June 13, 2017 –> June 17, 2017

Four years after Team Green Beret Foundation won the four-man team category, Dave Viens decided to take on the course by himself.  Dave competed in the Race Across the West, a 930-mile course from Oceanside, California to Durango, Colorado as a test of cycling endurance and mental ability.  During the race, former Team Green Beret Foundation teammate, Gino Elsea, met up with Dave and the crew at Time Station 10 in Congress, AZ to show his support.  With a total of 10 hours of rest, Dave Viens won the Male (50-59) category finishing in just 3 days, 14 hours, and 10 minutes.

The RAW was more than just a race, it was a way to raise awareness and donations for the Green Beret Foundation.  The Foundation positively benefits the lives of our wounded warriors and their families.  Through word-of-mouth, social media (Facebook), and website posts, Dave was able to raise $19,664 in donations during the months leading up to the Race Across the West and during the journey East.

Justin Viens, Donna Viens, Jan Viens, Megan Krejny, Dave Viens (rider), Nick Viens, John Roberts (crew chief)

Several times over the course of the race Dave reassured the crew that he had the easy part saying that “All I have to do is pedal.  You all have to stay awake and think about food for all of us, where the next transition point is, the directions to get to Durango, all while sleep deprived and trying to follow me at 15 mph.”  The Race Across the West is a team event requiring collaboration, cooperation, and trust to ensure the success and safety of all riders and crew.

For photos of Dave and the crew during the Race Across America, click on Gallery!