Have you heard of the Race Across America (RAAM) – the world’s toughest bicycle race?  It is one of the world’s longest running sporting events lasting from June 16th to June 21st-25th beginning in Oceanside, California and ending in Annapolis, Maryland – that’s a long bike ride!

Now that you have a rough idea of what RAAM is I am very excited to tell you about one of the teams racing this year – since I am from Ohio this is even more exciting for me!  That team is the Ohio Cycleworks Bike Team which is being sponsored by FedEx Custom Critical.

One of the team member’s, Scott Garchar, has worked with FedEx Custom Critical for more than a decade. FedEx Custom Critical specializes in the transport of high-value, time-critical freight, and they use devices like SenseAware for customers whose shipments require temperature-control, special care in handling, or secure transportation of their products.  An example of a customer who would need all of these features is Akron Children’s Hospital and that is exactly who the Ohio CycleWorks Bike Team is raising money for on their journey across the United States.  I personally know many close friends children that have been treated for various surgeries, illnesses, and more at Akron Children’s Hospital and so this hospital holds a close place in my heart.  Not to mention I take great comfort in knowing that this hospital is so close to me if something was to ever happen to any of my girls.  While on their long ride across America the team will be showcasing SenseAware the entire time which is powered by FedEx in order to showcase what an amazing product it truly is.

SenseAware allows customers to monitor the shipment of critical packages and to know the current location, accurate temperature, exposure to light, relative humidity, and their barometric pressure.  All of these things are extremely important when dealing with such important packages, especially those containing items that can help save the lives of children, such as those at Akron Children’s Hospital.  Plus since the Ohio CycleWorks team is utilizing SenseAware it’s pretty neat to see the conditions they are enduring during their “shipment” across the United States.  For example today this is what the team was exposed to…

Now I don’t know about you, but for this pregger momma 84.9 degrees is hot – way too hot to get me on a bicycle or even outside that is for sure…. well unless there is a pool involved!  So while the team races across the United States to raise money for Akron Children’s Hospital keep them in your thoughts and you can even follow their progress using their tumblr site.  Oh and if you would like more information about the Ohio CycleWorks Charities or to donate to their cause, visit their website!

I received compensation from FedEx for covering the use of SenseAware® technology during the 2012 Race Across America. My ideas and opinions relayed in this blog post and any related Twitter discussions are the my own and are not provided by FedEx or its affiliates and subsidiaries.