Race Across America 2005

[RABikes2]

Well, here's the scoop. :)

On June 16th, I fly to San Diego to crew for 2005 solo Race Across America (RAAM-rookie) competitor, Thomas Rodgers, from Arlington, TX. There are 8 of us on Tom's crew and a NBC cameraman will also be with us for the 3,047 mile race from San Diego to the Atlantic City Boardwalk in NJ. The race starts June 19th in San Diego.

I would like to invite you to visit the RAAM website at http://raceacrossamerica.org/ If you live near or close to where we will be coming through http://raceacrossamerica.org/files/route/raceroute.htm , it would be great to have you cheering on these competitors. It will be an exciting year for it is a record number of starters for solo and team fields. How wonderful to have fellow cyclists and forum friends along the way to cheer the competitors on. ;)
The RAAM-Time Tour is also being offered to invite you along with your bike club to hold a RAAM-Time Tour along the RAAM route when the race is in progress. For more information, please visit http://raceacrossamerica.org/Default.aspx?tabid=145

Please keep safe thoughts in mind for all involved. This is a long race. Hope to see you out there!

RA

[Smiley]

Good Luck to your Guy RA , does he have a web site to track his progress and his he a contender ?

[William]

We'll be rooting for your team cuz! :banana: :banana:

If you can, it would be great to see some picts from the trip when you're back and rested up.

All the best!

Cuz William :)

[Louis]

RA,

Just last weekend I was riding in the area a few miles west of St Louis where you folks will riding / driving. I remember a couple years ago, just by coincidence, I was out riding in the same area, heading west, and some of the racers and the support vehicles passed in the other direction. If you folks come through on a weekend maybe I'll drive out that way and ride west from the Alton area.

Good Luck
Louis

[RABikes2]

http://raceacrossamerica.org/files/raam2005/riders/rodgers_tom_2005.htm is a link to Tom's RAAM Biography. Is Tom a contender?
OHHH YEAHHHHH BABY, YEAH! :banana: Tom's going to make an impression. :banana: We're on a mission. ;)

[Too Tall]

AWESOME BABY :) Can't wait to hear some news and I for one think he's rookie of the year material. I must have missed the info in his bio...what RAAM qualifer did he finish?

Wow. That's all. Wow.

[Smiley]

RA , this dude is intense , I wish him well , looks like he's got the right stuff for this event .

[jerk]

:beer: :D :D he should have kept smoking. it's a much less dangerous habit that the race across america.

jerk :bike: :fight: :fight: :argue: :banana: :crap:

[saab2000]

The RAAM is a farce. It is just a contest of sleep deprivation.




Oh, the TdF used be the same way...... :rolleyes:

Seriously, these riders are hardcore. I did like it though when Jonathan "Jacques" Boyer came, saw and kicked a$$ in it about 20 years ago.

[Too Tall]

Jonathan brought a new level fer sher. He didn't exactly kick ***. Boyer won, just barely. The back story is real interesting.

Pete Pensyres set the avg. speed record. Pete never would have trained the way he did if it were not for Boyer. Now speed work and high VO2 are required elements in all serious RAAM riders training diet.

Danny Chew used to ride in pro races. He is certainly that caliber. Wolfgang Fasching....yup he can race with pros too. Look at the fields, by an large the Euros. are sending pro. athletes to race in RAAM.

Having one of our own supporting RAAM is just a blessing. So? Will you put a bannana on the crew van :)

[BumbleBeeDave]

This is VERY diappointing. When I saw the thread title I thought you were COMPETING! ;)

VERY disappointed. Well, maybe next year . . .

BBDave

[William]

This is VERY diappointing. When I saw the thread title I thought you were COMPETING! ;)

VERY disappointed. Well, maybe next year . . .

BBDave

Baby steps BBman, baby steps. ;)


William

[BumbleBeeDave]

. . . I guess I should shut up. I might be giving her ideas! :rolleyes:

BBDave

[RABikes2]

Well said Cuz. This is the next step involved BBDave. Crewing is learning and learning is doing. Like Cuz William, when I saw RAAM on ABC Sports over 18 years ago, I said, "I'm going to do that someday. I will do it." And it's taken those 18 years to get to this point; I've still got a lot to learn.

I quit smoking 21 years ago and like Tom, I started doing tri's, then Ironman's, marathons, and ultra's. The plan for me now is to get more experience and more secure at the distances, especially the 1200k. I started 2005 with a different agenda, but family priorities, job responsibilities, and health made me adjust the year's goals and I still had a chance at making it a very positive experience. This would be the year for "repairing and regrouping". I've wanted to crew for a long time, but never did I think it would turn out to be now; it wasn't in the plans for at least another few years. With knee surgeries in the past (the Synvisc injections were completed this past week :), time will tell now), saddle bruising issues (that is scheduled to be dealt with in July at Shands Hospital), financially (RAAM is expensive), and my age (I'm not old, but I am 50) a part of the real world, I know doing solo RAAM is unrealistic. However, I do feel that a four person, all women, over age 50 team is very likely, very possible, and definitely in the goal range. Hey, we have to adjust our goals occasionally and I can feel it, visualize it, and I will touch it. The goal for this year though is to be part of a crew and learn. Our crew's job is to work together and get Tom to his goal at the finish line on the Atlantic City Boardwalk.

The Serotta Forum Banana sticker :banana: is going along and will be taped on the vehicles (we have two, an RV and chase van). I also plan on taking my Serotta T-shirt and Serotta Banana Forum jersey :banana: from last year's Open House. I'm excited about hopefully meeting a few people I've read about or talked with via e-mail over the past years. Legends like Danny Chew, he's from my hometown of Pittsburgh. Rob Kish and his wife, Brenda, from Orange Co., FL (this is his 20th RAAM and there should be a great race between him and Bob Breedlove this year, both are in their 50's), John Lee Ellis from Colorado, George Thomas, and on and on.

The only "down fall" to all of this is no paycheck (self-employed) for two weeks. I'm working my tush off now doing jobs to cover my income for the time frame I'm away from my business. My son coincidentally is scheduled for Leader in Training camp at the YMCA camp those two weeks and I have a friend staying with my four legged kids in my home. Everybody is cared for and the experience is waiting. When I was selected to crew for Tom, everything seemed to fall into place. I am sooooooo excited.

I hope to get a digital camera to take along. Keep you informed? You bet, Serotta is on RAAM this year!

[Ken Robb]

well i live in SD---what are you all doing the day(s) before the start.. Maybe we can do a carbo-load dinner?

[BumbleBeeDave]

. . . so you HAVE talked with your knees about this idea? :eek:

BBDave

[scrooge]

Oh, nonsense. This guy, Randy Van Zee, was 52 and he finished (and I'm sure he's not the only one)

http://raceacrossamerica.org/files/raam2004/2004riders/randyvanzeepro.htm

Oh yeah, he cracked his pelvis in Ohio, had to put a contraption on his neck to hold his head up, and had a few other setbacks. Maybe he was too old :D .

Incedently, I used to ride with this guy when I first got into cycling back in highschool. He's the one who got me wanting to try a 24 hr challenge (which I'll be doing in 3 weeks!).

[RABikes2]

Ken,
I arrive in San Diego on Jun 16th in late afternoon. I haven't been sent a crew itinerary yet for after that. I hope to have something in hand soon. I'll let you know what's possible.

From what I've read, the start on June 19th is suppose to be a hugh event.

Thanks! :banana:
RA

[Birddog]

Bonnie Allison is a local (OKC) that did it years ago. Here's a short link (3rd paragraph). As I recall, she had an accident near the end that really screwed up her time. One of her crew members said that as hard as RAAM is, being on crew has it's own set of challenges, not the least of which is driving at an incredibly slow (around 20 mph) pace for 3,000 miles. The drivers really have a hard time staying alert and keeping the speed down. We are so conditioned to driving faster.

http://www.dannychew.com/historyRAAMteams.html

Birddog

[RABikes2]

. . . so you HAVE talked with your knees about this idea? :eek:

BBDave
Yeah Dave, I was thinking about my knees as the Doc was injecting the Synvisc in them the last 3 weeks. :p I've got more issues with the saddle bruising. Remember, that's what took me off the bike at 464 miles. I know doing a team, and not being on the saddle continuously with no time off, is the best way to go. I've done quite a few 100+ milers, 3-4-5 days in a row. I'm still very trainable (and anal :p ) to accomplish the team goal.

Hey Scrooge, isn't Randy Van Zee an amazing (!!) man. What an inspiration. There have been teams, and a few solo riders, much older accomplishing RAAM. Heck Randy isn't old, he's unbelievable in his determination and desire. ;)

[Fixed]

They must have really good shorts,do they drug test?

[dirtdigger88]

when will you be going through Missouri- I see you are comming through Alton- I will come by and cheer!!!! Let me know when to be there.

Jason

[RABikes2]

They must have really good shorts,do they drug test?
Yes, the riders can be drug tested according to the website.

[RABikes2]

when will you be going through Missouri- I see you are comming through Alton- I will come by and cheer!!!! Let me know when to be there.

Jason
Hey dd,
Please PM me with a contact number. I will try my best to contact you when there is an approximate time/date when we are coming through the area. :D
RA

[RABikes2]

well i live in SD---what are you all doing the day(s) before the start.. Maybe we can do a carbo-load dinner?
Do you have a contact # Ken? Please PM, too. :)

[Too Tall]

RA - For some Swiss riders I forumlated a Calendula and Arnica liposomal creme that was very effective for bruising and healing battered skin. If you are interested in trying something look in Whole Foods for some European esp. French or German products with 2% or more calendula.

[Rapid Tourist]

RA you are my hero! I'll be on your crew for the over 50 women's team when it all falls together for you. :)

[RABikes2]

RA you are my hero! I'll be on your crew for the over 50 women's team when it all falls together for you. :)
Thanks Rapid Tourist, you're on! Okay, we have Cuz William, Rapid Tourist, and a woman that has crewed before for me. I need to start training. :D
RA

[BumbleBeeDave]

Wasn’t he that kinky Roman emperor that Bob Guccione made a movie about? ;) :rolleyes:

BBDave

[RABikes2]

Now all I'll think about as I'm looking for Calendula is BBDave's kinky comment.
Scary and odd. :D

Thank you for your tips and information TT; all very useful and much appreciated!
RA

[Too Tall]

Correct Dave. Watch for my ad on QVC ;)

Hmm. Crewing. Hmmm. RABikes2 is "paying her RAAM dues" or as I like to think of it putting some good Ultra racer karma in the RAAM bank for future withdrawals.

I've a notion to race RAAM as a two person team in 3 yrs. when I'm 50 and have been working on the plan for yrs. An essential element is exactly what RABikes2 is doing....help others achieve their dream by giving generously your time and energy.

RABikes2 "gets it" and can't wait for the race to start. Oh boy :) Hey, pls. call me during the race, vicarious thrills is about all I've got!

[BumbleBeeDave]

<<Scary and odd.>>

I guess that describes me perfectly--depending on who you ask! :rolleyes: :eek:

BBDave

[William]

Thanks Rapid Tourist, you're on! Okay, we have Cuz William, Rapid Tourist, and a woman that has crewed before for me. I need to start training. :D
RA

Just tell me when & where Cuz and I'm there for you. :banana:

Cuz William :)

[RABikes2]

Just tell me when & where Cuz and I'm there for you. :banana:

Cuz William :)
Thanks Cuz! I appreciate it and will be reminding you of this within the next few years when the training, financing, and sponsorships come together. ;) TT, just say the word, if I'm not on a team the same year, I'd be honored (and trainable) to crew for you. :) I've got your cell # logged, I'll call from the "road". :)
RA

[RABikes2]

Sometimes I think I spend way, way too much time on the forum, but I'll look forward to reading certain posts or threads that were started and interesting. I'll be exhausted at day's end, but..."I want to check and see what "so-so" did this weekend at their race." or "I wonder how the Maryland get-together went this weekend." or "Did Sandy/BBDave/Climb/etc., etc., etc., add comments to...". You know what I'm talking about, I look forward to the forum...addicting. Many times, the threads on bike parts, componants, fits, etc. are over my head, but I am learning, and in my opinion, from some of the most knowledgeable individuals in the business.

I had a really nice snail mail surprise this weekend, I was sent extra Serotta Forum stickers to take on RAAM along with a nice note. I do know why I spend so much time on the forum, even though through the computer, wonderful friendships are made. Thank you Dave Thompson; that was very thoughtful of you. :)
RA

[RABikes2]

Since I first viewed RAAM on ABC Sports over 18 years ago, it has occupied a tiny, little part of my being. Always there in the background...lurking. Others would ask over the years why I biked so much, what's the big deal with the training, or the classic, "Your goal is WHAT? You want to do WHAT race?". It's still not real that I will be a part (even though it's a very, small part) of RAAM this year. I've dreamed it, thought about it, and I can't believe it's actually happening. I leave tomorrow for San Diego and the start of the 2005 RAAM on Sunday. The emotions I'm feeling are surreal; between disbelief, nervous, anxious, apprehensive, and excited. Even if I don't ever get to race it, I'm going this year. Wow...unbelievable.

I'll be thinking of you all. :beer: See you in two weeks! :D
RA

[William]

Hi Cuz,

I am genuinely happy for you and will hopefully live it a little vicariously through you. Just as you, I've always had that little vision in the back of my head as well since seeing it so many moons ago.

Have a great time living part of your dream. :banana:

All the best!

Cuz William

[davep]

Hi RA,

Have a great time and here's to your guy kicking butt :beer:. They say that all RAAM riders should crew first. Hope we get a full report when you're back home.

Dave

[Kevin]

Ra,

Enjoy.

Kevin

[RABikes2]

Thanks for the good thoughts. ;) :banana:

My son just left for his two weeks at the YMCA Leader in Training camp.
This is so odd, so many mixed emotions today.
The downside:
Andrew will be 15 in the fall and I've never been away from him this long; I know I'll miss him. And I know I'll miss my four legged kids, AJ, Dakota, and Bandit.

The upside:
I get to participate in a race that I've thought, talked, visualized, and focused on for years and years. It's giving me the opportunity to learn and help a total stranger achieve his goal. Like William, I will be living RAAM vicariously through my rider, Tom, who I will meet for the first time when I get to San Diego.

Thanks for all the great advice TT. :)
Cuz, I'll take lots of notes and photos. ;)

RAAM Racing Ready Varoommm RA