The flame still burns

Still intrigued

This song is over

 In order to keep the dream alive and compete in RAAM in 2013 I needed to extend my qualification that will expire in October 2012. Finishing Race Across Oregon as a solo rider would do that.  I failed in that endeavor.  There were many aspects of the race both related to crew and rider that I wish had gone differently, but it all amounts to the same result.  Only 130 miles left to ride, and 13 hours left to ride it, but it just couldn't get done.

With my DNF at RAO my RAAM dreams are most likely dashed.  It would seem that perhaps the window of opportunity for me to compete in RAAM will close without me getting to the start line in Oceanside.

 This blog will be on hold, remaining here to bear witness to what might have been.  Who knows what the future may bring.  If RAAM becomes a possibility for me again you'll see it here first.

Thanks for sharing the journey to this point.

It's been awhile since I posted here, but rest assured, I am busy working toward RAAM 2013. A priority lately has been working to extend my RAAM qualification, which is due to expire this coming October. To that end, I am competing in Race Across Oregon as a solo racer this coming weekend. I will need to finish that race within the 48 hour time limit to give me another two years of RAAM qualification. RAO will be a challenge for me. I rode 378 of the ~530 RAO miles in a two person mixed team in 2010, but riding solo is a whole new game. I don't feel as if I am adequately trained, but I rarely do. There is a saying among ultra cyclists that it is not the X miles but the 6" between the ears that makes or breaks you. I know I should be in better shape. I don't know how much of the problem is just the aging process, and how much is just not doing the work. But I'm hoping that toughness of the 6" between my ears will make up for the softness of my physical fitness. Today I spent preparing the support vehicle. I wired flashing lights, attached signage, wired a feed light and placed storage drawers. We had a team meeting tonight and went over details. Ready or not, the time is rapidly approaching to start the pedals spinning. It will be my most difficult RAO, but my most important. On paper it's tougher than Furnace Creek 508. About 25 miles longer with 5000 ft more climbing, yet still the same 48 hour limit. I think it's easier though. It's not as mentally tough to ride, the scenery is much less intimidating. You feel as if you're moving along, not the endless horizons of Mojave Desert or Death Valley. It's just a long bike ride through Oregon's hills. That is all it is.

RAAM

The 2012 Race Across America started yesterday for the women and the 60+ men. Today it started for solo men.  I am following the progress closely, and in contact with Janet Christension's crew.  A big part of me wishes I were there. It would have been great to be crewing but I did not know I had the time available until late.  Best of luck to ALL the competitors!

I haven't forgotten

I've just decided that without renewing my RAAM Qualified status there isn't much use for this blog.  So my priority right now is getting this old body back into shape to ride bike.  Race Across Oregon is in late July.  I need to be able to ride 530+ miles with 40,000 ft elevation gain in less than 48 hours.   So....I haven't forgotten about updates here, just busy taking care of bike business.

Some words of wisdom

"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go."  -T.S. Elliot