Marko Baloh....

Running a TS with few volunteers is hard, but the rewards are generous and long-lasting.
When I got back to the TS at 9:45 Wednesday night I found Marko Baloh's crew and FAMILY doing RV chores and getting ready to sleep for a few hours. Here's what their Blooger said about their Camdenton stop:

TS31: Camdenton


torek, 23 junij 2009



Moja izmena je bila hitro koncana, je pa zato bilo prav lustno. Zacelo se je s pokvarjenimi rotacijskimi lucmi...

Se opravicujem, ker ni sumnikov, izposodila sem si racunalnik sefa casovne postaje.
No, zacelo se je "...prizgi luci, prizgi luci," mi pa "saj so prizgane". Se ustavimo in vidimo da res ne delajo, do nocnega casa pa se 15 minut! Klicemo avtodom, da se ustavijo in potem akcija! Merilne instrumente ven, pa ugotoviti, kje ni toka in stvar popraviti - pokvarilo se je stikalo, hitro stran, zvezati, gas za Markom in minuto pred osmo uro smo bili za njim.
Za mene je bilo zelo zanimivo, saj sem sele v spremljevalnem vozilu dobila obcutek, da sem na dirki. Marko je bil dobro razpolozen, za vsak drugi ovinek je vedel kaj povedati ... tu sem sel na WC, tu je bila ena huda nesreca .... Enciklopedija deluje tudi po vecdnevnem kolesarjenju. Cez dobro uro je sledila menjava celotne ekipe in prispeli smo na TS31.... Ja, Andrej je ze vedel, zakaj je druge poslal za Markotom. Tu je vsega dovolj - pijaca, sadje, pizza, bazen, katerega je z veseljem izkoristil Matic. Nam je pa itak tako vroce, da smo tudi cisto premoceni. Ko bi vsaj malo zapihalo....

Thanks for the nice words.....(We'll ask Marko for a translation...I know that food is mentioned)

Bike Auction......

Team AFC is auctioning off their four bikes to raise more funds for their causes......
http://www.adventuresforthecure.com/raam/raam09Bikes.php

Hey...buy a great bike CHEAP and help out!

We are stll in recovery/catchup mode......... A big cloud hangs over the Men's finish.

Here is Jure Robic's statement as to why he dropped out of the race with just 93 miles to go:

Many of you are wondering why I stopped racing at time station 51 of this years’s Race Across America, RAAM. I have won RAAM four times and always followed all rules and procedures, I am proud of that and know that I am the best racer in RAAM history. This year I was first at all 51 times stations from Oceanside to Mt. Airy, Maryland and was leading the race for 2967 miles. The race organizers assessed three penalties to me and my team for a total of 60 minutes. None of these penalties gave me any advantage to be faster or gain any unfair advantage. The first was assessed even before the start because I had to pee and did so in a private matter near the starting line. Apparently an ambitious policeman saw me and reported this to the race organizer who assessed the first 15 minute penalty before I even got on my bike. The second one was assessed to my team on interstate 10 in the night of the California desert. I was held up by a slower rider from another division for almost 30 miles on the intestate where it is not allowed to pass other vehicles. Then an official vehicle arrived on the course and talked to that slower rider. My team’s pace car got some visuals signal that we understood as a clear indication to pass the slower rider, we did so and to our surprise a second penalty of 15 minutes was served by the same official about 2 hours later. The third penalty was a result of a navigational mistake of my crew near Bloomington, Indiana. They followed the route from RAAM 2008 which is 6 miles longer, more difficult and had lots of traffic. It slowed me for about one hour and on top of that, race officials assessed a third penalty of 30 minutes for a total of 1 hour. With this handicap of questionable penalties I rode my fastest RAAM ever always staying ahead of my nearest competitor Dani Wyss who was riding the race of his life. At this point, I would like to congratulate him on a plan well executed and his great achievements of keeping my pace. However Wyss and his team were not subject to the same rules and regulations as my team and myself were. Wyss and his team were not assessed any penalties. We have shown clear video evidence to the race officials of consistent infractions of Wyss and his team nothing was done by the race organizers. The race organization ignored infractions that clearly made Wyss race faster on a consistent basis. These infractions include: - Running red lights - Turning right at red lights and immediately crossing to the left - Running stop signs - Not stopping at the mandatory stop for racers at TS 51 - Feeding the racer at red lights - Aiding the racer from the pace car leaning out the window - Inappropriate behavior of crew - Caravaning None of these observed infractions that made Wyss and his team ride a faster race were acted upon by the race officials with giving at least some penalties. You can see videos that were all made in less than a 12 hour period of some of these infraction on YouTube and more will follow in the next few days. Most of these relatively small benefits when looked at individually add up to several hours of benefits if consistently implemented over 8 days and 3000 miles of racing. The race officials did not act upon these infractions and as such did not ensure a consistent and fair race.

“I have been involved in sports for almost 30 years as athlete and coach and as such have lots of tolerance to application of fairness in sports. However what was displayed by the RAAM race officials during this year’s RAAM goes far beyond anything that is acceptable. The race officials crossed this line when RAAM officials including Perry Stone’s media crew saw Wyss run a red light in West Virgina on Day 7 of the race – again without any consequences. While Jure and Dani Wyss were riding together, I observed Dani Wyss attacking Jure immediately after he had a flat tire and had to stop. This is against any established and practiced sportsmanship in cycling. We tried to bring fairness to the race but the entire team was ignored by the RAAM race officials. Our clear message to them by stopping our race in first place at time station 51 is that it is unacceptable to mistreat a four time champion in the way they did. I must sadly say that the treatment Jure received from the RAAM race organizers during this race is the biggest disappointment in my career as sportsman and coach.”

Uros Velepec, crew chief Team Jure Robic and head coach of Slovenian Biathlon Olympic Team.

I am very proud of my achievement of again being the fastest rider during the entire race and would like to thank my crew for their relentless support and positive spirit. Last but not least I thank all my sponsors for their generous support and my fans for their encouragement. I will be available for an online press conference at www.jurerobic.net at 2000 Central European Time today June 26. 2009. See you then.

Record year for RAAM....

2009....Probably the most exciting RAAM in history. Time will tell, but the excitement caused by the race between Jure Robic and Danny Wyss and the coverage of all the events and races within RAAM caused the internet servers to crash and burn due to traffic loads only imaginable by a dreamer. The TS managers, fans, and RAAM officials did their best to keep information before the public as the race proceeded down the road in record and near record time. By using Twitter, rider websites, TS websites and various blogs the news of rider standings and events on the road enabled fans to (mostly) keep abreast in real time.

The matter of time penalties assessed against Jure Robic and alledgedly not against Danny Wyss will have to be worked out. Robic's crew blogger, Matjaz, will have more to say in the coming couple of daysof the events which lead to Robic's crew calling for abandenment of the race at TS51.

The following is from the Blog of TS40-41 in Ohio:

Robic's latest time penalty was from taking the wrong route to time station 40. There was difference between the GPS file and the route book. RAAM rules state that the route book is the official route and GPS is only provided to assist crews.If a racer goes off course, they must go back to where they went off course and continue riding the course. They can be shuttled back to that point by vehicle. Apparently it was quite a ways back to where Robic went off course and his crew chose to take a 30 minute penalty instead.Robic wasn't the only one to have route issues yesterday. Earlier in the day, Wyss rode 9 miles off course before being taken back to the course. His crew estimated he lost 45 minutes from the route mistake...


Danny Wyss set the second fastest MPH average in RAAM history ... 15.28mph, with a time of 8days 5hrs 45min. The MPH average is VERY impressive, considering that the current record, 15.4mph, established in 1986 by Pete Penseyers, was ridden mostly on easier interstate highways. The 2009 route was without question far more difficult.

Team Ty1, the eight-person diabetic team shooting to ride in the 2012 Tour de France, set a RAAM team record established just last year by Norwegian team BMC, by finishing in (get this)
5days 9hrs 5min. averaging 23.41 mph.

The Womwn's race is a good one with Brazilian Daniela Genovesi leading American Janet Christian going into W. Virginia
See Janet's progress http://twitter.com/TeamOsprey

More to come......

Traveler from Germany.....

The RAAM cyclists and their crews weren't the only visitors to visit Camdenton's TS31 this week. About noon Thursday Klaus and Osel Urbanek of Hanover, Germany stopped and visited the Volunteers at SIGNAL.
Klaus is a lifelong cyclist and was a road racer in his younger days. In 2005 he and a friend, followed in a vehicle by their wives, rode the West Coast route from Vancouver BC to Tijuana Mexico, a very popular route known world-wide. When he learned of RAAM he checked the route on the internet and determined that he would give it a try. He asked Osel if she'd "crew" for him and she said SURE.
They trained in Florida this past January, arrived in Califrnia May 25 and started their trip from Oceanside June 2. Averaging about 100 miles per day, the couple is enjoying the scenery and friendliness of those they meet along the way.
Klaus is a prime example of lifelong fitness. Although 70 years YOUNG he has the physique of a much younger man.

After a short stay the couple was off to Jeff City and the 1200 miles left in this years RAAM route. We wish them open roads and fair weather.

Last riders....

Team can Be Venture, a four man wheel chair racing group from the UK passed TS31late Thursday afternoon to be the last riders going through the Lake area.

Last Day of TS31...

GOOD MORNING WORLD !!



A couple of things cause me to say WHEW! One being the weather...the other being the GREATEST Solo RAAM race in history, and we get to follow it in almost live-time. For those of you who haven't done so, copy the following link into your browser:

.........................................................................................
http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/raam/rcrank.php

This is the current standings page, which is accurate.
........................................................................................


http://www.jurerobic.net/index.php?id=302

This link is Jures Blogger, right now Matjaz, a fine fellow who has seen more of Jure's backside than anyone.
.........................................................................................



I don't have to tell you followers that what you will be witnessing today is historic, so enjoy the show. Be sure to go to the RAAM homepage and click on the blogger videos.

Keep in mind that Jure has an hour penalty. The way the penalty is accessed is by having the rider actually STOP at TS51 and wait. Can you imagine having to STOP?



In the Women's race, Brazilian Daniela Genovesi has taken the lead over Janet Christiansen of Escondido CA by less than one hour, as of TS37 in Sullivan IN. This race would be getting all the attention were it not for the Men's show. Again ...WHEW! What a year for RAAM.



Overnite at TS31 saw several teams pass by. You can see the chronological list of the arrivals at TS31 here: http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/raam/rcts.php?s_N_TimeStation_ID=1519&s_N_Year_ID=2



When the crews come in the first thing they want is info. Some teams have everything you would want in electronics, but with no connection it's all useless. A German man this morning commented on the lousy connections in the US, as have many others. So our internet setup is being put to good use.



It's been an odd year in that few crews are hanging around the TS as in the past. Maybe the weather, maybe better organization, maybe a more competitive bunch. Even though most, if not all, of the Teams are riding to raise money and/or awareness of and for their cause, the competitive nature of the riders and crews kick in at some point and Team RAAM goes from raising money to being an actual race. Everyone races against those in their own division but "side" competitions develope with other teams outside of the division. For example, a four person team might be competitive with an eight person team, or a two person vs. four person, etc. Like NASCAR, the race is more fun to follow once you understand the inside stories and the tactical moves of the riders and teams.

Oh, speaking of NASCAR, Carl Edwards uses the same trainer in Colorado as do many of the racers, Chris Carmichael Training Systems.



Team SaveBuzzards Bay from Massachusetts is riding to raise awareness of clean water issues in their part of the state. We should give them a follow to the finish as we at the Lake have some common issues. They left some bottled water from one of their sponsors.

I'll be siiting here all day at SIGNAL so if you're in the area stop by. Today is our last day here.

PS Late last night I got a call from Simon Ballou at TS29 Ft. Scott KS. He alerted me to the fact that a 70 yr old German has flown to the US to ride the RAAM route, followed in a pickup by his wife!! Simon says ( I know, I know) the man is in remarkable shape and will be here today to visit the TS. We hope his journey is a safe one.

Local interest in RAAM.....

The other day I was asked about local interest in RAAM. I don't know the numbers, but it is very obvious to us that the local folks are following the race through the local media and through the RAAM website and ours. Yesterday, a local ATTORNEY (watch out here) came into the TS early and asked how things were going. A woman and her three kids asked later, the banker from across the street has come over a couple times, people buying gas at the SIGNAL are walking over asking, someone just now is asking Jim where the racers are. I write notes to the local press and put up stories on our site and don't know if anyone is listening until the race gets here. Well this year the locals are showing up in full force!! Thank you local papers and radio stations for all the publicity. YES....RAAM is a nutso event....but it absolutly captures the imagination of the fans, as is evidnced locally and in communities through which it passes. This is a REAL athletic event...for NO MONEY...just for the love of competition and striving to be the best! Long live the greatest bike race on earth!!!

Claudio Clarindo...Brazil

Surfers

12:27 Surfing USA No Stop...........

I drove West on Hy 54 looking for Dominique Briand and came across Michael Cook around 7AM. He's looking well....

Whew .... it's been tough....

Sorry for the delay in posting. The crash of the RAAM server the last two days has been a nightmare. I spent much of yesterday creating impromptu links between other time stations thru Twitter, a site for TS Managers, the phone (lots of HOURS used yesterday) and other sources just to try and keep up. The crews were especially in need of info due to lack of cel phone coverage west of the Lake. Plus living outsde in a parking lot made for HOT conditions.

The heat has realy taken a toll. It was 105-108 in Kansas Monday, the same yesterday, and then the RAAMsters hit the humidity here. Ugh!! But everyone was suffering more or less equally, and knew it, so we heard NO grumbling from anyone.

Here's a link to those who have arrived at TS31: http://74.50.27.205/raam/rcts.php?s_N_TimeStation_ID=1519&s_N_Year_ID=2

Fun to see last night was Claudio Clarindo (www.clarindo.com) of Brazil. He was here in 2007 and is just the nicest guy imagineable! He used our wading pool (pics coming) to cool off (thank you Wal-Mart) His same crew is back , so I was able to show them pics from '07. One of the crew members is William Carvalho, who speaks great English, has a great personality and knows US politics better than a native. Clarindo and crew stayed about four hours and left before dawn.

Unfortunately, this morning, we missed Dominique Briand of France, riding in the 50-59 Division.

Because of strong winds that hit us late last night Jim took down all the web equipment, so overnite there was no service at the TS. This morning I drove over to the Dairy Queen and was able to get on there and send out info to the media (THANK YOU, Denny!!!) However, while I was gone, Dominique came through. In 2006 he was part of a 2-man team, the Crazy Gones, who had their fill of the race by the time they arrived. It was reallllly hot that night and they wouldn't even sign an autograph. Oh, well. We wish Dominique the best.

However, fortunately, while driving west on 54 looking for Briand, I came across Michael Cook of CA, Solo Mens Division, 10 miles west of the TS. I have been reading his Blog for three months at least, so it was great fun to be able to meet him. They had stopped on the side of the road to take care of some health issues. The inside of his follow car looks like the inside of the space shuttle....FULL of electronic gear. Michael has in the back pocket of his cycling jersey an Altoids box-sized transmitter that is a GPS unit. Also, in the van, is a LIVE web cam so that we can see Michael on the road. I'll forward the long link when his crew chief sends it. Only six viewers at a time, though, so keep trying.

In the closest RAAM ever (in the Solo Mens Division) Jure Robic currently leads but he has one hour of penalties and Danny Wyss has none (we think). So when you look at the standings and figure the lead by Robic you must remember that penalty times are NOT included in the current race standings. Near the end of the race the rider MUST STOP at a Time Station and actually WAIT the amount of time equal to his penalties. Robic HATES to wait, so look for him to try and drop Wyss. Look at the times between time stations for the two and note the average speed between stations. Any small variation can mean minutes lost, and in a close race like this even seconds are going to count.

TS31 favorite Jim Rees of the UK stopped in and spent 20 or so minutes with us, sitting down with an ice cream treat to cool off and being his usual gracious, talkative self. How he retains his good spirits under such trying conditions is inspiring. If you have noticed on the front page of our web-page we have a link on the left to Jim's Team Inspiration website. The story of his having to use a neck brace, which was made by two of his crew members here at TS31, and then wearing the brace for 1200 miles (ugh) and finishing just EIGHT MINUTES UNDER the cut-off time is truly one of the great stories of recent RAAM lore. I keep in touch with Jim and he's always willing to answer emails. This year, we have been hearing of less experienced riders asking the "old timer" for advice. Check the Team Inspiration page for the story by Paris Golden.
I'll be back later. For you locals, stop by the Time Station at SIGNAL in Camdenton and be on our live VIDEO FEED. YOU can BE A MEDIA STAR at TS31!

Janet..

Janet Christiansen arr TS31 1:03 (RAAM Time=EDT).

Following Janet.....

Follow Janet Christiansen from her website.... http://watchmyrace.ning.com/profile/TeamOspreyRAAM2009

Close race......

Mississippi River...where the race begins

Robic arr: Tuesday 00:23

Wyss 01:15

52 min difference but Robic has 30 minutes in penalties. Will RAAM rescind the first 15min penalty incurred BEFORE the race even started...a NON-BIKING NON-VAN related incident????

Danhaus...

4:45 Danhaus RV arrived. Crew asks for all night breakfast place.....hmm..15 miles to Dennys. Hard to imagine that at the Midwest vacation mecca only a Dennys is open 24/7.
Danhaus having trouble with Shermer neck. Crew rearranges handlebars and provides chin rest. They say Danhaus' will is unbelieveable.

Baloh family

Marko Baloh has his wife and two of three children traveling along with the crew. Irma, aka Mom, was featured on a RAAM video blog. We had fruit and pizza with them and all were happy to use our internet connection. It gets rather isolated out there on the road w/o decent communications. Many of our international guests are surprised at lack of internet availability in large areas of the US.

TS Conditions.....

12:30 Jim finally left after being here over 17 Hours. He worked the whole time on getting the technical internet/video work up and running. Had to have been a loooong day as the temp hit 101F and maybe higher. He's a trooper.

79F tonight. I just dipped into the water. Nice. Have a fan blowing...crickets chirping. Not too bad. Waiting for Janet Christiansen and Paul Danhaus to come in.
Janet was on Team Phoenix (2-women team) in 2007 and, because they finished the race,
qualified for Solo RAAM. Last year she had to DNF less than 300 miles till the end. Reviewed her diet and training and is back leading the Open Womens.
Danhaus is in the 60-69 age group and by his times between stations is riding a very steady race.

Monday afternoon-late evening

Guliwicz....... No Stop
Baloh....No Stop.... crew, inc wife and 2 children, stopped, ate, and jumped into the pool that wasn't here when I went to work...

Jure Robic and Daniel Wyss are in a battle for the 2009 RAAM the likes of which has never been seen at this stage in the race.
From our Time Station to Jefferson City the two riders posted the exact same times! This in 100F temps.
The RAAM Home page was so inundated that the main Standings page has been down all afternoon. To view where the riders are go to the here: http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/raam/rcrank.php and click on individual riders. Slow, I know, but the followers of RAAM need to be as versatile as the crews right now.

webcast

Jim's trying to get the webcast going...few things to work out...keep trying

We're Here...

Getting set up at SIGNAL...TS31 Internet Cafe now doing business...If you're in the area come on down! Robic expected around 10:15 (RAAM Time = EDT).

Figuring the leader.......

Keep in mind when looking at the time between Robic and 2006 Winner Danny Wyss of Switzerland....Robic has 30m minutes in penalties to be added later to his overall time....

First Arrival Predictions.....

Sorry so little news today. No internet connection this morning, no phone (for awhile), heavy traffic at the RAAM website + I had to work = CATCH UP.
Robic arrived in El Dorado KS 17:49 (remember all times are EDT). It's 239 miles to TS31 Camdenton. Night is coming and that'll slow him down a bit. He'll need to sleep SOMETIME. Two years ago when Jure arrived he had slept only THREE hours. So 239 Mi divided by , say, 17.2 MPH = 13.88 hrs. Ad that to his arrival time in El Dorado KS and you get an arrival in Camdenton of 07:50. Ad a bit for sleep and Jure will arrive before 9:00, or 8:00AM CDT. And we haven't set up the tent!!

Check back for a further update on est arrival times.
Best to call if you need to. 573 569 8731

Saturday......

What a day of racing! Folks, if this is your first time following RAAM you are being treated to one of the best starts in a LOOOONG time. Through TS21 Clayton NM 4-time winner Jure Robic has a sqeaky lead over 2006 winner Danny Wyss of Switzerland.
TEAM RAAM started today....they go across fast. Pick a team and follow their blogs and progress. The RAAM HQ crew is doing a great job with keeping us up-to-date on the racewith blogs, tweets, and vids. Sure isn't like the latem eighties when info was 2 days old. THIS is the way to follow RAAM.
Check this Blog of Ben Popp http://enduranceathletesraam2009.blogspot.com/

Our web page.....

Jim Glickert is working on our (his) video project from the TS......Click the heading and see the new look.....

Survey......

Take the RAAM Survey....Click the Title to this post.....

It's a RACE!!

Great race so far. Jure seems in control....as usual..., this is the best race in a LOOOng time.
We will monitor the race to determne when to open our TS...OPEN meaning being there for the first rider. The Lake Sun newspaper has our TS in Osage Beach but we'll be at SIGNAL in Camdenton as usual.Look for Jure to come in around 6AM Monday....earlier if he is being pushed by Wyss....

Robic....

Jure Robic rode 491 miles in the first 26 Hrs and 2 min...Click the Title above to link to Robic's time....

The race is going strong........

http://twitpic.com/7sspn Scott Luikart is out of the race. Only 50% of racers finish, ue to injuies, medical or exhaustion.

There's a four-man team of 75+ Men http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/raam/rcracer.php?s_N_Entry_ID=1534 and through TS9 are averaging 14.89 mph.... WOW !!

Jure Robic is HAMMERING. We plan on opening our TS Monday morning....but the way Jure is going it might be EARLY AM......

Following the riders....

Click on the title of this blog and follow the racers through each time station....
And take the time to read about the racers www.raceacrossamerica.org

.....And the race is on......

OK.....time to get all the riders and RAAM race URL's in your FAVORITES list !
Click on the above title to this blog and you'll be at RAAM's page.

....and I guess it's time to have a Titter account, so we are at:

http://twitter.com/ts31mgr

Getting Ready...

June....and another storm in Missouri. Last night the storm warnings broke into local radio programming telling us to expect MORE rain and 60-70 mph winds. The bulk of the storm was to the north but Ma Nature put on a lightning display not soon forgotten. This was followed by 2-3 inches of rain. More minor weather related problems in the area but nothing that will be of lasting duration.

Hopefully the weather will settle into a milder pattern and will behave for the racers. The Women and 60+ year Men left today from Oceanside and will make it to Camdenton on late Monday or Tuesday.

Our internet connection was installed this morning so Jim will be testing its functionality this week. So much to do to get ready. Just like the crews getting the vans ready in the last couple days before the race everything in our preparations seem to come to a head all at once.

If you're a local come out to the Time Station next week and hang out with us....but be ready to volunteer your time. We need several people to take pictures and maybe be a video camera operator. We have other chores also if you'd like to be a part of this great adventure.

Bicycle Dreams....

RAAM inspires so many people in so many ways. Some get inspired to ride it, some to join a crew, some to line up to officiate or to be reporters, and some, like us, to run a Time Station.
Stephen Auerbach was inspired to make a movie. Click on this blog's title to see the trailer. Then order the DVD from the RAAM web page. And order the videos from the RAAM website by 2003 Winner Alan Larson....they're very well done.

Danny Chew.....

WE LOVE RAAM. But the reason we organize a TS is because we like meeting and offering our services to the people who follow the racers across the country, including the crews, officials, and reporters. We especially enjoy seeing familiar faces pop out of the various vehicles as they get to our location.

One of our favorites has been Danny Chew of Pittsburgh PA, two-time RAAM winner, RAAM reporter and the unofficial statistician for RAAM. He's been good to stop each year and to answer emails when we had a comment or question.

In 2006 Danny stopped in and sat around and chatted for quite awhile. Then it was time for him to work. We tried to get him connected to a wifi signal we were "borrowing" from the neighborhood but it was down. In true RAAM spirit, Danny picked up a chair and walked to McD's one block away to access their wifi, which they used to leave on after closing, and it was free. Oh, did I mention that this little episode was at 2:00AM?

Just about then our webdude, Jim, was passing by McD's on his way back to the TS. When he got back he said "There's a guy sitting on a box in McD's diveway using a laptop". I explained who Danny was and what he was doing, and at that moment I saw a light go on just above Jim's head, as though he was thinking.. "A two-time RAAM winner-legend is sitting in a parking lot in a stange town at 2AM, working?.....No prima donna here".......or at least Jim LOOKED like he was thinking this.

But we won't be seeing Danny this year. In the fall Danny had herniated disc surgery and was off the bike for five months, an eternity for a devoted cyclist, especially when that cyclist is aiming to ride a million miles in a lifetime.

But maybe the time off was a good chance to stop and reflect. There's a perception, not unearned, that ultra-athletes are running from something, maybe a deamon from their past....who knows. Even Lance has mentioned this.

I don't know if Danny has these issues or not, but he's taking time away from RAAM to go on a 10,000 mile 4-month trip with an 18 yr. old nephew, including Alaska. Time away from the intensity of any project, including work, can only be healthy.

Have a good trip, Danny. Stay in touch.

Internet Connection.....

Hurrrraaaayyyyy!!!

We have made arrangements to have internet connection at TS31 Camdenton again this year. Not cheap for just 4-5 days, but what the heck.... When you arrive you'll find a connection of 10down/1up, so have your videos ready to go and be ready to let the rest of the world know where you are and how you're doing when you get to 31.....PS....pls pass this info around........

Weather or not....

Last night we had a reminder-moment courtesy of Ma Nature of the vagaries of Midwestern weather in June. It reminded us that sometimes Kansas isn't the only state to throw the RAAMsters a bit of anxiety when in open country while traveling in unfamiliar territory.

Fortunately, even though the tornado sirens were activated and the wind blew REALLY hard, and the rain didn't fall...it was DUMPED, well, everything turned out OK with just very minor damage and a bit of low-water bridge flooding.

Last years weather in Kansas pretty much sucked, pardon the language, and did we hear the stories!! We had a little adventure ourselves for the first time, and our webdude, Jim Glickert, wrote about it on our webpage.
Hopefully the bad stuff is gone long enough for the race to have a happy passage through the Lake of the Ozarks, starting June 22.

Lake of the Ozarks Business Journal

Local writer/historian Mike Gillespie, a cyclist himself, wrote an article for the areas premiere business monthly paper (Click on headline to read). You can access his website by clicking our website link on the left side of this page and scrolling down on the left side to Lake History....



Lake of the Ozarks Business Journal

WELCOME ............

So here we are.....the fifth year of doing our small part in getting over 1000 people through TS31 without (too many) problems. Sleep deprivation ..... who cares? Sleeping in a gas station parking lot..... who cares? Missing work as a Volunteer....Well.......

We'll be updating this blog...... in the meantime see some photos from last year.... www.ts31raam.com If you recognize someone you know place a comment.........