Ultra marathon cyclist Jim Kern is competing in this year's Race Across America on behalf of the Military Families Foundation. Please join us in cheering Jim on and supporting the families of our soldiers serving overseas.

Jim Kern
A 48-year old landscape contractor and community college instructor from Sunnyvale, California, Jim has had a life-long love affair with cycling. In the 2004 Race Across America team competition, Jim was a member of the winning four-person team. In 2005, Jim captained the record-setting first place team in RAAM's recumbent cycling division. Most recently, in preparation for this year's competition in RAAM's solo division, Jim set a course record by riding 516 miles in 24 hours at Sebring, Florida. In doing so, he came within 5 miles of breaking the 24-hour world record currently held by the two-time defending RAAM champion from Slovenia. This is all the more impressive considering Jim recovered from two flat tires and a nighttime crash during the race. Should Jim finish this year's solo race, a feat accomplished by less than 50% of competitors, he will become the first to do so on a recumbent bicycle in the 25 year history of the Race Across America.

A 3,000-mile bicycle race to benefit our military families!

In the past, most members of the armed forces were single. Today, more than 60% have dependent families. When spouses are deployed, military families often face overwhelming financial and emotional burdens. The MFF supports these families by providing resources to the military's Family Readiness Groups. These are officially sanctioned organizations of officers, enlisted soldiers, civilians, and family members affiliated with a military unit. These Groups use volunteers to provide social, financial and emotional support for families of soldiers before, during and after overseas deployment. The MFF is supported entirely by volunteers and all costs are underwritten by affiliated companies. Thus, 100% of your donation is distributed directly to the families of deployed soldiers. Go to www.militaryfamiliesfoundation.com for more information or to make a tax deductible donation by check, credit card or PayPal. You may also make a pledge based upon the number of miles Jim rides.