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.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
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!)
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