Kirkland detective will Race Across America for a good cause

Riding a bike from one coast to the other in a matter of days is no easy task. But Kirkland Detective Derek Hill and friend John Bergen say one thing is clear — it’s actually much harder than it sounds.

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“If all the factors work out; we deal with conditions; we don’t have summer storms; no catastrophic malfunctions with gear; we are going to make a run at the two-man record,” Bergen told KIRO Radio’s Ron and Don Show.

Race Across America is a transcontinental marathon attracting cyclists from around the world. It spans 3,000 miles from Oceanside, Calif. to Annapolis, Maryland — passing through Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Ohio and other states while en route. Crossing a total of 12 states, the race is about 30 percent longer than the Tour de France, but cyclists have less time to complete it.

The two-man record for the Race Across America marathon is six days and nine hours. Bergen has already raced as a solo competitor and was the first American across the finish line in 2014. His trip took 10 days and 20 hours. He rode his bike, on average, 22 out of 24 hours a day.

“My goal was to put 30 hours in straight out of the gate and then go 22 on, two (hours) off for as long as my body would let me,” he said.

Race Across America: Team Bergen-Hill

Bergen is president of Society Consulting and has competed in more than 100 endurance races since 2001. Hill started racing professionally in 2005 and has competed in more than 70 races. He was the crew chief for Bergen during the 2014 Race Across America event.

This year, however, Bergen and Hill are teaming up to take on Race Across America together starting on June 17. The two-man team will have a crew and support vehicles, but all the effort is not just for the story or the title. Bergen and Hill are racing to raise awareness and funds for the Behind the Badge Foundation. The foundation provides support to Washington communities, families, and police agencies after an officer is killed or injured in the line of duty.

“Doing what I do,” Detective Hill said. “Seeing first-hand the impact of losing a family member in the line of duty, or a serious injury, the catastrophic toll it takes on the family. To be able to help an organization that steps in for these families was a no-brainer.”

Team Bergen-Hill, aka Race Against the Machine, is raising money for their transcontinental effort as well as for the Behind the Badge Foundation. You can make a donation to the cause on their GoFundMe page.

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