RAAM
Helena Weckworth Member since 6/4/2009 3:13:18 PM	RAAM 6/25/2009 9:52:07 PM RAAM 4-Person 75+ The end is in sight for the four team members that make up the Great Grand PAC Masters – they are a day away from the finish in Annapolis and, god willing, a huge ovation for their incredible achievement. 1. Great Grand PAC Masters (Usa) 2797.30 miles – TS #47 – 8d 01h 22m (14.47mph)
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Helena Weckworth Member since 6/4/2009 3:13:18 PM	RAAM 6/25/2009 9:24:10 PM 06/25/09 06:36:15 pm, by Andy Wyss vs. Robic This one hardly needs sensationalising. It beggars belief that after 2,900 miles of racing, four-time winner Jure Robic and 2006 champion Dani Wyss, are just five minutes apart in this year’s edition of the Race Across America. Eight days ago, they were the world’s fittest ultra-cycling athletes. Now, they are like two punch-drunk boxers. Mentally dazed by the plodding, repetitive effort of 22 hours cycling a day, they are dragging their sorry asses through the last round, trading final blows, both praying for their opponent to hit the canvas, KO’ed. Yet, there is an innate knowledge that this may not happen. Neither Wyss nor Robic has wilted under pressure in the last eight days; so, it will take a huge effort for it to happen now. Their bodies and senses have been deadened by eight days of cycling, pushing to the brink of physical and mental capacities. But still, something cries out inside them to keep pushing, to grit their teeth, to embrace and master the pain and pursue victory. They will be bolstered by the fact that it is the final 200 miles - the closing day’s racing is a metaphorical finishing straight. Even the weariest legs or most jaded mind will get a lift when an end to the torture is in sight. What started out as a 3,000-mile epic - the world’s toughest bicycle race – is now a 100 mile time-trial for the leading pair. Wyss’ aim: to keep Robic at arm’s length as the race drops to its finish in Annapolis. Robic’s: to put the hour that he absent-mindedly lost due to time penalties into his Swiss peer. Insiders are saying that Wyss has the advantage, but Robic will come out fighting with every weapon in his armoury, now that he is cornered. In past years, his winning margin has been hours. He hasn’t been in this position for years – now he must work out how to win by the narrowest of margins. If pedal stroke after pedal stroke, mile after mile in vast, open spaces, has ever been monotonous for either rider, it now becomes of the utmost importance to them. For the fan too, this is a finish of scarcely-believable closeness and excitement. The Race Across America and its defining mano-a-mano battle of 2009, Wyss vs. Robic, comes down to the last mile, the very last minute, in Annapolis, Maryland. AND THE WINNER IS DANI WYSS! RACER TIME STATION DATA Timestation : #53 - Annapolis, MD Arrived : 2009-06-25 21:25:00 Average Speed : 21.86 Distance From Start : 3021.30
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Helena Weckworth Member since 6/4/2009 3:13:18 PM	RAAM 6/25/2009 5:09:19 PM I found this story in the 4-man RAAM Blog... 07:12:06 am, by cwood A Big Wave from RAAM The odds of having a crash while riding a bike is 1. Those odds caught up to Team Surfing USA yesterday in dramatic fashion as Jason Winn was hit by an automobile (he will be ok) ending the team's bid at a cross continent cycling record. The Team was in first place (standard bikes) when the accident occurred. Team Surfing USA offered RAAM and their fans a window into the lives of four extraordinary gentleman who's diverse and highly successful lives formed America's cycling team for RAAM 2009. Thank you Team Surfing USA we loved your color and we offer you a Big Wave.
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Helena Weckworth Member since 6/4/2009 3:13:18 PM	RAAM 6/25/2009 5:03:14 PM 06/25/09 05:59:28 pm, by Andy RAAM Daily Wrap-Up: Day 9 RAAM Solo Male It’s finally happened; the 2009 Race Across America has a new solo male leader. After four days of slowly closing the gap, wearing his rival down bit by bit, Dani Wyss caught and passed Jure Robic after the Slovenian suffered a puncture. After seven days of racing, there was the unbelievable scenario of the two frontrunners and their support teams racing just 50 metres apart, in clear view of one another. Swopping the lead Of course, things didn’t stay quite like this. The lead swopped hands as the riders took brief stops, before Robic put 16 minutes into Wyss. Because of his time penalty of an hour – which comes into play at TS #51 in Mt Airy - the four-time champ has to bring the fight to his rival. In the race’s closing 180 miles, he must put a further forty-five minutes into Wyss. The advantage lies with the Swiss man; he has the motivation of knowing he is in pole position for a famous dethroning of Robic. Moreover, he can judge his effort on the Slovenian’s times; it is easier psychologically to be chasing someone than being chased. Still, it is a case of ‘easier said than done’: you can bet that Jure Robic will use every ounce of his remaining power, energy and tactical nous to outfox his opponent. The all-important hour penalty: Robic’s three infringements -15 minutes. Passing at night on freeway without the use of an exit ramp. -15 minutes. Inappropriate behaviour at the start. -30 minutes. Rider failed to return to departure point after making a wrong turn. Tomorrow… It’s Judgement Day for the RAAM – by this time tomorrow, we will know whether Dani Wyss has taken Jure Robic’s crown, or whether the race legend has taken a fifth victory from the jaws of defeat. Either way, the fans are the real winners. This has been one of the most exciting, nerve-wracking and action-packed RAAMs in years. The remaining time stations for Wyss and Robic TS #49: Rouzerville (732ft altitude), PA, 48 miles long, 2885.4 miles out of 3016.7 TS #50: Hanover, PA (666ft), 39.0 miles, 2924.4/3016.7 TS #51: Mt Airy, MD (789ft), 37.8 miles, 2962.1/3016.7 TS #52: Odenton, MD (172ft), 39.4 miles, 3001.6/3016.7 TS #53: Annapolis, MD (10ft), 15.2 miles, FINISH 3016.7/3016.7 As the two leaders head through Pennsylvania into Maryland and descend to an East Coast finish in Annapolis, the other soloists are still riding 600-odd miles back, through Ohio and Illinois. 1. Jure Robic (Slo) 2841.00 miles – TS #48- 7d 18h 36m (15.23mph) 2. Dani Wyss (Swi) 2841.00 miles – 7d 18h 52m (15.20mph) 3. Gerhard Gulewicz (Aut) 2642.00 miles – TS #44 - 7d 17h 09m (14.27mph) 4. Marko Baloh (Slo) 2516.30 miles – TS #42 - 7d 19h 26m (13.43mph) 5. Kevin Kaiser (Usa) 2295.30 miles – TS #38 - 7d 19h 21m (12.25mph) 6. Jim Rees / Team Inspiration (Gbr) 2230.20 miles – TS #37 – 7d 17h 43m (12.01mph) 7. Christopher Gottwald / Miles for Mentoring (Usa) 2230.20 miles – 7d 19h 34m (11.89mph) 8. Claudio Clarindo (Bra) 2230.20 miles – 7d 19h 39m (11.88mph) 9. Ben Popp (Usa) 2230.20 miles – 7d 21h 12m (11.79mph) 10. Daniel Rudge (Usa) 2156.10 miles – TS #36 – 7d 19h 05m (11.52mph) 11. Richard Newey (Gbr) 2156.10 miles – 7d 19h 54m (11.47mph) 12. Michael Cook (Usa) 2105.80 miles – TS #35 - 7d 19h 29m (11.23mph) DNFPeter Oyler (Can) 1614.50 miles – TS #27 – 4d 22h 51m (13.58mph) DNFTony O’Keeffe (Can) 1576.30 miles – TS #26 – 5d 3h 01m (12.81mph) DNFChristoph Strasser (Aut) 1471.50 miles – TS #21 – 4d 6h 43m (14.33mph) DNFFranz Preihs (Aut) 1044.10 miles – TS #18 – 3d 11h 08m (12.56mph) DNFJulian Sanz Garcia (Spa) 934.20 miles – TS #16 – 3d 01h 02m (12.79mph) DNFJean Marc Velez (Fra) 934.20 miles - TS #16 - 3d 5h 42m (12.02mph) DNFBill Bradley (Usa) 884.10 miles – TS #15 – 3d 22h 42m (9.34mph) DNF Patrick Autissier (Fra) 563.00 miles - TS #9 - 2d 01h 59m (11.26mph) DNF Scott L
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Helena Weckworth Member since 6/4/2009 3:13:18 PM	RAAM 6/25/2009 4:47:09 PM RAAM Solo Female The lead also changed hands unexpectedly in the solo female race, where there is a battle to rival Wyss vs. Robic. After almost 2,000 miles at the head of the race, it appears that Janet Christiansen is not coping as well with the pace. Her Brazillian rival Daniela Genovesi is coping better with fatigue and turned what was a six-hour deficit two days ago into a 52-minute lead going through TS #38 in Bloomington, Indiana. Brave Ann Wooldridge is still soldiering on, nursing the wounds from her recent crash. Although she was four minutes late at a time-cut, she was allowed to continue. It is all about keeping and maintaing a 10mph average now for the 50 year-old. 1. Daniela Genovesi (Bra) 2295.30 miles – TS #38 – 8d 17h 09m (10.97mph) 2. Janet Christiansen (Usa) 2295.30 miles – 8d 17h 57m (10.93mph) DNFMichele Santilhano (Rsa) 884.10 miles – TS #15 – 3d 14h 01m (10.28mph) RAAM Solo Female 50-59 1. Ann Wooldridge 2105.80 miles – TS #35 – 8d 20h 29m (9.91mph)
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Helena Weckworth Member since 6/4/2009 3:13:18 PM	RAAM 6/25/2009 12:33:08 AM 6/24/09 05:00:30 pm, by Perry Champion Shuffle Robic passed the lead to Wyss awhile ago which quite possibly was a voluntary effort. Riding at the front and being hunted is taxing psychologically and physically. So why do it? Since that time they have ridden about 200 yards apart at a lesisurly pace, each one watching the other. It is a game of chess. Robic’s crew watches Wyss and contemplates how to wear him down. They will watch when he sleeps and when he does I can guarantee you that someone will remain close to see exactly how long Wyss rests. I don’t know about Wyss’ ability to deal with sleep deprivation but I do know that Jure Robic is a master at operating with very little sleep. In this area he may hold an advantage. An advantage he will need. I observed both riders from the start of the race and they operate with two distinctive styles. Jure Robic sometimes borders on a field marshall, very intense, gruff and disinterested with anything but doing his job of moving his legs. He uses every iota of energy in pursuing his goals. He is aware 100% of the time what his purpose is. If he doesn’t want to exert effort to talk, he simply does not talk and he offers no explanations. Obviously, considering his track record, this method works well for him and as the saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” His disadvantage is that he has 1 hour in penalty minutes. So, a sprint to the finish line isn’t going to do it for him. He must break Wyss and break him hard to make up the hour. Dani Wyss seems far more relaxed, appears to be enjoying things more. One moment that said a lot to me about Dani Wyss was back in Arizona where Wyss was held up by a long road construction delay. A fan pleaded to have Wyss let through, but Wyss just stood there. He did not ask or make any comment on the situation. When he was finally cleared to move on, he simply did that, completely undisturbed by the process or delay. To me this says that this man is ready for the ride of his life. Dani Wyss is in front now and as I have previously stated he probably got this position by default. Wyss has many advantages while his disadvantages are limited to his level of experience compared to Robic and perhaps the same experience issue with his crew compared to Robic’s. Wyss has a better opportunity to control from the front of the race than Robic because he has the one hour cushion. However, Robic is still better off behind him then in front of him right now. If Wyss makes a break for it and gets away, that’s pretty well all she wrote for 2009 RAAM. He could do what Robic has always done to others; obliterate and demoralize his opponents. He can employ many tactics and if I was Dani Wyss I would start to stretch out the big man of RAAM now. Work him, run him, make him a huff and puff, make him work. Robic has shown more stresses this year than in the past, it may be something to work on. False starts, little runs, tugging the leash could weaken Robic. When I really think about it, this is Dani Wyss’ RAAM. Only an error should cause him to lose that grip. If he goes out and works hard, Robic cannot afford to let him go. He must stay with him. The more Wyss does this without over straining his own ability the better off he will be.
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Helena Weckworth Member since 6/4/2009 3:13:18 PM	RAAM 6/25/2009 12:29:37 AM 6/24/09 03:19:23 pm, by Perry Solo Women Update. At Greenville, IL time station 35, 2,105 miles into the RAAM solo race Janet Christiansen and Daniela Genovesi are racing within 30 minutes of each other. This is an exceptional effort by both of these extreme female athletes. At their present pace they will both easily become official finishers. Who will come in first and second remains to be seen. There is 900 miles of 24/7 racing to go. Either way it is an amazing effort and a very exciting race. Ann Wooldridge is back at time station 31 and has ridden a heroic race as she has faced numerous obstacles and set backs. Her effort is beyond words and we hope she can make it to Annapolis within the race’s guidelines.
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Helena Weckworth Member since 6/4/2009 3:13:18 PM	RAAM 6/24/2009 1:56:09 PM RAAM 4-Person Male 75+ Aside from Robic and Wyss, the Great Grand PAC Masters are the RAAM competitors closest to the finish. They are now just 550 miles from Annapolis, with an average speed that has been super-consistent over the last week. Again, it bears noting that this is truly an awe-inspiring effort from this foursome. Words don't really do it justice. 1. Great Grand PAC Masters (Usa) 2458.20 miles – TS #41 – 6d 20h 01m (14.99mph)
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Helena Weckworth Member since 6/4/2009 3:13:18 PM	RAAM 6/24/2009 11:38:21 AM 10:45:39 am, by Vic VIC’S RAAMIFICATIONS ANN WOOLDRIDGE: “I don’t want my RAAM dream to end in a ditch in Missouri.” Camdenton, MO. June 24, 2009 As the sole entrant in the women’s age 50+ category, from the very beginning UK racer Ann Wooldridge’s RAAM has been a race against herself. But after taking a fall yesterday and losing time in attending to her abrasions, she’s now in a race against the clock to beat the time cut-off at the Mississippi River. We came across her this morning, halfway between Weaubleau and Camdenton, MO. Wooldridge is known for keeping herself focused on the job at hand and for not being open to the media, usually refusing interviews. However as I knelt at roadside to snap these photos I called out to her “Good morning Ann. Great day for a ride,” and she actually glanced my way and replied, “And good day to you.” Wow. While she wasn’t looking as fresh nor pedaling as fast as she was a few days ago, she seemed determined to reach her goal and stay in the race. She’s got another 200+ miles to cover by 5:00AM EST tomorrow. Her crew is in good spirits and will do all that they can. “RAAM has been a dream of her’s for years,” a crew member reported, “And she’s told us ‘“I don’t want my RAAM dream to end in a ditch in Missouri.’”
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Helena Weckworth Member since 6/4/2009 3:13:18 PM	RAAM 6/24/2009 11:15:19 AM 06:58:00 am, by ChrisG Ann Wooldridge - Solo Women Update! We have some unfortunate news about Ann that might end her RAAM for 2009 in the coming 24 hours. We hope that it won't! Travelling to time station 30, located at Weaubleau, MO, Ann crashed. She crashed after impacting rumble strips avoiding rocks on the shoulder she was riding. She could not correct herself in time and entered the grassy area adjacent to the shoulder. As unfortunate circumstances have it, that area contained a three foot drainage ditch. Her front tire entered that area and dropped out of site. The bike then launched her several feet in the air and as many feet forward. Her crew, and husband Toby rushed to her aid and got her to hospital where she was examined and dismissed with contusions to the forehead and concussion. She has a black eye, a knot on her head and her eye ball is still swollen. Her nose, shoulder and other parts of her body have experienced the effects of a sudden stop as well. Her helmet most definately saved her life and will allow her to ride once again. She has not DNF'd yet but has asked for some time to recover and assess the situation. Ann was performing heroically and representing England, women and RAAM with the greatest of integrity and grit. Stay tuned for further updates and know that the injuries sustained may infact end this years RAAM but are not serious enough to prevent a full recovery. Ann - we wish you all the best no matter the outcome. Keep pushing. You're doing well.
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Helena Weckworth Member since 6/4/2009 3:13:18 PM	RAAM 6/24/2009 9:43:08 AM 06/24/09 08:58:32 am RAAM Daily Wrap Up: Day 7 By: Andy RAAM Solo Male Robic vs. Wyss – it’s anyone’s guess At the head of the race, the Jure Robic-Daniel Wyss epic battle rumbles on. For a third day, neither the four-time champion or 2006 winner Wyss – the last man to beat Robic here – are giving an inch. The gap between the two is virtually the same as yesterday’s, holding firm around two hours and thirty minutes. They have also dropped below 16mph average, though Robic is still provisionally on course to break the RAAM average speed record. Things are delicately poised for a grandstand finish in Annapolis; it will come down to which man has better powers of recovery, as well as a greater ability to push the pain barrier. Robic has stood firm to every test presented this year, as well as in recent editions of RAAM. Undoubtedly though, this is his biggest test to date. Gulewicz into third Early in the morning, Gerhard Gulewicz moved into third. The Austrian has kept things steady throughout the early stages and is now pushing hard at just the right time. Marko Baloh is still riding with a good rhythm, in fourth. Both are well away from the rest of the pack, and need to keep things steady all the way to the finish. Tomorrow… All the riders are over the halfway hump and still heading on predominantly-flat land into the East. Less than 1,000 miles to go for our two stand-out leaders; every hour is now crucial as it becomes practically a 72-hour pursuit match rather than an eight-day epic. Riding the RAAM is as much about survival and position now – be comfortable and try not to aggravate any injuries, while still pushing as hard as possible to maintain position and that important average speed. There could well be more abandons, as riders simply go beyond their limits. RAAM Solo Standings 1. Jure Robic (Slo)* 2. Daniel Wyss (Swi) 3. Gerhard Gulewicz (Aut) 4. Marko Baloh (Slo) 5. Ben Popp (Usa) 6. Claudio Clarindo (Bra) 7. Jim Rees (Gbr) 8. Daniel Rudge (Usa) 9. Christopher Gottwald (Usa) 10. Kevin Kaiser (Usa) 11. Richard Newey (Gbr) 12. Michael Cook (Usa) RAAM 4-Person Male 75+ Just over a thousand miles left for one of the big story’s of this year’s race, the 75+ Great Grand PAC Masters. Remarkably, their average speed has been slowly increasing over recent time stations. This ride could well go down in RAAM folklore; they are gaining great plaudits and many fans for this incredible ride. 1. Great Grand PAC Masters 1987.30 miles – TS #33 – 5d 11h 58m (15.06mph)
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Helena Weckworth Member since 6/4/2009 3:13:18 PM	RAAM 6/23/2009 3:48:41 PM 06/23/09 10:39:54 pm, by Perry Two Great Competitors Jure Robic is racing a strong RAAM and demonstrating some very impressive sportsmanship. He is racing like the champion he is, whether or not he successfully defends his title again. Sometimes it can be difficult to separate the man from his feats and the fanfare they create. He is in tough this year. Dani Wyss has done exactly what he needs to do to upset Robic and that now with less than a 1,000 miles to go, to be in second place has distinct advantages over first place. But this does not mean that Wyss will win, what it means is that like Robic, Wyss is also a champion and he deserves the respect he has earned. It is an honor to witness these two great competitors battle it out on the roads of America. There is no grudge here, no hatred, no rivalry, there are two men who simply want the same thing and they will not leave anything in the tank when reaching for it. 10:11:23 am, by Perry After losing the scent of Robic, Team Wyss had a navigational clitch and went off course somewhere between Time Stations 36 and Time Station 37. They soon realized their error and returned to the place on the course where they left it. They have the scent back and the hunt has resumed.
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Helena Weckworth Member since 6/4/2009 3:13:18 PM	RAAM 6/23/2009 4:41:25 AM 06/22/09 07:57:40 pm, by Perry Grand Pac Masters Roll Through Jefferson City, MO Lew Meyer rolls through Time station 32 at Jefferson city. From all accounts the "boys" are riding strong and their support crew is digging in deep to do everything they can. 07:17:49 pm, by Brandon Surfing USA... going couch surfin' Does anyone have any beds, clothes or food for these guys? They lost their touring bus named "Orca" yesterday to a blown transmission. At the time, the bus was carrying some riders and support staff, along with all the clothes and containers of food (I assume boxes of bonk breakers) to get these guys across America. They were forced to also reduce their staff to half and bunk up on the beds in the team motor home (named Jaws). We saw surf boards on the back, I assume some of them are sleeping in the pull along trailer? Whatever it is, it's working.. they are sitting in second place with a bit more caution to the pedal stroke. Maybe conserving some energy for later will help? ** The team driver told me the team was very upset that "Orca" went belly up!
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Helena Weckworth Member since 6/4/2009 3:13:18 PM	RAAM 6/22/2009 4:29:43 PM Another story released a little bit ago... 03:59:39 pm, by Perry Jefferson City, MO Through crippling heat and 1,900 miles of ultra-endurance bicycle racing, Dani Wyss is staying the course. He has kept pace with the world’s greatest RAAM champion, Jure Robic, who is only 85 minutes ahead. I don’t know if this is a safe zone for Robic, the best Jure can do right now or if it is part of a ploy to keep Wyss exactly where he is. But, I would bet the farm that Jure Robic knows that if he falters, if he lets up, if he turns down the wrong road - company he shall have. What I find particularly intriguing is that just perhaps the fox who has successfully played a game of “catch-me-if-you-can” with RAAM riders for 4 of the last 5 years is now poised to let a hunter take a clean shot; a hunter who once before took home the crown. What needs to be considered is who really is in control here, Robic with the lead or Wyss who remains in a pursuit that is not yet desperate or even strained. Is he toying with Robic? When will he make his move? There is usually a testing ground to see how deep the waters run. It wouldn’t surprise me if Wyss moved up to within 30-45 minutes of Robic to put it on him. How Robic will react will dictate how all this plays out. If he panics and takes off, he will need to be as great as most people think he is. If he can’t maintain the pace, he will let this one slip away. Wyss has many options. If he closes the gap, he can then back off and play coy. Robic might then think he has fended off his attack and relax at which point Wyss would put the hammer down and tear the spirit right out of Robic. I have observed Robic for many of his RAAM championships and I detect a difference in him this year. I think he is probably stronger than anyone could ever imagine and that combined with his experience and precision crew makes him in the very, very least a worthy contender. His pride, his need and the urgency of the situation make up the rest. Dani Wyss is new to me, but I see brilliance, a fire burning inside and he is stoking it. He is confident, calculating and only lets you see what he wants you to see. He too is a contender, but like a prize fight, he will have to do more than the champion to unseat him. For so long the RAAM solo race has given the impression that it isn’t exciting because the riders aren’t 200 yards apart, but now we can witness an epic battle unfold. A battle played out on physical and mental fields, a battle of courage, strength and cunning.
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Helena Weckworth Member since 6/4/2009 3:13:18 PM	RAAM 6/22/2009 3:05:16 PM Another AMAZING team is the 75+ 4 man team. What an inspiration! You can still be healthy and be tough guys at this age, mentally and physically (spirit too)! 2009 RAAM 4-Person Male ( 75+ ) Rank Entry TS# Miles Arr DT Race TM T408 - Great Grand PAC Masters 28 1679.00 06/22/2009 7:31 AM 4 d 16 h 13 Avg Status - 14.96
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Helena Weckworth Member since 6/4/2009 3:13:18 PM	RAAM 6/22/2009 1:02:25 PM Another update on the lead Solo racers: 07:36:56 am, by Andy RAAM Daily Wrap-Up: Day 6 It’s the halfway point, as the leaders head through boiling, flat Kansas in the closest RAAM we have seen in years. Six days in, this race is hurting everyone from race leader Jure Robic to last-placed Kevin Kaiser. Tired muscles are nagging racers; famed RAAM-related injury “Schermer’s Neck” – a neck pain resulting from holding one’s head up for 22 hours a day of cycling - is plaguing several. As if the tiredness in the legs and mind wasn’t enough, the whole body is beginning to revolt. The race has seen three DNFs in the last day; you can bet there will be more to come. Robic and Wyss still closely-matched And still, four and a half days down the road from Oceanside, through the vast, empty spaces of Kansas, two riders are distinguishing themselves from the rest of the pack in their epic battle: Jure Robic and Dani Wyss. Leader Robic suffered over the Kansas flats, in 95 degrees temperatures and whipping winds. He has opened up a slightly larger gap over Wyss, who now trails by 2.40. As they spur one another on with every time station report, one wonders whether Pete Penseyres’s twenty-five-year old speed record of 15.4mph could fall. They are both several hours ahead of Marko Baloh, who continues to ride with great consistency in third position. Resurgent after his early stomach problems, Gerhard Gulewicz is slowly hunting down the Slovenian, just three hours, thirty minutes behind. With six solo male riders out, only fifteen remain. With 1,500 miles left to ride, more will fall by the wayside in this cruel and unforgiving ultimate test of cycling endurance. Tomorrow… As they race through flattish Illinois, over the Mississippi, Robic and Wyss will be closing on the final 1,000 miles. Let’s not forget that only the top four are currently over the halfway mark – the rest of the field are 400 miles back, and will be tackling the heat and flats of Kansas.
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Helena Weckworth Member since 6/4/2009 3:13:18 PM	RAAM 6/21/2009 10:04:21 PM This is a well written article about purpose and fortitude that a rider must have to win the Solo Race. 05:05:24 pm, by Perry El Dorado, Kansas Sitting in a Wal-Mart parking lot, the heat close to 100 and to be honest it kinda makes me think of hell. I watch these two riders, Robic and Wyss pounding it out in this heat, in these winds, on these roads and I wonder what it is all about. This isn’t sport, this isn’t adventure. What it is, I am not sure, but I do know one thing for certain and that is it is important. Robic is so determined his teeth might turn to sand. He is searching for his identity, he is always searching, always hoping, always wanting to be accepted and to accept himself. He is no different from any other man, he must succeed in the ways that he can. He must win RAAM. There is no option for him, there is no acceptable alternative. It shows in his face, his demeanor, his pedaling. He hurts, he won’t tell me, but a blind man could see the strain. Dani Wyss has planted the seed. That seed is doubt. Robic knows one thing only right now, he needs to destroy the competition, to dig harder, to ride longer, rest less, thrust, drive, pound and give every iota of strength to his ride.His ambition is to present an opponent so solid that the mere concept of a conquest gets lost in the ability to imagine it. Dani Wyss is in a position that most of us dream of; to shake the tree, to upset the king. And the thing is he has done it before. Dani Wyss has won RAAM. The only man to do it since Robic began his reign of supremacy. When I look at Wyss, I see a different fighter, a different approach, different needs, wants and desires. Dani Wyss wants to win RAAM because he believes he can, that if he puts in his best effort, pressures Robic he might make him pop. If he does do that, Dani won’t hesitate. Wyss is an incredibly solid rider and he has the mental fortitude to capitalize if the slightest chance presents itself. He is looking for the sunlight; the crack of light seeping out of the armor, if he finds it, he will be ruthless and he will be swift. This is a great race. P. Stone
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Helena Weckworth Member since 6/4/2009 3:13:18 PM	RAAM 6/21/2009 2:51:38 PM 12:02:02 pm, by Andy RAAM Daily Wrap-Up: Day 5 RAAM Solo Male "Robic and Wyss continue their duel at the top" The leading male soloists were bolstered as they hit sections with more net descent in them, after tough times in Colorado and New Mexico. At the front of the race, Jure Robic headed over the halfway mark. While his rivals take the opportunity to rest in the dead of night, the Slovenian seems comfortable to ride through the darkness, resting later instead. However, he needs all the time buffers he can get, as second-placed Daniel Wyss incessantly keeps up the pressure. Over the last day, the gap between the two has been constant, yo-yoing between 45 minutes and two hours. That is insanely close almost 1,400 miles into the race. The RAAM average speed record could tumble this year, with both men so highly-motivated to give their all. Halfway through RAAM, at TS #25 in Pratt, KS, Jure Robic is above record pace. As the rest of the field spaces out slightly, this duel is still raging. Robic is neither moving away from Wyss, nor is Wyss making up time on the four-time winner.
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Helena Weckworth Member since 6/4/2009 3:13:18 PM	RAAM 6/21/2009 12:06:26 PM 11:07:13 am, posted by RAAM admin RAAM Daily Wrap-Up: Day 4 The battle heats up in the men’s race as they hit the gruelling climbs of Colorado and New Mexico. After sweltering through boiling temperatures and getting blown by strong gusts in Monument Valley and Utah, the race headed to a pivotal point: the tough climbs of the Colorado Rockies. Through cycling landmark towns such as Durango and Cortez, both average speeds and motivation dropped as vertiginous climbs and descent took a toll on already-fatigued riders. Many took the chance to rest in Durango, knowing there were some tough uphills ahead. For the leaders, it was then on to the the hills of New Mexico to Taos, which represents not only the 1,000-mile mark but also the finish line for the Race Across the West. RAAM Solo For the first time in almost two days, the lead changed hands. Early on Friday Morning, as Jure Robic snatched a few hours sleep between TS# 10 and 11, Dani Wyss put his head down and rode into first place. However, as Wyss, Baloh, Strasser and women’s leader Christiansen, now finding herself in the mix with ultra-cycling’s quickest men, all rested on the road to Durango later, Robic rode through a freezing and wet night to cement an advantage of 1h 54 minutes. It is going to take something simply super-human to beat someone who himself appears super-human at times.
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Mark Schaal Member since 6/4/2009 3:13:18 PM	RAAM 6/19/2009 6:10:11 PM Hello TDL riders and crews! I wish you all Godspeed... and the adventure of a lifetime as you race across the country, while bringing attention to such a great cause! My prayers are with you all for your safety as you go through this challenging trip. And I look forward to tracking your progress and reading about your experiences along the way. GO TEAM DONATE LIFE !!! Mark Schaal 2005 TDL Co-Crew Chief
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Barber Jon Member since 6/4/2009 3:13:18 PM	RAAM 6/19/2009 11:03:51 AM Thank you all for what you do and stand for where are you?do you have enough to eat?does it hurt your legs?the red white and blue outfits make everybody look like captain america!!!anyway GOD bless all!
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Helena Weckworth Member since 6/4/2009 3:13:18 PM	RAAM 6/19/2009 4:59:57 AM While our 2 TDL teams are preparing for their start on Saturday at 2 pm, the Solo male riders are well into their 2nd day and the females and older riders are not far behind. Here is some news from the road... RAAM Daily Wrap-Up - Day 2 By Andy McGrath – Race Across America The 2009 Race Across America got underway for twenty-eight male soloists at 1200 in Oceanside today. While this is the beginning of a race and journey, it is also a means to an end. We fans and spectators only see the blood, sweat and tears of the race itself; we judge the riders on an eight-to-twelve-day period as they pedal across America. It is easy to forget the thousands of kilometres of training clocked, as well as the hours of time spent not just on the road but planning the logistics. Make no mistake, for many racers, the RAAM is a dream that has been years in the making. Men’s Solo RAAM 2009 – Male Soloists (alphabetical order) Patrick Autissier (Fra), 47 Hermann Bachmann (Swi), 57 Marko Baloh (Slo), 42 Bill Bradley (Usa), 49 Dominique Briand (Fra), 54 Michael Cook (Usa), 39 Claudio Clarindo (Bra), 32 Christopher Gottwald (Usa), 38 Gerhard Gulewicz (Aut), 42 Kevin Kaiser (Usa), 41 Scott Luikart (Usa), 47 Richard Newey (Gbr), 44 Tony O’Keefe (Can), 48 Peter Oyler (Can), 39 Ben Popp (Usa), 35 Franz Preihs (Aut), 31 Jim Rees (Gbr), 46 Jure Robic (Slo), 44 Daniel Rudge (Gbr), 42 Julian Sanz Garcia (Spa), 36 Christoph Strasser (Aut), 27 Jean-Marc Velez (Fra), 47 Dani Wyss (Swi), 39 Robic roars into an early lead With a good start so important, nobody was hanging around Oceanside after the staggered departure. Four-time winner and race legend Jure Robic’s pace was almost as scorching as the 100F weather. With darkness falling, the Slovenian started as he meant to continue, making the position of race leader his, after putting his head down for the first couple hundred of miles and averaging 21mph. This is hardly a surprise, considering his past performances. It is now down to the other competitors to try and match him.
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Debby Bell Member since 6/4/2009 3:13:18 PM	RAAM 6/17/2009 8:39:35 AM Hello to all the TDL riders! I wish you a fun, successful,SAFE journey as you travel to Oceanside to embark across the country. We here at the UCD Transplant Center will be checking the blog regularly and vicariously experience RAAM. Thanks for spreading the word about organ donation. We love you!
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Dave Stoker Member since 6/4/2009 3:13:18 PM	RAAM 6/9/2009 9:30:43 PM We're ready!
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Jocelyn Munroe Member since 6/4/2009 3:13:18 PM	RAAM 6/6/2009 8:57:25 AM Get ready for the World's Toughest Bicycle Race!
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Jason Weckworth Member since 6/4/2009 3:13:18 PM	RAAM 6/4/2009 3:13:18 PM RAAM 2009
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