We finished the race!
To be honest, we were being realistic and saying we would be breaking the 50-59 age group record as our goal. It is so mind blowing that we have accomplished even more, beyond any of our wildest dreams.
We didn't only break, we crushed all of the old 4-women transcontinental bicycling records in book.
Old 50-59 age group 4-women record:
7 days, 10 hours, and 35 minutes set in 2010, average speed was 16.83 mph. Route was nearly the same as 2011's.
Old 18-49 age group 4-women record (former overall):
6 days, 12 hours, and 28 minutes set in 1996. Average speed was 18.57 mph. This was on a different route and was almost 100 miles shorter than 2011's.
New overall 4-women record:
6 days, 11 hours, and 34 minutes. Average speed was 19.22 mph.
How's that for a bunch of girls about half a century old? Apparently this is another proof that age is just a number!!
What happened here is so surreal and it may take some time to digest and believe that we did race all the way across the country. (In some ways, I feel like I am still in California.)
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Got lost again, but it only took a minute to get back on course. About 120 more miles to go. (A fan asked how we could get lost with GPS. This is partly because we are on backroads. Most, if not all, teams and even RAAM officials are getting lost from time to time. I think it would be helpful for RAAM organizers to mark the course with paint on the road like the former organizers used to do.)
I chatted with a RAAM official in WV and he told me how he got lost too because of bad directions. He said he sat in the wrong place for three hours the day I talked to him. He was frustrated about that, but like everybody is saying: That's RAAM.
We flew across WV in less than 10 hours and are currently about 150 miles from the finish. Cat is dancing out of the saddle a lot. Isabelle is still pedaling as fast as ever. Lori is like a diesel engine. Jeanine motors each of her legs like a rock.
We flew across WV in less than 10 hours and are currently about 150 miles from the finish. Cat is dancing out of the saddle a lot. Isabelle is still pedaling as fast as ever. Lori is like a diesel engine. Jeanine motors each of her legs like a rock.
Still taking wrong turns
Yikes. I was told why our average at TS 42 was 16.55 mph. We did more wrong turns than we cared to count last night. As it is, we officially got lost often. :( But we are not the only ones. Most, if not all, other teams are in the same shoes. It is somewhat frustrating, but we are pushing on.
Day 5 report
For a while, Cat’s hamstring was bothering her and we could see that while she was still holding up her speed, she was struggling a bit on the climbs. We were worried about her, but after several massaging sessions over an hour long each, her leg muscles got soft again and she felt much better. Jeanine did have a similar trouble but to a lesser degree than Cat and we hope the massaging will help Jeanine too.
Apart from knots in the muscles, our girls are still riding well. We are hard pushed to keep our speed average up, especially with the traffic lights. We however may be able to make it partly because I watched Isabelle and Cat ride between TS 38 to T39. They had to stop at 4 or 5 traffic lights, one of them being the roadwork light (where we waited for about 2 minutes.) This 4-hour block was also one of the blocks when Cat’s hamstring was talking to her and the short but steep hills weren’t helping much. Despite our disadvantages, we did 19.23 mph for this TS! A fan told me that if we compare this to the TS 39 speed of the top five 4-men teams, we are doing extremely well.
The big question is whether we can continue this. Our riders are feeling "okay" overall, which means they are starting to feel the miles. They however are still doing 30-minute or 10-mile legs, a strategy we have used for about 80% of the way across USA so far. Knowing our riders, we are confident they can hold on. But we will need to watch them carefully and pull out anybody who experiences spells of “overtiredness” early instead of having them grind it out. That way, they could recover more effectively and bounce back. For example, Isabelle did a 16.7 mile pull at 1 AM when Cat’s van got lost for an hour (along with 6 other teams at the same time.) Near the end of their block, Isabelle was tired and pulled out after she did only about 2 to 3 miles. She will most likely recover by her next 4-hour block.
We regretted not pulling one of our riders out early back in Kansas when she was going 13-15 mph instead of 18-19 mph for the given conditions of the block. This rider was appearing to be tired and we didn’t want her to grind it out like that. Even so, she appeared to recover from her “bad” block. (At the moment I am writing this in Ohio, this same rider is averaging about 20 mph and cranking up an 8% grade 1-mile climb at 16-17 mph and looking very good.)
Apart from knots in the muscles, our girls are still riding well. We are hard pushed to keep our speed average up, especially with the traffic lights. We however may be able to make it partly because I watched Isabelle and Cat ride between TS 38 to T39. They had to stop at 4 or 5 traffic lights, one of them being the roadwork light (where we waited for about 2 minutes.) This 4-hour block was also one of the blocks when Cat’s hamstring was talking to her and the short but steep hills weren’t helping much. Despite our disadvantages, we did 19.23 mph for this TS! A fan told me that if we compare this to the TS 39 speed of the top five 4-men teams, we are doing extremely well.
The big question is whether we can continue this. Our riders are feeling "okay" overall, which means they are starting to feel the miles. They however are still doing 30-minute or 10-mile legs, a strategy we have used for about 80% of the way across USA so far. Knowing our riders, we are confident they can hold on. But we will need to watch them carefully and pull out anybody who experiences spells of “overtiredness” early instead of having them grind it out. That way, they could recover more effectively and bounce back. For example, Isabelle did a 16.7 mile pull at 1 AM when Cat’s van got lost for an hour (along with 6 other teams at the same time.) Near the end of their block, Isabelle was tired and pulled out after she did only about 2 to 3 miles. She will most likely recover by her next 4-hour block.
We regretted not pulling one of our riders out early back in Kansas when she was going 13-15 mph instead of 18-19 mph for the given conditions of the block. This rider was appearing to be tired and we didn’t want her to grind it out like that. Even so, she appeared to recover from her “bad” block. (At the moment I am writing this in Ohio, this same rider is averaging about 20 mph and cranking up an 8% grade 1-mile climb at 16-17 mph and looking very good.)
Thursday, June 23, 2011
We have less than 700 miles to go!
We were delayed for about 4 hours at TS39 because of a rumored fatal multiple car accident. I hope we get time credit for that at the finish line!
While my internet access is spotty and almost unpredictable, I do know one thing in advance: Verizon's map of coverage shows no coverage in the WV region for some reason. So this is a heads-up as things get exciting...
Now, I will need to go and help my team with other duties now that my help is being needed. I however will try my best to update this blog, especially shortly after we finish if I have trouble getting online again!! :)
We were delayed for about 4 hours at TS39 because of a rumored fatal multiple car accident. I hope we get time credit for that at the finish line!
While my internet access is spotty and almost unpredictable, I do know one thing in advance: Verizon's map of coverage shows no coverage in the WV region for some reason. So this is a heads-up as things get exciting...
Now, I will need to go and help my team with other duties now that my help is being needed. I however will try my best to update this blog, especially shortly after we finish if I have trouble getting online again!! :)
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Day 3 and 4 report
We are back online! Sorry, our hands were tied on posting updates ever since Colorado and we are now in Missouri. The reason was that our RV’s generator choked and died for good. We tried to get it fixed in Kansas (Jeanine has relatives living in the area and they helped us find somebody who may be able to fix the generator.) Unfortunately the generator was totally shot. But we eventually found a car recharger that can work with 110-120 volt plugs such as one for our media’s laptop computer. It is a 220 watt portable power inverter.
Now enough of our minor problem! We are still rolling along like a well oiled engine and I suspect that some of us are starting to think about the possibly of breaking the overall 4-women team transcontinental record. The current one is 6 days, 12 hours, and 28 minutes set in 1996 doing the route from NW to SE of USA (we have been using the route from SW to NE for nearly a decade now.) We however are trying to keep things toned down and have our riders just ride the race. The last thing we want is for them to get burned out. Furthermore, there will be steeper mountains and plenty of traffic lights in the last 1/3 of the course. Stay tuned!
Highlights:
Isabelle got well again at the end of the 2nd day and has been riding 100% of the planned workload with Cat as her 4-hour shift partner since then. (We basically have two riders out in 4-hour blocks while the other pair rests.)
Cat still has her climbing power and was motorizing up the Rocky Mountains. Unnecessary to say, she was kind of giving the male riders a hard time on the climbs. I noticed one male rider on a 8-person team managed to keep up with Cat on a long climb in Arizona, but he then didn’t bother to chase after Lori on the descent. Was he burnt out by Cat? I often wanted to try helping other teams by advising them to not try chasing after our girls, but I don’t think anyone will listen anyway.
A male rider on an 8-person team in Colorado told us he was scared of Cat.
Kansas was very good to us with its rolling hills and some tailwinds. I can tell you that I had quite a challenge capturing our riders on “film” (digital now) all the way across Kansas because they were sometimes going so fast I could get only 1-3 seconds of close-up videos from the roadside. I tried to tell one of them to slow down, but I don’t think she appreciated my suggestion.
We didn’t have a bicycle flat tire yet (that I know of), but we did have a leak in the Nevada Van’s rear tire. We got it fixed at a rural auto shop while the other support van did twice the crew work. Talk about hard crewing.
Our crew is eating almost as much food as the riders do! The crew may not need to train on bicycles for months before RAAM, but they surely are kept on their toes 16 hours a day. My last meal was a plain turkey and mayo sandwich because we were out of cheese and lettuce. I commented that I assumed we were out of “green stuff”, so Jeanine gave me green M&Ms for my sandwich. Good to know our riders haven’t lost their sense of humor.
As far as I could see, we are somewhat in rhythm now. A few crew members however still have trouble sleeping throughout their 8 hour shifts with the RV moving about 1-2 hours per 4 hours.
I gave up my sleep schedule and sleep whenever I need it mainly because my duty is taking pictures and I didn’t want to miss some photo opportunities such as our riders climbing Wolf Creek Pass and reaching the halfway point of RAAM. I am so glad of this decision even though I have been sleeping between 2 to 3 hours at a time in “uncomfortable” places such as RV’s dining seat or in the 24/7 rolling support van, since all beds in the RV are occupied except during my original sleeping shift.
The riders are still eating well even though I understand they are starting to get a bit sick of sandwiches and such. We just have to keep them eating and everything in between to keep them going as strong as they have the last 2,000 miles!
Al and Leslie are continuing to do an excellent job keeping all of us fed and keeping the RV reasonably clean. (I still can’t smell any body odors or mold even though the entire crew won’t be showering until the finish line.)
Cat’s special hub on the front wheel of her Titanflex slipped out of position last night and we think we may be able to fix it. If not, I have a feeling she will be riding the climbing bicycle she borrows from ActionSports most of the time. She said that using a regular front wheel on her Titanflex will be harder on the arms. This is because that special hub thing she likes puts the front closer to the ground and thus yields less torque force.
The only real major problem costing us valuable time and energy was getting lost in the darkness of Kansas. Of course, the road signs are not always visible. With Lee’s experience, the GPS, and William’s map on his iPhone, we took about 10 minutes figuring out where to go, then got there and continued the race. It wasn’t fun losing even one second in this way, but we are moving on.
We passed a few soloists today and they looked “all right”, but they still had about 1,300 miles to go. I expect to see more pain on the faces of soloists up the road.
Now enough of our minor problem! We are still rolling along like a well oiled engine and I suspect that some of us are starting to think about the possibly of breaking the overall 4-women team transcontinental record. The current one is 6 days, 12 hours, and 28 minutes set in 1996 doing the route from NW to SE of USA (we have been using the route from SW to NE for nearly a decade now.) We however are trying to keep things toned down and have our riders just ride the race. The last thing we want is for them to get burned out. Furthermore, there will be steeper mountains and plenty of traffic lights in the last 1/3 of the course. Stay tuned!
Highlights:
Isabelle got well again at the end of the 2nd day and has been riding 100% of the planned workload with Cat as her 4-hour shift partner since then. (We basically have two riders out in 4-hour blocks while the other pair rests.)
Cat still has her climbing power and was motorizing up the Rocky Mountains. Unnecessary to say, she was kind of giving the male riders a hard time on the climbs. I noticed one male rider on a 8-person team managed to keep up with Cat on a long climb in Arizona, but he then didn’t bother to chase after Lori on the descent. Was he burnt out by Cat? I often wanted to try helping other teams by advising them to not try chasing after our girls, but I don’t think anyone will listen anyway.
A male rider on an 8-person team in Colorado told us he was scared of Cat.
Kansas was very good to us with its rolling hills and some tailwinds. I can tell you that I had quite a challenge capturing our riders on “film” (digital now) all the way across Kansas because they were sometimes going so fast I could get only 1-3 seconds of close-up videos from the roadside. I tried to tell one of them to slow down, but I don’t think she appreciated my suggestion.
We didn’t have a bicycle flat tire yet (that I know of), but we did have a leak in the Nevada Van’s rear tire. We got it fixed at a rural auto shop while the other support van did twice the crew work. Talk about hard crewing.
Our crew is eating almost as much food as the riders do! The crew may not need to train on bicycles for months before RAAM, but they surely are kept on their toes 16 hours a day. My last meal was a plain turkey and mayo sandwich because we were out of cheese and lettuce. I commented that I assumed we were out of “green stuff”, so Jeanine gave me green M&Ms for my sandwich. Good to know our riders haven’t lost their sense of humor.
As far as I could see, we are somewhat in rhythm now. A few crew members however still have trouble sleeping throughout their 8 hour shifts with the RV moving about 1-2 hours per 4 hours.
I gave up my sleep schedule and sleep whenever I need it mainly because my duty is taking pictures and I didn’t want to miss some photo opportunities such as our riders climbing Wolf Creek Pass and reaching the halfway point of RAAM. I am so glad of this decision even though I have been sleeping between 2 to 3 hours at a time in “uncomfortable” places such as RV’s dining seat or in the 24/7 rolling support van, since all beds in the RV are occupied except during my original sleeping shift.
The riders are still eating well even though I understand they are starting to get a bit sick of sandwiches and such. We just have to keep them eating and everything in between to keep them going as strong as they have the last 2,000 miles!
Al and Leslie are continuing to do an excellent job keeping all of us fed and keeping the RV reasonably clean. (I still can’t smell any body odors or mold even though the entire crew won’t be showering until the finish line.)
Cat’s special hub on the front wheel of her Titanflex slipped out of position last night and we think we may be able to fix it. If not, I have a feeling she will be riding the climbing bicycle she borrows from ActionSports most of the time. She said that using a regular front wheel on her Titanflex will be harder on the arms. This is because that special hub thing she likes puts the front closer to the ground and thus yields less torque force.
The only real major problem costing us valuable time and energy was getting lost in the darkness of Kansas. Of course, the road signs are not always visible. With Lee’s experience, the GPS, and William’s map on his iPhone, we took about 10 minutes figuring out where to go, then got there and continued the race. It wasn’t fun losing even one second in this way, but we are moving on.
We passed a few soloists today and they looked “all right”, but they still had about 1,300 miles to go. I expect to see more pain on the faces of soloists up the road.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
First two days report
It is fun to watch our ladies fly by some other teams and watch a few of them try hard to keep up with our ladies. Some teams leapfrogged with us for a while, then slowly got dropped. (Drifting or working with other teams to conserve energy is not allowed in most ultracycling races such as RAAM.)
For those not familiar with the benefits of drifting on each other’s wheels, picture rider A, B, C, and D riding “single file”. Rider A is in the very front doing what we call “pulling” and A’s bicycle and body break up the wind. The rider B behind rider A, sometimes known as “sitting on a wheel” (especially if not doing any pulling) pedals about 15% easier because the wind resistance is reduced by rider A. Rider C, who sits on rider B’s wheel, has it about 25% easier than rider A. Rider D, who is last in this imaginary single file of four, works the least at about 28% easier than rider A. In what we call a “pack” of riders not riding single file, the riders in the back of the packs are “sandbagging”, working about 35-40% less than the riders pulling at the front.
In ultracycling, we usually are not allowed this benefit, making ultracycling a “race of truth”, showing what cyclists are capable of doing entirely on their own.
We are being passed and passing teams ever since the start line, but as of this point, we are now settled in our own “groups”. Those more than 3 hours ahead or behind us will likely never be seen again until probably the finish line.
Yesterday, Isabelle got sick and it was a team of 3 for a while until she recovered enough to race again. Cat said yesterday night that it took a bit too much out of her and Jeanine and they hope they could recover their edge. As of this morning, Cat felt she got her edge back, but she is now sick of sandwiches! Most everybody is a bit tired of sandwiches, but no one is complaining (only answering my reporter’s question.)
One of my fears was the RV getting stinky after two days. However, it seems that Al and Leslie, who are the food preps, keep things clean. Hats off to them! We also seem to do a good job keeping our body odors under control because I can't smell any at all yet.
We washed the rider’s clothes moments ago, but the crew’s laundry will wait until Wednesday. We however don’t mind because we won’t be getting our shower until then anyway. This is Lee’s orders, but it is reasonable in terms of how many people (16) are living out of one RV and our need to be able to move as fast as our cyclists. We can go without worrying about luxuries such as daily showers for the crew !
Now, we are heading out of Utah into Colorado. Southern Utah is pretty, but we can’t hang around long! I am sure the riders are also looking forward to enjoying some long descents in Colorado after about 24 hours of mostly positive slopes!
It is fun to watch our ladies fly by some other teams and watch a few of them try hard to keep up with our ladies. Some teams leapfrogged with us for a while, then slowly got dropped. (Drifting or working with other teams to conserve energy is not allowed in most ultracycling races such as RAAM.)
For those not familiar with the benefits of drifting on each other’s wheels, picture rider A, B, C, and D riding “single file”. Rider A is in the very front doing what we call “pulling” and A’s bicycle and body break up the wind. The rider B behind rider A, sometimes known as “sitting on a wheel” (especially if not doing any pulling) pedals about 15% easier because the wind resistance is reduced by rider A. Rider C, who sits on rider B’s wheel, has it about 25% easier than rider A. Rider D, who is last in this imaginary single file of four, works the least at about 28% easier than rider A. In what we call a “pack” of riders not riding single file, the riders in the back of the packs are “sandbagging”, working about 35-40% less than the riders pulling at the front.
In ultracycling, we usually are not allowed this benefit, making ultracycling a “race of truth”, showing what cyclists are capable of doing entirely on their own.
We are being passed and passing teams ever since the start line, but as of this point, we are now settled in our own “groups”. Those more than 3 hours ahead or behind us will likely never be seen again until probably the finish line.
Yesterday, Isabelle got sick and it was a team of 3 for a while until she recovered enough to race again. Cat said yesterday night that it took a bit too much out of her and Jeanine and they hope they could recover their edge. As of this morning, Cat felt she got her edge back, but she is now sick of sandwiches! Most everybody is a bit tired of sandwiches, but no one is complaining (only answering my reporter’s question.)
One of my fears was the RV getting stinky after two days. However, it seems that Al and Leslie, who are the food preps, keep things clean. Hats off to them! We also seem to do a good job keeping our body odors under control because I can't smell any at all yet.
We washed the rider’s clothes moments ago, but the crew’s laundry will wait until Wednesday. We however don’t mind because we won’t be getting our shower until then anyway. This is Lee’s orders, but it is reasonable in terms of how many people (16) are living out of one RV and our need to be able to move as fast as our cyclists. We can go without worrying about luxuries such as daily showers for the crew !
Now, we are heading out of Utah into Colorado. Southern Utah is pretty, but we can’t hang around long! I am sure the riders are also looking forward to enjoying some long descents in Colorado after about 24 hours of mostly positive slopes!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Rider exchanging (in daylight)
Lori comes up to Cat, who was waiting for her. Cat started moving forward.
Cat looks to be sure Lori's wheel overlaps her wheel.
Cat is off!
Cat looks to be sure Lori's wheel overlaps her wheel.
Cat is off!
Overdue pictures from startline
Our ladies perpared to hand in canned food as part of sign-in rule (to know whether we actually read the rules.) The food will be donated to food bank. 
Start line:
The Organic Pastures had a booth at the startline. They originally were one of the sponsors for Cat's RAAM (solo) in 2005 and wanted to be chief sponsors this time. Cat is the center of attention! (Mark from Organic Pastures on left and some guy with a camera who wanted to take pictures of Cat.)
The Raw Milk Cats lining up for the first part of RAAM as a team. Of course, after they lined up, the person in white shirt hugged each one of them--he knows all four. Cat then will ride the first part for 21 miles.
(Sorry, no pictures from first day when everybody is closer together partly because the cameraperson had to sleep during her 4 PM to midnight shift!)
Start line:
The Organic Pastures had a booth at the startline. They originally were one of the sponsors for Cat's RAAM (solo) in 2005 and wanted to be chief sponsors this time. Cat is the center of attention! (Mark from Organic Pastures on left and some guy with a camera who wanted to take pictures of Cat.)
The Raw Milk Cats lining up for the first part of RAAM as a team. Of course, after they lined up, the person in white shirt hugged each one of them--he knows all four. Cat then will ride the first part for 21 miles.
(Sorry, no pictures from first day when everybody is closer together partly because the cameraperson had to sleep during her 4 PM to midnight shift!)
Saturday, June 18, 2011
RAAM Meeting, June 17th at 5 PM
The teams are introduced and one team was the talk of the night: The original 2-person "Ride for your Lives" mixed team changed to 8-person team less a week before RAAM. Katie, who was planning to ride RAAM with Sam as a teammate, broke her pelvis two weeks ago. Instead of withdrawing, she showed up on clutches and will still ride RAAM with her arms (handpedal). I understand that some of her crew became members of the 8-person team. Talk about crazy people…but again, this one is actually sane. At 22 years old, Katie already rowed solo across the Atlantic. So, it made sense why she would still do RAAM with her arms with help of six more people.
I am sure there were other interesting teams to learn about, but I wasn’t able to hear their stories at the meeting. Ah well, I can at least say that the atmosphere was energetic! Wishing the best of endurance luck to everybody (and to the soloists already out on road.)
Here is a picture of River Riders, Raw Milk Cats, and Team Ride Red! These three are all of the 4-women RAAM teams this year. The other two are in the under 50 age group, but we want to race them despite being over 50! I understand there was a bit of trash talking going on already. ;) (Of course, that was in all good fun!)
I am sure there were other interesting teams to learn about, but I wasn’t able to hear their stories at the meeting. Ah well, I can at least say that the atmosphere was energetic! Wishing the best of endurance luck to everybody (and to the soloists already out on road.)
Here is a picture of River Riders, Raw Milk Cats, and Team Ride Red! These three are all of the 4-women RAAM teams this year. The other two are in the under 50 age group, but we want to race them despite being over 50! I understand there was a bit of trash talking going on already. ;) (Of course, that was in all good fun!)
One tired crew before start of RAAM
I found Leslie totally fast asleep like this at 3:45 PM yesterday. She wasn't the only one!
Other three sponsors's cycling kits
In addition to Organic Pastures (Raw Milk), we have three other sponsors we are wearing kits for. My personal note: I think they look so sharp and beautiful in their uniforms! I almost couldn't stop taking pictures of them modeling the uniforms yesterday.
Alltech LifeSciences: Founded by Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech is a global animal health and nutrition company with 31 years’ experience in developing natural products that are scientifically proven to enhance animal health and performance. With more than 2300 employees in 128 countries, the company has developed a strong regional presence in Europe, North America, Latin America, the Middle-East, Africa and Asia. Alltech Life Sciences is a new division within Alltech and officially began operations on January 1, 2011.
Alltech LifeSciences's kit is best seen from the left side as Jeanine and Cat showed below:
BioMass Capital: BMC believes the use of “high end cellulosic biomass” is the lowest cost and most effective way for the world to address the climate change challenge.
Hammer Nutrition
Alltech LifeSciences: Founded by Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech is a global animal health and nutrition company with 31 years’ experience in developing natural products that are scientifically proven to enhance animal health and performance. With more than 2300 employees in 128 countries, the company has developed a strong regional presence in Europe, North America, Latin America, the Middle-East, Africa and Asia. Alltech Life Sciences is a new division within Alltech and officially began operations on January 1, 2011. Alltech LifeSciences's kit is best seen from the left side as Jeanine and Cat showed below:
BioMass Capital: BMC believes the use of “high end cellulosic biomass” is the lowest cost and most effective way for the world to address the climate change challenge.
Hammer Nutrition
Friday, June 17, 2011
Team picture!
The four strong ladies by the startline in Oceanside, CA!
Isabelle, Jeanine, Lori, Cat.
Raw Milk Cats team (minus Bill, who we will pick up in Flagstaff.) Back row: Lee, William, Leslie, Rich, Doug, Al, Ron, Willy, Joe. Riders: Lori, Jeanine, Cat, Isabelle. Kneeled: Mavis, Anne.
This is the butt sign people will see as they drive pass the riders across USA:
EDIT: Organic Pastures booth will be the place to go today (Saturday, June 18th) from 10:00 AM on! Free chocolate milk available. One can't pass that up because Raw Milk is the best! Come on down to the Oceanside Pier. We will start racing at 2:00 PM.
Isabelle, Jeanine, Lori, Cat.
Raw Milk Cats team (minus Bill, who we will pick up in Flagstaff.) Back row: Lee, William, Leslie, Rich, Doug, Al, Ron, Willy, Joe. Riders: Lori, Jeanine, Cat, Isabelle. Kneeled: Mavis, Anne.
This is the butt sign people will see as they drive pass the riders across USA:
EDIT: Organic Pastures booth will be the place to go today (Saturday, June 18th) from 10:00 AM on! Free chocolate milk available. One can't pass that up because Raw Milk is the best! Come on down to the Oceanside Pier. We will start racing at 2:00 PM.
First day of preparation
Yesterday, we passed the inspection, had our pictures taken by RAAM, and went over the rules and navigator’s duties. Lee wasted no time telling the crew what to do! (I am not sure what order he was saying in the picture below:)
Today, it will be doing laundry, practicing bicycle exchanges, then going to the 5 PM mandatory meeting. (If one of us doesn’t show up, our team will get one hour time penalty!)
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Back to original crew roster
Sadly, Bob Kash, who would take Bill Phillip's place on the crew, had to bow out.
After much discussion between Lee and Bill the past week, Bill is back on support crew. (They must be enjoying each other's company!) Bill however have to do a little compromising with his lovely wife and family. He will be joining us in Flagstaff, Arizona.
This mean we will be slightly understaffed the first 24 hours. Thus, Mavis will be working as a California BikeVan driver and navigator with Lee and sleep with him during the 8 AM to 4 PM sleep shift the first day. Once Bill is picked up, Mavis will return to her original shift and duties.
After much discussion between Lee and Bill the past week, Bill is back on support crew. (They must be enjoying each other's company!) Bill however have to do a little compromising with his lovely wife and family. He will be joining us in Flagstaff, Arizona.
This mean we will be slightly understaffed the first 24 hours. Thus, Mavis will be working as a California BikeVan driver and navigator with Lee and sleep with him during the 8 AM to 4 PM sleep shift the first day. Once Bill is picked up, Mavis will return to her original shift and duties.
Message from team's media director
Dear fans,
RAAM will start less a week from today! You can get news from our team by going to our website (http://4rawmilkcats.com/). Our website has the links to blog, facebook, and twitter. (What I post to facebook will be automatically posted to twitter too.) All of these buttons can be found at the bottom of our website's homepage. The "news" button at top of our website homepage is another way to go to our blog.
I hope I will get enough internet connection during RAAM to update our team's blog and facebook. (I have to use wireless internet service and we will be traveling along backroads, which meant internet should work equally well as cell phones.) The videos will hopefully be uploaded to YouTube and I plan on posting them to blog and/or facebook. I also will be posting some pictures when I can. I will likely be taking hundreds, but I plan on posting the best ones from time to time because we don't want to overwhelm our fans during RAAM. I however plan on making free CDs of the whole sets for those who wants them.
Of course, I will make a movie from the videos of our adventure and I hope I will finish the editting project by end of this year. If you want a free DVD copy, let me know and I will add you (and your address) to the list!
If you have any questions or comments, you can post them on our blog or facebook. Or you can send the messages to our team's e-mail address: 4RawMilkCats@gmail.com (I am very good at answering e-mails.)
Cheers,
Mavis Irwin
RawMilkCat Media Director
RAAM will start less a week from today! You can get news from our team by going to our website (http://4rawmilkcats.com/). Our website has the links to blog, facebook, and twitter. (What I post to facebook will be automatically posted to twitter too.) All of these buttons can be found at the bottom of our website's homepage. The "news" button at top of our website homepage is another way to go to our blog.
I hope I will get enough internet connection during RAAM to update our team's blog and facebook. (I have to use wireless internet service and we will be traveling along backroads, which meant internet should work equally well as cell phones.) The videos will hopefully be uploaded to YouTube and I plan on posting them to blog and/or facebook. I also will be posting some pictures when I can. I will likely be taking hundreds, but I plan on posting the best ones from time to time because we don't want to overwhelm our fans during RAAM. I however plan on making free CDs of the whole sets for those who wants them.
Of course, I will make a movie from the videos of our adventure and I hope I will finish the editting project by end of this year. If you want a free DVD copy, let me know and I will add you (and your address) to the list!
If you have any questions or comments, you can post them on our blog or facebook. Or you can send the messages to our team's e-mail address: 4RawMilkCats@gmail.com (I am very good at answering e-mails.)
Cheers,
Mavis Irwin
RawMilkCat Media Director
Friday, June 10, 2011
Alltech LifeSciences
Alltech Lifesciences
Alltech’s pioneering science of nutrigenomics allows the company to study nutrition at the most basic level – the genetic level. In analyzing the genetic profile of any species, Alltech is exploring new strategies for using natural nutrition for maximum health and performance.
Founded by Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech is a global animal health and nutrition company with 31 years’ experience in developing natural products that are scientifically proven to enhance animal health and performance. With more than 2300 employees in 128 countries, the company has developed a strong regional presence in Europe, North America, Latin America, the Middle-East, Africa and Asia. Alltech Life Sciences is a new division within Alltech and officially began operations on January 1, 2011.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Lori Cherry and Jeanine Spence!
Look at the lush pasture at our sponsors farm in Fresno. Get Raw Milk at Organic Pastures!
Raw Milk Cats at Organic Pastures Farm
Mark McAfee, Lori Cherry and Jeanine Spence at Organic Pastures in Fresno.
Mark McAfee, CEO, Managing Member
Founder of Organic Pastures Dairy, Mark is internationally recognized as an expert in raw milk production, and has spoken in over fifteen states and three countries on the subject. He invented the first -dietary supplements- made from fresh raw colostrum, and secured their certification from the FDA and DHS. Mark created and published the first international raw milk safety standards at www.rawusa.org. In addition, he has worked for sixteen years as an EMS paramedic, and served as marketing director and operations manager for a $30 million dollar EMS company. He is pre-med trained, and is an experienced medical educator. Mark is a licensed private pilot.
Mark McAfee, CEO, Managing Member
Founder of Organic Pastures Dairy, Mark is internationally recognized as an expert in raw milk production, and has spoken in over fifteen states and three countries on the subject. He invented the first -dietary supplements- made from fresh raw colostrum, and secured their certification from the FDA and DHS. Mark created and published the first international raw milk safety standards at www.rawusa.org. In addition, he has worked for sixteen years as an EMS paramedic, and served as marketing director and operations manager for a $30 million dollar EMS company. He is pre-med trained, and is an experienced medical educator. Mark is a licensed private pilot.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Steve Born's Pearls of Wisdom
Steve Born from Hammer Nutrition gave us his pearls of wisdom plus fueling suggestions:
1) Do not, Do Not, DO NOT waste one second of time. This is very important in the solo race but it is CRUCIAL in the team race. You simply do not have the luxury of wasting one single second. Remember, you are ALWAYS in "race mode" until the finish line.
2) This will be true for riders and crew, and Lee knows this better than anyone and I'm sure will drive this point home: Respect each other's space and stay out of each other's face! You will be all be going at high intensities - physically, emotionally, and mentally - for a week. The mood always has to be positive and each person - rider and crew - has to respect everyone else's privacy and space in order for positive results to occur.
3) Be supportive of each other, never forgetting that you are a team. And if a mistake has been made there is no reason to dwell on it because no benefits will be derived in doing so. In RAAM, lots of crazy things can happen; a former winner once told me that RAAM is creative problem solving several times a day for several days. I'm inclined to agree with that. And if/when a problem occurs or a mistake has been made you simply have to fix/resolve it and move forward in a positive fashion. No one, rider or crew member, has the time or energy to play the "blame game."
4) Lee didn't invent the saying (or maybe he did), but he did perfect it and I'm sure will pass this on to each and every member of your crew: "The crew can't win the race for the rider (or team) but they can lose it." Each and every crew member needs to leave their personal needs and issues at the starting line because once the race starts they are basically subservient to you riders until you finish. Crewing is the most thankless job there is (I know, having crewed on 8 RAAMs) but there is a great deal of satisfaction knowing that you gave your all to help a rider (or group of riders) realize their dream.
5) Supplementation and Fueling suggestions -- If I were doing anywhere from a 45-90 minute pull I would take 1 serving of Hammer Gel about 5-10 minutes prior to the start + some Endurolytes (the amount dependent on the weather). I would then use a bottle or two of HEED on the bike as doing so will cover all your fluid, calorie, and electrolyte needs in one container (no messing around with pill bottles or flasks). When you get off the bike I would suggest using a light mixture of Perpetuem or Sustained Energy, perhaps 1/2 - 1 scoop to provide some calories and protein. I would also take 1-2 Anti-Fatigue Caps at that time. Then repeat.
Once the first two riders are completely done with their shifts and are now taking a long break, that's when you hit the Recoverite... a 2-4-scoop bottle nursed over the course of an hour. At that time I would also take 1-2 Race Caps Supreme, 1-2 Mito Caps, 2 Endurance Amino, 1 Super Antioxidant, and 1 AO Booster. That would be a killer recovery fuel/supplement plan that would definitely accelerate recovery and help prep you for your next rotation of riding.
Steve Born
Fueling Expert
Event Sponsorship Coordinator
www.hammernutrition.com
1) Do not, Do Not, DO NOT waste one second of time. This is very important in the solo race but it is CRUCIAL in the team race. You simply do not have the luxury of wasting one single second. Remember, you are ALWAYS in "race mode" until the finish line.
2) This will be true for riders and crew, and Lee knows this better than anyone and I'm sure will drive this point home: Respect each other's space and stay out of each other's face! You will be all be going at high intensities - physically, emotionally, and mentally - for a week. The mood always has to be positive and each person - rider and crew - has to respect everyone else's privacy and space in order for positive results to occur.
3) Be supportive of each other, never forgetting that you are a team. And if a mistake has been made there is no reason to dwell on it because no benefits will be derived in doing so. In RAAM, lots of crazy things can happen; a former winner once told me that RAAM is creative problem solving several times a day for several days. I'm inclined to agree with that. And if/when a problem occurs or a mistake has been made you simply have to fix/resolve it and move forward in a positive fashion. No one, rider or crew member, has the time or energy to play the "blame game."
4) Lee didn't invent the saying (or maybe he did), but he did perfect it and I'm sure will pass this on to each and every member of your crew: "The crew can't win the race for the rider (or team) but they can lose it." Each and every crew member needs to leave their personal needs and issues at the starting line because once the race starts they are basically subservient to you riders until you finish. Crewing is the most thankless job there is (I know, having crewed on 8 RAAMs) but there is a great deal of satisfaction knowing that you gave your all to help a rider (or group of riders) realize their dream.
5) Supplementation and Fueling suggestions -- If I were doing anywhere from a 45-90 minute pull I would take 1 serving of Hammer Gel about 5-10 minutes prior to the start + some Endurolytes (the amount dependent on the weather). I would then use a bottle or two of HEED on the bike as doing so will cover all your fluid, calorie, and electrolyte needs in one container (no messing around with pill bottles or flasks). When you get off the bike I would suggest using a light mixture of Perpetuem or Sustained Energy, perhaps 1/2 - 1 scoop to provide some calories and protein. I would also take 1-2 Anti-Fatigue Caps at that time. Then repeat.
Once the first two riders are completely done with their shifts and are now taking a long break, that's when you hit the Recoverite... a 2-4-scoop bottle nursed over the course of an hour. At that time I would also take 1-2 Race Caps Supreme, 1-2 Mito Caps, 2 Endurance Amino, 1 Super Antioxidant, and 1 AO Booster. That would be a killer recovery fuel/supplement plan that would definitely accelerate recovery and help prep you for your next rotation of riding.
Steve Born
Fueling Expert
Event Sponsorship Coordinator
www.hammernutrition.com
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Organic Pastures Kits Are In
Organic Pastures in Fresno where the best Raw Milk comes from. Lori Cherry is wearing our new kits (jersey and shorts) hot off the press. Lori is consuming Organic Pastures Raw Milk as fast as she can to fuel up and get going on her bike!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Marc Pro Electro Stimulation Device
Marc Pro is on board as our newest sponsor! More to follow. Check them out at: www.marcpro.com
Following us During RAAM
I have been getting emails asking when we will arrive at certain cities on our way to Annapolis. If you go to www.raceacrossamerica.org once the race starts on June 18th at 2:00 PM (Pacific Time) you will be able to follow us as we check into Time Stations. Click on "Results". Then click on "Leaderboard". Find 4RawMilkCats. Click on us. You will be able to see arrival times for all the time stations we have been through. Also you can click on "Arrival Predictions" and see when we will get to the city and state near you. Several people will be driving to Time Stations to cheer us on.
Of course Mavis and others in our fabulous crew of 12 will be posting on this site and Facebook and Twitter.
Please come out and see us and cheer us on if possible. It is an enormous inspiration. Funny how the cadence increases with a smile ... a cheer ... and a vote of confidence.
Isabelle Drake
Of course Mavis and others in our fabulous crew of 12 will be posting on this site and Facebook and Twitter.
Please come out and see us and cheer us on if possible. It is an enormous inspiration. Funny how the cadence increases with a smile ... a cheer ... and a vote of confidence.
Isabelle Drake
Hammer Nutrition
Thank you Steve Born/Hammer Nutrition for sponsoring us for the Race Across America. I have been using Hammer products since 2004 exclusively. The Sustained Energy is my favorite and was the only thing I could consume towards the end on my solo Furnace Creek 508 ride. I encourage anyone who hasn't tried Hammer products to get some Heed, Sustained Energy, Perpetuem or any of the supplements and try it out. No stomach issues with Hammer products!
Thanks also for putting me in the Hammer Nutrition Endurance Fuels & Supplements 2011 Product Catalog page 6 riding my leg for the Hammer Frogs 1st place finish October 2010 and course record for 4 women 50+. I am on the page with the new product Fizz ... just drop it into your water bottle. It is great ... easy way to get the electrolytes in.
Thanks again Steve!!
Isabelle Drake
Thanks also for putting me in the Hammer Nutrition Endurance Fuels & Supplements 2011 Product Catalog page 6 riding my leg for the Hammer Frogs 1st place finish October 2010 and course record for 4 women 50+. I am on the page with the new product Fizz ... just drop it into your water bottle. It is great ... easy way to get the electrolytes in.
Thanks again Steve!!
Isabelle Drake
RAAM Food Plan
Our team’s three main food goals are:
1) Having no leftovers at finish line.
2) Try to limit food prep to 1-2 people (namely Alan and Anne), since hygiene may not be optimal. This would limit any potential exposure to pathogens.
3) Avoid being fueled on simple sugar and caffeine mainly because this can affect our moods.
---------------
Alan Stokes collated the team’s comments and drafted a shopping list for a day before start of RAAM (apart from mini marts at gas stations, we likely won't get chances to shop during RAAM):
The basics are:
1) Milk, milk, milk!
2) A little bit of chocolate cake. (Not much!)
3) Meat and cheese or peanut butter sandwiches.
4) Cereals, oatmeal.
5) Fresh fruits and produces.
6) Instant coffee.
Furthermore, while everybody know they can survive on turkey and oatmeal, Alan plans to spice up the meals with possibly:
- black bean / rice / chicken - burritos
- grocery store roasted chicken - a number of different type of meals can be made from them
- microwaveable bacon - everything is better with bacon.
- pasta with marinara –
Unnecessary to say, a few expressed concern that they would gain weight during the race.
1) Having no leftovers at finish line.
2) Try to limit food prep to 1-2 people (namely Alan and Anne), since hygiene may not be optimal. This would limit any potential exposure to pathogens.
3) Avoid being fueled on simple sugar and caffeine mainly because this can affect our moods.
---------------
Alan Stokes collated the team’s comments and drafted a shopping list for a day before start of RAAM (apart from mini marts at gas stations, we likely won't get chances to shop during RAAM):
The basics are:
1) Milk, milk, milk!
2) A little bit of chocolate cake. (Not much!)
3) Meat and cheese or peanut butter sandwiches.
4) Cereals, oatmeal.
5) Fresh fruits and produces.
6) Instant coffee.
Furthermore, while everybody know they can survive on turkey and oatmeal, Alan plans to spice up the meals with possibly:
- black bean / rice / chicken - burritos
- grocery store roasted chicken - a number of different type of meals can be made from them
- microwaveable bacon - everything is better with bacon.
- pasta with marinara –
Unnecessary to say, a few expressed concern that they would gain weight during the race.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Training Tips
Training tip #1: Drink plenty of Raw Milk!
Milk is as good as or even better than sports drinks for serious athletes.
Muscles get damaged after aerobic exercise such as running, soccer, or cycling. Milk's two proteins proven to aid in rebuilding muscles, casein and whey, provides the building blocks for recovering and building new muscles.
Furthermore, milk contains carbohydrates, electrolytes, calcium, and vitamin D.
(Most sports drinks replace the lost carbohydrates and electrolytes, but usually don't have the proteins for aiding the regenerating of muscles.)
For best results, a pint of milk is recommended within 30 minutes after a workout.
Milk is as good as or even better than sports drinks for serious athletes.
Muscles get damaged after aerobic exercise such as running, soccer, or cycling. Milk's two proteins proven to aid in rebuilding muscles, casein and whey, provides the building blocks for recovering and building new muscles.
Furthermore, milk contains carbohydrates, electrolytes, calcium, and vitamin D.
(Most sports drinks replace the lost carbohydrates and electrolytes, but usually don't have the proteins for aiding the regenerating of muscles.)
For best results, a pint of milk is recommended within 30 minutes after a workout.
See more of Sara Bean's art!
More Training tips:
(Click here for viewing all training tips on one webpage.)
Training tip #2: Supply the body with necessary dietary supplements
Training tip #3: Cross-training (especially during wintertime then definitely get warm with WoodCoal!)
Training tip #4: Rest hard as training hard
Training tip #5: Stretching
Training tip #6: Weight lifting
Training tip #7: Train with a buddy
Training tip #8: Visit friends
Training tip #9: Make sure the equipments are in working order
Training tip #10: Have fun!
Training tip #11: Refine the balancing
Training tip #12: Stay hydrated!!
VO2 Maximum Check
Lori Cherry checking her VO2 maximum to precisely know her own physiology capability.
Knowing how our bodies react to the ranges of spinning resistances can surely be helpful for races like RAAM. We do want to ride fast as possible, but the riders need to have ideas what their individual moderate, hard, and maximum zones are for effective, speedy pacing. Overworking our bodies, especially over 7-8 days in a row, can have consequences.
Knowing how our bodies react to the ranges of spinning resistances can surely be helpful for races like RAAM. We do want to ride fast as possible, but the riders need to have ideas what their individual moderate, hard, and maximum zones are for effective, speedy pacing. Overworking our bodies, especially over 7-8 days in a row, can have consequences.
Recommended list of stuff to bring
E-mail from our crew chief, Lee. (Who loves to use exclamation marks!!!!)
The following is a recommended [list of stuff to bring.] We will be getting a team T shirt--distributed in Oceanside.
Please don't over load the RV. There will be 16 of us living out of the RV and using the space to store stuff.
Alarm clock, wrist watch ones OK.
Drivers license and health insurance card, both in your possession.
Camera/film/chips. New batteries!
Cap/hat--sun or rain.
Glasses, sun glasses, spares, clip ons?
One pair long pants/tights
One long sleeve shirt
Plastic bag to segregate clean clothes from dirty clothes
Prescription medicines of any kind, you will be away from home 16 days or so. Plan.
Fun drugs
Raincoat
Personal stuff--soap,shampoo, shave kit, DEODORANT!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tooth brush, paste, dental floss, etc.
Sanitary supplies
Shoes you are wearing, no sandals
2 pair shorts
4 pairs socks
Small pack to carry between vehicles upon crew changes
Sunscreen, lip stuff, drool catcher
4 T shirts, plus team T shirt
Underwear/bra--maybe 4?? Wear the same stuff for a couple of days, why change clothes when we don't get many showers???
Unique water bottle-labeled with your name/logo.
Lots of money, small bills
Travel light, space is the problem with 16 of us living out of the RV.
Crew laundry should be done Friday, June 17, the day before the race
" " " " " Wednesday, June 22.
" " " " " Monday, June 27, before we come home.
Lee will bring laundry bags for all crew and riders.
Riders will have laundry done Friday, June 17
Monday, June 20
Wednesday, June 22
Friday, June 24
Monday, June 27
When in doubt, leave stuff home!!! We will all smell the same, for sure!!!! Plan to take long showers at the finish motel--they know we are coming!!!! The groundwater may be depleted for a few days, you betcha!!!!!!
The following is a recommended [list of stuff to bring.] We will be getting a team T shirt--distributed in Oceanside.
Please don't over load the RV. There will be 16 of us living out of the RV and using the space to store stuff.
Alarm clock, wrist watch ones OK.
Drivers license and health insurance card, both in your possession.
Camera/film/chips. New batteries!
Cap/hat--sun or rain.
Glasses, sun glasses, spares, clip ons?
One pair long pants/tights
One long sleeve shirt
Plastic bag to segregate clean clothes from dirty clothes
Prescription medicines of any kind, you will be away from home 16 days or so. Plan.
Fun drugs
Raincoat
Personal stuff--soap,shampoo, shave kit, DEODORANT!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tooth brush, paste, dental floss, etc.
Sanitary supplies
Shoes you are wearing, no sandals
2 pair shorts
4 pairs socks
Small pack to carry between vehicles upon crew changes
Sunscreen, lip stuff, drool catcher
4 T shirts, plus team T shirt
Underwear/bra--maybe 4?? Wear the same stuff for a couple of days, why change clothes when we don't get many showers???
Unique water bottle-labeled with your name/logo.
Lots of money, small bills
Travel light, space is the problem with 16 of us living out of the RV.
Crew laundry should be done Friday, June 17, the day before the race
" " " " " Wednesday, June 22.
" " " " " Monday, June 27, before we come home.
Lee will bring laundry bags for all crew and riders.
Riders will have laundry done Friday, June 17
Monday, June 20
Wednesday, June 22
Friday, June 24
Monday, June 27
When in doubt, leave stuff home!!! We will all smell the same, for sure!!!! Plan to take long showers at the finish motel--they know we are coming!!!! The groundwater may be depleted for a few days, you betcha!!!!!!
Change in crew roster
Bill Phillips has had to withdraw from the crew. Lee and Bill were looking forward to "giving each others a bad time again."
However the good news is that Bob Kash is able to join the crew! He has crewed 8 RAAMs, especially for the PAC Masters and ridden a couple of the PAC Masters Team RAAMs. Bob will take over Bill's position and primary duties.
Cat Berge stated that she is very happy to see him onboard. This is because he was originally going to crew for Cat's solo RAAM in 2005, but had to withdraw before RAAM. Even so, Bob did come out to the course to greet Cat.
However the good news is that Bob Kash is able to join the crew! He has crewed 8 RAAMs, especially for the PAC Masters and ridden a couple of the PAC Masters Team RAAMs. Bob will take over Bill's position and primary duties.
Cat Berge stated that she is very happy to see him onboard. This is because he was originally going to crew for Cat's solo RAAM in 2005, but had to withdraw before RAAM. Even so, Bob did come out to the course to greet Cat.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Passion, Dedication and Quality
Our assistant crew chief, Joe Smith, shared some wonderful words of advice with us in a hand written letter that I recieved today-'PASSION - Nothing was ever achieved without it and nothing can take its place. No matter what you face in life, if your PASSION is great enough you will find the strength to succeed. Without PASSION life has no meaning. So put your heart, mind and soul into even your smallest acts.... This is the essence of PASSION. This is the secret of life.
DEDICATION - The quality with which CHAMPIONS are made.
QUALITY - countless unseen details are often the only difference between mediocre and magnificent.
Note that the first three letters in each word stands for
PDQ - PRETTY DARN QUICK.
I am certain that our riders will be doing their best to ride Pretty Darn Quick an we the crew will be doing our best to support them as efficiently and quickly as possible.
This PASSION, DEDICATION and QUALITY will become our fuel, our energy and our reason to get to the finish line with great pride and accomplishment.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Meet the crew!
A RAAM team is nothing without the crew. Thus, let get to know a bit about the people who are in for a long week of hard work too! (We--the crew--are expected to have absoluately no trouble falling asleep the moment our heads hit the pillow by the 3rd day.)
Lee Mitchell, California.
Primary duties: Crew chief, California BikeVan driver/navigator
Sleep shift: 8 AM to 4 PM
Bio: Nicknamed Santa, Lee is a busy guy in red socks ("guy in red suit"). He is a grocery clerk for 26 years and full time community college teacher for 30 years. He also raised 6 kids. He even raced in a few RAAMs. Some people did think Lee's beard needed to be trimmed to reduce his wind drag, but each time a razor is out, no one could find Lee.
Joe Smith, New York.
Primary duties: Assistant Crew Chief, Nevada BikeVan driver/navigator
Sleep shift: 4 PM to midnight
Ron Bobb, California.
Primary duties: RV driver, Nevada BikeVan driver, Mechanic
Sleep shift: 8 AM to 4 PM
Leslie Bullock, Oregon.
Primary duties: RV navigator, Nevada BikeVan navigator
Sleep shift: 8 AM to 4 PM
Bio: During the winter, Leslie has become just an occasional bike rider. In an effort to get warm, she went to Vietnam the past winter.
Doug Goodwin, Nevada.
Primary duties: Nevada BikeVan driver, Mechanic
Sleep shift: Midnight to 8 AM
Bio: Doug took part in ultra events ever since the 1980's. He fell in love with Death Valley and when he retired in 2003, he decided to settle down in "the shadow of the valley of death". People who do Furnace Creek 508 usually would see him at the Shoshone Time Station, enjoying the sight of everybody suffering.
Mavis Irwin, Utah.
Primary duties: Communication with fans, Camerawoman, Mechanic
Sleep shift: 4 PM to midnight
Bio: Mavis is a 4-season cyclist who collects bones ever since she was seven years old, but she promised to not collect any roadkills during RAAM. She is currently a graduate student in a biology program.
William Medina, Puerto Rico.
Primary duties: Nevada BikeVan driver/navigator, Mechanic
Sleep shift: 4 PM to midnight
Bio: A proud slightly twisted genius of a cycling event called La Vuelta Puerto Rico. The Bicycling Magazine Online recommended La Vuelta Puerto Rico as one of the "Best Gift for Bicyclists 2009". Event website: www.vueltapr.com
Willy Nevin, California.
Primary duties: California BikeVan driver, RV navigator
Sleep shift: Midnight to 8 AM
Bio: Willy claimed that all of his three daughters look cuter than him. Here is his proof from a cyclocross event, where his daughter got all the cheering and he didn't: YouTube video
Anne Noone, Pennsylvania.
Primary duties: Food prep, California BikeVan navigator
Sleep shift: Midnight to 8 AM
Bio: Anne's car license plate has always been "LIV2BIK". Nothing more needed to be said!
Bill Phillips, Oregon.
Primary duties: California BikeVan driver/navigator, Mechanic
Sleep shift: 8 AM to 4 PM
Bio: Bill enjoyed his crewing experience with Lee. Claimed there is nothing as wonderful as smelling bad and driving around in a minivan with an old bearded man telling him what to do. If that wasn't "good" enough, he said he have to sleep with that old bearded man too.
Al Stokes, North Carolina.
Primary duties: Food prep, California BikeVan navigator, Nurse/massage, Mechanic
Sleep shift: 4 PM to midnight
Bio: Al gave up running for cycling 25 years ago because of the ability to get a nice workout in while eating and drinking at the same time.
Rich Wagar, Washington.
Primary duties: RV driver
Sleep shift: Midnight to 8 AM
Lee Mitchell, California.
Primary duties: Crew chief, California BikeVan driver/navigator
Sleep shift: 8 AM to 4 PM
Bio: Nicknamed Santa, Lee is a busy guy in red socks ("guy in red suit"). He is a grocery clerk for 26 years and full time community college teacher for 30 years. He also raised 6 kids. He even raced in a few RAAMs. Some people did think Lee's beard needed to be trimmed to reduce his wind drag, but each time a razor is out, no one could find Lee.
Joe Smith, New York.
Primary duties: Assistant Crew Chief, Nevada BikeVan driver/navigator
Sleep shift: 4 PM to midnight
Ron Bobb, California.
Primary duties: RV driver, Nevada BikeVan driver, Mechanic
Sleep shift: 8 AM to 4 PM
Leslie Bullock, Oregon.
Primary duties: RV navigator, Nevada BikeVan navigator
Sleep shift: 8 AM to 4 PM
Bio: During the winter, Leslie has become just an occasional bike rider. In an effort to get warm, she went to Vietnam the past winter.
Doug Goodwin, Nevada.
Primary duties: Nevada BikeVan driver, Mechanic
Sleep shift: Midnight to 8 AM
Bio: Doug took part in ultra events ever since the 1980's. He fell in love with Death Valley and when he retired in 2003, he decided to settle down in "the shadow of the valley of death". People who do Furnace Creek 508 usually would see him at the Shoshone Time Station, enjoying the sight of everybody suffering.
Mavis Irwin, Utah.
Primary duties: Communication with fans, Camerawoman, Mechanic
Sleep shift: 4 PM to midnight
Bio: Mavis is a 4-season cyclist who collects bones ever since she was seven years old, but she promised to not collect any roadkills during RAAM. She is currently a graduate student in a biology program.
William Medina, Puerto Rico.
Primary duties: Nevada BikeVan driver/navigator, Mechanic
Sleep shift: 4 PM to midnight
Bio: A proud slightly twisted genius of a cycling event called La Vuelta Puerto Rico. The Bicycling Magazine Online recommended La Vuelta Puerto Rico as one of the "Best Gift for Bicyclists 2009". Event website: www.vueltapr.com
Willy Nevin, California.
Primary duties: California BikeVan driver, RV navigator
Sleep shift: Midnight to 8 AM
Bio: Willy claimed that all of his three daughters look cuter than him. Here is his proof from a cyclocross event, where his daughter got all the cheering and he didn't: YouTube video
Anne Noone, Pennsylvania.
Primary duties: Food prep, California BikeVan navigator
Sleep shift: Midnight to 8 AM
Bio: Anne's car license plate has always been "LIV2BIK". Nothing more needed to be said!
Bill Phillips, Oregon.
Primary duties: California BikeVan driver/navigator, Mechanic
Sleep shift: 8 AM to 4 PM
Bio: Bill enjoyed his crewing experience with Lee. Claimed there is nothing as wonderful as smelling bad and driving around in a minivan with an old bearded man telling him what to do. If that wasn't "good" enough, he said he have to sleep with that old bearded man too.
Al Stokes, North Carolina.
Primary duties: Food prep, California BikeVan navigator, Nurse/massage, Mechanic
Sleep shift: 4 PM to midnight
Bio: Al gave up running for cycling 25 years ago because of the ability to get a nice workout in while eating and drinking at the same time.
Rich Wagar, Washington.
Primary duties: RV driver
Sleep shift: Midnight to 8 AM
Deciding on the safety colors for the team jerseys
The design to put on the jerseys is still in the works, but we surely want to use the type of colors that the drivers can easily see.
This commonly means bright orange like a road cone, bright green, or pink.
It is however a concern for about 5% of males who are color blind because the common colors listed above can easily match the background colors. And it always can take just one driver to hit a rider.
The most common type of color blindness is red-green blindness. It varies a lot between people, depending if they are missing the red cones, missing the green cones, or have cones with an altered sensitivity to red or green light. It is believed that Mavis's father's colorblindness is due to a complete lack of red-sensitive cones, because he usually sees red as black and can’t see at all when in a darkroom with a red safe light as the only light source. He can see a red traffic light by its position in the signal and the fact that it looks lighter than the other two when it is on, probably because it is not pure red. (He also don't really know what green actually is. Sometimes he called something green, sometimes not. He also called most tan colors "green".) About 1% of males are colorblind for this reason, which leaves the other ~4% with other reasons, so Mavis's father's answers may be different from others’. Still, his answers are possibly a good guide when it comes to picking out really “bright” colors.
There is a reason why we usually see white/bright orange being used at road constructions instead of plain bright orange: Mavis's father sees muddy brownish cones!
According to Mavis's father, the other common safety colors looks like:
Bright green--the very bright greenish yellow sometimes look yellow to him and is visible. Other kinds of bright to medium greens may look brownish.
Red--he said bright to medium red is black. If it’s a dull red, it may look brown.
Pink--He usually thinks it is gray, sometimes blue if the pink has a blue cast to it as cactus blossoms do.
The safety colors believed to work for 99.5% of people:
White
Yellow
Blue (light blue may work) (0.5% can't see blue)
Neon Yellowish-green
Light gray (but not around light gray backgrounds!)
This commonly means bright orange like a road cone, bright green, or pink.
It is however a concern for about 5% of males who are color blind because the common colors listed above can easily match the background colors. And it always can take just one driver to hit a rider.
The most common type of color blindness is red-green blindness. It varies a lot between people, depending if they are missing the red cones, missing the green cones, or have cones with an altered sensitivity to red or green light. It is believed that Mavis's father's colorblindness is due to a complete lack of red-sensitive cones, because he usually sees red as black and can’t see at all when in a darkroom with a red safe light as the only light source. He can see a red traffic light by its position in the signal and the fact that it looks lighter than the other two when it is on, probably because it is not pure red. (He also don't really know what green actually is. Sometimes he called something green, sometimes not. He also called most tan colors "green".) About 1% of males are colorblind for this reason, which leaves the other ~4% with other reasons, so Mavis's father's answers may be different from others’. Still, his answers are possibly a good guide when it comes to picking out really “bright” colors.
There is a reason why we usually see white/bright orange being used at road constructions instead of plain bright orange: Mavis's father sees muddy brownish cones!
According to Mavis's father, the other common safety colors looks like:
Bright green--the very bright greenish yellow sometimes look yellow to him and is visible. Other kinds of bright to medium greens may look brownish.
Red--he said bright to medium red is black. If it’s a dull red, it may look brown.
Pink--He usually thinks it is gray, sometimes blue if the pink has a blue cast to it as cactus blossoms do.
The safety colors believed to work for 99.5% of people:
White
Yellow
Blue (light blue may work) (0.5% can't see blue)
Neon Yellowish-green
Light gray (but not around light gray backgrounds!)
Thursday, January 27, 2011
12 is the magic number
Whether we are rookies or veterans of RAAM, preparing months in advance of our next adventure is mandatory. No one knows it like Lee Mitchell, who has crewed or ridden 24 RAAMs before this year.
He started by getting the racers to find volunteers for the crew during the month of October, 2010. It must have been an easy step this year because within two weeks Lee was begging the racers to stop finding crew!
Lee explained that we should have 12 crew and three vehicles (an RV and two follow vans). The cost estimate is about $35,000. Considering the costs and space available for a safe 4-person team race across the country, 12 on the crew is the magic number.
Reason #1: Sleep shifts
Many of the accidents during RAAM are caused by sleep-deprived crew trying to drive 14 feet behind a racer.
The racers will be somewhat sleep-deprived, but it is not the time or place for crew to join in the sleep-deprivation fun. Thus, at any one time, the RV will be carrying a driver and a navigator, one food prep crew, two sleeping crew in the top bunk over the cab, two sleeping crew in the breakdown sofa in the middle, and two sleeping racers in the back bedroom. The sleeping shifts for the crew will be 8AM-4PM, 4PM-midnight, and midnight-8AM. Of course, there are no "off" shifts.
Reason #2: Rotating.
We have two red follow vans, called "California BikeVan" and "Nevada BikeVan" (see picture.) A pair of racers will be assigned to one of the two vans for the entire race. This is partly so the racers don't need to worry about whether something they want is in the other van. A racer never knows when she will need her personal shoe covers, arm warmers, raincoat, clean pair of shorts, or whatever. Furthermore, making space for all four racers' needs in both vans is not as easy as just putting two racers' gear in each van.
We will have two crew in each van. Each racer of a riding pair will be taken care of and followed by separate vans. They will change racers and vans at the same time about every 40-60 minutes for four hours. Meanwhile the other pair of racers will be showering, eating, and sleeping in the RV. We change the RV pair for the on-the-road pair every four hours. Each racer should get 2 to 2 1/2 hours sleep each time they rest in the RV. This will be about 7 hours total per 24 hours. With efficient exchanges, there will always be at least one racer riding her bicycle eastward.
Reason #3: The 8th awake crew is a backup, if needed.
We want a driver and a navigator in each vehicle and the food prep person in the RV (very busy job). The 8th crew can be in any vehicle at any time, but is expected to do regular crew duties, if needed.
Reason #4: The team wants somebody to focus on recording memories.
It is very difficult to juggle the camera, camcorder, and notebook while doing the high priority duties such as fixing bikes, prepping food, driving, or navigating.
We will need to be reminded of the recording crewperson's job.
That person's duties are to record as much as possible what is happening to the whole team. If needed, the recording crew member would jump into action and do whatever is needed to expedite the race. Then once back home, that person will spend hours arranging the tape/DVD for all to treasure.
He started by getting the racers to find volunteers for the crew during the month of October, 2010. It must have been an easy step this year because within two weeks Lee was begging the racers to stop finding crew!
Lee explained that we should have 12 crew and three vehicles (an RV and two follow vans). The cost estimate is about $35,000. Considering the costs and space available for a safe 4-person team race across the country, 12 on the crew is the magic number.
Reason #1: Sleep shifts
Many of the accidents during RAAM are caused by sleep-deprived crew trying to drive 14 feet behind a racer.
The racers will be somewhat sleep-deprived, but it is not the time or place for crew to join in the sleep-deprivation fun. Thus, at any one time, the RV will be carrying a driver and a navigator, one food prep crew, two sleeping crew in the top bunk over the cab, two sleeping crew in the breakdown sofa in the middle, and two sleeping racers in the back bedroom. The sleeping shifts for the crew will be 8AM-4PM, 4PM-midnight, and midnight-8AM. Of course, there are no "off" shifts.
Reason #2: Rotating.
We have two red follow vans, called "California BikeVan" and "Nevada BikeVan" (see picture.) A pair of racers will be assigned to one of the two vans for the entire race. This is partly so the racers don't need to worry about whether something they want is in the other van. A racer never knows when she will need her personal shoe covers, arm warmers, raincoat, clean pair of shorts, or whatever. Furthermore, making space for all four racers' needs in both vans is not as easy as just putting two racers' gear in each van.
We will have two crew in each van. Each racer of a riding pair will be taken care of and followed by separate vans. They will change racers and vans at the same time about every 40-60 minutes for four hours. Meanwhile the other pair of racers will be showering, eating, and sleeping in the RV. We change the RV pair for the on-the-road pair every four hours. Each racer should get 2 to 2 1/2 hours sleep each time they rest in the RV. This will be about 7 hours total per 24 hours. With efficient exchanges, there will always be at least one racer riding her bicycle eastward.
Reason #3: The 8th awake crew is a backup, if needed.
We want a driver and a navigator in each vehicle and the food prep person in the RV (very busy job). The 8th crew can be in any vehicle at any time, but is expected to do regular crew duties, if needed.
Reason #4: The team wants somebody to focus on recording memories.
It is very difficult to juggle the camera, camcorder, and notebook while doing the high priority duties such as fixing bikes, prepping food, driving, or navigating.
We will need to be reminded of the recording crewperson's job.
That person's duties are to record as much as possible what is happening to the whole team. If needed, the recording crew member would jump into action and do whatever is needed to expedite the race. Then once back home, that person will spend hours arranging the tape/DVD for all to treasure.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Get to know Isabelle Drake!
Isabelle is the oldest racer on the team, but she is not a typical retired nurse at all.
The racers on the team were given 15 interview questions ranging from serious to silly. They are free to choice which ones they wanted to answer:
Bicyclists had been fighting for the rights to share the roads with other vehicles ever since the era of horse-drawn carriages--bicycles made some horses nervous. It is a never-ending battle, but what do you imagine will be the attitude toward bicycles if personal middle-class motorized vehicles are reduced to look very much like quadcycles in order to be able to effectively transport somebody using natural energy such as solar energy?
Smaller vehicles on the road would hopefully translate to greater understanding of how it is for a cyclist out there. Many people change when they get behind the wheel exhibiting behavior they would not normally do when not in their vehicle. The more vulnerable drivers feel would possibly create more of a commraderie with cyclists instead of the adversarial one that is present with so many drivers. Of course there is idiotic behavior with both cyclists and drivers.
What is the most bizarre thing you ever saw while out on a ride?
On my solo Furnace Creek 508 in 2008 I was heading up towards the Sheephole climb when I saw 4 riders in front of me. I could not change my distance from them. I noticed something very strange about them. They all were wearing capes like Darth Vader from Star Wars. Also their bikes had no wheels ... just the frames. They effortlessly stayed in front of me. I realized I was hallucinating from sleep deprivation.
Have you stopped and done any good deeds as a cyclist?
Many times I have stopped to help change a tire or give some random rider a tube of CO2 cartridge. What goes around comes around as so many people have helped me.
When riding in the "zone" do you feel like you are riding: a horse? dragon? broomstick? motorcycle? or just a bicycle? (any other answers are fine)
Just a bicycle.
If there is a 4-inch long plain brown snail crawling in your bicycle path, do you...steer around it? worry about slipping on the goo? stop to look at it and maybe take pictures? put it in jersey pocket as a pet? or move it to a safer place? (any other answers are fine)
I try to avoid running over any debris all the time. When I see small living creatures I avoid them if possible.
What is your opinion of painted bike lanes in some cities?
I am accustomed to painted bike lanes. I think it makes it safer down here in Southern California. However I was hit by a car in Atascadero as I rode over the painted line in the bike lane.
What do you usually tell (or want to tell) the bad-tempered drivers yelling at you to ride on the sidewalk?
I get harassed quite a bit because I live in a very populated area. Very seldom do I saw anything as I feel I am so vulnerable. I do think of some really nasty things to say but try not to stay in that state of mind long as it is a distraction.
If you were able to ride on any type of surface, anywhere on the earth, where would you love to ride? Why?
The tundra in Alaska. I backpacked through there when I was 17 and it is an amazing feeling to walk upon it.
Is there any kind of cycling part, material, or equipment that is not on the market that you dream of being available?
A seat that is like riding on air with no possibility of any saddle sores.
What things do you tend to think about while riding a century?
My mind goes so many places. I like to let the wheels do the thinking (John Lee Ellis phrase).
If Lee decides to grow a complete flower garden on top of his bikevan, what will you think of (or do about) that?
If Lee grows a garden on top of the bikevan I will request that he be tested for drugs ... or he may just be sleep deprived :-)
If any animals will surely be easy to transport, care, and even help with the crewing, what kind of animal will you like as a member of the crew team? Why?
A horse. I love horses and have been riding since I was a child. A horse cantering next to me breathing in and out would inspire and comfort me.
What kind of "party" will you like at RAAM's finish line?
One with a few shots of Don Julio Anejo.
The racers on the team were given 15 interview questions ranging from serious to silly. They are free to choice which ones they wanted to answer:
Bicyclists had been fighting for the rights to share the roads with other vehicles ever since the era of horse-drawn carriages--bicycles made some horses nervous. It is a never-ending battle, but what do you imagine will be the attitude toward bicycles if personal middle-class motorized vehicles are reduced to look very much like quadcycles in order to be able to effectively transport somebody using natural energy such as solar energy?
Smaller vehicles on the road would hopefully translate to greater understanding of how it is for a cyclist out there. Many people change when they get behind the wheel exhibiting behavior they would not normally do when not in their vehicle. The more vulnerable drivers feel would possibly create more of a commraderie with cyclists instead of the adversarial one that is present with so many drivers. Of course there is idiotic behavior with both cyclists and drivers.
What is the most bizarre thing you ever saw while out on a ride?
On my solo Furnace Creek 508 in 2008 I was heading up towards the Sheephole climb when I saw 4 riders in front of me. I could not change my distance from them. I noticed something very strange about them. They all were wearing capes like Darth Vader from Star Wars. Also their bikes had no wheels ... just the frames. They effortlessly stayed in front of me. I realized I was hallucinating from sleep deprivation.
Have you stopped and done any good deeds as a cyclist?
Many times I have stopped to help change a tire or give some random rider a tube of CO2 cartridge. What goes around comes around as so many people have helped me.
When riding in the "zone" do you feel like you are riding: a horse? dragon? broomstick? motorcycle? or just a bicycle? (any other answers are fine)
Just a bicycle.
If there is a 4-inch long plain brown snail crawling in your bicycle path, do you...steer around it? worry about slipping on the goo? stop to look at it and maybe take pictures? put it in jersey pocket as a pet? or move it to a safer place? (any other answers are fine)
I try to avoid running over any debris all the time. When I see small living creatures I avoid them if possible.
What is your opinion of painted bike lanes in some cities?
I am accustomed to painted bike lanes. I think it makes it safer down here in Southern California. However I was hit by a car in Atascadero as I rode over the painted line in the bike lane.
What do you usually tell (or want to tell) the bad-tempered drivers yelling at you to ride on the sidewalk?
I get harassed quite a bit because I live in a very populated area. Very seldom do I saw anything as I feel I am so vulnerable. I do think of some really nasty things to say but try not to stay in that state of mind long as it is a distraction.
If you were able to ride on any type of surface, anywhere on the earth, where would you love to ride? Why?
The tundra in Alaska. I backpacked through there when I was 17 and it is an amazing feeling to walk upon it.
Is there any kind of cycling part, material, or equipment that is not on the market that you dream of being available?
A seat that is like riding on air with no possibility of any saddle sores.
What things do you tend to think about while riding a century?
My mind goes so many places. I like to let the wheels do the thinking (John Lee Ellis phrase).
If Lee decides to grow a complete flower garden on top of his bikevan, what will you think of (or do about) that?
If Lee grows a garden on top of the bikevan I will request that he be tested for drugs ... or he may just be sleep deprived :-)
If any animals will surely be easy to transport, care, and even help with the crewing, what kind of animal will you like as a member of the crew team? Why?
A horse. I love horses and have been riding since I was a child. A horse cantering next to me breathing in and out would inspire and comfort me.
What kind of "party" will you like at RAAM's finish line?
One with a few shots of Don Julio Anejo.
Get to know Jeanine Spence!
Jeanine Spence works the body, on and off the bicycle.
The racers on the team were given 15 interview questions ranging from serious to silly. They are free to choice which ones they wanted to answer:
Have you stopped and done any good deeds as a cyclist?
I have helped "bonking" cyclists - gave them water and energy gels, helped a novice learn to change a tire, and stopped to call for a stranded motorist.
If there is a 4-inch long plain brown snail crawling in your bicycle path, do you...steer around it? worry about slipping on the goo? stop to look at it and maybe take pictures? put it in jersey pocket as a pet? or move it to a safer place? (any other answers are fine)
When riding across the country on a PAC tour, I stopped for an eight inch diameter turtle. I nervously picked it up and carried it to the side of the road. Also, was able to rescue a domestic rabbit and find a home for it on a local ride.
What is your opinion of painted bike lanes in some cities?
Love bike lanes... wish there were more.
What do you usually tell (or want to tell) the bad-tempered drivers yelling at you to ride on the sidewalk?
I wonder how big their 'behinds' are...
If you were able to ride on any type of surface, anywhere on the earth, where would you love to ride? Why?
My favorite place to ride is on pavement, anywhere the sun is shining, with friends.
What is the shortest distance you ever rode before feeling as tired as you expect to feel at end of RAAM? Why?
The first time I rode the Terrible Two..... It was my second double century and I was totally unprepared for how hot, cold, steep and long the ride turned out to be.
Is there any kind of cycling part, material, or equipment that is not on the market that you dream of being available?
Airbags that inflate just before you hit the pavement!
If any animals will surely be easy to transport, care, and even help with the crewing, what kind of animal will you like as a member of the crew team? Why?
A Labrador Retriever - They are always happy, energetic and enthusiastic.
What kind of "party" will you like at RAAM's finish line?
Anything that includes beer and RAAM finishers!
The racers on the team were given 15 interview questions ranging from serious to silly. They are free to choice which ones they wanted to answer:
Have you stopped and done any good deeds as a cyclist?
I have helped "bonking" cyclists - gave them water and energy gels, helped a novice learn to change a tire, and stopped to call for a stranded motorist.
If there is a 4-inch long plain brown snail crawling in your bicycle path, do you...steer around it? worry about slipping on the goo? stop to look at it and maybe take pictures? put it in jersey pocket as a pet? or move it to a safer place? (any other answers are fine)
When riding across the country on a PAC tour, I stopped for an eight inch diameter turtle. I nervously picked it up and carried it to the side of the road. Also, was able to rescue a domestic rabbit and find a home for it on a local ride.
What is your opinion of painted bike lanes in some cities?
Love bike lanes... wish there were more.
What do you usually tell (or want to tell) the bad-tempered drivers yelling at you to ride on the sidewalk?
I wonder how big their 'behinds' are...
If you were able to ride on any type of surface, anywhere on the earth, where would you love to ride? Why?
My favorite place to ride is on pavement, anywhere the sun is shining, with friends.
What is the shortest distance you ever rode before feeling as tired as you expect to feel at end of RAAM? Why?
The first time I rode the Terrible Two..... It was my second double century and I was totally unprepared for how hot, cold, steep and long the ride turned out to be.
Is there any kind of cycling part, material, or equipment that is not on the market that you dream of being available?
Airbags that inflate just before you hit the pavement!
If any animals will surely be easy to transport, care, and even help with the crewing, what kind of animal will you like as a member of the crew team? Why?
A Labrador Retriever - They are always happy, energetic and enthusiastic.
What kind of "party" will you like at RAAM's finish line?
Anything that includes beer and RAAM finishers!
Get to know Lori Cherry!
Lori Cherry has an impressive ultracycling career, but is looking for more.
The racers on the team were given 15 interview questions ranging from serious to silly. They are free to choice which ones they wanted to answer:
What is the most bizarre thing you ever saw while out on a ride?
Last year I saw a 6 yr old boy in the dark at 5am, barefoot, in pajamas holding a pillow and a backpack standing on a corner near a freeway overpass in an industrial area on my morning ride to the park trail. As I passed him my morning brain slowly processed that something was wrong with this picture. So I flipped a U and went to have a chat with him. He had run away from home. He was mad at his parents for punishing him the night before and was standing on the corner hoping some nicer parents would pick him up. I convinced him that it was a better idea to go home before his parents got even madder. We walked together about a mile to his home.
Have you stopped and done any good deeds as a cyclist?
I hope so. I tend to forget any good deeds I have done but remember every good deed I have been the recipient of.
When riding in the "zone" do you feel like you are riding: a horse? dragon? broomstick? motorcycle? or just a bicycle? (any other answers are fine)
Just a bike. I love it.
If there is a 4-inch long plain brown snail crawling in your bicycle path, do you...steer around it? worry about slipping on the goo? stop to look at it and maybe take pictures? put it in jersey pocket as a pet? or move it to a safer place? (any other answers are fine)
I don’t see snails.
What is your opinion of painted bike lanes in some cities?
I am a fan of bike lanes especially in cities.
What do you usually tell (or want to tell) the bad-tempered drivers yelling at you to ride on the sidewalk?
I have nothing to say to them.
If you were able to ride on any type of surface, anywhere on the earth, where would you love to ride? Why?
I like pavement of all sorts everywhere for bike riding.
Is there any kind of cycling part, material, or equipment that is not on the market that you dream of being available?
I dream of instant bridges to span the gaps that drop down just to climb up the other side again in the mountains.
What things do you tend to think about while riding a century?
Mostly, I enjoy the scenery. Thoughts are random.
If Lee decides to grow a complete flower garden on top of his bikevan, what will you think of (or do about) that?
I like vegetable gardens better than flowers gardens.
If any animals will surely be easy to transport, care, and even help with the crewing, what kind of animal will you like as a member of the crew team? Why?
A mule. They do the work but have no qualms expressing themselves.
The racers on the team were given 15 interview questions ranging from serious to silly. They are free to choice which ones they wanted to answer:
What is the most bizarre thing you ever saw while out on a ride?
Last year I saw a 6 yr old boy in the dark at 5am, barefoot, in pajamas holding a pillow and a backpack standing on a corner near a freeway overpass in an industrial area on my morning ride to the park trail. As I passed him my morning brain slowly processed that something was wrong with this picture. So I flipped a U and went to have a chat with him. He had run away from home. He was mad at his parents for punishing him the night before and was standing on the corner hoping some nicer parents would pick him up. I convinced him that it was a better idea to go home before his parents got even madder. We walked together about a mile to his home.
Have you stopped and done any good deeds as a cyclist?
I hope so. I tend to forget any good deeds I have done but remember every good deed I have been the recipient of.
When riding in the "zone" do you feel like you are riding: a horse? dragon? broomstick? motorcycle? or just a bicycle? (any other answers are fine)
Just a bike. I love it.
If there is a 4-inch long plain brown snail crawling in your bicycle path, do you...steer around it? worry about slipping on the goo? stop to look at it and maybe take pictures? put it in jersey pocket as a pet? or move it to a safer place? (any other answers are fine)
I don’t see snails.
What is your opinion of painted bike lanes in some cities?
I am a fan of bike lanes especially in cities.
What do you usually tell (or want to tell) the bad-tempered drivers yelling at you to ride on the sidewalk?
I have nothing to say to them.
If you were able to ride on any type of surface, anywhere on the earth, where would you love to ride? Why?
I like pavement of all sorts everywhere for bike riding.
Is there any kind of cycling part, material, or equipment that is not on the market that you dream of being available?
I dream of instant bridges to span the gaps that drop down just to climb up the other side again in the mountains.
What things do you tend to think about while riding a century?
Mostly, I enjoy the scenery. Thoughts are random.
If Lee decides to grow a complete flower garden on top of his bikevan, what will you think of (or do about) that?
I like vegetable gardens better than flowers gardens.
If any animals will surely be easy to transport, care, and even help with the crewing, what kind of animal will you like as a member of the crew team? Why?
A mule. They do the work but have no qualms expressing themselves.
Get to know Catharina "Cat" Berge!
Catharina "Cat" Berge is the youngest racer on our team. (Sidenote: If anybody is wondering, Cat is a familiar face on our team even through she resides in Belgium because she used to live in California until 2007.)
The racers on the team were given 15 interview questions ranging from serious to silly. They are free to choice which ones they wanted to answer:
What is the most bizarre thing you ever saw while out on a ride?
A man holding up to 6 foot rattle snakes that he had just killed, so they were still moving... (March 27, 2005)
Have you stopped and done any good deeds as a cyclist?
I found a wallet, that was returned to a happy owner. I have helped a little boy with a stuck chain. I have seen a rainbow, that I consider represents the covenant of God and stopped to pray.
When riding in the "zone" do you feel like you are riding: a horse? dragon? broomstick? motorcycle? or just a bicycle? (any other answers are fine)
Just flying… maybe a broom stick then?
If there is a 4-inch long plain brown snail crawling in your bicycle path, do you...steer around it? worry about slipping on the goo? stop to look at it and maybe take pictures? put it in jersey pocket as a pet? or move it to a safer place? (any other answers are fine)
I steer around it, because I do not like goo on my tires. Similarly I try to avoid hitting squirrels, little dogs and similar, makes a lot of goo in my wheels… and I hurt for every little animal that is hurt or dying or dead. Every time I see a road kill, I reflect on the life of the animal that was so senselessly lost.
What is your opinion of painted bike lanes in some cities?
I think they are good. I believe that cities should be built to allow bikers to get everywhere, and make it so hard to take the car that people are forced to consider public transport or biking or walking.
What do you usually tell (or want to tell) the bad-tempered drivers yelling at you to ride on the sidewalk?
There is no better way to de-weapon an annoyed person by smiling and waving back, like I don’t understand what he wants to tell me.
If you were able to ride on any type of surface, anywhere on the earth, where would you love to ride? Why?
On top of the clouds. I always look at them when flying above them and think it would be so neat to walk on the clouds.
What is the shortest distance you ever rode before feeling as tired as you expect to feel at end of RAAM? Why?
Pre-logue to Co-motion tandem stage race in Oregon, 2 miles hill climb. Paul McKenzie and I raced 2 miles uphill, and I definitely reflected on why I had decided to become an ultra-racer… cause that was just so extremely painful that I have no longing to do that again.
Is there any kind of cycling part, material, or equipment that is not on the market that you dream of being available?
A saddle that is so perfectly made for my butt that there is no shafing and no saddle sores. Handlebars that are so hard that they do not break, but so soft that you get no hand numbness.
What things do you tend to think about while riding a century?
Everything about life, from childhood memories to trying to develop a new proportional hazard model describing Salmonella growth in relation to chlorine concentration of growth broth.
If Lee decides to grow a complete flower garden on top of his bike van, what will you think of (or do about) that?
I would put all the turtles that I find along the road, and put them up there!
If any animals will surely be easy to transport, care, and even help with the crewing, what kind of animal will you like as a member of the crew team? Why?
A cuddly cat, there is no better rest than to sit with a cat in my lap. But I will also go for a toy dog.
What kind of "party" will you like at RAAM's finish line?
Ice cream party!
The racers on the team were given 15 interview questions ranging from serious to silly. They are free to choice which ones they wanted to answer:
What is the most bizarre thing you ever saw while out on a ride?
A man holding up to 6 foot rattle snakes that he had just killed, so they were still moving... (March 27, 2005)
Have you stopped and done any good deeds as a cyclist?
I found a wallet, that was returned to a happy owner. I have helped a little boy with a stuck chain. I have seen a rainbow, that I consider represents the covenant of God and stopped to pray.
When riding in the "zone" do you feel like you are riding: a horse? dragon? broomstick? motorcycle? or just a bicycle? (any other answers are fine)
Just flying… maybe a broom stick then?
If there is a 4-inch long plain brown snail crawling in your bicycle path, do you...steer around it? worry about slipping on the goo? stop to look at it and maybe take pictures? put it in jersey pocket as a pet? or move it to a safer place? (any other answers are fine)
I steer around it, because I do not like goo on my tires. Similarly I try to avoid hitting squirrels, little dogs and similar, makes a lot of goo in my wheels… and I hurt for every little animal that is hurt or dying or dead. Every time I see a road kill, I reflect on the life of the animal that was so senselessly lost.
What is your opinion of painted bike lanes in some cities?
I think they are good. I believe that cities should be built to allow bikers to get everywhere, and make it so hard to take the car that people are forced to consider public transport or biking or walking.
What do you usually tell (or want to tell) the bad-tempered drivers yelling at you to ride on the sidewalk?
There is no better way to de-weapon an annoyed person by smiling and waving back, like I don’t understand what he wants to tell me.
If you were able to ride on any type of surface, anywhere on the earth, where would you love to ride? Why?
On top of the clouds. I always look at them when flying above them and think it would be so neat to walk on the clouds.
What is the shortest distance you ever rode before feeling as tired as you expect to feel at end of RAAM? Why?
Pre-logue to Co-motion tandem stage race in Oregon, 2 miles hill climb. Paul McKenzie and I raced 2 miles uphill, and I definitely reflected on why I had decided to become an ultra-racer… cause that was just so extremely painful that I have no longing to do that again.
Is there any kind of cycling part, material, or equipment that is not on the market that you dream of being available?
A saddle that is so perfectly made for my butt that there is no shafing and no saddle sores. Handlebars that are so hard that they do not break, but so soft that you get no hand numbness.
What things do you tend to think about while riding a century?
Everything about life, from childhood memories to trying to develop a new proportional hazard model describing Salmonella growth in relation to chlorine concentration of growth broth.
If Lee decides to grow a complete flower garden on top of his bike van, what will you think of (or do about) that?
I would put all the turtles that I find along the road, and put them up there!
If any animals will surely be easy to transport, care, and even help with the crewing, what kind of animal will you like as a member of the crew team? Why?
A cuddly cat, there is no better rest than to sit with a cat in my lap. But I will also go for a toy dog.
What kind of "party" will you like at RAAM's finish line?
Ice cream party!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Proud Ambassadors of Alltech
The Raw Milk Cats will be sponsored by Alltech!! I have today recieved confirmation that Alltech wants to be part of our adventure and mission!
Our bodies will be protected by the best anti-oxidant supplement on the market, namely Sel-Plex, a yeast-derived organic selenium. Another supplement, Bio-Mos, is a mannan-oligosaccharide that binds to bad bacteria in the gut and improves the intestinal function!
I have used these supplements for over 5 years now, and I know that these are key to protect me from disease and the negative impacts of high intensity exercise. Jeanine has also used these supplements for close to 2 years now, and she can feel the difference that Sel-Plex has made for her racing and recovery.
Humans can also benefit from the Alltech supplements through the milk, meat and eggs. Animals supplemented with Sel-Plex will produce milk, egg and meat with higher levels of organic selenium. I give my hens, Höna, Sotis, Laura and Stina, Sel-Plex and Bio-Mos and not only are they healthier, they also produce really nice eggs of higher nutritional value. I am sure that my rooster Oskar benefit from the supplementation too, and that will be seen this spring.
Cat.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Trying to Get Out of Hibernation
So.. here I sit by the computer... sdkhgs.. whoops.. that was Leo.. the white blob on my arm. I am trying to get out of my winter hibernation, because evidently I have to train because I am going to need to be fit in June.
Well, I am coaching Jeanine and Isabelle.. so I will make sure they are superfit.. to compensate for me. I hate indoor trainers. Someone said once..'If you want to slow down time, just go sit on your indoor trainer'.. so right, after 10 minutes I feel exhausted and then I force myself to go another 50 minutes.
You team mates in California.. you are so lucky.. I long back to the beautiful green winters in California with oranges, green pastures, the sun in the hills. I have done some important training components though. One of my mantras is 'Rest as hard as you train'. Well to compensate for my miserable training, I compensate by the resting component. I sure have no problem sleeping until the sun goes up. I philosophy that this is following the natural rythms! So, from this first posting..I guess I can only improve!
Cheers all supporters of the 4 raw milk cats.. we love you all!
Cat
Thursday, January 6, 2011
First Brevet of the Year
Saturday I will do my first organized ride in 2011. I will do the 200 k brevet with PCH Randonneurs. Serious training started January 1st with a personal century ride.
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