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

I attended a local screening of the RAAM documentary, "Bicycle Dreams" tonight. Since I own the DVD and have already seen it I went mostly to "rub elbows" and observe just how a screening was presented.

After the screening there was a question and answer period with RAAM Director Rick Boethling. The group of around 200 paid close attention to the movie. When it was over, before Mr Boethling could take the stage, a member of my social bike club stood up and addressed those in attendance. He pointed out that I had gained RAAM Qualified status and had me stand as he listed my achievements and introduced me. While I appreciated his gesture, I felt a bit uneasy. I know, as well as most of the people in crowd, and the RAAM officials, that there is a huge difference between being RAAM Qualified and being ready to ride RAAM.
Rick Boethling pointed that out as he stepped on stage.

A few folks came up to me and wished me well.

If my friend were going to say something I just would have preferred something along the line of "Kevin is hoping to compete in RAAM in 2013, he's right over there"

I did come away with some ideas on how I will put a screening together in the next few months.

moving forward, ever so slightly

I've been in contact with Stephen Auerbach, the director of the RAAM documentary "Bicycle Dreams". Looks like we've reached an agreement where I'll be able to present this great movie as part of a fund raising event for my RAAM challenge.

I've been working on a handout to give to potential donors and supporters explaining what I am planning to do, and how we might partner to provide benefit to both them and me.

Still a long way from making this happen, but it is moving forward.

Getting mentally around this thing

I continue to work on details to allow this adventure to happen.


I've got the DVD of Bicycle Dreams, I've watched it many times. It never ceases to inspire me.

Bike Dreams

Looks like the Bike Dreams movie promoters will be bringing Bike Dreams to Portland in May. That will cause me to rethink plans a bit, but flexibility is a good thing to practice.

In the meantime I keep running across these little nudges toward mentally accepting the challenge ahead.

The thought for the day.