As Pat and I were finishing our last shift in Pratt, Kansas I took a nasty fall on the railroad track one mile from the shift change with Team KAL.
I was ok with just a little road rash, it could of been a lot worse. This morning waking up I was a little sore but ok and was back on my bike holding 21+ average:)
Things moving forward nicely and we really thank everyone for visiting the blog! We are getting close and it is cause this SUPPORT TEAM!!
Adam
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Into Missouri!
qlAdam and I have just finished another 6hr shift and we are not into Missouri. Keith and Alex are going to have a hard time in the heat for the next 6hrs.
Last night we went through Pratt, Kansas. There was a time station (RAAM check point) at a McDonald's. The owner came out to greet us. He was awesome! He gave us a case of water bottles and all the cheeseburgers, chicken, etc that we could eat! We thanked him a million times before leaving. Apparently he is doing the same for every team, support crew, and RAAM official in the race.
This morning's shift was the perfect weather. Here is a pic of Kansas sunrise!
Adam was keeping blistering fast speeds today. We rotated every 8miles with Weezal/Peter driving Leap Frog and Stacey/Fabio driving Follow Vehicle. Adam was consistently ~21mph avg per 8mi and I was ~20mph avg.
-Pat
Love Life!
Last night we went through Pratt, Kansas. There was a time station (RAAM check point) at a McDonald's. The owner came out to greet us. He was awesome! He gave us a case of water bottles and all the cheeseburgers, chicken, etc that we could eat! We thanked him a million times before leaving. Apparently he is doing the same for every team, support crew, and RAAM official in the race.
This morning's shift was the perfect weather. Here is a pic of Kansas sunrise!
Adam was keeping blistering fast speeds today. We rotated every 8miles with Weezal/Peter driving Leap Frog and Stacey/Fabio driving Follow Vehicle. Adam was consistently ~21mph avg per 8mi and I was ~20mph avg.
-Pat
Love Life!
Reports from the Race Day Five
tyWelcome to race coverage Day 5. Mike Z here - What I am doing is creating one blog entry per day with a collection of all the news out on the road from the race (mostly Merrill's updates). Coverage is 12AM - Midnight and will be updated even if there are other blog posts. Here are links to the previous day coverage:
Day1 Day2 Day3 Day4
12:07 AM Sunday morning - I'm in the leapfrog with Mama D. Goat and Papa D are manning the follow car. Temp is 77, humidity up slightly from the mtns, but not unbearable. Quite a few bugs in KS, you can't sit with the interior light on and the door open. That makes me nervous because of the infernal auto locking doors in this dodge caravan. Total mileage on the van is 1687. It had 7 when I got it at the airport in san Diego.
12:33 AM - We are looking to go to rosalia tonight, approx 120 miles. It is just not that exciting for the crew when the road is totally straight and there is not much to look at. We are doing full 30 min exchanges since KAL can maintain a good pace for the full 30. Lots of stars are still visible and the head wind we started with is gone. I spoke to adam briefly at the changeover and he has some problem with his speedplay not wanting to release.
1:15 AM - Well, we just shuttled Alex from the corner of NE 50th street and NE 60th Ave to the corner of NE 50th street and NE 150th Ave. I did not have to turn the steering wheel to make the trip. We did stop at one stop sign. think the county planners here are being a bit optimistic in their naming conventions. 76F at 0058 hrs on Sunday. Happy Fathers day! We have three on the team, Papa D obviously, KR, and me. - Merrill
1:37 AM - I think that Alex is bored by this stage. He is riding with the ipod, hopefully with only one earbud in conformance with raam rules. We passed Cheney state park a minute ago and a long Cheney dam. No relation as far as I can tell. KR is still running the aero position. We made some minor adjustments and he seems to be happy with it. 75F now at 0132 EDT. We are on 21st st N now and 295th west. High traffic as we have been passed by 3 cars since we stopped.
2:07 AM - We are 3 mi from TS 26 at Colwich, KS. Not much going on, really. The biggest issue I have so far is a little blister on the back of my heel. Fortunately I brought a back up pair of shoes so I am no longer in a severe state of suffering. I chose to not tell KAL about my malady. It looks like the worst saddle sores so far belong to Patt. I have no details on that other than I overheard part of an energetic discussion of chamois butter. 74F. 0207 EDT
2:33 AM - Colwich, KS. 1576 miles in the bank. 75F increasing humidity makes you just plain uncomfortable. KR says this is not the most exciting stage of his raam career. He just drank a dark choc frap and is ready to get back at it. 0232 EDT Sunday. Looks like a 100 Ft elevation change over the next 30 miles!!!
4:08 AM - Almost to El Forado, KS. 72F moist and lots of bugs in and out of the car. After the 4 hour century earlier, KAL are just looking forward to getting this one on the books. One more shift each and we will have covered 120 mi tonight.
4:14 AM - KR a little wobbly coming in, balance and senses a little off, but in good spirits. I had to show him which side of the road the car was parked on and he is mumbling about something.
4:43 AM - KR getting ready to go back out. Minor RV problem finding a site. KAL may have to extend. Full you in later I are Alex light coming. RAAM film crew was following him a minute ago.
5:04 AM - Wichita lights in the sky behind us. Chaos in front with the RV. No one was awake 10 min ago. KR on course past TS 27. He is Digging deep for a potentially long night Here's the profile for the next stage - There's a 200Ft climb over 20 miles - think they will notice?
5:08 - RV found a spot 10 miles beyond plan, so that is good news. Hopefully everyone wakes up and is ready when KAL pulls in. Better to ride forward at any speed than to stand around waiting. So its all good, KR is extending his last turn and Alex is putting in one extra. These guys will have ridden around 260 mi in less than 13 hrs. Fantastic effort. When Alex rolled in the last time I had to catch him before he could unclip so he wouldn't tip over. The dude's jersey is soaked with sweat, and his arm glistening. He completely ruined my shower from today! On a bright note, a film crew rode along next to Alex and got some good stuff. Look for him in the Princeton sports jersey.
Mama D is worried that Patt won't get enough food with the RV mixup and her out on the road. She says Patt is very sensitive to not having food on time.
6:02 AM - Roundup of the wee hours of fathers day. Tonight KAL battled headwinds and humidity after a long afternoon against 95+ temps. Keith and Alex are back to life, thinking clearly and satisfied with their effort. The crew pulled together and saved a potentially time losing situation. Patt got his pancakes and is out on the course. Several of is even got to speak with Mike z at 0245. He passed some notes of encouragement to me that I read to KAL between turns. Other notes:
We passed "sugar road" tonight. Pretty much everyone is dissing KS. I apologize if you are from KS. We did not see Dorothy or Toto and we have not encountered any tornadoes. Good night or morning or whatever it is for you. I have a sleep shift now for 6 hrs. Yipee! -Merrill
10:45 - Former GU reports: 10:45 and the RAAMsters have crossed the border into Missouri and perhaps some more interesting scenery. Hang in there everyone!
11:09 AM - Happy Fathers day again. PAD is expected to arrive here at Nevada, Missouri in 20 min. Approx 1757 from start. KAL coverage to resume then. Merrill
11:55 - KR is the first one out this am. He is sporting the AFC polka dots, and red gloves to match the handlebar tape on his surly. He has the aero helmet orechef above his game face. hahaha a little over the top description just to let you picture it. Temp is 83F,blue skieswith a couple wisps in the sky. We are riding through rolling farms that are nice and green. Looks like corn, but it is young. Either that or it is baby corn.
12:04PM - RV 142 just passed us. Some soloist? We have had good weather so far apart from the heat. No sign of building storms yet today, so we are hoping this weather holds. We are headed for lake of the ozarks for the end of this rotation.
12:30 PM - Its really hot for 85f. Alex says these rolling hills are tough in the heat. Course reminds me of the Eat a Peach ride with endless climbs and descents of 100 to 250 feet. 1777 mi. Passing through El Dorado Springs, month
12:33 PM Just passed RV bus 603. Alex is busting out the fierce pink Gatorade strawberry flavor
12:43 PM- Mama D had a strawberry rhubarb pie today. Madi got choked up by it since that is her dads fav. He died 4 years ago. My dad also loved that stuff. He passed away in 1998. I miss him. He was a papa D type guy (?) who would have done a trip like this for me.
12:45 PM- We just passed about 20 cows standing in a little water hole up to their armpits.
12:47 - c/o Rabid AFC RAAMster fan: RV 142 belongs to Solo Male Racer Daniel Rudge who is in last place in that division. (AFC) should be passing more solo racers today including the 2 solo women. The run on good weather may be coming to an end. There is a line of strong Tstms to their NW heading in the direction of their route. The is a 70% chance they'll get nailed with the possibility that the Tstms will be severe. I don't think they'll outrun the storms.
12:50 EDT - Alex bike had a flat on the rack, so KR rode an extra mile while we swapped baby suga's wheel and zoomed up to catch KR and make the swap.
1:01 PM - That's flat 1 for KAL. I think PAD have 5. Roadside highlight. Dead armadillo spotted at mile 1788.3 on raam course.
1:07 PM - Rollers are getting closer together now which means pain on the fixies. Sky is overcast. Potential for some rain this afternoon may be developing.
Sorry for the break - I had some projects to do around the house. - Mike Z
1:12 PM - We are handing up a cold water bottle once during the riders turn so they can dump it over their heads. Its cool since I'm in the passenger seat. Its like I'm at the your driving along next to the rider hanging out the window! (Mike Z can't decipher that one)
1:25 PM - Alex says the pink Gatorade is no good after 5 mins when it gets warm. Keith is out of the saddle on each little rise, then back on the aero bars on the back sides. This is a real test on the fixie since he cannot coast down the back sides.
1:30 PM - Team 618 van just passed and slowed to cheer for KR! KR is dodging pieces of downed trees in the shoulder. The van smells like icy hot again as Alex is putting it on his tired muscles.
1:42 PM - Those crazy bruta (?) painted the road for us and stood by the road cheering! I could only read "surly" something in the message. It was 4 lines of yellow spraypaint. First 2 hrs for KAL covered approx 43 miles.
2:05 PM - Correction. Our English friends are team 611 according to Madi who is driving this van. I'm just here to post to TMR. Must be how YDT feels at work!
2:15 PM - HOT. Van still claiming 85F but definitely feels hotter. Thin ceiling of clouds up high are not providing relief from the sun. Pace is slowing slightly as KAL must dig deep in these increasingly oppressive conditions. The terrain profile is not lying. There has not been even a half mile of flat the whole day so far - Here is the profile:
2:25PM - Gas price in Wheatland, MO is $3.75. Alex is pining for Kansas. "this is torture" he says. Looks like an accurate measure so far is 66 mi in 3:20.
2:47 PM - KR climing a little short steep. Out of the saddle, yanking the bars and straining to hold a 42 cadence. We slowed to let 8 cars pass, and they are all afraid to pass KR. Alex is "itching to get back on the bike". Seems to be having mood swings.
2:59 PM -THE GOAT is taking it easy today. He passed us twice, it looks like he shaved so at least the car will smell better tonight. He stopped once to break open PhillyK's big loaner camera and record some riding. There is an ominous looking cloud following us. Keith may remove the HED wheel if it starts storming. We also wants to eliminate the aero bars. I'm only happy to do that for him.
3:04 PM - Today is roadkill day. We just passed armadillo number 6. We've also seen like 20 turtles, some of whom are not yet roadkill, but are showing potential.
3:19 PM - Threatening skies behind. Headwind picking up for no good reason I can think of. Alex just opened the box of oreo double stuffs we have been transporting. I am displeased by this. Now that they are opened we may have to stop for a bottle of milk.
3:37 PM - 80 F now. Skies darkening, but no rain yet. I'm thinking PAD get poured on this afternoon. We are under 20 mi to TS 31 and we are going 14 past that to end at Osage Beach, Missouri.
3:44 PM - Word is they expect haul (hail?) at TS 31. 14 mi ahead. I'm driving now so reports will be shorter. Probably a relief to most of you. Here's a preview of the profile:
3:52 PM - Missouri people seem to have the least clue about passing cyclists of any state so far.
KR is in the car and feeling feisty, ordering me around and acting tough. Not raining yet.
3:59 PM KR is rolling his legs with a wooden rolling pin, really! We may be out riding the storm.
4:37 PM **Tornado warning** We are hunkered down with solo number 142 in some gas station. 125 is here too.
5:00 PM - Tornado abetting, KR is helping the 1 arm solo rider who is sheltering here as well.
KAL Wrap up from Sunday afternoon: We went through the time station at Camdenton, MO just as the tornado warning went off. We collected KR and sped back to the TS for shelter. I didn't realize how windy it was when I was moving "quickly" to get Keith. The door blew open violently, and as I reached for it my RAAM hat blew off. What to do? I watched it land in a vacant lot and hesitated. Oh well.
At the TS we met the one-armed Swiss RAAM racer who was in bad shape. His arm was sore. One of his team asked me if we had a doctor on our crew. I said no, but we have a PT. So Keith tried to help the guy out, but English was not a common language and the guy is suffering from something Keith called "overuse." We left him with his elbow in a bucket of ice. We also met solo #142 who looked like a zombie. We're in the RV now with a real keypad and just passed 142 at mile 1,889 on Hwy 54 toward Jefferson City, MO. Glad to see him still moving.
Anyway, after the tornado, it of course started pouring. Alex volunteered to ride the 13 miles to the RV to complete the shift. We drove to our last point on the course and my hat was still there, so now I have a bonus souvenir, a hat covered with dirt and mud. KAL were going to split the last 13, but once Alex was totally soaked, he just went for the whole thing. There was some cloud-to-cloud lightning, but it didn't really seem "unsafe" so we soldiered on, eager to handoff to PAD. Team PAD actually left the RV without Patt's bike, but since they had two vans, they were able to come back and get it without slowing the progress. The crew totally pulled together in this weather situation to keep the effort moving. Couple random notes from the day:
Before there was any rain, we got a little lightning strike about a mile away from Alex on the bike. I thought, "one more like that and we are stopping." Fortunately, at least from a mythbusters perspective, there was high ground on both sides of the road, so it seemed like we probably would not get hit by lightning. :-) Hey, it's a race, after all.
A few minutes after the lightning strike we came to a 400 foot climb of some difficulty. KR sprinted up that like a man possessed. Turns out he is acutely afraid of lightning. I know the feeling, at least the fear part, if not the ability to sprint uphill like that.
There were reports of funnel clouds touching down within a couple miles of the RV. None of us saw them.Was a day of ups and downs. Hot and tired to full of adrenaline. Next stop for RV is Marthasville, MO and TS33 Cheers! Merrill
Day1 Day2 Day3 Day4
12:07 AM Sunday morning - I'm in the leapfrog with Mama D. Goat and Papa D are manning the follow car. Temp is 77, humidity up slightly from the mtns, but not unbearable. Quite a few bugs in KS, you can't sit with the interior light on and the door open. That makes me nervous because of the infernal auto locking doors in this dodge caravan. Total mileage on the van is 1687. It had 7 when I got it at the airport in san Diego.
12:33 AM - We are looking to go to rosalia tonight, approx 120 miles. It is just not that exciting for the crew when the road is totally straight and there is not much to look at. We are doing full 30 min exchanges since KAL can maintain a good pace for the full 30. Lots of stars are still visible and the head wind we started with is gone. I spoke to adam briefly at the changeover and he has some problem with his speedplay not wanting to release.
1:15 AM - Well, we just shuttled Alex from the corner of NE 50th street and NE 60th Ave to the corner of NE 50th street and NE 150th Ave. I did not have to turn the steering wheel to make the trip. We did stop at one stop sign. think the county planners here are being a bit optimistic in their naming conventions. 76F at 0058 hrs on Sunday. Happy Fathers day! We have three on the team, Papa D obviously, KR, and me. - Merrill
1:37 AM - I think that Alex is bored by this stage. He is riding with the ipod, hopefully with only one earbud in conformance with raam rules. We passed Cheney state park a minute ago and a long Cheney dam. No relation as far as I can tell. KR is still running the aero position. We made some minor adjustments and he seems to be happy with it. 75F now at 0132 EDT. We are on 21st st N now and 295th west. High traffic as we have been passed by 3 cars since we stopped.
2:07 AM - We are 3 mi from TS 26 at Colwich, KS. Not much going on, really. The biggest issue I have so far is a little blister on the back of my heel. Fortunately I brought a back up pair of shoes so I am no longer in a severe state of suffering. I chose to not tell KAL about my malady. It looks like the worst saddle sores so far belong to Patt. I have no details on that other than I overheard part of an energetic discussion of chamois butter. 74F. 0207 EDT
2:33 AM - Colwich, KS. 1576 miles in the bank. 75F increasing humidity makes you just plain uncomfortable. KR says this is not the most exciting stage of his raam career. He just drank a dark choc frap and is ready to get back at it. 0232 EDT Sunday. Looks like a 100 Ft elevation change over the next 30 miles!!!
4:08 AM - Almost to El Forado, KS. 72F moist and lots of bugs in and out of the car. After the 4 hour century earlier, KAL are just looking forward to getting this one on the books. One more shift each and we will have covered 120 mi tonight.
4:14 AM - KR a little wobbly coming in, balance and senses a little off, but in good spirits. I had to show him which side of the road the car was parked on and he is mumbling about something.
4:43 AM - KR getting ready to go back out. Minor RV problem finding a site. KAL may have to extend. Full you in later I are Alex light coming. RAAM film crew was following him a minute ago.
5:04 AM - Wichita lights in the sky behind us. Chaos in front with the RV. No one was awake 10 min ago. KR on course past TS 27. He is Digging deep for a potentially long night Here's the profile for the next stage - There's a 200Ft climb over 20 miles - think they will notice?
5:08 - RV found a spot 10 miles beyond plan, so that is good news. Hopefully everyone wakes up and is ready when KAL pulls in. Better to ride forward at any speed than to stand around waiting. So its all good, KR is extending his last turn and Alex is putting in one extra. These guys will have ridden around 260 mi in less than 13 hrs. Fantastic effort. When Alex rolled in the last time I had to catch him before he could unclip so he wouldn't tip over. The dude's jersey is soaked with sweat, and his arm glistening. He completely ruined my shower from today! On a bright note, a film crew rode along next to Alex and got some good stuff. Look for him in the Princeton sports jersey.
Mama D is worried that Patt won't get enough food with the RV mixup and her out on the road. She says Patt is very sensitive to not having food on time.
6:02 AM - Roundup of the wee hours of fathers day. Tonight KAL battled headwinds and humidity after a long afternoon against 95+ temps. Keith and Alex are back to life, thinking clearly and satisfied with their effort. The crew pulled together and saved a potentially time losing situation. Patt got his pancakes and is out on the course. Several of is even got to speak with Mike z at 0245. He passed some notes of encouragement to me that I read to KAL between turns. Other notes:
We passed "sugar road" tonight. Pretty much everyone is dissing KS. I apologize if you are from KS. We did not see Dorothy or Toto and we have not encountered any tornadoes. Good night or morning or whatever it is for you. I have a sleep shift now for 6 hrs. Yipee! -Merrill
10:45 - Former GU reports: 10:45 and the RAAMsters have crossed the border into Missouri and perhaps some more interesting scenery. Hang in there everyone!
11:09 AM - Happy Fathers day again. PAD is expected to arrive here at Nevada, Missouri in 20 min. Approx 1757 from start. KAL coverage to resume then. Merrill
11:55 - KR is the first one out this am. He is sporting the AFC polka dots, and red gloves to match the handlebar tape on his surly. He has the aero helmet orechef above his game face. hahaha a little over the top description just to let you picture it. Temp is 83F,blue skieswith a couple wisps in the sky. We are riding through rolling farms that are nice and green. Looks like corn, but it is young. Either that or it is baby corn.
12:04PM - RV 142 just passed us. Some soloist? We have had good weather so far apart from the heat. No sign of building storms yet today, so we are hoping this weather holds. We are headed for lake of the ozarks for the end of this rotation.
12:30 PM - Its really hot for 85f. Alex says these rolling hills are tough in the heat. Course reminds me of the Eat a Peach ride with endless climbs and descents of 100 to 250 feet. 1777 mi. Passing through El Dorado Springs, month
12:33 PM Just passed RV bus 603. Alex is busting out the fierce pink Gatorade strawberry flavor
12:43 PM- Mama D had a strawberry rhubarb pie today. Madi got choked up by it since that is her dads fav. He died 4 years ago. My dad also loved that stuff. He passed away in 1998. I miss him. He was a papa D type guy (?) who would have done a trip like this for me.
12:45 PM- We just passed about 20 cows standing in a little water hole up to their armpits.
12:47 - c/o Rabid AFC RAAMster fan: RV 142 belongs to Solo Male Racer Daniel Rudge who is in last place in that division. (AFC) should be passing more solo racers today including the 2 solo women. The run on good weather may be coming to an end. There is a line of strong Tstms to their NW heading in the direction of their route. The is a 70% chance they'll get nailed with the possibility that the Tstms will be severe. I don't think they'll outrun the storms.
12:50 EDT - Alex bike had a flat on the rack, so KR rode an extra mile while we swapped baby suga's wheel and zoomed up to catch KR and make the swap.
1:01 PM - That's flat 1 for KAL. I think PAD have 5. Roadside highlight. Dead armadillo spotted at mile 1788.3 on raam course.
1:07 PM - Rollers are getting closer together now which means pain on the fixies. Sky is overcast. Potential for some rain this afternoon may be developing.
Sorry for the break - I had some projects to do around the house. - Mike Z
1:12 PM - We are handing up a cold water bottle once during the riders turn so they can dump it over their heads. Its cool since I'm in the passenger seat. Its like I'm at the your driving along next to the rider hanging out the window! (Mike Z can't decipher that one)
1:25 PM - Alex says the pink Gatorade is no good after 5 mins when it gets warm. Keith is out of the saddle on each little rise, then back on the aero bars on the back sides. This is a real test on the fixie since he cannot coast down the back sides.
1:30 PM - Team 618 van just passed and slowed to cheer for KR! KR is dodging pieces of downed trees in the shoulder. The van smells like icy hot again as Alex is putting it on his tired muscles.
1:42 PM - Those crazy bruta (?) painted the road for us and stood by the road cheering! I could only read "surly" something in the message. It was 4 lines of yellow spraypaint. First 2 hrs for KAL covered approx 43 miles.
2:05 PM - Correction. Our English friends are team 611 according to Madi who is driving this van. I'm just here to post to TMR. Must be how YDT feels at work!
2:15 PM - HOT. Van still claiming 85F but definitely feels hotter. Thin ceiling of clouds up high are not providing relief from the sun. Pace is slowing slightly as KAL must dig deep in these increasingly oppressive conditions. The terrain profile is not lying. There has not been even a half mile of flat the whole day so far - Here is the profile:
2:25PM - Gas price in Wheatland, MO is $3.75. Alex is pining for Kansas. "this is torture" he says. Looks like an accurate measure so far is 66 mi in 3:20.
2:47 PM - KR climing a little short steep. Out of the saddle, yanking the bars and straining to hold a 42 cadence. We slowed to let 8 cars pass, and they are all afraid to pass KR. Alex is "itching to get back on the bike". Seems to be having mood swings.
2:59 PM -THE GOAT is taking it easy today. He passed us twice, it looks like he shaved so at least the car will smell better tonight. He stopped once to break open PhillyK's big loaner camera and record some riding. There is an ominous looking cloud following us. Keith may remove the HED wheel if it starts storming. We also wants to eliminate the aero bars. I'm only happy to do that for him.
3:04 PM - Today is roadkill day. We just passed armadillo number 6. We've also seen like 20 turtles, some of whom are not yet roadkill, but are showing potential.
3:19 PM - Threatening skies behind. Headwind picking up for no good reason I can think of. Alex just opened the box of oreo double stuffs we have been transporting. I am displeased by this. Now that they are opened we may have to stop for a bottle of milk.
3:37 PM - 80 F now. Skies darkening, but no rain yet. I'm thinking PAD get poured on this afternoon. We are under 20 mi to TS 31 and we are going 14 past that to end at Osage Beach, Missouri.
3:44 PM - Word is they expect haul (hail?) at TS 31. 14 mi ahead. I'm driving now so reports will be shorter. Probably a relief to most of you. Here's a preview of the profile:
3:52 PM - Missouri people seem to have the least clue about passing cyclists of any state so far.
KR is in the car and feeling feisty, ordering me around and acting tough. Not raining yet.
3:59 PM KR is rolling his legs with a wooden rolling pin, really! We may be out riding the storm.
4:37 PM **Tornado warning** We are hunkered down with solo number 142 in some gas station. 125 is here too.
5:00 PM - Tornado abetting, KR is helping the 1 arm solo rider who is sheltering here as well.
KAL Wrap up from Sunday afternoon: We went through the time station at Camdenton, MO just as the tornado warning went off. We collected KR and sped back to the TS for shelter. I didn't realize how windy it was when I was moving "quickly" to get Keith. The door blew open violently, and as I reached for it my RAAM hat blew off. What to do? I watched it land in a vacant lot and hesitated. Oh well.
At the TS we met the one-armed Swiss RAAM racer who was in bad shape. His arm was sore. One of his team asked me if we had a doctor on our crew. I said no, but we have a PT. So Keith tried to help the guy out, but English was not a common language and the guy is suffering from something Keith called "overuse." We left him with his elbow in a bucket of ice. We also met solo #142 who looked like a zombie. We're in the RV now with a real keypad and just passed 142 at mile 1,889 on Hwy 54 toward Jefferson City, MO. Glad to see him still moving.
Anyway, after the tornado, it of course started pouring. Alex volunteered to ride the 13 miles to the RV to complete the shift. We drove to our last point on the course and my hat was still there, so now I have a bonus souvenir, a hat covered with dirt and mud. KAL were going to split the last 13, but once Alex was totally soaked, he just went for the whole thing. There was some cloud-to-cloud lightning, but it didn't really seem "unsafe" so we soldiered on, eager to handoff to PAD. Team PAD actually left the RV without Patt's bike, but since they had two vans, they were able to come back and get it without slowing the progress. The crew totally pulled together in this weather situation to keep the effort moving. Couple random notes from the day:
Before there was any rain, we got a little lightning strike about a mile away from Alex on the bike. I thought, "one more like that and we are stopping." Fortunately, at least from a mythbusters perspective, there was high ground on both sides of the road, so it seemed like we probably would not get hit by lightning. :-) Hey, it's a race, after all.
A few minutes after the lightning strike we came to a 400 foot climb of some difficulty. KR sprinted up that like a man possessed. Turns out he is acutely afraid of lightning. I know the feeling, at least the fear part, if not the ability to sprint uphill like that.
There were reports of funnel clouds touching down within a couple miles of the RV. None of us saw them.Was a day of ups and downs. Hot and tired to full of adrenaline. Next stop for RV is Marthasville, MO and TS33 Cheers! Merrill
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Moving Up In The Ranks!
eAFC is now in 4th place in the 4-Man Relay Division!
RAAM Stats Page
Team Pat/Adam (PAD) is doing great! We are not tired yet and we are not slowing down. We just went over the 2 biggest mountain passes of the trip.
(Pat finally makes it to the top and exchanges with Adam)
RAAM Stats Page
Team Pat/Adam (PAD) is doing great! We are not tired yet and we are not slowing down. We just went over the 2 biggest mountain passes of the trip.
(Here are Stacey Fabio and Adam at the top of the mountain)
(Pat finally makes it to the top and exchanges with Adam)After every single 6 hour leg MamaD has a hot meal waiting for us. It is crazy how totally amazing our support crew is!
(MamaD making amazing dinner!!)
So far so good! We are looking to pass Team Cry #416, who are in 3rd place. It won't be easy :)
- Pat
LoveLife!
- Pat
LoveLife!
Fabio's Corner :)
Here is another entry from Fabio. We are currently in Boise City, OK getting some wash done, food, and other unnecessary things. Enjoy!
PS - Happy Father's Day a day early to all Dad's :)
- weez
Friday, 6-13-08, 1338 Race Time.
We are pulling out of the Visitor's Center in Durango, Colorado with Papa D at the helm (currently negotiating out of the RV area in reverse [my heart thumping...]), Fabio tap-tapping on the blog riding shotgun, Pat sleeping (eat, sleep, ride, repeat), Peter asnooze, Stacey gathering thoughts for a future blog, Weezal directing the RV, and Adam wide awake, too wired to sleep ("I feel like I should be riding now," he says).
Let's try to recap some of the events of the past few (only 2?!) days of racing. Pardon the stream of consciousness, but with the schedule we're keeping it's amazing some of us are conscious at all.
I must start by closing on the previous blog prediction. Adam did, in fact, blow past racer after racer on the big opening ascent. I’ll tell you what I would have been thinking – he’ll burn out before the top or maybe won’t even be able to finish out the day. Well after almost 2 days of racing all of our guys are going strong. I knew there would be ample opportunity to see these guys climb, but we got a good dose going from TS5 to TS6 (Congress, AZ to Prescott, AZ). Adam took the first nibble: an 1800 foot climb over 7 miles. Watching him wend through the switchbacks is hypnotic - back bobbing slightly, head moving back/forth, quads driving relentlessly. Maybe I’m just a cycling neophyte, but I don’t know how the human machine holds together under such stress. The tremendous torque and overall effort expended to reach such a summit is incomprehensible to me (especially considering the tall gear he’s pushing). At one of the dry runs back east Madio commented on the rhythm the riders have, and that doesn’t fade on the climbs. Unfortunately, Adam didn’t encounter other racers on that particular mountain because I know he would have gone even faster and succeeded in his quest to overcome. He is driven. He rides because he loves it. He is a competitor.
Our second climb on the way to Prescott is placed on the broad shoulders of our hero, Patt. 1100 feet in 6 miles – not for the faint of heart. What’s interesting about Patt is that no matter what you ask him to do, he accepts the challenge. “Patt, wanna climb that mountain?” “How about this descent?” “Would you mind taking an extra turn at the end to get us to the next Time Station?” He is always willing. On this particular day he was both willing and able. Patt has a different style than Sugar – less movement while seated and more nimble and quicker in/out of the seat. At the heart of his engine are two strong cylinders that motivate his machine anywhere he steers. I must say that it’s hard to get to know a rider from a few 25 mile TMRs here and there. But after just a few short days on RAAM with Patt, he’s the guy that goes long. The engine that could. The Energizer Bunny. He’s Perpetual Patt – always pushing to the end. I should have figured this out from hearing about the marathons and Iron Man competitions he has completed. There was also chat at the hotel in Oceanside, CA about how Baby Suga could beat Patt in a foot race. Well, a sprint, 10K, and maybe 10mi. But Patt would have the edge on the half-marathon and longer races. But I digress... Back to the mountain where this man is powering up the hill relentlessly. After a long push he crests the top and spins down with a blistering cadence, ready to devour anything else RAAM throws at him. Hey, RAAM isn’t a sprint, a 10K, or even a 10 mile foot race. It’s a true endurance bike race that will break unprepared solo and team racers alike. When I think about Patt’s ability to go long I get even more excited about AFC’s chances.
PS - Happy Father's Day a day early to all Dad's :)
- weez
Friday, 6-13-08, 1338 Race Time.
We are pulling out of the Visitor's Center in Durango, Colorado with Papa D at the helm (currently negotiating out of the RV area in reverse [my heart thumping...]), Fabio tap-tapping on the blog riding shotgun, Pat sleeping (eat, sleep, ride, repeat), Peter asnooze, Stacey gathering thoughts for a future blog, Weezal directing the RV, and Adam wide awake, too wired to sleep ("I feel like I should be riding now," he says).
Let's try to recap some of the events of the past few (only 2?!) days of racing. Pardon the stream of consciousness, but with the schedule we're keeping it's amazing some of us are conscious at all.
I must start by closing on the previous blog prediction. Adam did, in fact, blow past racer after racer on the big opening ascent. I’ll tell you what I would have been thinking – he’ll burn out before the top or maybe won’t even be able to finish out the day. Well after almost 2 days of racing all of our guys are going strong. I knew there would be ample opportunity to see these guys climb, but we got a good dose going from TS5 to TS6 (Congress, AZ to Prescott, AZ). Adam took the first nibble: an 1800 foot climb over 7 miles. Watching him wend through the switchbacks is hypnotic - back bobbing slightly, head moving back/forth, quads driving relentlessly. Maybe I’m just a cycling neophyte, but I don’t know how the human machine holds together under such stress. The tremendous torque and overall effort expended to reach such a summit is incomprehensible to me (especially considering the tall gear he’s pushing). At one of the dry runs back east Madio commented on the rhythm the riders have, and that doesn’t fade on the climbs. Unfortunately, Adam didn’t encounter other racers on that particular mountain because I know he would have gone even faster and succeeded in his quest to overcome. He is driven. He rides because he loves it. He is a competitor.
Our second climb on the way to Prescott is placed on the broad shoulders of our hero, Patt. 1100 feet in 6 miles – not for the faint of heart. What’s interesting about Patt is that no matter what you ask him to do, he accepts the challenge. “Patt, wanna climb that mountain?” “How about this descent?” “Would you mind taking an extra turn at the end to get us to the next Time Station?” He is always willing. On this particular day he was both willing and able. Patt has a different style than Sugar – less movement while seated and more nimble and quicker in/out of the seat. At the heart of his engine are two strong cylinders that motivate his machine anywhere he steers. I must say that it’s hard to get to know a rider from a few 25 mile TMRs here and there. But after just a few short days on RAAM with Patt, he’s the guy that goes long. The engine that could. The Energizer Bunny. He’s Perpetual Patt – always pushing to the end. I should have figured this out from hearing about the marathons and Iron Man competitions he has completed. There was also chat at the hotel in Oceanside, CA about how Baby Suga could beat Patt in a foot race. Well, a sprint, 10K, and maybe 10mi. But Patt would have the edge on the half-marathon and longer races. But I digress... Back to the mountain where this man is powering up the hill relentlessly. After a long push he crests the top and spins down with a blistering cadence, ready to devour anything else RAAM throws at him. Hey, RAAM isn’t a sprint, a 10K, or even a 10 mile foot race. It’s a true endurance bike race that will break unprepared solo and team racers alike. When I think about Patt’s ability to go long I get even more excited about AFC’s chances.
Reports from the Race Day Four
Hello and Welcome to RAAM Race coverage day four. Here is an elevation profile of the stage they are currently racing from Taos, NM to Cimarron, NM - Mike Z (going to bed) I will continue to update this one post throughout the day even if there are newer entries added above it.
1:00 AM - Alex will be in red river soon. I changed vans so I could switch alexto the 48 17. Its a surly flip-flop hub so the change only takes a minute. We will gain 1200 feet in the next 10 miles. Both riders serfping (?) well and trying to pace themselves. KR started at 118am EDT This climb would be beautiful in the daytime. You can see the canyon walls in themoonlight rising straight up on both sides. We just passed goat hill campground.
1:24 AM - We have to keep the interior lights out so that we don't attract the moths. Temp is 47f going to be cold going down the back of this. We just watched jeanfhe (?) is looking very strong tonight. All business, he was getting his game face on earlier.
1:50 AM -The final 4 miles of the climb rise a leg busting 1200 feet to the summit of bobcat pass.
After that we say adios to the Rockies. Of the next 300 mi, 280 are downhill - Merrill
2:00 AM - Alex a bit lightheaded at 8600ft. KR going for the final push at 0200EDT. Approx 7 mi. There is snow on the sides of the road and it is 44f. Climb is relentless, but not unbearably steep. Passing thru red river now. RV from team 611 is now following goat and Madi in the follow van for team AFC. Keith is still carrying a nice cadence of around 60 on the 48x18.
2:21 AM - Now taking the turn out of red river the road goes straight up and his cadence is down to 30. Earlie today he hit 45 mph and the cadence was over 140. Took 2 of us to count it, one watching KR and the other calling out the time.
2:27 AM - 3 mi to the summit and KR is stepping it up a bit. Alex is going to polish this one off.
Final assault - Gotta be a 15+ % grade. For the last 2 miles and 2 to go. Alex is up to a 42 cadence with a slight drop in the grade. Baby Sug is yanking on the bars and putting his whole self into this monster.
2:37 AM - KR is back on. 41f freezing. Baby sug is getting dressed for the descent. Under a mile to the summit. KR is looking strong. Baby sug is back in the land of the living. Throats burning from lack of O2.
2:44 AM KR has reached the too of bobcat pass 1084 miles in the bag. We are now beginning our departure from the rocky mtns. Baby sug is flying. All Keith is talking about is food. Taco bell, and his new fav Angelos in So Cal. Summit temp was 35f. Says it isthe biggest climb he has ever done. He also says he could never have made it without all the training assistance of his tmr pals! OK I made that one up. He would like to thank his wife for letting him climb this mountain.
Alex is on course, but he is surely thankful to his awesome babe cleo. He also I'm sure is thankful to those surly fellows in Minn for building such a sturdy machine.
(note from Mike Z - not sure if the times are EDT they are coming in late or Merrill forgot to convert)
*Message from JK* Merrill - Your posting this evening has been terriffic. Just want to give you sum cred for a great job. Please pass it on to the whole crew - they do these guys a great honor to make their experience possible! -JK
*Message from Jellyfish* Kudos fellas! ROCK ON! -JF FELLAS: Madi, Stacey, Moms, Dads....EVERYONE!
The RAAM Website puts AFC in 4th place at Time Station 20 (Abbott, NM) with 1166 miles covered. They are currently between Abbott, NM and Clayton, NM. Here is the profile for that stage:
11:08 AM - PAD Result: 130 mi, 6 hrs Ending Felt, OK
1:08 PM Merrill gets clean - I just paid 9 bucks Boise City, OK for a shower. First since CALI. Now I'm racing to Elkhart Kansas to catch up. KAL are riding about 24 mph for the first 60 mi. A very hot 87f and once again no clouds. Elkhartis TS 22 We are very close to TX although there is some dispute over the border. - Clean Merrill
1:24 PM - Some Irish dude - I just spoke to a nice Irishman in a pink shirt riding a bicycle in the middle of nowhere. Nice chap, just riding along by himself. Was surprised that the country was so big. 1324 EDT Saturday - Merrill
1:29 PM - Equipment test - AFC magnets on van and saris rack are good to 150 kms. hypothetically speaking. Cruise is set to posted speed as per the rules. - Unsigned
1:30 PM - Although it hurt me to do so, I attached aero handles to KR s bike and out on the HED front wheel. I called surly and they issued a RAAM exemption to allow him to ride like that without losing all street cred. - Merrill
1:44 PM - Pizza - Trying todo something special for KAL. They are in solo support mode witk madi and goat shuttling whilei bask in luxury of shower and chillaxing. I'm at pizza hut getting something for KR. Alex requested macD's but the guy says the closest one is 30 miles! AD wants a dbl cheeseburger, may have to settle for personal pan. I'm tapping my foot impatiently since I have to catch up with the pizzas! - Merrill
Here is the profile of the current stage between TS 22 Elkhart, OK and TS 23 Plains, KS
1:59 PM - Irish are team 611. Guy has whole face covered with zinc sun lotion. KAL are 15 mi east of TS 22 at 1353 EDT. That's 1326 total, closing in on half way. That is 75 miles this shift so far in maybe 3:20, I forgot to start my watch. - Merrill
2:08 PM - These guys are all like soldiers, tired hungry dirty. They keep pounding away the miles not wanting to let down the team the crew the supporters and people who give money for ADA and PSC. When they finish a climb segment they are SPENT, often apologizing they couldn't go farther as I hold their bike while they unclip and gasp for air. Minutes later they go right back outto help the other guy who is by then starting to wither. Back and forth this goes on 24-7. I got to read a couple of these posts on a real computer and I have to mention that my typing and spelling are sponsored by blackberry and their excellent "
"Suretype" keypad! - Merrill
2:14 PM - Temperature rising - 92F now. Goat is handing up water bottles to dump over their heads. RAAM rules allow max of 4 handups per hour. They have rules foreverything.
2:27 PM From the chase car, Madi W says KR is on cruise control...at 26MPH -W
3:20PM - Hugoton KS - Stopped at mcd's, now I got to catch back up.
3:19 PM EDT executed the dbl cheese burger handup. Plain with only ketchup. No problem keeping it warm with temp at 94f and a large dashboard in the minivan. -Merrill
Nice Article about the race in The View from Ellicott City.
4:05 PM Merrill answers reader's questions:
-No, KR is not wearing tri shorts or wings to go with his aero bars
-KR had a plain pizza
-Baby sug ate 2 dbl cheeseburgers
-Patt does not seem to have gained any weight. He is in his usual high spirits
-Adam is also cherry and very polite to the crew
-Yes, we really wish that there had been a toilet available at the last RV stop
@ Mile 1380 - Baby sug just passed me at the corner of US 83 and SR 51. 96F He is hungry, but enjoyed the cheeseburgers. I'm thinking of trying out for chef for one of the pro teams. We are starting to see some puffy cumulus building on the horizon to the east. We are riding toward an area that had some flooding recently, or so I am told. I'm in a news blackout. My wife told me about russert, that is really sad. -Merrill
4:34 PM - We have 2 aero helmets for the team. Adam requested he get one to start the next shift. I'm taking KRs in while Alex finishes the segment to TS 23. I have to clean offall thebugs first, these guys are flying. Unofficial first 100 miles today in 4 hour 7 mins. Total looks to be 140 with about 8 mi togo. There is a chance they finish it under 6 hours. Was it the cheeseburgers and pizza? No way, it was just a serious pedaling effort with great solo vehicle support from Madi and the Goat! You can't say "chaprau" to that, more like a 10 gallon hat. Temp now 98F Gotta go change out the van and drive the RV to TS 24 25 and beyond! See you in Annapolis. Merrill
Here is the profile for the next stage ending in Bucklin, KS:
10:25 PM - Cunningham, KS. I just got a nice nap while goat drove the RV. Its 2225 sat night RV is here. Eta for PAD is 11:00PM. Mileage to here is 1518, woo hoo more than half way.I'll update you on the road, gotta go adjust KR s aero handles. - Merrill
1:00 AM - Alex will be in red river soon. I changed vans so I could switch alexto the 48 17. Its a surly flip-flop hub so the change only takes a minute. We will gain 1200 feet in the next 10 miles. Both riders serfping (?) well and trying to pace themselves. KR started at 118am EDT This climb would be beautiful in the daytime. You can see the canyon walls in themoonlight rising straight up on both sides. We just passed goat hill campground.1:24 AM - We have to keep the interior lights out so that we don't attract the moths. Temp is 47f going to be cold going down the back of this. We just watched jeanfhe (?) is looking very strong tonight. All business, he was getting his game face on earlier.
1:50 AM -The final 4 miles of the climb rise a leg busting 1200 feet to the summit of bobcat pass.
After that we say adios to the Rockies. Of the next 300 mi, 280 are downhill - Merrill
2:00 AM - Alex a bit lightheaded at 8600ft. KR going for the final push at 0200EDT. Approx 7 mi. There is snow on the sides of the road and it is 44f. Climb is relentless, but not unbearably steep. Passing thru red river now. RV from team 611 is now following goat and Madi in the follow van for team AFC. Keith is still carrying a nice cadence of around 60 on the 48x18.
2:21 AM - Now taking the turn out of red river the road goes straight up and his cadence is down to 30. Earlie today he hit 45 mph and the cadence was over 140. Took 2 of us to count it, one watching KR and the other calling out the time.
2:27 AM - 3 mi to the summit and KR is stepping it up a bit. Alex is going to polish this one off.
Final assault - Gotta be a 15+ % grade. For the last 2 miles and 2 to go. Alex is up to a 42 cadence with a slight drop in the grade. Baby Sug is yanking on the bars and putting his whole self into this monster.
2:37 AM - KR is back on. 41f freezing. Baby sug is getting dressed for the descent. Under a mile to the summit. KR is looking strong. Baby sug is back in the land of the living. Throats burning from lack of O2.
2:44 AM KR has reached the too of bobcat pass 1084 miles in the bag. We are now beginning our departure from the rocky mtns. Baby sug is flying. All Keith is talking about is food. Taco bell, and his new fav Angelos in So Cal. Summit temp was 35f. Says it isthe biggest climb he has ever done. He also says he could never have made it without all the training assistance of his tmr pals! OK I made that one up. He would like to thank his wife for letting him climb this mountain.
Alex is on course, but he is surely thankful to his awesome babe cleo. He also I'm sure is thankful to those surly fellows in Minn for building such a sturdy machine.
(note from Mike Z - not sure if the times are EDT they are coming in late or Merrill forgot to convert)
*Message from JK* Merrill - Your posting this evening has been terriffic. Just want to give you sum cred for a great job. Please pass it on to the whole crew - they do these guys a great honor to make their experience possible! -JK
*Message from Jellyfish* Kudos fellas! ROCK ON! -JF FELLAS: Madi, Stacey, Moms, Dads....EVERYONE!
The RAAM Website puts AFC in 4th place at Time Station 20 (Abbott, NM) with 1166 miles covered. They are currently between Abbott, NM and Clayton, NM. Here is the profile for that stage:
11:08 AM - PAD Result: 130 mi, 6 hrs Ending Felt, OK
1:08 PM Merrill gets clean - I just paid 9 bucks Boise City, OK for a shower. First since CALI. Now I'm racing to Elkhart Kansas to catch up. KAL are riding about 24 mph for the first 60 mi. A very hot 87f and once again no clouds. Elkhartis TS 22 We are very close to TX although there is some dispute over the border. - Clean Merrill
1:24 PM - Some Irish dude - I just spoke to a nice Irishman in a pink shirt riding a bicycle in the middle of nowhere. Nice chap, just riding along by himself. Was surprised that the country was so big. 1324 EDT Saturday - Merrill
1:29 PM - Equipment test - AFC magnets on van and saris rack are good to 150 kms. hypothetically speaking. Cruise is set to posted speed as per the rules. - Unsigned
1:30 PM - Although it hurt me to do so, I attached aero handles to KR s bike and out on the HED front wheel. I called surly and they issued a RAAM exemption to allow him to ride like that without losing all street cred. - Merrill
1:44 PM - Pizza - Trying todo something special for KAL. They are in solo support mode witk madi and goat shuttling whilei bask in luxury of shower and chillaxing. I'm at pizza hut getting something for KR. Alex requested macD's but the guy says the closest one is 30 miles! AD wants a dbl cheeseburger, may have to settle for personal pan. I'm tapping my foot impatiently since I have to catch up with the pizzas! - Merrill
Here is the profile of the current stage between TS 22 Elkhart, OK and TS 23 Plains, KS
1:59 PM - Irish are team 611. Guy has whole face covered with zinc sun lotion. KAL are 15 mi east of TS 22 at 1353 EDT. That's 1326 total, closing in on half way. That is 75 miles this shift so far in maybe 3:20, I forgot to start my watch. - Merrill2:08 PM - These guys are all like soldiers, tired hungry dirty. They keep pounding away the miles not wanting to let down the team the crew the supporters and people who give money for ADA and PSC. When they finish a climb segment they are SPENT, often apologizing they couldn't go farther as I hold their bike while they unclip and gasp for air. Minutes later they go right back outto help the other guy who is by then starting to wither. Back and forth this goes on 24-7. I got to read a couple of these posts on a real computer and I have to mention that my typing and spelling are sponsored by blackberry and their excellent "
"Suretype" keypad! - Merrill
2:14 PM - Temperature rising - 92F now. Goat is handing up water bottles to dump over their heads. RAAM rules allow max of 4 handups per hour. They have rules foreverything.
2:27 PM From the chase car, Madi W says KR is on cruise control...at 26MPH -W
3:20PM - Hugoton KS - Stopped at mcd's, now I got to catch back up.
3:19 PM EDT executed the dbl cheese burger handup. Plain with only ketchup. No problem keeping it warm with temp at 94f and a large dashboard in the minivan. -Merrill
Nice Article about the race in The View from Ellicott City.
4:05 PM Merrill answers reader's questions:
-No, KR is not wearing tri shorts or wings to go with his aero bars
-KR had a plain pizza
-Baby sug ate 2 dbl cheeseburgers
-Patt does not seem to have gained any weight. He is in his usual high spirits
-Adam is also cherry and very polite to the crew
-Yes, we really wish that there had been a toilet available at the last RV stop
@ Mile 1380 - Baby sug just passed me at the corner of US 83 and SR 51. 96F He is hungry, but enjoyed the cheeseburgers. I'm thinking of trying out for chef for one of the pro teams. We are starting to see some puffy cumulus building on the horizon to the east. We are riding toward an area that had some flooding recently, or so I am told. I'm in a news blackout. My wife told me about russert, that is really sad. -Merrill
4:34 PM - We have 2 aero helmets for the team. Adam requested he get one to start the next shift. I'm taking KRs in while Alex finishes the segment to TS 23. I have to clean offall thebugs first, these guys are flying. Unofficial first 100 miles today in 4 hour 7 mins. Total looks to be 140 with about 8 mi togo. There is a chance they finish it under 6 hours. Was it the cheeseburgers and pizza? No way, it was just a serious pedaling effort with great solo vehicle support from Madi and the Goat! You can't say "chaprau" to that, more like a 10 gallon hat. Temp now 98F Gotta go change out the van and drive the RV to TS 24 25 and beyond! See you in Annapolis. Merrill
Here is the profile for the next stage ending in Bucklin, KS:
10:25 PM - Cunningham, KS. I just got a nice nap while goat drove the RV. Its 2225 sat night RV is here. Eta for PAD is 11:00PM. Mileage to here is 1518, woo hoo more than half way.I'll update you on the road, gotta go adjust KR s aero handles. - Merrill
Friday, June 13, 2008
Updates From Team Pat/Adam (PAD)
Adam and I are feeling great!! We had one extra long shift last night and we were pretty whiped out afterwards but then we both got 5+hrs of sleep and we woke up ready to roll!!!
Our shift this morning was a piece of cake even with a few mountains at the end. We entered into Colorado within the first few miles of that shift. We had Weezal/Peter driving Leap Frog and Stacey/Fabio driving Follow Vehicle. After 6:30am when the Follow Vehicle was no longer needed Stacey/Fabio went back to the RV to do some laundry and cleanup stuff while Weezal/Peter provided us with full support from the Leap Frog vehicle.
We are resting right now. I just slept for about 2hrs and Adam is still sleeping. We have a very hard shift ahead of us. Apparently there will be a good amount of mountains to pass!!
-Pat
LoveLife!
Our shift this morning was a piece of cake even with a few mountains at the end. We entered into Colorado within the first few miles of that shift. We had Weezal/Peter driving Leap Frog and Stacey/Fabio driving Follow Vehicle. After 6:30am when the Follow Vehicle was no longer needed Stacey/Fabio went back to the RV to do some laundry and cleanup stuff while Weezal/Peter provided us with full support from the Leap Frog vehicle.
We are resting right now. I just slept for about 2hrs and Adam is still sleeping. We have a very hard shift ahead of us. Apparently there will be a good amount of mountains to pass!!
-Pat
LoveLife!
Videos From Race Across America
Here is a video of Keith biking during the night while Merrill and MamaD drive in the follow vehicle. The follow vehicle must drive closely behind the rider from 7:30pm until 6:30am local time every night.
Here are Pat and Adam doing a rider exchange during the day. Notice they are wearing their Princeton Sports Jerseys today! Princeton Sports was there for us every step of the way in preparing for this event.
-Pat
LoveLife!
Here are Pat and Adam doing a rider exchange during the day. Notice they are wearing their Princeton Sports Jerseys today! Princeton Sports was there for us every step of the way in preparing for this event.
-Pat
LoveLife!
Picture From The Start of The Race
Here is a picture from the very start of the Race. Shown from left to right: Weezal, Alex, Pat, Adam, Keith.-Pat
LoveLife!
Reports from the Race Day Three
Welcome to Race day three!
1:00 AM Friday - New shift just started for KAL I don't have much info on the last PAD shift, but cheery Patt was "tired" when I asked him how he felt.
Goat and I are in the follow car and papa/mama D are in the leapfrog. Goat is driving, so no need to worry about emailing while driving for this stage! Mama D was a but distressed when I videod KR descending the canyon earlier today when I was driving. I felt like bruyneel at one time I had two phones going and I was steering with my knee.
Later I felt like a real race mechanic. I was got tired and wearing filthy shorts getting a sunburn on the side of the road. I had to catch KR a couple of times at the end of his effort since it was steep and he was so tired he seemed he would tip over. Then he would go out again in 10 to 15 minutes. Ironmen!
2:35 - Alex just passed a very large jackrabbit. Goat estimates he has slept maybe 2 hr's since oceanside. I have maybe 4.5, but I was in the military and can sleep anywhere. Alex is humming along a gentle downhill at 28 mph. Kayenta, AZ: KR tipped over at an exchange. Kinda funny at 0140 in the morning. We just passed TSegi, AZ. The route book says there is an 8000 ft peak to our left, but its too dark to see. - Merrill
2:50 AM - We are 10 miles from Utah and monument valley. Alex is sporting the aero helmet again, but he has offset it with a flapping windbreaker. Temp is 52f outside. Goat has the AC set to 32f inside so he won't fall asleep. At night the rider cannot be on the course without a follow car with a special light setup. So if we need to pee Alex will have to stop. I think we could probably eliminate out the sliding door without stopping, but that probably violates a raam rule.
3:10 AM - Now we are in monument valley and goat is upset because he can't see anything. We can just make out the shapes in the light of the half moon. We will soon pass by brigham Young's tomb at monument pass. It is only a 600 ft climb in 6 miles for KR. After seeing a lot of other teams all day, we just saw our first other team tonight. Motorhome from team 601 was on the side of the road. Our own RV just passed is on its way to the next shift change. It is a veritable traffic jam. We are planning on 110 to 120 miles for this 6 hr shift. - Merrill
3:13 AM - Keith has been running his headlight blinky YDT style, but earlier a raam official pulled alongside and told him to out it on steady. We have covered 661 miles as of 313 am Friday.-Merrill
3:45 AM - Goat and I just had a great view of the monuments backlit by the moon and stars, silhouetted above us on the horizon as we stood there emptying our bladders in a huge sigh of relief. We had to stop for the break because I found the megaphone under the seat. Since Keith has no radio tonight I started shouting instruction and encouragement to him through the megaphone. I had a hard time keeping a straigt face with the Megaphone, and could not finish a sentence, goat was about to wet himself. Many things are funnier at 340am. - Merrill
4:06 AM - Alex coming into Mexican hat, UT. 679 miles in, 2335 to go.
5:36 am - Keith just climbed 1225 ft in 12 mi. Standing most of the way and maintaining 14 to 19 mph the whole way. He is the energizer he is the man. On another note, goat just saw a second shooting star. We also saw one car the entire time KR was ascending. They don't have serious traffic problems here. -Merrill
6:30 AM - 46f, it is feeling cold. Hi today was about 85f but all sun and very dry. Alex will ride the last 10 to time station 12, montezuma creek, UT. As Keith was riding up to the exchange at 0600 EDT, 0400 local, he was cresting a small incline. Just above him a shooting star left a blazing vertical tail, a fitting salute to a courageous effort for the oldest rider on the squad.
As Alex built up speed on the back of the rise, he was greeted by a second flash across the sky. He earned it today! Timestation will be 718.9 miles at approx 0630 EDT. I'm looking forward to my second sleep shift. Goat sends greetings to all his tmr buddies. Please send Starbucks gift cards care of The Goat. Cheers! - Merrill
9:45 AM They've made it to TS13, Cortez, CO, still solidly in 5th place, 54 minutes behind 4th and almost 2 hrs in front of 6th. They're in the heart of the Rockies now. I hope they can take advantage of the climbs and gain ground on the competition. This is an epic endeavor! - GU
1:20 PM Report care of Dave Tambeaux - Your intrepid East Coast RAAM reporter here will go to any length to snag a story, including calling AFC rolling HQ on the road. All kidding aside Merrill called while I was at lunch and I have been empowered to give the story here. M put me on with KR, who I am happy to say sounded very fresh and much more with it than yesterday. I would go so far to say he is recovering to the shock of climbing to start RAAM and is now feeling very good. He called himself Walter Mitty, when I told him it was the press on the phone. KR’s sleep story begins with riding himself into complete exhaustion near Medicine Hat, which he said was in Utah, so we will go with that. KR also said they passed no other teams or team cars for a long time. The race apparently is getting very spread out. After eating he went right to sleep, although he said he used the eye covers to aid getting to sleep without interruption. They are just east of Durango CO and headed to Pagosa Springs CO. Soon to be climbing for 30 miles although KR said it was nothing serious for team PAD as it was only 1,400 feet in elevation change. Merrrill was giving KR info as we talked and relayed that the are over one quarter of the way done, hitting the 828 ¾ mile mark as we spoke. I love Merrill getting it right to the last drop, maybe he can be Folgers from now on. KR said he was looking forward to the flats and getting to use the aerobars. They are either going to hit or just hit the high point (I think it is coming) at Lamanga Pass which tops out over 10,000 feet above sea level. I bet the views are magnifico. I then spoke with Goat who just got off sleep detail along with some others. He said Madi was driving while the bunch slept. Goat says he was knocked out cold. It took the RV 4 hours to go 100 miles through some narrow winding roads. Just now Merrill is shouting encouragement to Alex who is riding uphill and they are prepping KR to go back out very soon. Goat says the support team is eating mostly trail mix and assorted sandwiches and an occasional French Toast thrown in for good measure. Most wakeup calls are followed by downing Starbucks Double Shots. When KR woke up to ride he immediately did his Starbucks DS and just jumped on his bike straight away.
Goat relayed what a disappointment it was to miss the daytime beauty of Monument Valley in AZ. He said they saw 4 shooting stars. The moon however confused them frequently thinking it was an approaching car (from behind). I think the desert does weird stuff like this when you are sleep deprived. He said the entire night they did not see another car.
1:17 PM (I think) - 68f at 1317 EDT at some Indian reservation. KR on course, van smells like icy got in the van from Alex. Boys are sporting the Princeton sports jerseys today - Merrill
2:00 PM from Merrill in Alison, CO - Not an exciting place - 849 in the bank.
2:17 PM - 30mi and 1600 ft to pagosa springs. 74f at 217p EDT. Goat and I are measuring out the pain in smaller doses today. Averaging about 7 to 8 mi at a time. Zero clouds and noahdr (??) on the course. Fantastic blue sky as we head up the valley from 6000 to 7600 ft. - Merrill
3:30 - 3 miles to Pagosa 73f No oxygen -Traffic
3:38 - KR is out of the saddle attacking - GO Keith Go!!!!
3:41 PM - Team 607 bus just passed us
3:47 PM - 7069 feet entering town boys really out down the poweron the climb! (??Merrill??)
3:51 PM - PAD is taking over now and they will take the team to the highest point on RAAM at over 10,000 feet.
6:53 PM - Keith and Alex rode 97 miles in 5 hrs. It was an inspirational effort, especially by Alex who had some early problems getting going and complained of back soreness. Later he was matching a very strong KR who was feeling good after 4 hrs of sleep.
Goat and I provided solo support and it worked out pretty well. We would follow for a time and then when the rider began to fade we would zip ahead slightly and stage the next rider. As we buzzed the guy on course he would get a little energy burst he needed to get up to the rider exchange. If we had enough time, goat would film the exchange and the scenery that has him completely in awe!
Next up for PAD is the highest point on the course at La Manga pass 10275 ft. KAL are resting up for the assault on the terrain around the beautiful Taos, NM. Including the trip up bobcat pass between TS 18 and 19. Goat is driving the RV I'm writing you. Papa D is sleeping, Mama D and Madi are napping in the suite. KAL are sleeping. Everyone else is out on the course. Oh and I forgot, goat spotted a cloud a few minutes ago -Merrill.
6:55 PM - Keith says: We were penalized 15 minutes for a late call in of time station 14 :( I guess we'll have to make it up in the hills :) Ps - Maero's new name will now be Pedro the late evening entertainer. It's a party on the graveyard shift!!!
10:26 PM - Crossed the 1000 Mile mark with Patt Riding.
11:09 PM - A bat just buzzed Alex. I am in the followcar with Madi, KR has taken one turn. We left the 1k mark about 5 min after Patt showed. We had to get the vans and crew switched out and the rider cannot ride at night unsupported. Goat and papa D are in the leapfrog. Sun is nearly set on another beautiful day of cool and dry, but not enough oxygen. RAAM never sleeps. I let some Irish dudes use my mobile since they couldn't call in their time. Pay phones all broken (2) and 1 of 5 cell phones working. I think they got a penalty for being late. Could be they were team cry. I think they had a guy crash and get concussed. Once team Cry's time gets posted, they will probably be back ahead of us. Their rider is ahead of us presently. - Merrill
11:15 - Rio Grande gorge - Just crossed the bridge. Like to come back in the daylight.
11:25 PM - we are 10 mi from Taos, NM
. Here is the profile for the stage being completed:
11:30 PM - After Taos we start climbing again for 40 miles. From 22 to 40 the gain is. 7271 to 9836! KR is going to ride a 48x18. Alex is sticking with the 16 on the back.
1:00 AM Friday - New shift just started for KAL I don't have much info on the last PAD shift, but cheery Patt was "tired" when I asked him how he felt.
Goat and I are in the follow car and papa/mama D are in the leapfrog. Goat is driving, so no need to worry about emailing while driving for this stage! Mama D was a but distressed when I videod KR descending the canyon earlier today when I was driving. I felt like bruyneel at one time I had two phones going and I was steering with my knee.
Later I felt like a real race mechanic. I was got tired and wearing filthy shorts getting a sunburn on the side of the road. I had to catch KR a couple of times at the end of his effort since it was steep and he was so tired he seemed he would tip over. Then he would go out again in 10 to 15 minutes. Ironmen!
2:35 - Alex just passed a very large jackrabbit. Goat estimates he has slept maybe 2 hr's since oceanside. I have maybe 4.5, but I was in the military and can sleep anywhere. Alex is humming along a gentle downhill at 28 mph. Kayenta, AZ: KR tipped over at an exchange. Kinda funny at 0140 in the morning. We just passed TSegi, AZ. The route book says there is an 8000 ft peak to our left, but its too dark to see. - Merrill
2:50 AM - We are 10 miles from Utah and monument valley. Alex is sporting the aero helmet again, but he has offset it with a flapping windbreaker. Temp is 52f outside. Goat has the AC set to 32f inside so he won't fall asleep. At night the rider cannot be on the course without a follow car with a special light setup. So if we need to pee Alex will have to stop. I think we could probably eliminate out the sliding door without stopping, but that probably violates a raam rule.
3:10 AM - Now we are in monument valley and goat is upset because he can't see anything. We can just make out the shapes in the light of the half moon. We will soon pass by brigham Young's tomb at monument pass. It is only a 600 ft climb in 6 miles for KR. After seeing a lot of other teams all day, we just saw our first other team tonight. Motorhome from team 601 was on the side of the road. Our own RV just passed is on its way to the next shift change. It is a veritable traffic jam. We are planning on 110 to 120 miles for this 6 hr shift. - Merrill
3:13 AM - Keith has been running his headlight blinky YDT style, but earlier a raam official pulled alongside and told him to out it on steady. We have covered 661 miles as of 313 am Friday.-Merrill
3:45 AM - Goat and I just had a great view of the monuments backlit by the moon and stars, silhouetted above us on the horizon as we stood there emptying our bladders in a huge sigh of relief. We had to stop for the break because I found the megaphone under the seat. Since Keith has no radio tonight I started shouting instruction and encouragement to him through the megaphone. I had a hard time keeping a straigt face with the Megaphone, and could not finish a sentence, goat was about to wet himself. Many things are funnier at 340am. - Merrill
4:06 AM - Alex coming into Mexican hat, UT. 679 miles in, 2335 to go.
5:36 am - Keith just climbed 1225 ft in 12 mi. Standing most of the way and maintaining 14 to 19 mph the whole way. He is the energizer he is the man. On another note, goat just saw a second shooting star. We also saw one car the entire time KR was ascending. They don't have serious traffic problems here. -Merrill
6:30 AM - 46f, it is feeling cold. Hi today was about 85f but all sun and very dry. Alex will ride the last 10 to time station 12, montezuma creek, UT. As Keith was riding up to the exchange at 0600 EDT, 0400 local, he was cresting a small incline. Just above him a shooting star left a blazing vertical tail, a fitting salute to a courageous effort for the oldest rider on the squad.
As Alex built up speed on the back of the rise, he was greeted by a second flash across the sky. He earned it today! Timestation will be 718.9 miles at approx 0630 EDT. I'm looking forward to my second sleep shift. Goat sends greetings to all his tmr buddies. Please send Starbucks gift cards care of The Goat. Cheers! - Merrill
9:45 AM They've made it to TS13, Cortez, CO, still solidly in 5th place, 54 minutes behind 4th and almost 2 hrs in front of 6th. They're in the heart of the Rockies now. I hope they can take advantage of the climbs and gain ground on the competition. This is an epic endeavor! - GU
1:20 PM Report care of Dave Tambeaux - Your intrepid East Coast RAAM reporter here will go to any length to snag a story, including calling AFC rolling HQ on the road. All kidding aside Merrill called while I was at lunch and I have been empowered to give the story here. M put me on with KR, who I am happy to say sounded very fresh and much more with it than yesterday. I would go so far to say he is recovering to the shock of climbing to start RAAM and is now feeling very good. He called himself Walter Mitty, when I told him it was the press on the phone. KR’s sleep story begins with riding himself into complete exhaustion near Medicine Hat, which he said was in Utah, so we will go with that. KR also said they passed no other teams or team cars for a long time. The race apparently is getting very spread out. After eating he went right to sleep, although he said he used the eye covers to aid getting to sleep without interruption. They are just east of Durango CO and headed to Pagosa Springs CO. Soon to be climbing for 30 miles although KR said it was nothing serious for team PAD as it was only 1,400 feet in elevation change. Merrrill was giving KR info as we talked and relayed that the are over one quarter of the way done, hitting the 828 ¾ mile mark as we spoke. I love Merrill getting it right to the last drop, maybe he can be Folgers from now on. KR said he was looking forward to the flats and getting to use the aerobars. They are either going to hit or just hit the high point (I think it is coming) at Lamanga Pass which tops out over 10,000 feet above sea level. I bet the views are magnifico. I then spoke with Goat who just got off sleep detail along with some others. He said Madi was driving while the bunch slept. Goat says he was knocked out cold. It took the RV 4 hours to go 100 miles through some narrow winding roads. Just now Merrill is shouting encouragement to Alex who is riding uphill and they are prepping KR to go back out very soon. Goat says the support team is eating mostly trail mix and assorted sandwiches and an occasional French Toast thrown in for good measure. Most wakeup calls are followed by downing Starbucks Double Shots. When KR woke up to ride he immediately did his Starbucks DS and just jumped on his bike straight away.
Goat relayed what a disappointment it was to miss the daytime beauty of Monument Valley in AZ. He said they saw 4 shooting stars. The moon however confused them frequently thinking it was an approaching car (from behind). I think the desert does weird stuff like this when you are sleep deprived. He said the entire night they did not see another car.
1:17 PM (I think) - 68f at 1317 EDT at some Indian reservation. KR on course, van smells like icy got in the van from Alex. Boys are sporting the Princeton sports jerseys today - Merrill
2:00 PM from Merrill in Alison, CO - Not an exciting place - 849 in the bank.
2:17 PM - 30mi and 1600 ft to pagosa springs. 74f at 217p EDT. Goat and I are measuring out the pain in smaller doses today. Averaging about 7 to 8 mi at a time. Zero clouds and noahdr (??) on the course. Fantastic blue sky as we head up the valley from 6000 to 7600 ft. - Merrill
3:30 - 3 miles to Pagosa 73f No oxygen -Traffic
3:38 - KR is out of the saddle attacking - GO Keith Go!!!!
3:41 PM - Team 607 bus just passed us
3:47 PM - 7069 feet entering town boys really out down the poweron the climb! (??Merrill??)
3:51 PM - PAD is taking over now and they will take the team to the highest point on RAAM at over 10,000 feet.
6:53 PM - Keith and Alex rode 97 miles in 5 hrs. It was an inspirational effort, especially by Alex who had some early problems getting going and complained of back soreness. Later he was matching a very strong KR who was feeling good after 4 hrs of sleep.
Goat and I provided solo support and it worked out pretty well. We would follow for a time and then when the rider began to fade we would zip ahead slightly and stage the next rider. As we buzzed the guy on course he would get a little energy burst he needed to get up to the rider exchange. If we had enough time, goat would film the exchange and the scenery that has him completely in awe!
Next up for PAD is the highest point on the course at La Manga pass 10275 ft. KAL are resting up for the assault on the terrain around the beautiful Taos, NM. Including the trip up bobcat pass between TS 18 and 19. Goat is driving the RV I'm writing you. Papa D is sleeping, Mama D and Madi are napping in the suite. KAL are sleeping. Everyone else is out on the course. Oh and I forgot, goat spotted a cloud a few minutes ago -Merrill.
6:55 PM - Keith says: We were penalized 15 minutes for a late call in of time station 14 :( I guess we'll have to make it up in the hills :) Ps - Maero's new name will now be Pedro the late evening entertainer. It's a party on the graveyard shift!!!
10:26 PM - Crossed the 1000 Mile mark with Patt Riding.
11:09 PM - A bat just buzzed Alex. I am in the followcar with Madi, KR has taken one turn. We left the 1k mark about 5 min after Patt showed. We had to get the vans and crew switched out and the rider cannot ride at night unsupported. Goat and papa D are in the leapfrog. Sun is nearly set on another beautiful day of cool and dry, but not enough oxygen. RAAM never sleeps. I let some Irish dudes use my mobile since they couldn't call in their time. Pay phones all broken (2) and 1 of 5 cell phones working. I think they got a penalty for being late. Could be they were team cry. I think they had a guy crash and get concussed. Once team Cry's time gets posted, they will probably be back ahead of us. Their rider is ahead of us presently. - Merrill
11:15 - Rio Grande gorge - Just crossed the bridge. Like to come back in the daylight.
11:25 PM - we are 10 mi from Taos, NM
. Here is the profile for the stage being completed:11:30 PM - After Taos we start climbing again for 40 miles. From 22 to 40 the gain is. 7271 to 9836! KR is going to ride a 48x18. Alex is sticking with the 16 on the back.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Adam and Pat Racing Pics
(Adam in the support car.. waiting to ride)
(Me in the support car waiting to ride... The bandana helps to keep the dry air out of my throat)
(Going up a hill in aero)-Pat
LoveLife!
LoveLife!
Adam Racing Downhill (Fixie)
This is what it looks like when we have to 'race' down a hill on a fixie!
-Pat
LoveLife!
-Pat
LoveLife!
Reports from the Race Day Two
Good morning and welcome to RAAM coverage day two. I will try to collect and post all the reports from today in this entry as they come in. If You have any questions for the riders or the support staff, post them in the comments or Email me and I will get them answered when Merrill calls. - Mike Z
5:20 AM Thursday Eastern Time- Keith is mixing it up with 18 Wheelers on eastbound I-10 near quartzite, az. Next available 24 hour gas is 140 miles, so we had to stop for fuel.
It is a beautiful night with lots of stars that you rarely see in the DC sky. Very little light pollution out here. Temp is 75. Alex out on a vest when it was 64 earlier but may be regretting it now as he has taken over for Keith on the 10. Alex is stylin in his aero helmet.
Earlier this afternoon Keith was riding up a steep incline where a geared rider passed him. He was apologizing later and said he must have "first day jitters". Really, that is what he said! The grade was like 12%+ for a mile when he got passed. I told him not to worry, the race is 3014 miles. Recently adjusted up from 3008 miles.
We are now at mile 261 at 0520 eastern. That includes 18 miles going 65 in the van in a section of the course that was eliminated due to unsafe construction so they had is out the rider in the van for a short time. - Merrill
6:36 AM - Here in az it is down to 60 F as we approach Vicksburg junction. Keith just stomped out 11.2 miles in 28 min! Alex is on course now and pounding out his last segment this shift.
KAL are riding 30 min each, taking turns for 6 hours while PAD rest. The RV drives 110 to 120 miles ahead and the riders ride to it. Then everyone switches and the new riders head out on the course. We are about to enter hope, az where timestation 4 is located. Only 50 more to Annapolis. - Merrill
7:00 AM Its down to 60f now as we enter Salome, AZ. I'm very tired and looking forward to my first sleep shift. Be back around 2p eastern. - Merrill
10:00 AM - Clint Provenza from Severna Park checks in with the following message for the AFC team: "Hey Mike, please pass along that many SPP folks are watching the RAAM news and wishing everyone well. You all are off to a roaring start holding it above 20mph. And I saw the segment for 50 mi at 25mph! Totally awesome. Wish I was there, after all it was a Thurs am, my usual EC day...just not the same chasing Adam up Lawyers without everyone."
11:00 AM Lee from the my PSC Support group passes on the following message to AFC: "Thank you so much !! I'll be rooting for the team ! May their legs and bodies make the distance ! They are awesome. - Lee
1:28 PM They just rolled into Prescott with the 2nd fastest avg speed (18.23) into TS6 (behind the Irish boys). The guys are on fire and are just 1 minute behind the 4th place team (whom they passed on the road into Prescott) and 14 minutes out of 3rd. Outstanding performance by both AFC squads!!! - Thanks for the update from the cyclist formerly known as GU
2:10 PM - Alex been climbing 7 miles, 3 to go. Too is 7030 feet, just passed 6000 sign. 78 degrees and no shade. Scrub brush and rocks and some pine trees, beautiful for me pain for Alex. - Merrill
2:30 - YDT reports on a Phone call from Keith: I just spoke with KR, by phone. He had Merrill post to give him a call. KR was lucid, but you could tell the toll of sleep deprivation. He has not slept since Tuesday night. Says its hard to sleep in the RV rocking and rolling around. He was quite surprised by the quick shock of a 7-8 mile climb right out of the box yesterday. Said the climb was 7% or so. Ouch. He said the climbing is mostly out of the saddle on that kind of pitch with his gearing. Said it took a lot out of him. Mouth is extremely dry in the desert too. Said they are cheering other riders they pass in the van as the follow Alex now. He is going to have to jump out soon as he will be taking over in the middle of the mountain climb. Says he is climbing to 7K feet. KR commented that there is a very international feel to things as they have competitors from 17 countries. Oh he has to go now, he is taking over for Alex. - Thanks Dave!
6:05 PM I have a limp in my throat. We've been climbing for 30 miles on 89A into Flagstaff, AZ. Giant Tour style climb with cloudless sky and up to 15% grades. Coming into flagstaff timestation now. - Merrill
6:20 PM - 25 hours elapsed. 81 F in Flagstaff, cloudless, breezy the wrong way. Very dry, everyone has chapped lips. Alex nose so dry he out a little Vaseline in it.
Keith may sleep tonight for the first time. He was in bad shape but rose from the dead in the van to resume the climb several times. I'm serious about having a lump in my throat. Alex thought he was letting us down when he pulled over to let Keith takeover at one really steep point. They were doing 2 mile shifts for a time due to the grade and the 48 x 17 gearing. Incredible!-Merrill
7:00 - Merrill said 490 miles covered. KAL off duty PAD racing!
5:20 AM Thursday Eastern Time- Keith is mixing it up with 18 Wheelers on eastbound I-10 near quartzite, az. Next available 24 hour gas is 140 miles, so we had to stop for fuel.
It is a beautiful night with lots of stars that you rarely see in the DC sky. Very little light pollution out here. Temp is 75. Alex out on a vest when it was 64 earlier but may be regretting it now as he has taken over for Keith on the 10. Alex is stylin in his aero helmet.
Earlier this afternoon Keith was riding up a steep incline where a geared rider passed him. He was apologizing later and said he must have "first day jitters". Really, that is what he said! The grade was like 12%+ for a mile when he got passed. I told him not to worry, the race is 3014 miles. Recently adjusted up from 3008 miles.
We are now at mile 261 at 0520 eastern. That includes 18 miles going 65 in the van in a section of the course that was eliminated due to unsafe construction so they had is out the rider in the van for a short time. - Merrill
6:36 AM - Here in az it is down to 60 F as we approach Vicksburg junction. Keith just stomped out 11.2 miles in 28 min! Alex is on course now and pounding out his last segment this shift.
KAL are riding 30 min each, taking turns for 6 hours while PAD rest. The RV drives 110 to 120 miles ahead and the riders ride to it. Then everyone switches and the new riders head out on the course. We are about to enter hope, az where timestation 4 is located. Only 50 more to Annapolis. - Merrill
7:00 AM Its down to 60f now as we enter Salome, AZ. I'm very tired and looking forward to my first sleep shift. Be back around 2p eastern. - Merrill
10:00 AM - Clint Provenza from Severna Park checks in with the following message for the AFC team: "Hey Mike, please pass along that many SPP folks are watching the RAAM news and wishing everyone well. You all are off to a roaring start holding it above 20mph. And I saw the segment for 50 mi at 25mph! Totally awesome. Wish I was there, after all it was a Thurs am, my usual EC day...just not the same chasing Adam up Lawyers without everyone."
11:00 AM Lee from the my PSC Support group passes on the following message to AFC: "Thank you so much !! I'll be rooting for the team ! May their legs and bodies make the distance ! They are awesome. - Lee
1:28 PM They just rolled into Prescott with the 2nd fastest avg speed (18.23) into TS6 (behind the Irish boys). The guys are on fire and are just 1 minute behind the 4th place team (whom they passed on the road into Prescott) and 14 minutes out of 3rd. Outstanding performance by both AFC squads!!! - Thanks for the update from the cyclist formerly known as GU
2:10 PM - Alex been climbing 7 miles, 3 to go. Too is 7030 feet, just passed 6000 sign. 78 degrees and no shade. Scrub brush and rocks and some pine trees, beautiful for me pain for Alex. - Merrill
2:30 - YDT reports on a Phone call from Keith: I just spoke with KR, by phone. He had Merrill post to give him a call. KR was lucid, but you could tell the toll of sleep deprivation. He has not slept since Tuesday night. Says its hard to sleep in the RV rocking and rolling around. He was quite surprised by the quick shock of a 7-8 mile climb right out of the box yesterday. Said the climb was 7% or so. Ouch. He said the climbing is mostly out of the saddle on that kind of pitch with his gearing. Said it took a lot out of him. Mouth is extremely dry in the desert too. Said they are cheering other riders they pass in the van as the follow Alex now. He is going to have to jump out soon as he will be taking over in the middle of the mountain climb. Says he is climbing to 7K feet. KR commented that there is a very international feel to things as they have competitors from 17 countries. Oh he has to go now, he is taking over for Alex. - Thanks Dave!
6:05 PM I have a limp in my throat. We've been climbing for 30 miles on 89A into Flagstaff, AZ. Giant Tour style climb with cloudless sky and up to 15% grades. Coming into flagstaff timestation now. - Merrill
6:20 PM - 25 hours elapsed. 81 F in Flagstaff, cloudless, breezy the wrong way. Very dry, everyone has chapped lips. Alex nose so dry he out a little Vaseline in it.
Keith may sleep tonight for the first time. He was in bad shape but rose from the dead in the van to resume the climb several times. I'm serious about having a lump in my throat. Alex thought he was letting us down when he pulled over to let Keith takeover at one really steep point. They were doing 2 mile shifts for a time due to the grade and the 48 x 17 gearing. Incredible!-Merrill
7:00 - Merrill said 490 miles covered. KAL off duty PAD racing!
To see what place we are in go here!!
Adventures For the Cure currently in Third place at Time Station 2:):) 20.34 mph is crazy FAST!
Go here
Adam
Go here
Adam
Fabio's view of the START!
Fabio is one of our support crew members! I have been with him a lot of the race so far, he has been an amazing driver/navigator!!
Adam
June 11 – Race Day!
This glorious day began with some last minute shopping at Walmart – batteries, Gatorade, water (36 Gallons!), double shots, much chocolate, rolls, recovery drink (you get the idea…). After a hearty breakfast, Mama D brought in a birthday pie for Alex, who turned 23 today. Happy birthday, Alex! Papa D next briefed the team on final preparations. Merrill then reviewed logistics for the first 54 miles of the race, which includes the Parade route, a tightly controlled support section, and a leapfrog support section.
After the team meeting, with supplies in hand, the workers jumped into action, reconfiguring Leapfrog and Follow vehicles for the first few segments of the race. Each vehicle was stocked with gels and bars, 5G of Cera Sport, and repair supplies. Cooks made sandwiches and stocked coolers with other drinks.
With plenty of time to spare, it was off to the starting line, where our heroes socialized with other teams (many of which just shook their heads, wondering how these guys would fare on their Surleys). Adam chatted with the founder of TT1. We heard more stories of supporting charities, bike building, and cool gear. Hydration and nutrition intake continued, and rider introductions commenced around 13:15 hours local time. Patt led the team in a quick prayer, and then AFC (Team 402) rolled to the line amid tremendous cheers. After all riders were in place and the National Anthem was sung, the countdown began, 10, 9, 8…
After launch, the crew headed to the support vehicles and parted ways.
I’m sitting at the table, tapping on Weez’s laptop as the RV sways gently, making its way along Route 78, 3.9 miles away from our first landing point. In just a few short minutes the crew will spring into action, heating dinner, setting up dishwashing and laundry stations, and preparing for the first shift of riders to arrive. Spirits and energy are high, with both expectations and uncertainty in our minds. My guess is that right about now Adam is waiting for the other 3 riders to turn over the baton to him. He will then face 8 miles of solo uphill racing. I’d love to see the look on the other racers’ faces as he Steamrolls them and they struggle to downshift and keep their cadence. I’m glad I’m here…
Fabio
RAAM Coverage of the RACE:)
check out this article
Pat and I are eating pancakes:) and about to take a nap:)
This support team is AMAZING:)
Adam
Pat and I are eating pancakes:) and about to take a nap:)
This support team is AMAZING:)
Adam
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Reports from the race
Here's a collection of reports from Merrill on the road. Currently the post via email is not working So I am gathering them all together here.
Mile 21.7 Alex's tire is softening. Pat and Keith are in the front of the race due to and alphabetical start. Adam just arrived in the goat and Madi mobile to climb the first big hill.
Mile 28 @ 3:55 West Coast time - I just got an update from Merrill:
Adam just finished his rotation and was replaced on the road by Alex. Adam passed 4-5 other teams on an 8 mile climb. Patt and Adam are going to rest while Alex and Keith start their first shift. (Merrill said the start was a non standard rotation)
Always helpful, Merrill saw a guy with a triathlete bike at the start having trouble adjusting his gears and pitched in and made some adjustments. I wonder how confident the racer would be knowing it was the mechanic for the the fixed gear guys that helped him out with his gear issues.
4:31 - We are cutting keiths distance short a little as he has been riding uphill for 8 miles. Very steep the whole time. - Merrill
4:55 Pacific time - Just passed thru la jolla Indian reservation. Temp a nice 78 and sunny. High desert with lots of shade on the course. Keith will be first AFC rider to go thru a time station.
At TS1, AFC is tied for 1st having ridden in 3:09 averaging 17.37 MPH.
5:50 Pacific - 40 miles 18.8 AV including 13 mu parade route in 45 mins approx. Includes at least 12 miles climbing and probably 3k feet. Both Keith and Alex were flying. I'm going in the RV next 100 mu, so news blackout coming up. Cheers from santa ysabel, CA! - Merrill
7:17 PM Pacific - 5 hours. Patt decends 3000 feet in 10 miles. (ouch) Passing ocotillo wells. Elev 600? Temp like 90 something. Merrill and goat in the RV
Merrill seems to be reporting times now using Eastern time so I will also from this point. - MZ
11:45 - PAD passed the lowest point on the course around 1145p, but I am in the RV so I am not sure. Lowest point is -179 feet near the salton sea.
They also will pass within 19.5 miles of Mexico when they get to is at glamis, CA. Glamis is also the sand toy (motorized) capital of the world. I wish it was light! Patt and adam (pad) should be here around 2am.
All times eastern. It is 1217 am Thursday now.
Go AFC!
All the euro teams we have met think we are crazy to be using fixies. I told them it would not be a challenge to ride their whole continent since most of it could fit in CALI alone. The brits have a good sense of humor. - Merrill
12:50 AM Eastern - Mama D is getting pancakes ready for Pat and everyone else coming in. Word on the course is that Patt will gain weight on the trip. Merrill, Glamis, CA
1:47 AM Thursday - Ok, so PAD were too fast and got in early so no cakes for me. Team KAL is on the course out of glamis. Alex is riding a 10 mile climb up to 1000 feet starting from below sea level - Merrill
2:15 AM - Alex did the 10.7 miles in 30 mins! 185 miles in the bank in the first 9 hrs and 13 min. Temp 84f
2:25 AM - I'm in the follow car navigating while madi drives. Easy to navigate when we are on this road for like 80 miles. Just passed the US border patrol station on hwy 78. They waved us right through.
-Mike Z
Mile 21.7 Alex's tire is softening. Pat and Keith are in the front of the race due to and alphabetical start. Adam just arrived in the goat and Madi mobile to climb the first big hill.
Mile 28 @ 3:55 West Coast time - I just got an update from Merrill:
Adam just finished his rotation and was replaced on the road by Alex. Adam passed 4-5 other teams on an 8 mile climb. Patt and Adam are going to rest while Alex and Keith start their first shift. (Merrill said the start was a non standard rotation)
Always helpful, Merrill saw a guy with a triathlete bike at the start having trouble adjusting his gears and pitched in and made some adjustments. I wonder how confident the racer would be knowing it was the mechanic for the the fixed gear guys that helped him out with his gear issues.
4:31 - We are cutting keiths distance short a little as he has been riding uphill for 8 miles. Very steep the whole time. - Merrill
4:55 Pacific time - Just passed thru la jolla Indian reservation. Temp a nice 78 and sunny. High desert with lots of shade on the course. Keith will be first AFC rider to go thru a time station.
At TS1, AFC is tied for 1st having ridden in 3:09 averaging 17.37 MPH.
5:50 Pacific - 40 miles 18.8 AV including 13 mu parade route in 45 mins approx. Includes at least 12 miles climbing and probably 3k feet. Both Keith and Alex were flying. I'm going in the RV next 100 mu, so news blackout coming up. Cheers from santa ysabel, CA! - Merrill
7:17 PM Pacific - 5 hours. Patt decends 3000 feet in 10 miles. (ouch) Passing ocotillo wells. Elev 600? Temp like 90 something. Merrill and goat in the RV
Merrill seems to be reporting times now using Eastern time so I will also from this point. - MZ
11:45 - PAD passed the lowest point on the course around 1145p, but I am in the RV so I am not sure. Lowest point is -179 feet near the salton sea.
They also will pass within 19.5 miles of Mexico when they get to is at glamis, CA. Glamis is also the sand toy (motorized) capital of the world. I wish it was light! Patt and adam (pad) should be here around 2am.
All times eastern. It is 1217 am Thursday now.
Go AFC!
All the euro teams we have met think we are crazy to be using fixies. I told them it would not be a challenge to ride their whole continent since most of it could fit in CALI alone. The brits have a good sense of humor. - Merrill
12:50 AM Eastern - Mama D is getting pancakes ready for Pat and everyone else coming in. Word on the course is that Patt will gain weight on the trip. Merrill, Glamis, CA
1:47 AM Thursday - Ok, so PAD were too fast and got in early so no cakes for me. Team KAL is on the course out of glamis. Alex is riding a 10 mile climb up to 1000 feet starting from below sea level - Merrill
2:15 AM - Alex did the 10.7 miles in 30 mins! 185 miles in the bank in the first 9 hrs and 13 min. Temp 84f
2:25 AM - I'm in the follow car navigating while madi drives. Easy to navigate when we are on this road for like 80 miles. Just passed the US border patrol station on hwy 78. They waved us right through.
-Mike Z
We are off and running!!
RAAM 2008 has started!! Right now all the support vehicles are driving to where they need to get to so they can support our guys. More info and pics to follow :)
- weez
- weez
1.5 hr to start
All vehicles are packed, the start is scripted, we're leaving the hotel at 345p eastern.
All 4 riders are riding the 13 mile parade route to the official start.
PR has a fresh mohawk. Pics to follow!
Merrill
''''
All 4 riders are riding the 13 mile parade route to the official start.
PR has a fresh mohawk. Pics to follow!
Merrill
''''
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Adam Testing the Aero Helmet
Here are some videos of our last training ride :)
Merrill is taking the videos.
Merrill is taking the videos.
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