George Thomas and Candace Koska Join the RAAM Team GEORGE THOMAS began ultra-endurance racing in 1984 and, after 25 years of racing, he has started and finished RAAM 6 times in different divisions. In 1993 he placed 1st in the 4-person men's team division, in 1994 5th in the 4-person men's team, 1995 8th in the solo division, 2000 and 2002 mixed tandem, 2004 1st place and a RAAM record in the 2-person mixed team division. George has numerous top 3 placings in solo, tandem and relay divisions of multiple RAAM Qualifier and 24-hour races. A resident of Hood River, Oregon, George has overcome substantial health challenges to continue riding in long distance races such as Race Across America. George wanted to challenge himself physically and emotionally after a car accident left him with life-threatening seizures.

When he is not on his bike or working at Providence Healthcare, George travels the U.S. speaking to various organizations. In 2002, he published "Going the Distance", co-authored with Team VeloWEAR media person and Corvallis Gazette-Times sports editor, Jeff Welsch. The book chronicles George’s successful

1995 solo RAAM. Going the Distance, one of our most popular books, can be purchased through the RAAM Store. [insert link] With Terri Gooch, wife and business partners, George directs numerous races and cycling events, including the Race Across Oregon, Hill Country 600, Ring of Fire and Deschutes River Valley Time Trial. If you were fortunate enough to be at this year’s RAAM, we’re sure you saw George – he was everywhere. George and Tom Letsinger (Team RAO) finished 1st in the Race Across the West (RAW), establishing the 2-person men's team and overall records. After a quick rest in Taos, George and Sandy Whittlesey, his RAW crew chief and UMCA RQ Chair, served as RAAM officials from Taos to Annapolis, and finished up by MC’ing the RAAM finish line banquets. George will be working with us on our Seminars, as well as our new Ultra-Endurance Cycling Camp. And, of course, he’ll be everywhere again at the 2010 Race. Back in the Columbia River Gorge, George promotes an active and healthy lifestyle for all. For more information on Race Across Oregon, as well as George’s other events, visit: www.raceacrossoregon.com

CANDACE KOSKA has been in and around sports for most of her life. You may remember Candace as a member of the Media Crew during this year’s Race. She joins us now to help develop the Race Across the West (RAW). She will be involved in recruiting racers, sales and marketing, logistics, planning, finish line community and business and race management. Originally from Southern California, Candace called Hawaii, Minnesota and New Jersey home before finding her way to Colorado. A life-long athlete, she has competed in elite level gymnastics through college and now enjoys participating in cycling, triathlon and running events across the country. Candace has completed 11 (soon to be 12) marathons and 4 Ironman triathlons. The first thing Candace did after returning home from this year’s RAAM was ride back-to-back double centuries. That’s passion – we love it! Candace brings over 15 years of experience in business development, sales and marketing and project management to RAAM. She most recently served as Vice President of Marketing and Communication for Freedom2, Inc., a development stage biotech company. Her experience also includes several years of sales and marketing experience in the fitness and sports industries including working with The Wellbridge Company, UCLA Football and the Jeep Eagle Aloha Bowl. Candace completed an extensive executive management program at UCLA’s Anderson School of Business and is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara and Villanova University. She is also a certified Project Management Professional. Candace’s excitement about RAW and RAAM is clearly evident and she looks forward to being an integral member of the RAAM family. George and Candace both bring that rare combination of personality and experience to the RAAM Team. People love to be around these two. The passion and excitement are contagious. Welcome aboard!