The Crew

From coast to coast - we ride together

Crewing on the Race Across America can be both exhilarating and exhausting, not just for the riders but for the entire team. You learn quickly that the odds of finishing the race decline rapidly if team starts to fall apart. This event tests the mental and physical strength of every person involved, from start to finish. Meet the crew that expects nothing and prepares for everything.

Joe Knowles

Crew Chief & Lawn Dart Professional

My roll on this team is crew chief. I think the way I will benefit this team is though my leadership and past RAAM experience with JB’s solo mission in 2014. One of the difficult parts of being the crew chief is having to make some calls the riders and/or other crew members may not want to hear. I volunteer my time to this because John and Derek are two of my closest friends, and I would walk through an active lava field if I thought it would help them accomplish their personal goals... and selfishly I love adventure and problem solving.

Matt Kresken

Assistant Crew Chief & Navigation Expert

I have known Derek for 6 years and John for 2 years. I was able to watch them compete in Iron Man Canada which was extremely inspiring, so when Derek asked me to be part of the Race Against the Machine team I was truly honored. This is a wonderful team and I am proud to be a part of it! It will be a great adventure driving across the county at 20 MPH supporting my friends as they work to reach their goals. Importantly, this is a wonderful opportunity to raise money and awareness for Behind the Badge. It really will be a privilege to see my good friends accomplish their RAAM goals and raise awareness for such a great cause.

Molly Hill

#1 Mom, Logistics, & Planning Coordinator,

Some of my favorite memories, my most proud moments, are watching Derek cross a finish line…not to watch him “win”, but to share that feeling of happiness and accomplishment and to know all the hard work and his time spent training has been worth it. I am excited (and honestly a little terrified) to be sharing this intense race of a lifetime with D. Why terrified? Because every ache, I will ache. Because every moment of pure exhaustion, will make my heart ache. But in the end, we will have done it together…another adventure in the book that is us!

Laurie Hopkins

Nutrition Specialist, Food Ambassador, & Ultra-Athlete

There are people that come into your life that are so extraordinary, words just cannot capture their true essence. I met John 30+ years ago and Derek a mere 3 years ago and I am a better person for knowing them and calling them brothers. Without a doubt, John and Derek have been there to support, encourage and “pull me to the finish line” when I am struggling.....and that's just when we are competing. Their support in my life events goes well beyond this bio. As a 2014 Team Bergen alumni, I know what it will take to get our riders across country. Aside from being Molly Hill’s assistant, my role will be nutritional support, cheerleader and whatever else is needed to “pull my boys” across country to the world record!

Heidi Knowles

Nurse & Medical Technician

I have the experience from RAAM 2014 and I know how a team needs to function in order to get a rider safely across the country. I have been a registered nurse for over six years, which adds the health care experience to the team. I am volunteering my time because John and Derek are my friends and I am thrilled to offer my assistance in helping them achieve their momentous goal! The experiences with the team is another adventure in itself, I am looking forward to sharing the journey with them as well!

Matt Brown

Bike Mechanic, Skateboarder, & Renaissance Man

I’m here because these guys are the REAL deal. Derek, John and I battled the heat and humidity at Ironman Louisville in 2013. One of several bonding events that showed me their true character. When your wheels are coming off, these are the guys you want to see on course. Just normal, good-natured dudes on the surface. But it’s what’s truly inside them… the kindness, generosity, and genuine concern for others… that resonates most with me. I am proud and honored to be on this crew, and support this cause.

Lyndsey Smith

Motivational Problem Solver

I have had the pleasure of knowing John for over 20 years and Derek 3 years. The effort and dedication both have shown when they set their minds to something is a huge inspiration. As part of the team, I will do whatever it takes to ensure we get these guys across the finish line safely. To support Jon and Derek reach their goals while also raising money for a great organization, is a once in a lifetime opportunity. This will be an amazing adventure and I can’t imagine a better group of individuals to do this with!

Ursala Schwenn

Morale Booster & General Support Giver

I am beyond honored to be a part of this amazing team and endeavor! I am a complete race newbie, but very eager to help wherever needed. I come with over a decade of experience facilitating programming for kids with complex medical needs and their families, and supervising the hundreds of volunteers it takes to make it all happen. I am drawn to this adventure in the same way that I am drawn to the concept of the "Hero's Journey." What John and Derek are capable of is so beyond my own abilities; I feel very privileged to help them along the way.

Mark Thiesfeld

Nomadic Adventurer & Motivational Driver

There is nothing more I enjoy then helping out my friends and family. I want to support and encourage John, Derek, and the team in this monolithic race while planning to have an incredible experience. I bring a special mixture of kind, loving, positive vibes to the table in any way I can. I consider myself to be a jack of all trades where I feel I can make a positive impact in any situation. If I could, I would spend all of my time surrounded by good company smoking Cuban cigars in the Caribbean.

Taylor Kelliher

Filmmaker & Novice Magician

This will be my first year as a RAAM crew member and I am beyond excited for this unique experience. As the one and only camera man, it will be my job to capture the brutal realities that John and Derek will have to face during their journey across America. (There is also something interesting to be said about filming a subject that is always moving). Following the race, it is my hope to create a documentary about their battles to show the world what RAAM is really all about. I have always had a passion for filming, and am lucky enough to have the opportunity to create something as thrilling as this race.

Jennifer Edwards

Physical Therapist & Professional Water Bottle Filler

As a physical therapist with 17+ years of experience, my role on Team Bergen-Hill is to keep John and Derek rolling smoothly (and as pain-free as possible) all the way to their goal on the other side of the country. Whatever they need: KT Tape, a good massage, stretching, some Gatorade or a even a hot Cup of Noodles, I am the woman for the job! I have known Molly from birth (yes, really!) and Derek for about 19 years and am looking forward to being part of this crazy journey, seeing parts of our beautiful country I've never seen before, and making some new lifetime friends, all while supporting a great cause.