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:

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

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