Back in action, Megan Melgaard wins the Georgia Games 3K Open Water Swim today, July 16, 2011.  Congrats to all who raced today!

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.
Harriet Tubman

ROAD CREW

Sara Rennie Heretick, Erin Heretick, Rick Heretick, Ellen Busbia, Chris Iglinski, Larry Watson, Bryan Clark

TRAVELING AND HOME BASE CREW

Linda Fabrizio, Michael Sternberg, John Schaffer, Jennifer Helgensen, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor

Megan loves her Starbuck's Coffee! Thank you Starbuck's for sponsoring the GCC! Isn't Megan ALWAYS smiling?!

Dear Prayer GCC Warriors:

Megan & Shelley first want to thank everyone for your faithfulness in praying for them over this past year along their journey.  We are now asking for your continued prayers throughout the rehabilitation process.  We specifically want to ask for prayers for Megan & her Orthopedic Doctor- for wisdom & guidance in evaluating her Achilles Tendon Injury & determining exactly what type of treatment & rehabilitation that Megan needs to heal & of course, get back on her bike.

God Bless the GCC Community!

GCC Update:

1. The GCC are so grateful that positive healing began happening immediately after they made the tough decision to stop this race attempt.  They want to thank you for your continued prayers- the GCC Traveling Crew have all returned back home safely.  And now that they are home, the rehabilitation process is already underway & the GCC are VERY OPTIMISTIC!
2. The GCC truly appreciate all of the support they have received for their decision & as many of you have said- This is only the beginning for Megan & Shelley because they will be unbelievably stronger for the next race.  We all know that ya’ll made a very WISE decision for your future because you are only going to CONTINUE TO INSPIRE OTHERS!
3. Megan & Shelley also want to give a HUGE SHOUT-OUT to Head RAAM Officials that came to the hospital to offer their support.

SO STAY TUNED TO FOLLOW THIS JOURNEY WITH THE GEORGIA CHAIN CHIX!!!  GOD JUST CONTINUES TO BLESS THEIR FAITHFULNESS ON THIS JOURNEY!

Megan & Shelley want to say THANK YOU to everyone who made this 2011 RAAM Attempt possible & believed in them!

WITH MUCH GRATITUDE & APPRECIATION, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT THROUGH YOUR TIME, PRAYERS, & CONTRIBUTIONS:

Paul Linck;   Laura and John Barnard;   Stephen and Jeff Fusford;   Karen and Don Ramon;   Joseph Mihalka;   Stephen Fusco;   Fran H;   Durand Wine;   Frank Fuerst; Gregg Palaian;   Eddie Ferguson;   Palmer Henson;   Andre de Grasse;   Mark Scully;   Spencer Brent;   Anne Grabowski;   Truman Gephardt;   John Rutledge;   Anonymous Anonymous;   Robert Glor;   Melissa Brandley;   Karen Jones;   Scott Whitney;   Helene Peters;   Jeff Robinson;   Mike Wien;   Jen (Campbell) Varnum;   Ann Schwartz;   Alan Ashby;   Sheila Howard;   Dana Greene;   Kim Kregloski;   Dana Haberling;   Nancy Meck;   Frank Bobo;   Nancy Robinson;   Katherine Penton;   Tomas Bardauskas;   Rishad Alikhan;   Haynes Bridge Middle School Staff;   Sue Rowe;   Lisa Drummond;   Monika Majors;   Brad Zimmer;   Kathrine Tan;   Linda Fabrizio;   Anna Ware;   Steve Pederson;   Michael Sternberg;   Ann Pate;   Debbe Meyers;   Sara Rennie Heretick;   Ann Moore, Ryan & Peter Pate & Staff;   Brian & Crew;   The Bernard Family;   Scott Mora & Team;   Ellen Busbia;   Health in Action;   Boudreaux’s Butt Paste;   Karen & Margie at Mercer Univ.;   Rick Heretick;   Erin Heretick;   Tony & Matt at Enterprise;   Jen Helgesen;   John Schaffer;   Judy at Deaf Atlanta;   Zach & Brittany;   Frank Sinatra & Elizabeth Taylor; Pete at Mad Alchemy;   Monika & John Majors

The GCC trained for the better part of one year for RAAM, the world’s toughest bike race. After months of intense, arduous training & expensive research on this ultra-cycling race, they started their race extremely strong and had every intention of achieving their goal of breaking the current record for a two-woman team.  They are absolutely devastated to report that they have had to stop their race due to an Acute Achilles Tendon Injury. After evaluation and advisement by emergency room physicians & staff, the GCC made the extremely difficult decision to stop their 2011 RAAM Attempt to avoid any potentially career-ending injuries.

Megan & Shelley would like to thank all of their sponsors & everyone who has supported them during this past year on their journey.  They truly appreciate all of the support & prayers that they have received from their family, friends, co-workers, students & others in the community.  They have been so touched by your generosity.  They would also like to say a special thank you to Larry Watson, GCC Medic, for his quick response in getting them the care & treatment that they needed.

Thank you & God bless, Megan & Shelley, Georgia Chain Chix

Current weather at TS 12 in Mexican Hat, Utah is Sunny & 82 degrees F.

You can track Megan & Shelley’s progress throughout the entire race by just clicking the link below that takes you right to the GCC page.  There is so much information that you can find here about Time Station locations & weather, including the GCC arrival times & average speeds.  They are doint great!!!

http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/raam/rcracer.php?s_N_Entry_ID=2705&s_N_Year_ID=34

Footage of the GCC Officially Crossing the Start Line as Michael Sternberg is cheering them on along with family.

GCC Crossing the RAAM Start Line

As Shelley mentioned right before the race started- there was just so much joy & conviction for her & Megan as they began this life-changing journey in an effort to help change the lives of women & adolescents. Ya’ll have already accomplished that goal!!!

Shelley & Megan would like to thank specific sponsors along their journey as they reach certain milestones.  Even in the midst of their extremely strenuous training regimen, the GCC both have so much humility & gratitude! This post will continue to be updated as the GCC reach those particular Time Stations.  It is very important to Megan & Shelley for each of you to know how much they appreciate your generosity & that you are in their thoughts along this amazing journey:

California Time Stations:  Paul Linck; Day 1 Time Stations: Karen & Ron Ramon; TS 1: Truman Gephardt; TS 2: John Rutledge; TS 3,4,5: Fran H.; Day 2 Time Stations: Joseph Mihalka; TS 6,7: Durand Wine, TS 8,9: Frank Fuerst; TS 9: Melissa Brandley; TS 10: Gregg Palaian; TS 11: Eddie Ferguson

It’s still early in the race & there are a few time stations left toward the end of the race to sponsor Megan & Shelley. Simply click on this link to donate.

http://georgiachainchix.com/blog/?page_id=40