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Love, Sweat & Gears

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Meet the Love, Sweat & Gears team, comprised of 4 local women cyclists and 14 crew members who took on Race Across America to raise awareness and funds for Gaia Home. On June 18, 2022, they left Oceanside, CA, and the ladies cycled 24/7, traversing 12 states and 3,038 miles with the support of their amazing crew to cross the finish line in Annapolis, MD, on June 25. Touted as the world’s toughest amateur cycling event, the team’s official race time was seven days, eight hours, and 17 minutes. Thank You Love, Sweat & Gears for making history as the first team from North Dakota to compete in the 41-year-old race all while raising awareness and funds for Gaia Home which is making history by working to create a new option for end-of-life care for our state.

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Meet the Team and Crew


Kilee Harmon

Always on a bike as a kid, Kilee learned slow-twitch muscles are her friends as they led her into the world of endurance events…

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Kilee Harmon

Always on a bike as a kid, Kilee learned slow-twitch muscles are her friends as they led her into the world of endurance events. Her love of cycling blossomed at the age of 18 while exploring North Dakota’s beautiful badlands on the Maah Daah Hey trail. Eventually she began road cycling and triathlon, competing in shorter races throughout her 20s. As her affection for cycling and triathlon grew, so too did the distances, and she is now a two-time Ironman Wisconsin finisher.

 

As the executive director for Gaia Home, the 2022 Race Across America will be her most challenging and rewarding race to date. She is passionate about ensuring Gaia Home becomes reality as it provides a solution for the gap in end-of-life care that currently exists in our community and state, giving families and their loved ones the opportunity to receive compassionate care while living the final season of life together in a true home setting, making lasting memories.

 

Fun fact: Kilee’s must have for every ride…a tube of chapstick. She can’t pedal without it!


Karin Gardner

Karin is a seasoned cyclist, and a cross-country bike ride (or race!) has long been on her bucket list…

 

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Karin Gardner

Karin is a seasoned cyclist, and a cross-country bike ride (or race!) has long been on her bucket list.

 

A competitive swimmer since childhood, Karin transitioned to triathlon in her late 20s, going on to participate in hundreds of races at all multi-sport distances over the last two and a half decades. A frequent USAT Nationals qualifier, Karin is a 70.3 and Ironman podium finisher who earned an All-World Ironman silver designation in 2019. She currently holds the Chisago Lakes Women’s Aquabike course record, set in July 2021.

 

While Karin has pedaled in numerous multi-day cycling events, the 2022 Race Across America easily represents the most difficult challenge of her endurance racing career. Blessed by parents going strong and healthy into their 90s, Karin is eager to support Gaia Home, recognizing our community’s need of a comfortable, homey place for families to enjoy special time together during the final season of life.


Kimberly Ellis

Kim lives and loves to play outside. She can be found working in her vast garden, walking Cash, the golden retriever, fishing…

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Kimberly Ellis

Kim lives and loves to play outside. She can be found working in her vast garden, walking Cash, the golden retriever, fishing with her family, and pedaling through some of the most storied terrain in the Western U.S. and Canada.

As a cycling specialist at the century (100 mile) distance, Kim, who believes there is no better way to enjoy nature than on a bike, has endurance rides around Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, Crater Lake, McKinzie pass, Mount Hood and Mount Constitution behind her. 

As a speech pathologist, Kim has helped countless elderly patients to establish communication and maintain quality of life while facing tender end-of-life choices. She is a staunch advocate for patient choices, comfort, and completing life’s journey with dignity among loved ones. Because of her personal and professional values, Kim is excited to join in the 2022 Race Across America in support of Gaia Home.

 

Fun Fact: Kim is super excited to be on this adventure with her sister, Karin, and also never rides without Skittles in her back jersey pocket. (Karin is constantly on Kim’s wheel, trying to steal her Skittles!)


Lori Klabunde

Lori is a lifelong athlete. A decorated basketball player in high school and college, Lori became a marathon runner in her 30s…

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Lori Klabunde

Lori is a lifelong athlete. A decorated basketball player in high school and college, Lori became a marathon runner in her 30s and has run numerous road races, including completing 12 consecutive Boston Marathons and two 50-mile distance ultramarathons. In her 50s, Lori joined the world of triathlon, a pursuit perfect for her talents as she excelled to the highest honors of completing 6 Ironman triathlons, including the Ironman World Championships in Kona in 2019. She earned an All-World Ironman bronze designation in 2019.

 

Through her triathlon training, Lori became a strong and avid cyclist. While she has completed several endurance distance events, the 2022 Race Across America will be her longest ride and most challenging race to date. With a healthcare career spanning over 30 years in North Dakota, Lori recognizes the need for quality end-of-life care and is excited to support the mission of Gaia Home.

 

Fun Fact:  In 1981 Lori was named the North Dakota high school female athlete of the year and honored again in 1983 as the North Dakota college female athlete of the year.


Melanie Carvell

The only thing that Melanie loves more than riding her bike is getting other folks riding bikes, too! Melanie’s life goal is…

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Melanie Carvell

The only thing that Melanie loves more than riding her bike is getting other folks riding bikes, too! Melanie’s life goal is to build healthier and happier communities by educating and inspiring others to become more mindful and active. Her passion for cycling and mentoring others to reach their fitness goals has helped build Bismarck/Mandan and North Dakota’s cycling and triathlon community.

 

She is a six-time All American triathlete, a physical therapist, wellbeing speaker, worksite wellness consultant, and author of “Running with the Antelope: Life, Fitness, and Grit on the Northern Plains.” As a certified RETUL bike fit professional at 701 Cycle & Sport in Bismarck and a master cycle trainer for Team ICG North America, she keeps the cycling community going strong.

 

Melanie is excited to be a part of 2022 Race Across America as an ambassador for North Dakota and is eager to raise awareness and funding for Gaia Home, knowing it will offer families comfort and support in end-of-life care.

 

Fun Fact: Melanie warms up for her Sunday rides by playing piano for services at Corpus Christi church.


Mike Gardner

Mike, a true adventurer at heart, is one who loves traveling, cooking, and reading, but he also has a soft spot for cycling and…

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Mike Gardner

Mike, a true adventurer at heart, is one who loves traveling, cooking, and reading, but he also has a soft spot for cycling and supporting his wife in all of her crazy adventures. As the LS&G 2022 crew chief, Mike is the glue that will keep all of the pieces together.

When asked why he chose to lead the team, he said, “I’m used to my wife doing crazy things, but this one is right up there. Once I heard about it, I knew I had to help this group of amazing women (including Karin) accomplish this crazy goal while doing good and raising money for a great cause.”

As a truly dedicated crew chief, in preparation for RAAM 2022, Mike volunteered to crew for the LS&G 2021 Race Across the West team. He is excited to bring that experience, and his calming nature and quick adaptability to solve any problem to the LS&G 2022 team.

Fun fact: Mike has the world’s largest seashell collection. He keeps them all on the beaches across the world.


Lynn and Carol Beiswanger

The explorers of the group, Lynn and Carol Beiswanger, love to use their RV to journey to new places to…

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Lynn and Carol Beiswanger

The explorers of the group, Lynn and Carol Beiswanger, love to use their RV to journey to new places to experience new adventures. When it came to joining the LS&G 2022 crew team, it was an absolute “YES!” before the full question could be asked.

 

An all-around athlete, Lynn loves marathons, cycling and hiking, as he lives his life by two phrases from Steve Prefontaine and Fred DeVito (respectively): “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift,” and, “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.”

 

Carol, a self-proclaimed athlete enthusiast, is ready to try most everything at least once. She thoroughly enjoys being outdoors, deriving energy from the sun, earth and sea. Other hobbies include working in the yard, sewing, reading, researching family history, photography, and being part of their two married children’s families’ lives. “Seeing them grow in every stage of their lives is truly rewarding.”

 

Lynn and Carol, look forward to supporting their friends who are the LS&G 2022 team, and being part of this incredible adventure.

 

Fun facts: Lynn loves unusual adventures and RAAM fits into that category. Carol ran the Boston Marathon once and happily said, “I finished without my body breaking!”


Marv Lein

Marv, a true promoter of health and wellness, is the founder of MeFirst, a Bismarck, ND-based movement of company and…

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Marv Lein

Marv, a true promoter of health and wellness, is the founder of MeFirst, a Bismarck, ND-based movement of company and community leaders committed to setting an example for their workplace teams through physical activity and encouraging others. You can recognize the team by its “MeFirst/Healthy Starts Here” branded gear, and their enthusiasm for helping each other and others live healthy, active lives.

 

Marv, the team’s lead mechanic, said, “I’m joining the crazies because I believe in the charitable cause and charitable spirit of those riding. In addition, I can also fix bikes and am really great at driving very, very slow!”

 

Fun fact: Marv has not grilled since 1985. So he will not be grilling for the team along the journey.


Rhett Paul

After years of admiring others competing in endurance events, Rhett decided to stop watching and start competing. With the…

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Rhett Paul

After years of admiring others competing in endurance events, Rhett decided to stop watching and start competing. With the help of all of the 2022 LS&G RAAM racers, he has now completed a marathon, several Ironman 70.3 races, and is a 2-time Ironman finisher. In support of these women and the cause they represent, Rhett is honored to join this new adventure.

 

Fun fact: A passion of Rhett’s is supporting and encouraging others in their endurance goals. If he is not racing, you will often find him on the sidelines of other friends’ races cheering, supporting, and being a sherpa for them after they cross the finish line.


Phillip Fortenberry

A cyclist at heart, Phillip has a great respect for the bicycle as a way to change the direction of one’s health and life. In 2009, Phillip toured…

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Phillip Fortenberry

A cyclist at heart, Phillip has a great respect for the bicycle as a way to change the direction of one’s health and life. In 2009, Phillip toured on bicycle across America. He bought his bike and stopped smoking cigarettes the day he started his bike trip.

 

As ND’s only master bike fitter, Phillip works for 701 Cycle and Sport in Bismarck, ND, the LS&G 2022 team’s title sponsor. He has professionally fit all of the riders and many of the crew, and this gives him a feeling of great connection to everyone participating in the RAAM 2022 adventure.

 

“I believe it is a rare opportunity to support friends in a race of a lifetime while also helping to support a great cause,” said Phillip.

 

Fun Fact: Phillip met his wife, Laurie, on a century ride at CANDISC: Cycle Around North Dakota in Sakakawea County.


Justin Harmon

A lover of the cinematic arts, and a cycling enthusiast, Justin is the team’s documentarian. Having competed in numerous cycling…

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Justin Harmon

A lover of the cinematic arts, and a cycling enthusiast, Justin is the team’s documentarian. Having competed in numerous cycling events, and finishing Ironman Wisconsin twice, Justin utilizes his strong cycling background, and passion for teaching, to infatuate others with the love of cycling by leading spin classes at the local YMCA.

 

Justin is joining this crazy journey to support his wife, Kilee, along with the other riders whom he deeply admires. “This is a bike ride of a lifetime, and I’m beyond excited to witness these outstanding riders and crew members pull it all together for a great cause.”

 

Fun fact: As an amateur filmmaker, Justin will film the race with the goal of producing a full feature documentary.


Dan McGurren

Dan is your all around cheerleader, giving you the encouragement needed to press on. A true coach at heart, he has shaped long…

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Dan McGurren

Dan is your all around cheerleader, giving you the encouragement needed to press on. A true coach at heart, he has shaped long distance runners for the past 20 years as a high school track and field and cross country coach.

 

Knowing cycling improves a runner’s performance, Dan is also a spin instructor at the local YMCA. Earning the heart warming nickname of “Mr. Red Zone,” he’ll push you out of your comfort zone to make you a better cyclist and runner.

 

Dan knew right away he would join the LS&G 2022 crew because, “I love the crew that is racing. They are such amazing and inspiring people and athletes, and I can’t miss being part of this epic race.”

 

Fun fact: Dan was in the Peace Corps and served in the Dominican Republic.


Larissa Unruh

The fun jokester of the crew, Larissa, will keep the team laughing as she breaks out her collection of adult onesies she can’t…

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Larissa Unruh

The fun jokester of the crew, Larissa, will keep the team laughing as she breaks out her collection of adult onesies she can’t wear in public without receiving some odd looks. Crewing for the LS&G 2022 team gives her the opportunity to showcase them all!

 

In addition to modeling the onesies, one of the biggest reasons this triathlete is participating as a crew member is to be part of the adventure in support of a great cause. “Over the past few years, I have never regretted joining in on something that this amazing group of people have been involved in. Don’t get me wrong, most of what we end up doing would not be considered fun or relaxing to the average person, but nothing about these extraordinary people is average. I am extremely excited about the months to come and the memories we will create,” said Larissa.

 

In her free time, Larissa loves to swim, bike, curl, golf, play softball, cross country ski, travel and hang out with friends.

 

Fun Fact: Larissa had the opportunity to curl against several US Olympic curlers during the triathlon off season.


Desiree Bourgois van Oosting

Growing up in a home that encouraged health, wellness, and prevention, is how Desiree van Oosting…

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Desiree Bourgois van Oosting

Growing up in a home that encouraged health, wellness, and prevention, is how Desiree van Oosting landed into her calling of professional massage. But, it was the why, how, and the alluring adventure of Race Across America to raise awareness for Gaia Home that took over her curiosity, which ultimately led her to joining the team as its official massage therapist. 

 

“I know how strong the four women are on this team and it is an honor to help them on this journey as Gaia Home represents a beautiful way to support a loved one and their family through the final journey on this earth.” 

 

Occasionally commuting 60 miles via bike to arrive at her business in the summer months, Desiree is no stranger to cycling. She also understands the power of pedaling for charity as it was her and her mother that helped her brother map out the Empire State Ride, a 500+ mile cycling adventure from New York City to Niagara Falls that now annually raises funds to fuel cancer research. “My mom and I were the original crew, along with my brother, Terry Bourgeois, who created ESR. We traveled for a week setting up and taking down a camper through the state of NY while my brother mapped the ride out. However, the biggest differences between ESR and RAAM are speed, sleep, and distance.”

 

This June, with the LS&G team, Desiree will have another journey to celebrate, that of spending her 50th year around the sun on an adventure of a lifetime. 

 

Fun fact: She ran the entire 2018 Boston Marathon with a shower cap on, which was very chic and cleverly warm. 


Kelly Leben

Meet Kelly Leben, the team’s absolute best driver who will primarily oversee the media vehicle. He received this title and role…

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Kelly Leben

Meet Kelly Leben, the team’s absolute best driver who will primarily oversee the media vehicle. He received this title and role since he’s the Sheriff of Burleigh County, the county most of the Love, Sweat & Gears team calls home.

An outdoors enthusiast, Kelly enjoys hiking, hunting, fishing, downhill skiing, and really anything else that involves being outside; and he appreciates ending a good day at the lake sitting around a fire at his family’s lake cabin.

Kelly also loves a good adventure. When asked to join the LS&G team, he said “yes” right away because he wanted to be part of this amazing challenge and undertaking. In addition, he believes in the organization the team is racing for and wanted to support the entire team in accomplishing its goal to raise awareness for Gaia Home as it traverses the country – hopefully speeding ticket free.

Fun fact: Known as an “adrenaline junkie and risk taker,” Kelly has had a chance to do some pretty crazy things in his life from rescue diving to skydiving. However, the one thing people never expect him to tell them is he used to ride bulls for three years.


Jason Gardner

Jason, who didn’t learn how to ride a bike until he was 8, joined the LS&G 2022 team by being volunteered by his brother, Mike…

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Jason Gardner

Jason, who didn’t learn how to ride a bike until he was 8, joined the LS&G 2022 team by being volunteered by his brother, Mike, the crew chief. “I feel like that’s how it happened. We were on his deck one night relaxing and talking and the next thing I know I’m on the team.” (We believe there may have been an adult beverage or two involved!)

 

One who enjoys doing things that are out of the norm because of the stories they provide for years to come, Jason quickly grew excited about the upcoming adventure. “I thoroughly enjoy problem solving, regardless of the type of problem. Being a member of the crew will provide me an opportunity to support my family, a great cause, see lots of the country at night, and enjoy the craziness that is the logistics of RAAM.”

 

Fun fact: Jason can’t sing, dance, or play an instrument, but he can knit, sew, needle-point and cross-stitch.


Jazmine Gatewood (a.k.a. Jazzy)

An outdoor enthusiast, who likes to hike, run, ski and cycle, Jazmine (or better known as “Jazzy” in the cycling…

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Jazmine Gatewood (a.k.a. Jazzy)

An outdoor enthusiast, who likes to hike, run, ski and cycle, Jazmine (or better known as “Jazzy” in the cycling world), decided to join the LS&G 2022 crew to see what it’s like to be on that side of a bike. In 2021, Jazmine and fellow crew member, Katy, were cycling mates on a four-woman team for Race Across the West. During and after that experience, she had such an unexplainable feeling of gratitude and appreciation for the crew members, which included Mike Gardner – LS&G 2022 Crew Chief – that she knew one day she wanted to join a crew to “pay it forward.” When asked to join LS&G 2022, she knew her opportunity had come!

 

Always one to accept new challenges, and to push herself physically, mentally, and professionally, Jazmine looks forward to crewing across America to assist the team to raise awareness for Gaia Home while also gaining more experience to tackle RAW again or possibly RAAM in the future.

 

Fun Fact: Jazmine said, “Argh” as part of her wedding vows when she had a pirate themed wedding on a pirate ship off the coast of Waikiki.


Katy Kavanas (a.k.a. Sancho)

Katy (who goes by “Sancho” in the cycling world) participated in Race Across the West (RAW) 2021 with…

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Katy Kavanas (a.k.a. Sancho)

Katy (who goes by “Sancho” in the cycling world) participated in Race Across the West (RAW) 2021 with fellow crew member, Jazzy, and will forever cherish the incredible friendships she built with their entire crew, including Mike Gardner. “He is a warm and happy spirit that kept me calm during some very difficult times, even when my game-time stone-face expression gave him a different impression. When Mike asked if I would crew for LS&G 2022, I was incredibly honored to be able to return the favor for his new team, to see things from his perspective on a completely different level, and to help this amazing team accomplish an incredible goal for such a worthy cause!”

 

In her professional life, Katy went to school with the dream of becoming a physical therapist, but absolutely loves how life took her on a new path of designing and selling outdoor decks for a living. She gets to combine her passion of being outdoors, and instead of fixing bodies to help people live a healthy life, she fixes outdoor spaces for families to foster their happiest lives.

 

Fun Fact: One who loves most everything outdoors, when not outside art and home improvement projects are her favorite pastimes.

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