in New Orleans at the end of the race.
Tony Swenson
Tony Swenson, from Blaine, MN grew up in Fertile, MN, and canoed with Clark on many adventures, including taking the Middle Track to York Factory on Hudson's Bay. Tony joined the road crew for the first few days of the race when he was really needed and later joined the team celebration in New Orleans at the end of the race.
 Clark Eid and Bob Bradford with Danita Baker and her daughters during the MRC2003 in northern MN
Additional Assistance:
Danita Baker, Rett mom - Met with and helped Team Hope during the first couple days of the event. Tammy Hanson, Rett mom - Tammy helped organize the MN Dinner in Bemidji, was at the start, organized a couple of coffees/meals for Team Hope during the first few days and very importantly helped Stan Hanson get back together with his truck and camper! Thanks Tammy, and special thanks to Rachel, her daughter who has Rett syndrome! Please see their website at www.rachelhanson.homestead.com |
Tammy and Bob Hanson, with their children. Rachel has rett syndrome.
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Additional Assistance From...
There are just too many people to mention, but I will try.... if I missed your name or picture please contact us and we will be happy to add you!
There are just too many people to mention, but I will try.... if I missed your name or picture please contact us and we will be happy to add you!
L to R, Lisa Evert, Chuck Evert, Bill Pulham, and the ever faithful Bradford van in the background, Diamond Bluff Landing Wisconsin May 15, 2003
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Parrish Boat after finish, Clark Eid, Desiree, Bob Bradford; ​Desiree Loeb-Guth - Road Crew Assist and house team night after record. (More Coming)Desiree Loeb-Guth - - Desiree is helping to organize the New Orleans celebration dinner in New Orleans, June 1. Desiree's daughter, Lisette, has Canavan Disease.
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Additional Assistance:
Don Bradford - Bob's brother. Came out during the race for a few days to help the team.
Don Keller - Road Crew assist and Parrish Boat
There were also many volunteers along the way the just pitched in and helped.... and many fellow canoeists who paddled with Bob and Clark during the event. Your enthusiasm and kindness were always appreciated.
Don Bradford - Bob's brother. Came out during the race for a few days to help the team.
Don Keller - Road Crew assist and Parrish Boat
There were also many volunteers along the way the just pitched in and helped.... and many fellow canoeists who paddled with Bob and Clark during the event. Your enthusiasm and kindness were always appreciated.
Kent Spading.
And more support/help from:
Helping from Home:
Kenton Spading
Kenton Bio:
Kenton Spading, P.E. - During the event, Kenton worked as a hydrologic engineer for the United States Army Corps of Engineers in St. Paul, MN. He was earlier on the road crew support team for Team Double Helix during the Great Mississippi River Race for Rett Syndrome, May 2001. He helped to coordinate the team's movements through the Corps' locks and dams during both events.
Kenton is a native of Minnesota. He met Clark Eid (paddler) while studying for his Civil Engineering degree at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (where they were college roommates).
Kenton is a volunteer researcher for The International Group For Historic Aircraft Recovery (TIGHAR). TIGHAR expeditions have taken him to New Foundland in search of the French aircraft "The White Bird" and to Fiji, Nikumaroro, Funafuti, Palmyra and Kanton Islands in the South Pacific in search of Amelia Earhart's airplane. He co-authored a book on Amelia Earhart titled "Amelia Earhart's Shoes: Is the Mystery Solved?".
Helping from Home:
Kenton Spading
Kenton Bio:
Kenton Spading, P.E. - During the event, Kenton worked as a hydrologic engineer for the United States Army Corps of Engineers in St. Paul, MN. He was earlier on the road crew support team for Team Double Helix during the Great Mississippi River Race for Rett Syndrome, May 2001. He helped to coordinate the team's movements through the Corps' locks and dams during both events.
Kenton is a native of Minnesota. He met Clark Eid (paddler) while studying for his Civil Engineering degree at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (where they were college roommates).
Kenton is a volunteer researcher for The International Group For Historic Aircraft Recovery (TIGHAR). TIGHAR expeditions have taken him to New Foundland in search of the French aircraft "The White Bird" and to Fiji, Nikumaroro, Funafuti, Palmyra and Kanton Islands in the South Pacific in search of Amelia Earhart's airplane. He co-authored a book on Amelia Earhart titled "Amelia Earhart's Shoes: Is the Mystery Solved?".
The Eid family at the headwaters of the Mississippi River during a summer vacation, July, 1999. Left to right, Clark Eid, Noah Eid (then 3), Amanda Eid (then 7) sitting in the chair, Mary Potter, standing behind Amanda.
Website
Webmaster - Mary Potter
Mary Potter - Mary serves as the main webmaster for this website and serves as one of many "off river" coordinators during the race. Mary Potter and Clark Eid provide the website and website updates as a public service to spread awareness of this race, Rett Syndrome, and genetic disorders that are considered Leukodystrophies. Mary has a BS in Computer Science from the University of Minnesota, Institute of Technology. She helped her husband, Clark Eid, coordinate the Great Mississippi River Race for Rett Syndrome, May 2001, and serves as webmaster for that website as well. Mary and her husband have two children, Amanda and Noah. Amanda has Rett Syndrome.
Webmaster - Mary Potter
Mary Potter - Mary serves as the main webmaster for this website and serves as one of many "off river" coordinators during the race. Mary Potter and Clark Eid provide the website and website updates as a public service to spread awareness of this race, Rett Syndrome, and genetic disorders that are considered Leukodystrophies. Mary has a BS in Computer Science from the University of Minnesota, Institute of Technology. She helped her husband, Clark Eid, coordinate the Great Mississippi River Race for Rett Syndrome, May 2001, and serves as webmaster for that website as well. Mary and her husband have two children, Amanda and Noah. Amanda has Rett Syndrome.
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Website - Written Updates - Dana Hanson - Backup Webmaster if needed during the event
Dana Hanson Dana Hanson - Dana will be writing daily updates from Captain Stan Hanson and the team and serves as one of many "off river" coordinators during the race. Dana will update us with daily "news" via email to everyone interested in daily written updates during the event. These updates will be added to our website. Dana Bio: Dana hails to be the other (but not necessarily better) half of Stan Hanson, Road Crew Captain for this event (see above). His bio above says it all. Almost.... He neglected to say (sin of all sins) that we have three wonderful granddaughters -- Hayden (Jan 1997) and twins Cameron & Devon (Nov 1999) -- who only add to the joy in our lives. After one bad experience at canoeing in my pre-marriage days, I vowed never to paddle again. But after a few years of marriage, Stan exposed me to the fun that can be had while paddling (such as fishing from a canoe, and the joy of releasing my hook from a tree, then a net, and finally my backpack). My love for canoeing only got greater when we obtained our SeaWinds. Thank you, Verlen, for introducing us to these magnificent vessels. The freedom to paddle efficiently on your own is exhilarating! I feel privileged to be part of this endeavor, even though I won't be with the road crew like I was two years ago. I'll just have to Stan convey for me -- "We Love You Bob & Clark!" Now won't that sound grand! |
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Website Assistance During the Event
Steve Dimse, of findu.com, and Andrew Gribble spearheaded an effort prior to the race that resulted in live, real time mapping and positioning information of the paddlers location to show online during the event itself. Mapblast provided the maps, Clark Eid (ham operator and paddler) purchased the APRS system needed to interface with findu.com, and Stan Hanson (Road crew captain) provided the GPS unit.
Website assistance during the event is also provided by the folks at blogger.com, for their nifty tool that will allow several team members to send live reports directly to the webpage during the event itself. Special thanks to all the folks who joined our blogger.
Steve Dimse, of findu.com, and Andrew Gribble spearheaded an effort prior to the race that resulted in live, real time mapping and positioning information of the paddlers location to show online during the event itself. Mapblast provided the maps, Clark Eid (ham operator and paddler) purchased the APRS system needed to interface with findu.com, and Stan Hanson (Road crew captain) provided the GPS unit.
Website assistance during the event is also provided by the folks at blogger.com, for their nifty tool that will allow several team members to send live reports directly to the webpage during the event itself. Special thanks to all the folks who joined our blogger.