Dave Eldridge, Crew Chief
Home: Birmingham, AL

I am married, the father of two, the grandfather of five, and semi retired after spending 25 years primarily in residential mortgage banking. I am not a cyclist. However, my youngest son is a Type 1 diabetic and was a professional cyclist for six years. He is co-founder of Team Type 1, a cycling team comprised of riders who have Type 1 Diabetes. Team Type 1 was a dominant eight-person amateur team in RAAM from 2006 to 2010 prior to them launching a professional team that raced internationally. I served as a crew member for the 2006 and 2007 teams and as Crew Chief thereafter. Team Type 1 is the only team to be inducted into the RAAM Hall of Fame (2010). All other inductees have been solo racers.

I am honored to have been part of such successful RAAM teams and excited to be part of this extraordinary team of women. I can’t wait to support them in breaking barriers and records.

Dave is the most winning Crew Chief in RAAM history.

  • Crew Member, Team Type 1
    1st Place, 8-person division; 2nd overall divisions – 2006
    1st Place, 8-person division; 1st place over-all divisions – 2007
  • Crew Chief, Team Type 1
    2nd Place 8-person division; 2nd Place overall divisions – 2008
    1st Place 8-person division; 1st Place overall divisions; set a new RAAM time record for 8-person division – 2009
    1st Place 8-person division; 1st place overall divisions – 2010
  • Crew Chief, Team United 4 Health
    1st Place in 70–75 AG men’s 4-person division; set a new RAAM time record for 60–69 AG – 2012
  • Crew Chief, Team Riverside Cycling
    1st Place 8-person division; 2nd Place overall divisions – 2014

Marti Shea, Team Coach
Home: Marblehead, MA

Marti Shea attended Boston University on a full Cross Country /Track scholarship and received her BS from Boston University in 1985 and an MS in Education in 1986. Upon graduation she founded Select Fitness Inc., a personal training studio in Marblehead MA and has been training clients of all ages and fitness levels over the past 25 years.
Marti grew up playing numerous sports but in her junior year of high school began concentrating on running which led to many years of successful performances and accolades. In 1992, at the age of 29, Marti decided to retire from professional running to concentrate on her personal training career. A year later on a whim she qualified and then won the World Amateur Duathlon Championships in Ferrara Italy.

It would be 14 years later, at the age of 44, before she would compete in any competitive sports. Although she kept very active and fit during these years, it was the limitations of an osteoarthritic knee that convinced her to reinvent herself as an athlete. Marti traded in her running shoes for a bike and began taking part and winning hill climbs. Known foremost for her domination as a climber on the bike, Marti also excels at time trial events and stage racing.

  • 2013: UWCT World Time Trial Champion, UWCT World Road Champion (50-54 age group) Trento, Italy, New England Time Trial Champion, Bennington Stage Race Pro 1/2 1st Time Trial, Valley of the Sun Stage Race Pro 1/2 2nd General Classification, Valley of the Sun Stage Race Pro 1/2 2nd Time Trial
  • 2012: Killington Stage Race Pro 1/2 1st General Classification, Killington Stage Race Pro 1/2 1st Time Trial, Killington Stage Race Pro 1/2 1st Road Race, Bennington Stage Race Pro 1/2 1st General Classification, Bennington Stage Race Pro 1/2 1st Time Trial 1, Bennington Stage Race Pro 1/2 1st Road Race, Green Mountain Stage Race Pro 1/2 1st General Classification, Green Mountain Stage Race Pro 1/2 1st Time Trial, Green Mountain Stage Race Pro 1/2 2nd Road Race, Battenkill Pro 1/2 4th, Chrono Gatineau Time Trial (Canada) 12th, Elite USA National Time Trial (Georgia) 16th
  • 2011: UWCT World Champion Time Trial, UWCT World Champion Road (45-49 age group) Stravelot, Belgium, Winner Gran Fondo NY, Killington Stage Race Pro/Cat 1/2 6th GC, USA Elite Nationals Time Trial 25th
  • 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014: Female BUMPS Champion
  • 7 Time Female Winner Newton’s Revenge
  • 4 Time Mt Washington Female Winner
  • Female hillclimb current course record holder: Wachusett, Ascutney, Equinox, Burke, Allen Clark, Greylock, Okemo, Whiteface, Kearsarge Mountain
  • 2010: Green Mountain Stage Race Pro 1/2 11th GC, Everest Challenge Pro 1/2 2nd GC
  • Current Course Record Holder: Charlie Baker TT and ECV TT
  • Professional Running Highlights 1987-1993: Member Nike Track and Field Team (Boston, MA), 1988 Olympic Trials Track and Field 10,000m, 1988 USA Nationals 5000 meters 5th
  • Personal Best Track Times: 10k 33:03, 5k 16:21, 3k 9:18
  • Duathlon Highlight: 1995 Amateur World Champion Ferrara, Italy (Olympic Distance)
  • Road Racing Highlights: 1991 Charlotte Observer 10k 1st, 1991 New England Road TAC Championships 10k 1st, 1990 Fiesta Bowl 10k 1st
  • Collegiate Special Awards and Athletic Achievements: Boston University Hall of Fame, 1983 All American Div. 1 Cross Country, 1981,1982,1983 MVP Cross Country
  • High School Athletic Highlights: 1981 National Champion 3000m Outdoor Track, State Champion 3200m Outdoor Track, 1981 New England TAC Cross Country Champion, 1981 TAC Nationals Cross Country 9th
Beth Wald
Beth WaldDirector of Public Affairs and Partnerships
I am an avid runner, cyclist and hiker and overall fitness enthusiast. I’ve run the Boston Marathon, cycled 3500 miles from Portland, OR to Flagstaff, AZ and climbed all 48 of New Hampshire’s peaks over 4000 feet. I met Trish in 2009 and we immediately clicked. Before I knew it, I was the Ride Director for her 1500 mile Mother’s Day Ride from Atlanta to Boston. I have worked in the fitness industry as an owner, general manager and consultant for more than 15 years and have spent more than 20 years helping non-profits find top talent to fill leadership positions. My pride and joy are Jake, my adventurous, outdoorsy college sophomore, and John, my husband of close to 25 years.

WHY? When Trish emailed that she had put this team of women athletes together to conquer RAAM, I couldn’t help but be inspired. Having partnered with Trish before, I knew joining the crew would be a once in a lifetime adventure.

Karen Scheerer
Karen ScheererNutrition
I am married with 3 children and 7 grandchildren and live in Ohio. I have crewed for RAAM four times with Dave Eldridge and there is no comparable experience. RAAM brings together racers from all over the country who want to race in one of the toughest bike races in the world and their crew who will do everything in their power to make it happen. It is an action packed adventure.

WHY? I love the excitement and camaraderie. I have seen the worst and the best of myself. I’ve proven to myself that I am stronger than I realized. Walking away from each RAAM, I have the most respect and deep friendships with racers and fellow crew members – people I would never have had the opportunity to meet otherwise. No race is ever predictable, it is a test of one’s ability to start in Oceanside with a “race plan” and be adaptable to change that plan many many times until you reach Annapolis. It is a commitment to do whatever it takes to get this team safely across this country with a winning time. RAAM is a roller coaster of emotions from exhaustion to exhilaration and in the end it will be one of those experiences you will never forget and oddly enough, it will make you want to do it again (after you get some much needed rest).

Phil Bellini
Phil BelliniTeam Mechanic
Phil is a Senior Mechanic at Riverside Cycles in Newburyport, MA. He has always had a passion for cycling and 4 years ago, decided to make a career of it. Every fall you will find him at that weekend’s NECX race, bright and early for his race, then providing mechanical support and pit support for the rest of his team. He takes his work very seriously but is a real class act – he’ll find a way to make even the most ornery customer smile or in some instances laugh. In 2015 he was chosen to be the Chief Mechanic for the Riverside RAAMs 8 person team and helped them to beat their goal with no mechanical issues and only 1 flat!

WHY? Phil is looking forward to helping Team Brigham Health crush their goal in 2017, with some laughs and great experiences along the way. After having experienced RAAM a couple of years ago, he’s been itching for another run at it. He feels he can provide the team with any and all help they will need, and is confident he is wrenching for a winning team!

Buzz Gamble
Buzz GambleCrew
Living in Maine has provided me with many opportunities to pursue my interests in long distance bicycle touring, nordic skiing, camping, kayaking and canoeing. My wife and daughters shared these interests, and I am now lucky enough to be able to introduce these activities to my young grandchildren.

My career included five years active duty in the U. S. Army. After graduate school I spent thirty years directing residential camping, environmental studies and adventure programs. Following retirement, my wife and I have become off-season Hut Masters for the Maine Huts and Trails and continued to pursue multiple interests in the out-of-doors, along with taking self-contained bike-packing trips.

WHY? As a lifelong educator and advocate for outdoor pursuits I am attracted to opportunities that encourage people to challenge themselves in the out-of-doors. Setting and achieving goals requires commitment and support, and I look forward to providing assistance in reaching those objectives.

Tom Gray
Tom GrayCrew
I am 65 years old and my wife Paula and I have two adult sons. Tim lives in New Orleans and Patrick lives in Columbus, OH, although he’s currently deployed in the Middle East with the Army National Guard. Paula and I are both Ohio natives but we’ve lived in Vermont since 1981. I graduated from Ohio State University with a computer science degree and I still have a full time job as a software developer. I enjoy several outdoor activities, including (depending on the season) walking, hiking, running, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating, but my favorite activity is bicycling. And my favorite annual vacation is a fully supported week long bike tour that involves riding 50-60 miles per day and then tent camping at a school or park.

WHY? My first thought about participating in RAAM was that it would be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that would generate lots of stories to tell family and friends. But as I’ve learned more about the team and its goals I’m even more excited about working with the team to get our four cyclists safely across the country and setting some records along the way.

Peter Hoffman
Peter HoffmanSupply Van Driver
Two years ago I retired after twenty years as a college biology professor in Baltimore, MD in order to move to live with my wife, a cancer researcher. While my career was tremendously rewarding it was time for new adventures. Since then, my wife and I have undertaken the updating of an historic house in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia PA, and pursued our hobbies of cycle touring and skiing.

WHY? As a high school and college athlete, I enjoyed the preparation, challenge, and teamwork of sports. As an older adult, I have found similar satisfaction in self-contained bicycle touring. Being a member of a RAAM team holds the promise of the same challenge and satisfaction. I am really excited to be a part of this event.

Ana M. Perez-Lugones
Ana M. Perez-LugonesCrew
Ana is an experienced Certified MLD/CDT therapist treating lymphedema patients since 1994. She received her training and certification for MLD/CDT from the Academy of Lymphatic Studies in Miami, FL. in 1994. Ana honed her skills initially working with MLD patients at Mercy Hospital in Miami, FL. Then in 1997, she went on to work for Lerner Lymphedema Services and worked directly with Dr. Robert Lerner, one of the foremost authorities on treating lymphedema in the United States.

After leaving Lerner Lymphedema Services, Ana worked treating lymphedema patients in a variety of clinics including Advanced Wound Recovery of Boston where she applied her knowledge of lymphedema treatment methods to assist with the recovery of wound patients with swelling complications.

In 2009, Ana began working as a Lymphedema Specialist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Chestnut Hill, MA. There, she established the procedures for the lymphedema program as well as developing an at home program for patients post-treatment. Utilizing her experience as a massage therapist, Ana has been incorporating a variety of massage techniques to treat with patients who have soft tissue injuries. This has proved to be very effective in the overall recovery of patients.

In addition, Ana served as the Team Massage Therapist for the Boston Breakers, a professional women’s soccer team in the NWSL from 2010 to 2015.

WHY? Because I can (initial response)… but having worked with Trish and hearing her accomplish her Mt. Washington dream, didn’t want to miss another chase. I figured this would be a chance to see her and the other cyclists complete a major event like the RAAM ride. Keep them and everyone healthy.

Mary May
Mary MayCrew
I am a teaching chef and an instructor in Ayurvedic wellness who helps people learn to feed their bodies well and find balance to be their best selves.
I am mother to 3 adult children, grandmother to 2 little girls and wife of 40 years to Ken. I’ve been privileged to live with my family in the gateway cities of New York, Sydney, Santo Domingo, Mexico City, Madrid, Dallas, Orlando and Miami. Embracing change, being adaptable and open to all possibilities has been a major part of my life and continues to be since relocating to Bozeman. Mt.
4 years ago.

WHY? When I was in high school there were no team sports for girls. All sports were played in gym class only. To see the opportunities for women now and more closely the accomplishments of our RAAM team riders is a validation of the skill, determination, and courageous action that women bring to the world.
To be aligned in helping these intrepid women reach their goal through remarkable athleticism, teamwork, perseverance and grit is an inspiring challenge that I’m honored to be part of. Supporting these women, supports all women.

Don 'Mick' Meisel
Don 'Mick' MeiselCrew
Mick is a geographer, educator and city planner who currently has his own non-profit consulting practice. He grew up in New Jersey, moved to North Carolina for 20 years and returned to the Garden State in 1993. He played football, basketball and baseball growing up but switched to bowling for both St. Andrews College and Appalachian State University. He began bicycling after quitting smoking in his late 40’s and discovered bike touring. He has logged many miles in Upstate New York, primarily the Finger Lakes and High Peaks and has volunteered on organized rides in New England, Nova Scotia and New Mexico. For the past several years, he has been an avid tennis player—a game he learned as a child but didn’t play for 30 years. He has served as an Executive Director to several small non profit agencies throughout his professional career.

WHY? Tom and Paula Gray are friends he met bike touring in 2005. When Tom suggested Mick join RAAM as a support team member, there was no hesitation. “I’ve met 100’s of people on bike tours as a volunteer and made lasting friendships as a result. I sense the same opportunity with RAAM”.

Barbara Phinney
Barbara PhinneyCrew
I have been retired for more years than I care to admit. I was a TWA flight attendant for 13 years and worked for two flight attendant unions as a rep and charter organizing member. I was an EMT and currently hold a massage therapy license in MA. I seem to be a perennial volunteer on all kinds of causes – church, environment, and politics (ugh…). I have been married for 42 years and have 3 grown children.

After 28 years in Milton, MA (and friends with Trish), we relocated to Bozeman, MT where our daughter and her family live. It is a great town for a lot of reasons. It is possible to hike, bike, ski and fish, sometimes, all in the same week! We also spend time in Randolph, NH in the White Mountains where we are active in the local 100 year old mountain club.

WHY? I’m very excited to be a crew member for the Brigham Health RAAM Team. It took me about 30 seconds to say yes! I love any opportunity to travel (years ago, when we were all a lot younger, we lived in Asia for seven years). I am volunteering to support my wonderful friend Trish Karter in her endeavor to race across America. I look forward to joining the 15 crew members for a big adventure and a big win! Lastly, we end in Maryland where my 2 grandsons live. As their father/my son has just been deployed to the Middle East, I relish any opportunity to see the boys.

Jeff Richardson
Jeff RichardsonCrew
I am a husband, father of 4, educator, part-time handy man, sailor, crossfitter, traveller and I love a good adventure. My kids range from 9 to 16 and my oldest son Turner is participating with me as part of the crew for this team. I have spent a majority of my life in Birmingham, Alabama and love it here. I have a career in education which began with me teaching 8th graders about history and for the last 10 years I have served as an instructional technology coach for 2 middle schools where I coach teachers. I also moonlight as a handyman, helping folks with those odd-jobs that no one else wants to do. When I am not working, I love being outside, exploring God’s creation and making memories with my family. I am very active and although I no longer consider myself a cyclist, I spent a majority of my life turning pedals. I started riding bikes just like every kid but around age 12, a friend introduced me to skinny tire’d bikes with gears. Well, I got hooked and continued to ride on the road until my mid 30’s, doing countless centuries, local road races and community rides. And then about 5 years ago, I discovered Crossfit and began a new chapter of physical and mental challenges in my life. It’s very different from cycling but it gives me the challenge I need almost every day and keeps me feeling alive and healthy. And although I don’t ride bikes on the road anymore, I do teach a weekly spin class at our local rec center. My family loves to camp and also shares my love of travelling and being outdoors. Last summer we did a full-on road trip, Clark Griswold style. We loaded up the minivan, visited 19 National Parks, 17 states, camped along the way and did it in just 15 days. So something like RAAM is right up my alley!

WHY? I crewed for a RAAM team (Team Type 1) back in 2010 with Dave Eldridge and Karen Scheerer and loved every single minute of it. It’s such a unique experience and offers opportunities that can’t be experienced any other way. From late night transitions in parking lots to some of the most amazing sunrises I have ever seen, crewing a RAAM has always been something I considered a once-in-a-lifetime adventure so how could I say “NO” to another chance to do it again? And what makes this RAAM opportunity even more special for me is that my 16 year old son is joining the crew as well. I believe this will be a great learning and life experience for him as well a great chance for us to work together-father and son-and help this team succeed. There are many challenges and some not-so-fun obstacles that go along with a RAAM, but the rewards and overall experience outweigh them all. I can’t wait to get to San Diego in June!

Turner Richardson
Turner RichardsonCrew
I am from Birmingham, Alabama and I am crewing alongside my dad Jeff. I am a son, a brother, and a soon-to-be senior at Calera High School. I am 17, I have 1 brother, 1 sister, and more pets than I care to count. I am a member of the LGBTQ community. I am currently employed by Little Caesars as a cashier. I am enrolled in the AP/Pre-AP (Honors) program, a member of the Debate team, a part of FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) and Spanish club. Also, I am a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society), and the National Forensic League (Debate Honor Society). During the academic year, I am rather preoccupied with either work or another one of my extracurriculars. During the summer I am a volunteer summer camp counselor at a Methodist church camp located in North Alabama where I work with children aging anywhere from 4 to 10.

After I complete high-school I would like to attend the University of South Alabama to pursue a bachelors in meteorology and go to work for the National Weather Service, or enroll in their pre-law program for my undergraduate and finish my graduate degree at the University of Alabama, Birmingham.

WHY? My father crewed for a RAAM team – Team Type 1 – in 2010 which was put together by Dave Eldridge and Karen Scheerer, and he seemed to enjoy it immensely. So when he offered me the chance to tag along this year, I jumped at the opportunity because I thought it might be a wonderful experience for us to enjoy together.

In conclusion I am happy to say that I can’t wait to meet all of my fellow crew members and cyclists that I will be working alongside during this wonderful adventure and great learning experience. Needless to say, I can’t wait!

Carolyn Piper
Carolyn PiperCrew
About three years ago I came to the conclusion that I needed a career that would allow for a greater work life balance. It was scary and exciting at the same time. Over the last three years it has proven that it was the right decision to make. It has provided the work/life balance that I was looking for, allowing me the time to get back to what I enjoy such as hiking, camping, triathlon, and spending a little more time with my nieces and nephews.

I am a Senior Financial Analyst for Ocean Spray Cranberries supporting International Operations. I have a Master’s Degree in Accounting with a Concentration in Business Advisory Services from the University of Baltimore and a BS in Accounting and Management from Castleton University.

WHY? I have always been drawn toward challenges. They allow me to test my belief that there are no boundaries; anything is possible with a plan and a desire to achieve. As for RAAM I have seen a few documentaries and I was immediately drawn to the challenge of it. The idea of supporting a group of individuals to accomplish a goal that they worked years toward I find exciting and am looking forward to experiencing this adventure.

Dreux Beirne
Dreux BeirneCrew
A husband and father who is a native of CT and resides in Guilford, CT. While not working as a sales professional, I’m busy staying fit and enjoy the outdoors. Depending on the time it of the year, my interests include bicycle riding, running, skiing, hiking, swimming and just being outside.

Wrenching on bikes has always been an interest – from maintaining the ever growing fleet of bikes in the garage to restoring old Schwinn steel tanks.

With 10 plus marathons, ultra runs and several Ironmans completed, I discovered I enjoy being outside doing long events and testing the limits. I’ve recently completed the TransAmerica bicycle ride and discovered bike touring as a great form of adventure.

WHY? I remember following RAAM in the early days when John Marino created the event and thinking how I would like be part of that event some day. Fast forward 35 years and I’m now part of RAAM. This is an opportunity to take part of a great adventure while contributing to Team Brigham Health. This has all the right ingredients: being around bicycles, being outdoors, everyone pushing their limits, and contributing to a team making history.