Team Hope is a group of passionate cyclists connected by random threads of bike shops, races, and charity rides. In 2011, Andre Husain’s dream of competing in Race Across America came true. His passion for addressing the world’s water crisis was infectious, and the team and crew immediately decided to race again, beat their respectable time, and complete their fundraising goal. Team Hope returns to RAAM in June 2012 guided by RAAM veteran, Trish Harriger, as crew chief, Team Hope includes RAAM veterans Andre Husain, Alex Galindo and Sara Harper, along with Blue Planet Network’s founder & chairman, Jin Zidell.

Reflected in its name, Team Hope’s mission is to build awareness of the fact that one billion people on the planet have no access to safe drinking water and to raise funds for projects providing cost-effective, sustainable solutions. Working with its partner, Blue Planet Network, the team hopes to raise enough funds to create access to safe drinking water for several communities around the globe, empowering each with health, education and prosperity. Team Hope has specifically targeted the St. Charles School in Uganda as its first recipient for water project funding. Drink Local | Drink Tap, a Cleveland non-profit, is planning implementation of the project, including a documentary film.

This is the team’s second competing in this cross continental journey, an epic event covering 3,000 miles and climbing over 100,000 feet. The team will ride 350-500 miles per day, racing from Oceanside, CA to Annapolis Maryland, 24 hours a day, until it reaches the finish line.

You can join Team Hope’s journey and mission by visiting the blog, becoming a fan on Facebook, donating to safe drinking water projects, and following the team on Twitter.

Please contribute to the Team Hope water fund, managed by Blue Planet Network.

Race Across America
June 16-24, 2012

RAAM is a non-stop cross country bicycle race from Oceanside, CA to Annapolis, MD. It is about 30% longer than the Tour de France, and racers must complete the distance in roughly half the time. The route is 3000 miles, with 170,000 feet of climbing (almost 6 times the elevation of Mt. Everest). It crosses 12 states, 88 counties and 350 communities.

Three teams in different categories raced on behalf of Blue Planet Network, using the epic event to raise funds for water projects.

These athletes showed how commitment, determination and stamina can conquer any challenge. With the attention they received from this epic challenge, they have so far raised enough funds to provide several communities around the world with long-term access to safe drinking water. Please learn more about both teams and support safe drinking water projects in their honor.