On the first day of the Dacshund's trip, the Dacshund wandered off too far, got lost in a bush and within minutes, the Dacshund encountered a very hungry looking leopard.
Realizing he was in trouble, but, noticing some fresh bones on the ground, the Dacshund started to chew on them, with his back to the leopard. As the leopard was about to leap, the Dacshund smacked his lips and exclaimed loudly, "Boy, that was one delicious leopard. I wonder if there are any more around here."
The leopard stopped mid-stride, and slinked away into the trees.
"Phew," said the leopard, "that was close - that evil little dog nearly had me."
A monkey nearby saw everything and thought he'd win a favor by setting the leopard straight.
When the leopard heard the monkey's story, he felt angry at being made a fool, and offered the monkey a ride back to see him get revenge.
As the leopard and monkey approached, beads of sweat began to break out on the Dacshund's forehead. Thinking quickly, he once again turned his back and pretended not to notice them. And when the pair got within earshot, the Dacshund said aloud, "Now where's that monkey gone? I sent him ages ago to bring me another leopard..."
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
There must be a pony in there somewhere
This joke is often ascribed to Ronald Reagan, he apparently told and retold it so many times that his staff would often be heard repeating the line - "there's got to be a pony in there somewhere".
There are twin boys of five or six. Mom was worried that the boys had developed extreme personalities -- one was a total pessimist, the other a total optimist -- their parents took them to a psychiatrist.
First the psychiatrist treated the pessimist. Trying to brighten his outlook, the psychiatrist took him to a room piled to the ceiling with brand-new toys. But instead of yelping with delight, the little boy burst into tears. "What's the matter?" the psychiatrist asked, baffled. "Don't you want to play with any of the toys?" "Yes," the little boy bawled, "but if I did I'd only break them."
Next the psychiatrist treated the optimist. Trying to dampen his out look, the psychiatrist took him to a room piled to the ceiling with horse manure. But instead of wrinkling his nose in disgust, the optimist emitted just the yelp of delight the psychiatrist had been hoping to hear from his brother, the pessimist. Then he clambered to the top of the pile, dropped to his knees, and began gleefully digging out scoop after scoop with his bare hands. "What do you think you're doing?" the psychiatrist asked, just as baffled by the optimist as he had been by the pessimist. "With all this manure," the little boy replied, beaming, "there must be a pony in here somewhere"
There are twin boys of five or six. Mom was worried that the boys had developed extreme personalities -- one was a total pessimist, the other a total optimist -- their parents took them to a psychiatrist.
First the psychiatrist treated the pessimist. Trying to brighten his outlook, the psychiatrist took him to a room piled to the ceiling with brand-new toys. But instead of yelping with delight, the little boy burst into tears. "What's the matter?" the psychiatrist asked, baffled. "Don't you want to play with any of the toys?" "Yes," the little boy bawled, "but if I did I'd only break them."
Next the psychiatrist treated the optimist. Trying to dampen his out look, the psychiatrist took him to a room piled to the ceiling with horse manure. But instead of wrinkling his nose in disgust, the optimist emitted just the yelp of delight the psychiatrist had been hoping to hear from his brother, the pessimist. Then he clambered to the top of the pile, dropped to his knees, and began gleefully digging out scoop after scoop with his bare hands. "What do you think you're doing?" the psychiatrist asked, just as baffled by the optimist as he had been by the pessimist. "With all this manure," the little boy replied, beaming, "there must be a pony in here somewhere"
Friday, June 26, 2009
We Did It...
Wildcats for Brett (WFB) finished 2nd overall and first in the 4 person relay division. RAW provided a truly epic event that we will not soon forget. Similar to the racers, who encountered less than ideal sleeping, and eating conditions, our crew provided outstanding support. Without their efforts, completing the race would have been impossible. In addition, lady luck smiled on us as we did not encounter any mechanical difficulties nor any flats.. The race routed us through remote parts of the southwest with beautiful scenery. As most of you know, the four of us entered RAW for the sake of just finishing and riding to raise money for Huntington’s disease. However, about ½ way through the event, a see saw battle developed with the other 4 man team sponsored by Bicycle John’s, and our focus shifted to well…racing.
Section 1: 12:00pm to 12:00 PM: Oceanside CA to Prescott , AZ
The first 24 hours proved to be exhilarating and adrenalin charged. Never having participated in an ultra racing, WFB quickly learned the little details associated with quick rider exchanges, proper nutrition, planning ahead, and efficiently working the crew. After the start, the course crossed the CA coastal range and dropped down into the desert for the long slog to Prescott AZ. Because of the excitement, each of team/crew member slept only 1 or 2 hours during this 24 hour stretch. Seemed ok at the time, but going into day two and three of the event, the lack of sleep would begin to create issues. Other than a few minor glitches that were quickly resolved, the first 12 hours went according to plan.
Section 2: 12:00pm to 3:30am: Prescott, AZ to 30 miles past Tuba City, AZ
The first leg of the second 24 hours period provided the first major challenge.. Jim and Jay (J & J) departed from Prescott AZ , to Flagstaff AZ. This section of the ride included two major climbs the second of which offered the longest and steepest of the entire course. The first 3 hours J & J conducted exchanges every 45 minutes or so. As the temperature climbed into the high 90’s outside Sedona AZ , a virus Jay had been fighting finally caught up with him and he could no longer ride. The team decided to leave Jim to ride the remaining 30 mile climb with the goal of retrieving one of the Scotts in Flagstaff and placing him on the road for the remainder of the leg.. However, heavy traffic and road closures resulted in the exchange not taking place for three hours. By that time, Jim’s glycogen stores had been depleted and he “bonked” just past the top of the last climb. With little sleep from the night before, low energy, and witnessing a motorcycle accident while riding, this was the low point of the ride. From Flagstaff , the two Scott’s began their leg hoping that J & J would recover by the next morning. Scott and Scott (S & S) soldiered on for 6.5 hours and covered 110 miles through vicious headwinds, 40 degree temperatures and the dark of night. At 3:30 in the morning, S&S rolled to a stop on the Navajo Indian Reservation outside Kayenta , AZ. With S & S now exhausted from the gruelling effort, and J & J still recovering, WFB realized they could completely stop racing and still achieve the time cut-off. Easy decision, everyone went to sleep. At 6:00am the next morning, during a spectacular desert sun rise, the other 4 man team in the event rode by. It is at this point all of us realized we had a chance to beat this group. J & J awoke and had recovered sufficiently to continue. It was game time.
Section 3: Kayenta AZ to Pagosa Springs CO
Not wanting to waste a second, Scot S hopped on his bike and began the ride to TS 10 in Kayenta. J & J quickly prepared to ride the 115 miles to Montezuma Creek UT (MC). At time station 11, WFB had fallen 30 minutes behind the team sponsored by Bicycle Johns. During the next 6 hours, J & J clawed back time and placed WFB in the lead by about 1 minute at MC. S & S then rode for the next six hours gaining elevation and all the way to Durango CO . By that time, WFB had amassed a 45 minute lead. J & J then began the ride to Pagosa Springs CO . Everything seemed to be proceeding well until Jay began feeling nauseous. Jay rode for a few more miles but go no longer continue. With 200 miles to go, WFB had to revise its strategy of alternating two man teams to get to Taos as fast as possible.
Section 4: Pagosa Springs CO to Taos , NM
Based on the circumstances, Scott Scott and Jim decided to leave the comfort of our RV to the crew and our ailing rider and consolidate to a single team of three riders. Each would ride 45 minute stints and rotate through the 3 man cycle through the night and next day to the finish. This rotation would allow 1.5 hours of rest for every 45 minutes of riding, which would permit two riders to “sleep” while one team member rode. At 10:00pm, the crew converted the back of our chase vehicle, a Chevy Suburban, into our rolling motel for the next 12 hours. The crew removed all of the back seats and placed sleeping pads and bags into the rear compartment. At TS 15, our 45 minute lead had dwindled to only 8 minutes due to a 15 minute penalty (for running a stop sign), and the 15 minutes required to prepare and gas up the Suburban for the final leg into Taos.
Whether or not WFB could hold off Bicycle John’s team would occur in the remaining 160 miles of the race. At midnight, WFB entered into the last mountain range before Taos , NM . For the next 60 miles, the course climbed from an elevation of 6K to 10K feet while ascending and descending several passes requiring a total elevation gain of 9,000 feet. During this stage of the race, the temperature dropped to the low 40s, with no moonlight. The only light included the high beams of our Suburban and bike headlights, as well as the occasional drive by from the Bicycle John’s chase vehicle marking the WFB lead. With the crew resting for the final leg, WFB did not know if the time gap status. The goal during these 60 miles was to leverage the challenging terrain and increase WFB’s lead. WFB reached the top of the final pass at 5:00am, where sleet and rain greeted the team. The effort resulted in WFB’s lead increasing to over an hour. During the descent, a sleep deprived Scott F managed to jam his rain jacket in the rear derailleur and bringing his bike to a complete stop. Fortunately, he did not crash. After a quick wheel change, Scott charged down the pass for the last stretch of the race. With a relatively flat 60 mile section, S S & J conserved energy and rode steadily into Taos . During the night, Jay had recovered enough to put in a strong hour of riding during this last stretch, which allowed S S & J to rest and finish the ride to Taos where WFB entered second overall and won the 4 person relay division.
THE END…
Section 1: 12:00pm to 12:00 PM: Oceanside CA to Prescott , AZ
The first 24 hours proved to be exhilarating and adrenalin charged. Never having participated in an ultra racing, WFB quickly learned the little details associated with quick rider exchanges, proper nutrition, planning ahead, and efficiently working the crew. After the start, the course crossed the CA coastal range and dropped down into the desert for the long slog to Prescott AZ. Because of the excitement, each of team/crew member slept only 1 or 2 hours during this 24 hour stretch. Seemed ok at the time, but going into day two and three of the event, the lack of sleep would begin to create issues. Other than a few minor glitches that were quickly resolved, the first 12 hours went according to plan.
Section 2: 12:00pm to 3:30am: Prescott, AZ to 30 miles past Tuba City, AZ
The first leg of the second 24 hours period provided the first major challenge.. Jim and Jay (J & J) departed from Prescott AZ , to Flagstaff AZ. This section of the ride included two major climbs the second of which offered the longest and steepest of the entire course. The first 3 hours J & J conducted exchanges every 45 minutes or so. As the temperature climbed into the high 90’s outside Sedona AZ , a virus Jay had been fighting finally caught up with him and he could no longer ride. The team decided to leave Jim to ride the remaining 30 mile climb with the goal of retrieving one of the Scotts in Flagstaff and placing him on the road for the remainder of the leg.. However, heavy traffic and road closures resulted in the exchange not taking place for three hours. By that time, Jim’s glycogen stores had been depleted and he “bonked” just past the top of the last climb. With little sleep from the night before, low energy, and witnessing a motorcycle accident while riding, this was the low point of the ride. From Flagstaff , the two Scott’s began their leg hoping that J & J would recover by the next morning. Scott and Scott (S & S) soldiered on for 6.5 hours and covered 110 miles through vicious headwinds, 40 degree temperatures and the dark of night. At 3:30 in the morning, S&S rolled to a stop on the Navajo Indian Reservation outside Kayenta , AZ. With S & S now exhausted from the gruelling effort, and J & J still recovering, WFB realized they could completely stop racing and still achieve the time cut-off. Easy decision, everyone went to sleep. At 6:00am the next morning, during a spectacular desert sun rise, the other 4 man team in the event rode by. It is at this point all of us realized we had a chance to beat this group. J & J awoke and had recovered sufficiently to continue. It was game time.
Section 3: Kayenta AZ to Pagosa Springs CO
Not wanting to waste a second, Scot S hopped on his bike and began the ride to TS 10 in Kayenta. J & J quickly prepared to ride the 115 miles to Montezuma Creek UT (MC). At time station 11, WFB had fallen 30 minutes behind the team sponsored by Bicycle Johns. During the next 6 hours, J & J clawed back time and placed WFB in the lead by about 1 minute at MC. S & S then rode for the next six hours gaining elevation and all the way to Durango CO . By that time, WFB had amassed a 45 minute lead. J & J then began the ride to Pagosa Springs CO . Everything seemed to be proceeding well until Jay began feeling nauseous. Jay rode for a few more miles but go no longer continue. With 200 miles to go, WFB had to revise its strategy of alternating two man teams to get to Taos as fast as possible.
Section 4: Pagosa Springs CO to Taos , NM
Based on the circumstances, Scott Scott and Jim decided to leave the comfort of our RV to the crew and our ailing rider and consolidate to a single team of three riders. Each would ride 45 minute stints and rotate through the 3 man cycle through the night and next day to the finish. This rotation would allow 1.5 hours of rest for every 45 minutes of riding, which would permit two riders to “sleep” while one team member rode. At 10:00pm, the crew converted the back of our chase vehicle, a Chevy Suburban, into our rolling motel for the next 12 hours. The crew removed all of the back seats and placed sleeping pads and bags into the rear compartment. At TS 15, our 45 minute lead had dwindled to only 8 minutes due to a 15 minute penalty (for running a stop sign), and the 15 minutes required to prepare and gas up the Suburban for the final leg into Taos.
Whether or not WFB could hold off Bicycle John’s team would occur in the remaining 160 miles of the race. At midnight, WFB entered into the last mountain range before Taos , NM . For the next 60 miles, the course climbed from an elevation of 6K to 10K feet while ascending and descending several passes requiring a total elevation gain of 9,000 feet. During this stage of the race, the temperature dropped to the low 40s, with no moonlight. The only light included the high beams of our Suburban and bike headlights, as well as the occasional drive by from the Bicycle John’s chase vehicle marking the WFB lead. With the crew resting for the final leg, WFB did not know if the time gap status. The goal during these 60 miles was to leverage the challenging terrain and increase WFB’s lead. WFB reached the top of the final pass at 5:00am, where sleet and rain greeted the team. The effort resulted in WFB’s lead increasing to over an hour. During the descent, a sleep deprived Scott F managed to jam his rain jacket in the rear derailleur and bringing his bike to a complete stop. Fortunately, he did not crash. After a quick wheel change, Scott charged down the pass for the last stretch of the race. With a relatively flat 60 mile section, S S & J conserved energy and rode steadily into Taos . During the night, Jay had recovered enough to put in a strong hour of riding during this last stretch, which allowed S S & J to rest and finish the ride to Taos where WFB entered second overall and won the 4 person relay division.
THE END…
Illegal Aiens
Jim and Jay had arrived in Flaggstaff, AZ in early the second night. Poor strategy surrounding an extended route that the RV could not travel, coupled with Jay's illness meant that both Jim and Jay were spent and would need several hours off the road to rest and recover. In addition, Jim had witnessed a tragic motorcycle accident that very nearly involved him and was emotionally spent as well. This would mean that Scott and I would be on the road for many hours into the night, functioning on little rest.
Arriving in Tuba City, AZ at 3:00 a.m. after 72 miles of mostly downhill, but headwinds, Scott F & I continued the trek towards Kayenta, AZ. Again bucking fierce headwinds and this portion being mostly uphill we arrived at the RV at 4:00 a.m. after completing a total of 115 miles and riding through the night. I had reached such a point of exhaustion that I fell asleep briefly on my bike during a slight descent only to be awakened by the bumps on the side of the road. I later fell asleep after stopping while resting on my aero bars. In fact, the entire team had reached such a point of exhaustion, we decided to take 3 hours off the road and allow all to sleep.
With limited sleeping areas in the RV, I was the last of the bike and decided to sleep in the back of the Suburban, falling asleep in my bicycling clothes. I awoke the next morning and looked around wondering where I was. After remembering that I was in the middle of a bicycle race and sleeping in the back of a Suburban, I sat up to look around and immediately thought it was 10:00 a.m. and we had lost all chance of beating our competition and qualifying for RAAM. After looking at my watch and realizing it was only 7:00 a.m. and we had only lost 3 hours, I sat up and looked across the field.
It was then that I noticed the face huddled in the weeds. As I looked closer (without my glasses) I saw that this face was trying desperately not to be noticed by the passing cars. I put two and two together realizing we were near the border (which we really weren't) and this face trying not to be noticed and concluded this was the leader of a group of aliens illegally crossing the border. In panic, I was trying to decide what to do to be sure they would not do anything untoward to our RV or team.
It was then that the face stood up and I realized that it was Jim out doing what nature intended not wanting to wake the rest of the troops in the RV. Needless to say, at this point, I was wide awake and the adrenaline was flowing. I already had my bicycling clothes on so I got on the bike and rode away!
Arriving in Tuba City, AZ at 3:00 a.m. after 72 miles of mostly downhill, but headwinds, Scott F & I continued the trek towards Kayenta, AZ. Again bucking fierce headwinds and this portion being mostly uphill we arrived at the RV at 4:00 a.m. after completing a total of 115 miles and riding through the night. I had reached such a point of exhaustion that I fell asleep briefly on my bike during a slight descent only to be awakened by the bumps on the side of the road. I later fell asleep after stopping while resting on my aero bars. In fact, the entire team had reached such a point of exhaustion, we decided to take 3 hours off the road and allow all to sleep.
With limited sleeping areas in the RV, I was the last of the bike and decided to sleep in the back of the Suburban, falling asleep in my bicycling clothes. I awoke the next morning and looked around wondering where I was. After remembering that I was in the middle of a bicycle race and sleeping in the back of a Suburban, I sat up to look around and immediately thought it was 10:00 a.m. and we had lost all chance of beating our competition and qualifying for RAAM. After looking at my watch and realizing it was only 7:00 a.m. and we had only lost 3 hours, I sat up and looked across the field.
It was then that I noticed the face huddled in the weeds. As I looked closer (without my glasses) I saw that this face was trying desperately not to be noticed by the passing cars. I put two and two together realizing we were near the border (which we really weren't) and this face trying not to be noticed and concluded this was the leader of a group of aliens illegally crossing the border. In panic, I was trying to decide what to do to be sure they would not do anything untoward to our RV or team.
It was then that the face stood up and I realized that it was Jim out doing what nature intended not wanting to wake the rest of the troops in the RV. Needless to say, at this point, I was wide awake and the adrenaline was flowing. I already had my bicycling clothes on so I got on the bike and rode away!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Calamity and the Push to the Finish
We are done and there is no gas left in the tank! Our unofficial time was 2 days, 20 hours and 56 minutes to travel the 1,044 miles from Oceanside, CA to Taos, NM. We finished in second place overall in the Race Across the West and first in the category of 4 person team.
The drama of the last 24 hours of racing would turn out to be more than any team member had imagined. Arriving at 12:37 pm (EDT – race time) Jim and Jay with Rick as their support driver (subteam J2) had just completed one of the most beautiful segments of the tour through Monument Valley from Mexican Hat, UT to Montezuma Creek, UT. (This is well chronicled on the RAAM website as the photographers were here and got several pictures of Jim and Jay – www.RAAMRace.org). Scott Forman, Scott Sherman, Sharon and Hans (subteam Scott2) took over and brought the team through the next 90 miles and 4,500 feet of climbing (final altitude of 8,500 ft.) to Durango, CO arriving at 7:00 pm and handing the baton back to team J2.
It was at this point that the proverbial poop hit the fan! Team Scott2 had just polished off several Sonic burgers when the phone rang informing us that Jay was not going to be able to continue due to his illness. With 230 miles to go we were now down to three riders. There had been no opportunity for Scott and Scott to get any rest and Jim had now been on the road for much of the first portion of the segment Pagosa Springs, CO. We quickly buttoned up Team Mothership (Mark and the Dolphin RV) and headed up the road to catch up with Team J2 and execute plan B. The next 14 hours would prove to be an unparalleled challenge of the mental, physical, emotional and even spiritual abilities of the remaining riders (Scott, Scott and Jim) and our steadfast crew (Mark, Rick, Sharon and Hansy) as there really was no plan B.
There are two types of exchanges allowed in the race rules. The first is a rolling exchange in which the next rider is ferried ahead by the chase car and waits to exchange with the on road rider in a rolling fashion ensuring there is no break in riding. This leaves the on-rider exposed and can only be executed when it is safe. It also leaves the team vulnerable to losing time in the case of a puncture or other mechanical issue. The second is a stationary exchange in which both racers stop so that the chase car can remain behind both riders at all times. The stationary exchange is required between 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. – the nighttime hours.
The situation had unfolded in a way that we were left with three riders and four crew members all with no gas left in the tank and 230 miles to finish. The next 14 hours would take us through the most grueling part of the race with several significant climbs, reaching altitudes as high as 10,200 feet. Because it was after 8:00 p.m., we would have to execute a stationary exchange and could not have a rider on the road while we rearranged the chase car and Mothership appropriately support us for the next 14 hours of racing. We were sure to lose a bunch of time in this process and end up placing very tired riders and crew on the road. Finally, we had just learned in Durango that our primary competition was only 42 minutes behind us on the road. As I reflect on the last 14 hours I am in awe of the sheer will, guts and determination of my remaining teammates, Scott and Jim as well as our faithful crew of Hansy, Sharon, Rick and Mark. Guys, I love you all and I honestly don't think there is ANYTHING that we could not accomplish together if we are determined. To try to describe this experience here will lack any of the sheer intensity, but here we go.
Now officially down to three riders we could no longer alternate two different teams on the road and were required to put all three riders alternating on the road and sharing equally in the remaining exchanges. To prepare, we hauled everything out of the chase car (Suburban) and set up two beds in the back so that the “off” riders could rest. Scott, Scott and Jim set up a three rider rotation that would put each rider on the road for 45 minutes or about 15 miles followed by about 1.5 hours off the bike that we knew would now continue for the next 14 hours. At this point, we had each had less than 2 hours of consecutive sleep in the past 24 hours, most of us much less. Equally as difficult, Rick got behind the wheel of the chase car prepared to set all his mental energies to provide a safe zone for the riders for as long as it took. In addition to driving the chase car, Rick served as cheer leader, drill sergeant, medical assistant, equipment handler, communication specialist, gopher and anything that needed to be done. While Sharon and Hans got a few precious moments of rest, Mark diligently leap-frogged the Mothership so that it was always near at hand should the riders need anything that was not in the chase car. Mark would get no sleep during this time as he navigated Mothership Dolphin over treacherous mountain passes fraught with narrow, curvy roads through wind, rain and cold temperatures.
The first stretch of this journey took us from Durango, CO to Pagosa Springs, CO. The Mothership caught up with Team J2 about 25 miles into the 70 mile stretch. Jay had given what he had left, and Jim was already tiring due to extended pulls. The entire team conducted the rider and gear exchange with military precision; however, we had lost significant time. We would find out during the next exchange that with the time lost in this transition and a time penalty resulting for a race official catching one of riders not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign, we would be only 8 minutes ahead of competition in elapsed race time. While relatively uneventful, the 70 miles to Pagosa Springs, CO took us through headwinds, moderate temperatures and a final climb of 1,600 feet to an elevation of 7,600 feet.
Arriving in Pagosa Springs, CO at approximately midnight the fun would now begin. The road to Chama, NM would take us through five descents of 500 feet or more in the San Juan National Forest all followed by climbs that would take us higher than the previous elevation. In total we would climb for more than 2,500 feet and end at an elevation of near 8,000 feet throughout the night encountering headwinds, ever cooling temperatures, multiple false summits and hair raising descents with only the light of our bicycle headlights and the car headlights to show us what was ahead.
Arriving in Chama, NM at approximately 4:00 a.m. the fun would really now begin. This stretch of road would take us through 2,500 feet of climbing passing over La Manga Pass the highest point in the entire Race Across America at 10, 255 feet. The climb up La Manga spared no rider as it took an entire team rotation. Scott Forman started us up the climb handing the baton to Jim. With very little rest, Jim then took us through a 25 pull putting behind many of the steeper climbs of La Manga and leaving approximately 14 miles to complete the “bitch”. During Jim’s stretch, Rick spotted something “lumbering” through the woods in the night. Was it a bear, or Sasquatch? Luckily Jim is fast and it did not end up posing a threat. Scott Sherman then took over and got the team within 2 miles of the summit. As we crest the summit, the temperature is hovering at a balmy 42 degrees, there is rain/sleet falling and someone has turned the oxygen canister to off. We are fortunate that daylight at this point is sufficient that although Scott Forman will encounter slippery roads, complete numbness in both hands and feet, foxes crossing the road, jackets catching in the rear sprocket, hairpin turns, potholes and more during this 2,500 foot, hair raising descent – at least it won’t be night!
Arriving in Antonito, NM at approximately 8:00 a.m. the team has 60 miles remaining to accomplish the goal of completing the Race Across the West and if we can do it in less than 7 hours we will also accomplish our goal of qualifying for the Race Across America. This should be an easy feat, except for the fact that fatigue, sleep deprivation, emptying energy stores and constantly requiring high levels of output take their tolls differently on each person. Scott Forman and Jim are now at a depleted energy state where they cannot eat or drink. The stomach’s ability to take in and metabolize food has shut down and anything that goes in will only come back up. Unable to replenish, they must rely for this last portion on what remains which is mostly guts, will and determination. Scott Sherman also drained of any remaining energy stores cannot get enough food in quick enough to replenish. Unable to even look at another protein bar, GU energy gel, Accelerade energy drink, HEED energy drink, Scott is craving eggs. Although he can eat, he is not able to get food into his system quick enough to really help much in the remaining 25 miles and will also run in on guts, will and determination. Rick, having now completed more than 8 hours of chase car and support crew duties with little to no sleep prior hands off these responsibilities to Sharon allowing her to be behind the wheel for the last 50 race miles and the race finish. As she leans out the chase car window to wish her husband a “good morning” he retorts with, “eggs, I need eggs”. This was because a rider exchange was about to occur at the site of the Mothership. Scott Sherman had planned to get into the Mothership for a quick breakfast of ham, eggs and toast prior to continuing on. However, he had not communicated this intention and the Mothership took off to proceed down the road just prior to Scott’s arrival. Our ever faithful crew, Sharon communicated this short order request to Mark and he had the eggs ready as Scott was ferried ahead to the Mothership by the chase car in between his segments on the road.
As the team finally crosses the finish line, devoid of any remaining energy, we find that we have finished the Race Across the West in second place overall. We have defeated our competition to win the four person team category and we have met our goal of qualifying for the Race Across America. Watch for us in the very near future, Race Across America, Team Wildcats Four Brett – Go Brett!
The drama of the last 24 hours of racing would turn out to be more than any team member had imagined. Arriving at 12:37 pm (EDT – race time) Jim and Jay with Rick as their support driver (subteam J2) had just completed one of the most beautiful segments of the tour through Monument Valley from Mexican Hat, UT to Montezuma Creek, UT. (This is well chronicled on the RAAM website as the photographers were here and got several pictures of Jim and Jay – www.RAAMRace.org). Scott Forman, Scott Sherman, Sharon and Hans (subteam Scott2) took over and brought the team through the next 90 miles and 4,500 feet of climbing (final altitude of 8,500 ft.) to Durango, CO arriving at 7:00 pm and handing the baton back to team J2.
It was at this point that the proverbial poop hit the fan! Team Scott2 had just polished off several Sonic burgers when the phone rang informing us that Jay was not going to be able to continue due to his illness. With 230 miles to go we were now down to three riders. There had been no opportunity for Scott and Scott to get any rest and Jim had now been on the road for much of the first portion of the segment Pagosa Springs, CO. We quickly buttoned up Team Mothership (Mark and the Dolphin RV) and headed up the road to catch up with Team J2 and execute plan B. The next 14 hours would prove to be an unparalleled challenge of the mental, physical, emotional and even spiritual abilities of the remaining riders (Scott, Scott and Jim) and our steadfast crew (Mark, Rick, Sharon and Hansy) as there really was no plan B.
There are two types of exchanges allowed in the race rules. The first is a rolling exchange in which the next rider is ferried ahead by the chase car and waits to exchange with the on road rider in a rolling fashion ensuring there is no break in riding. This leaves the on-rider exposed and can only be executed when it is safe. It also leaves the team vulnerable to losing time in the case of a puncture or other mechanical issue. The second is a stationary exchange in which both racers stop so that the chase car can remain behind both riders at all times. The stationary exchange is required between 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. – the nighttime hours.
The situation had unfolded in a way that we were left with three riders and four crew members all with no gas left in the tank and 230 miles to finish. The next 14 hours would take us through the most grueling part of the race with several significant climbs, reaching altitudes as high as 10,200 feet. Because it was after 8:00 p.m., we would have to execute a stationary exchange and could not have a rider on the road while we rearranged the chase car and Mothership appropriately support us for the next 14 hours of racing. We were sure to lose a bunch of time in this process and end up placing very tired riders and crew on the road. Finally, we had just learned in Durango that our primary competition was only 42 minutes behind us on the road. As I reflect on the last 14 hours I am in awe of the sheer will, guts and determination of my remaining teammates, Scott and Jim as well as our faithful crew of Hansy, Sharon, Rick and Mark. Guys, I love you all and I honestly don't think there is ANYTHING that we could not accomplish together if we are determined. To try to describe this experience here will lack any of the sheer intensity, but here we go.
Now officially down to three riders we could no longer alternate two different teams on the road and were required to put all three riders alternating on the road and sharing equally in the remaining exchanges. To prepare, we hauled everything out of the chase car (Suburban) and set up two beds in the back so that the “off” riders could rest. Scott, Scott and Jim set up a three rider rotation that would put each rider on the road for 45 minutes or about 15 miles followed by about 1.5 hours off the bike that we knew would now continue for the next 14 hours. At this point, we had each had less than 2 hours of consecutive sleep in the past 24 hours, most of us much less. Equally as difficult, Rick got behind the wheel of the chase car prepared to set all his mental energies to provide a safe zone for the riders for as long as it took. In addition to driving the chase car, Rick served as cheer leader, drill sergeant, medical assistant, equipment handler, communication specialist, gopher and anything that needed to be done. While Sharon and Hans got a few precious moments of rest, Mark diligently leap-frogged the Mothership so that it was always near at hand should the riders need anything that was not in the chase car. Mark would get no sleep during this time as he navigated Mothership Dolphin over treacherous mountain passes fraught with narrow, curvy roads through wind, rain and cold temperatures.
The first stretch of this journey took us from Durango, CO to Pagosa Springs, CO. The Mothership caught up with Team J2 about 25 miles into the 70 mile stretch. Jay had given what he had left, and Jim was already tiring due to extended pulls. The entire team conducted the rider and gear exchange with military precision; however, we had lost significant time. We would find out during the next exchange that with the time lost in this transition and a time penalty resulting for a race official catching one of riders not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign, we would be only 8 minutes ahead of competition in elapsed race time. While relatively uneventful, the 70 miles to Pagosa Springs, CO took us through headwinds, moderate temperatures and a final climb of 1,600 feet to an elevation of 7,600 feet.
Arriving in Pagosa Springs, CO at approximately midnight the fun would now begin. The road to Chama, NM would take us through five descents of 500 feet or more in the San Juan National Forest all followed by climbs that would take us higher than the previous elevation. In total we would climb for more than 2,500 feet and end at an elevation of near 8,000 feet throughout the night encountering headwinds, ever cooling temperatures, multiple false summits and hair raising descents with only the light of our bicycle headlights and the car headlights to show us what was ahead.
Arriving in Chama, NM at approximately 4:00 a.m. the fun would really now begin. This stretch of road would take us through 2,500 feet of climbing passing over La Manga Pass the highest point in the entire Race Across America at 10, 255 feet. The climb up La Manga spared no rider as it took an entire team rotation. Scott Forman started us up the climb handing the baton to Jim. With very little rest, Jim then took us through a 25 pull putting behind many of the steeper climbs of La Manga and leaving approximately 14 miles to complete the “bitch”. During Jim’s stretch, Rick spotted something “lumbering” through the woods in the night. Was it a bear, or Sasquatch? Luckily Jim is fast and it did not end up posing a threat. Scott Sherman then took over and got the team within 2 miles of the summit. As we crest the summit, the temperature is hovering at a balmy 42 degrees, there is rain/sleet falling and someone has turned the oxygen canister to off. We are fortunate that daylight at this point is sufficient that although Scott Forman will encounter slippery roads, complete numbness in both hands and feet, foxes crossing the road, jackets catching in the rear sprocket, hairpin turns, potholes and more during this 2,500 foot, hair raising descent – at least it won’t be night!
Arriving in Antonito, NM at approximately 8:00 a.m. the team has 60 miles remaining to accomplish the goal of completing the Race Across the West and if we can do it in less than 7 hours we will also accomplish our goal of qualifying for the Race Across America. This should be an easy feat, except for the fact that fatigue, sleep deprivation, emptying energy stores and constantly requiring high levels of output take their tolls differently on each person. Scott Forman and Jim are now at a depleted energy state where they cannot eat or drink. The stomach’s ability to take in and metabolize food has shut down and anything that goes in will only come back up. Unable to replenish, they must rely for this last portion on what remains which is mostly guts, will and determination. Scott Sherman also drained of any remaining energy stores cannot get enough food in quick enough to replenish. Unable to even look at another protein bar, GU energy gel, Accelerade energy drink, HEED energy drink, Scott is craving eggs. Although he can eat, he is not able to get food into his system quick enough to really help much in the remaining 25 miles and will also run in on guts, will and determination. Rick, having now completed more than 8 hours of chase car and support crew duties with little to no sleep prior hands off these responsibilities to Sharon allowing her to be behind the wheel for the last 50 race miles and the race finish. As she leans out the chase car window to wish her husband a “good morning” he retorts with, “eggs, I need eggs”. This was because a rider exchange was about to occur at the site of the Mothership. Scott Sherman had planned to get into the Mothership for a quick breakfast of ham, eggs and toast prior to continuing on. However, he had not communicated this intention and the Mothership took off to proceed down the road just prior to Scott’s arrival. Our ever faithful crew, Sharon communicated this short order request to Mark and he had the eggs ready as Scott was ferried ahead to the Mothership by the chase car in between his segments on the road.
As the team finally crosses the finish line, devoid of any remaining energy, we find that we have finished the Race Across the West in second place overall. We have defeated our competition to win the four person team category and we have met our goal of qualifying for the Race Across America. Watch for us in the very near future, Race Across America, Team Wildcats Four Brett – Go Brett!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
