TESTIMONIALS

In 2017 I participated in the Hoodoo 300 with the support of Finish Line Ultra Crewing. It was my first event over 200 miles, and this brought a whole set of new challenges and logistical issues. As ultradistance cyclists themselves, Tina and Mike are well-experienced and uniquely qualified to support cyclists in these events.

Prior to the race, Tina worked with me to dial in my fueling plan, and fine-tuned it during longer rides prior to the event. And when we had to throw the plan out the window early in the race, they quickly adapted and kept me going. When I had bike mechanical issues, Mike quickly resolved them and kept me going.

Every step of the way, I was well-supported, and they seemed to know what I needed often before I did. It made the ride so much easier knowing that I did not have to think about my support or worry about how the crew would handle an unexpected problem. I also brought a crew member of my own, whom they welcomed and quickly integrated into their routine.

I wholeheartedly recommend Finish Line Ultra Crewing!

I live in Orlando, Florida and I met Tina and Mike while we were all crewing Marko Baloh’s RAAM in 2016. I was interested in attempting RAW and Tina and I started talking about Finish Line Ultra Crewing working for me in 2017. Tina is extremely passionate about ultra-cycling and crewing events. She took care of every little detail from the rental house in Oceanside, renting an RV, gathering crew members, receiving bike shipments, working with bike stores to get the shipped bikes put back together, race check-in, race inspection, after race clean up and shipping items back home. Tina made it easy for me to focus on training for the event and skype calling or texting her for the highlights of the planning she was putting together.

During the months leading up to RAW Tina took as much information as I could give her on my nutrition consumption during training days and events such as 24 hours at Sebring so she had a good understanding of my calorie needs and what products went down good for me. With this information she put together a nutrition plan for RAW.

On the road every item in the crew RV and in the mini-van that stayed with me during the race was marked and had a place. The crew was very organized, knowledgeable and friendly. I could not have possibly asked for a better crew than Tina, Mike and their friends. I would absolutely recommend their services and I plan on using them again myself for future events.

We’ve met Mike & Tina at Furnace Creek 508. As with any other Ultracycling enthusiast, there was a great chemistry between us from the start. When I asked them to join my RAAM 2016 crew they agreed without a second thought.

Based on their experience I was sure from the start they will do a great job. And they did! Even in the pre-race period their input was invaluable, including various lists, that we kind of know by heart, but never took the time to put on paper (such as crew packing list, follow car inventory etc).

During the race they did an excellent job and their experience certainly showed. Mike is a time management expert, great driver at direct follow as well as leap-frog support and never ever loses his temper. Tina was my hydration&nutrition person and as such is very strict and into detail, which you definitely need at such a craziness RAAM usually is. Not that I always liked her decisions as I was craving for comfort foods such as Big Macs, milkshakes, etc. But after cooking a hot soup for me in a cold night or a great tasting pasta before going down for sleep, I jokingly called her Mom. Did I mention I absolutely loved her oatmeal which I usually cannot stand?

To everyone trying to race RAAM and looking for a positive, reliable and knowledgeable crew, I highly recommend Mike and Tina. Doing and surviving RAAM together creates a bond for a lifetime!

“RAAM lore has it that a crew can’t win it but can lose it for you. I disagree! As a three time solo RAAM age group champion and 60+ record holder I’ve learned a lot about what it takes to succeed at this grueling event. The best training, equipment, and strategy are crucial but they won’t put you on the podium if you can’t stay on the bike. Key to staying on the bike is a support crew that keeps you properly fueled, and motivated. I know Mike and Tina can do both because they crewed me to the 2011 solo age group win in spite of hot conditions that had most of the field cramped up on the side of the road.”