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
Mark and Scott with Race Official Jim Harms
Mark Sherman - Team Mothership (Mark and the Dolphin) and Scott Sherman flanking our favorite race official - Jim Harms. Jim was responsible for checking us out on day 1 and then reappeared day after day during the race. He was also the official that ended up giving us our time penalty for failing to come to a full stop on the bicycle at a city stop sign. Nevertheless, he is still our favorite!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
A word from a caffeine free Hansy
Hi there everyone! If you don't know who I, the illustrious German known as Hansy, am, then Sucks to be you Dude! But, I was the entertainment mechanic and all around smart-aleck during RAW. While trucking around with my new favorite herd of old men, I had an exorbitant amount of that wonderful smile inducing substance commonly known as fun (No, not Monster, don't go there.)
I had more to blog on the road, but I have a habit of sleeping though runs to Starbucks. So I'll contribute with some Sucks to be you and Tres Bouvais.
Sucks to be you:
Realizing that you have to listen to Hansy riff on all things great and small for a few more hours (Sharon)
Trying to shower, but then realizing that there's no water when standing stark naked in the rv shower
Knowing that at some point in the night you may be closer to your team and crew than you thought possible (See Love Nest)
Being positive that the right turn was supposed to be a left (Scott F)
Getting the only penalty for running a stop sign (Scott F)
Realizing your urine resembles radioactivity due to overexposure to Monster (Hansy)
Running out into the street to grab some food, and having a bicycle smash all of your vertabrae (Squirrel)
Tres Bouvais
Laughing at yourself
Realizing the Jalapeno you unknowingly ate will be the worst moment of the day
Being able to use phrases like "Tubey," "Clincher," "Dropout," and "Dude Lance is so awesome," without people looking at you funny.
Realizing that few lost seconds at a rider trade is not the end of the world
Having people to listen to you riff on everything
Knowing that friendship is more important than any race
That's what I got, or at least until next year, or tomorrow after few Monsters
Tailwinds,
Hansy
Running out into the road
I had more to blog on the road, but I have a habit of sleeping though runs to Starbucks. So I'll contribute with some Sucks to be you and Tres Bouvais.
Sucks to be you:
Realizing that you have to listen to Hansy riff on all things great and small for a few more hours (Sharon)
Trying to shower, but then realizing that there's no water when standing stark naked in the rv shower
Knowing that at some point in the night you may be closer to your team and crew than you thought possible (See Love Nest)
Being positive that the right turn was supposed to be a left (Scott F)
Getting the only penalty for running a stop sign (Scott F)
Realizing your urine resembles radioactivity due to overexposure to Monster (Hansy)
Running out into the street to grab some food, and having a bicycle smash all of your vertabrae (Squirrel)
Tres Bouvais
Laughing at yourself
Realizing the Jalapeno you unknowingly ate will be the worst moment of the day
Being able to use phrases like "Tubey," "Clincher," "Dropout," and "Dude Lance is so awesome," without people looking at you funny.
Realizing that few lost seconds at a rider trade is not the end of the world
Having people to listen to you riff on everything
Knowing that friendship is more important than any race
That's what I got, or at least until next year, or tomorrow after few Monsters
Tailwinds,
Hansy
Running out into the road
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Finished -- What a way to honor Brett!!
The team finished this morning in Taos. Completed the 1,044 miles in 2 days, 20 hours and 56 minutes -- an average of 15.15 mph. Finished up on a rare rainy NM morning. The riders and crew are in Albuquerque now sorting gear and celebrating their accomplishment.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Passing through Utah -- reinvigorated after a tough day
The team had a somewhat dispirited second day. Jay had resurgence of mono that he has been battling, and Jim had a near-death experience as a car and motorcycle crashed beside him on the road. Today, both are back in the saddle, re-energized and reinvigorated as they powered the team through Monument Valley in southeastern Utah. As of a couple of hours ago, they were passing Mexican Hat (see photos) in anticipation of a planned exchange at Montezuma Creek. Scott and Scott will be on the bikes as they head into Colorado.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
"Brettisms"
Keep coming back to this one as we are going to keep updating as we go. We are going to post reflections of our ride in two categories that are famous Brett sayings; Sucks to be you dude and Tres Buvez.
Sucks to be you Dude! (suks 2 b u Dooooooooood!) (This means bad like sucks)
- Swallowing locust in the locust storm at Lake Henshaw.
- Artificial fog and humidity caused by cattle farm and slaughter house.
- Descent down the Glass Elevator hairpins at 50+ mph
- Sharing a mattress with Scott Sherman breathing on my neck while his wife sleeps solo, peacefully on her own mattress
- Nightime Drivers (Sharon and Rick) as Hansy runs on empty and runs his mouth to stay awake all night.
- Riding haggard and worn in the middle of the night as Hansy keys the mike to the two-way radio and whispers sweet-n'-sour nothings into my ear just cuz he can't think of anything better to do.
- Bustin' your hump for a 50 mile 4,000 foot uphill pull to Prescott only to find that at the switch, rather than getting ready, Jay is busy contemplating the air conditioning in the motorhome and the residual wad of chamois butter in his hand - poor Hansy!
- Climbing La Manga Pass (10,255 feet) at 42 degrees rain/snow and someone turned off the O2.
- Arriving in Durango with little rest, ready to sleep in the RV and then getting the call to put the 3 remaining riders on the road for the rest of the night.
- Scott Forman getting a hold of the permanent marker and labeling all the kits with his initials - Scott those really were my underwear!
- The way some communities along this beautiful route allow their people to litter the roadways.
- Having to continue riding after arriving at Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs following the descent of the glass elevator and not finding the RV or transition team.
- The squirrel who decided to stare down Scott Forman on the stretch Montezuma Creek and losing.
- Getting your jacket caught in the freewheel on the descent from La Manga pass in the rain.
- Thinking that you are getting a terrible fever for the past several hours only to find that the thermostat in the back of the Suburban is set to 89 degrees.
Tres Buvez! (tray boo-vay) (This means good, like groovy)
- Riding through the desert in the the middle of the night in the headlights with the stars above.
- Watching Scott Forman's ass for hours in the headlights.
- Descent down the Glass Elevator hairpins at 50+ mph.
- Hansy! as well as the entire crew, Mark, Rick and Sharon.
- The finish line.
- Riding to Kayenta with a huge sliver moon hovering over our destination and shooting stars all around.
- Successfully accomplishing the goal of winning the four person team and qualifying for RAAM.
- Hanging it all out there for your friends, knowing that they are doing the same for you.
- No mechanical mishaps besides one flat tire at the start.
- Right off the vine grapefruit and a cooling pool in Congress, AZ.
- Riding through Monument Valley.
- Managing to scare off the turkey buzzards climbing the interminable road into Congress, AZ.
Sucks to be you Dude! (suks 2 b u Dooooooooood!) (This means bad like sucks)
- Swallowing locust in the locust storm at Lake Henshaw.
- Artificial fog and humidity caused by cattle farm and slaughter house.
- Descent down the Glass Elevator hairpins at 50+ mph
- Sharing a mattress with Scott Sherman breathing on my neck while his wife sleeps solo, peacefully on her own mattress
- Nightime Drivers (Sharon and Rick) as Hansy runs on empty and runs his mouth to stay awake all night.
- Riding haggard and worn in the middle of the night as Hansy keys the mike to the two-way radio and whispers sweet-n'-sour nothings into my ear just cuz he can't think of anything better to do.
- Bustin' your hump for a 50 mile 4,000 foot uphill pull to Prescott only to find that at the switch, rather than getting ready, Jay is busy contemplating the air conditioning in the motorhome and the residual wad of chamois butter in his hand - poor Hansy!
- Climbing La Manga Pass (10,255 feet) at 42 degrees rain/snow and someone turned off the O2.
- Arriving in Durango with little rest, ready to sleep in the RV and then getting the call to put the 3 remaining riders on the road for the rest of the night.
- Scott Forman getting a hold of the permanent marker and labeling all the kits with his initials - Scott those really were my underwear!
- The way some communities along this beautiful route allow their people to litter the roadways.
- Having to continue riding after arriving at Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs following the descent of the glass elevator and not finding the RV or transition team.
- The squirrel who decided to stare down Scott Forman on the stretch Montezuma Creek and losing.
- Getting your jacket caught in the freewheel on the descent from La Manga pass in the rain.
- Thinking that you are getting a terrible fever for the past several hours only to find that the thermostat in the back of the Suburban is set to 89 degrees.
Tres Buvez! (tray boo-vay) (This means good, like groovy)
- Riding through the desert in the the middle of the night in the headlights with the stars above.
- Watching Scott Forman's ass for hours in the headlights.
- Descent down the Glass Elevator hairpins at 50+ mph.
- Hansy! as well as the entire crew, Mark, Rick and Sharon.
- The finish line.
- Riding to Kayenta with a huge sliver moon hovering over our destination and shooting stars all around.
- Successfully accomplishing the goal of winning the four person team and qualifying for RAAM.
- Hanging it all out there for your friends, knowing that they are doing the same for you.
- No mechanical mishaps besides one flat tire at the start.
- Right off the vine grapefruit and a cooling pool in Congress, AZ.
- Riding through Monument Valley.
- Managing to scare off the turkey buzzards climbing the interminable road into Congress, AZ.
Out of the starting blocks and then some...
So, we're in Prescott, AZ and chillin' at Starbucks and resting our "nachas". Scott and Scott just finished a 4,000+ foot climb out of the desert floor and passed the baton to the "Js" where they'll carry it to Flagstaff and send us back into the dark of night and cooler temps. Yesterday, day #1 was exhilirating and intense. We had LOTS of climbing out of Southern Cali skirting Mt. Palomar and up, up, up to the top of the "glass elevator" and then hurtling down into Borrego Springs. It felt a bit death-defying actually as I dropped the tail car at the top and hit sustained speeds in excess of 50+ mph through hairpins and a 4000+ ft. loss of elevation. I missed the hand-off in Borrego Springs and continued on before the rest of the team found me another 10 miles down the road. Little did I know, they were contemplating initiating a search and rescue mission for fear that I'd gone right over one of the guard rails during my white-knuckle descent. Oh well, Hans will have to keep crewing -- you can't get rid of me that easily!
Prescott
Arrived in Prescott AZ at 11:40 am ahead of schedule. The GPS tracking is not going yet, but we are working on it. Keep looking! We can only blog when we get to Starbucks in a town, so the next will probably be Flaggstaff. Temperatures have been favorable, although it is hot here today and was hot going through the desert yesterday afternoon. Not as hot as it could be. Plenty of climbing, however, very little that would be classified as "Category 1" or "hors Category". I have ridden about 125 miles as of noon today. Still fun and I am ready to go!
Check out the next blog as we are going to set up some "Brettism's" that should be fun.
Check out the next blog as we are going to set up some "Brettism's" that should be fun.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
On my way
I am on my way to the line where I will start off for the Wildcats Four Brett. We are looking forward to some overcast weather on the start line and an uphill start. Check us out as it looks like we are going to have GPS tracking of the riders beginning this afternoon!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
T minus 12 hours...
We all arrived in San Diego yesterday and spent today getting our motorhome and Chevy Suburban outfitted with light bars, signs, etc., getting our bikes inspected and doing last-minute bike repairs. Jay's derailleur hanger was bent on the airline so we dropped by the Encinitas Bicycle Retailer bike shop, where they bent it back without breaking it off (which would have ended Jay's race before it began).
Our Wildcats 4 Brett kit (jersey and bib shorts) came in from Hincapie Sports today so we'll try to get some pictures up soon.
The team, including riders and support crew (Scott Sherman's wife Sharon, his brother Mark, his friend Rick and Scott Forman's friend Hans), is primed and ready for action. A big thanks to the support crew for all their work today. A quick check of weather.com this evening showed the weather across the desert tomorrow (about 300 miles worth) is projected to be 93 degrees for the high with a 17 mph tailwind. We should be so lucky. Let's hope there is no online "observer effect," whereby the mere observation of an object online changes it.
Here's how we've planned the logistics of the relay: We'll break up into 2-man teams -- one team on duty with the follow car and the other team relaxing in the motorhome. Each 2-man team will be responsible for 4 to 8 hours of riding depending on terrain and weather conditions while the other team leapfrogs ahead in the motorhome to park (and sleep) at the projected switch point. The 2-man team on duty will alternate shifts so that only 1 person is riding at any given time. The team has debated the optimum length of each shift -- is it 1 hour? 2 hours? We really don't know.
The Scotts (Sherman and Forman) are taking the first 2-man shift out of Oceanside up over the coastal range and down into the desert at Borrego Springs, about 80 miles later. No warmup for those guys as they climb 4,000 feet from the gun. Jim and Jay will be waiting in Borrego Springs with fresh legs. Probably the last time we'll be able to say that!
Our Wildcats 4 Brett kit (jersey and bib shorts) came in from Hincapie Sports today so we'll try to get some pictures up soon.
The team, including riders and support crew (Scott Sherman's wife Sharon, his brother Mark, his friend Rick and Scott Forman's friend Hans), is primed and ready for action. A big thanks to the support crew for all their work today. A quick check of weather.com this evening showed the weather across the desert tomorrow (about 300 miles worth) is projected to be 93 degrees for the high with a 17 mph tailwind. We should be so lucky. Let's hope there is no online "observer effect," whereby the mere observation of an object online changes it.
Here's how we've planned the logistics of the relay: We'll break up into 2-man teams -- one team on duty with the follow car and the other team relaxing in the motorhome. Each 2-man team will be responsible for 4 to 8 hours of riding depending on terrain and weather conditions while the other team leapfrogs ahead in the motorhome to park (and sleep) at the projected switch point. The 2-man team on duty will alternate shifts so that only 1 person is riding at any given time. The team has debated the optimum length of each shift -- is it 1 hour? 2 hours? We really don't know.
The Scotts (Sherman and Forman) are taking the first 2-man shift out of Oceanside up over the coastal range and down into the desert at Borrego Springs, about 80 miles later. No warmup for those guys as they climb 4,000 feet from the gun. Jim and Jay will be waiting in Borrego Springs with fresh legs. Probably the last time we'll be able to say that!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Down to the wire!
This was going to be a training log as I planned a 115 mile ride last Saturday. As it turns out, I got the flu and was in bed for 2 days and I have started my "tapering" early!
Only 4 days now until start! Last minute crew changes, conference calls, organizational meetings to attend, food lists, first aid kits to assemble, maps to print, program the GPS, plan for hydration and nutrition needs on the ride - wow!, the list never ends. The logisitics for this thing are as daunting as the training. Oh, and are the uniforms going to make it on time?
First of all, we are indebted to our crew support - Mark Sherman, Sharon Sherman, Rick Lopez and Hans! We couldn't do it without them and they don't have any idea at this point what they are in for. As for us, we are just ready to ride! Let's just get on those bikes and ride and be able to forget about all that other stuff.
Oceanside, CA pier - Wednesday, June 17, 12:16 p.m. Taos or bust!
Only 4 days now until start! Last minute crew changes, conference calls, organizational meetings to attend, food lists, first aid kits to assemble, maps to print, program the GPS, plan for hydration and nutrition needs on the ride - wow!, the list never ends. The logisitics for this thing are as daunting as the training. Oh, and are the uniforms going to make it on time?
First of all, we are indebted to our crew support - Mark Sherman, Sharon Sherman, Rick Lopez and Hans! We couldn't do it without them and they don't have any idea at this point what they are in for. As for us, we are just ready to ride! Let's just get on those bikes and ride and be able to forget about all that other stuff.
Oceanside, CA pier - Wednesday, June 17, 12:16 p.m. Taos or bust!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Letter to Brett: "Just Like Old Times"
Dear Brett,
1,000+ miles in under 68 hours? Was this your idea? I've gotta say, this sure seems like an idea you would hatch and then entice us into following along like... lemmings off the cliff edge? "Dude, I've got the best idea," you'd chortle. "Work up some calluses on your nether regions, and let's do this! Just like old times."
Ok, I'm in. I called the boys -- Jim, Scott, Jay. I proposed this preposterous idea, wondering what it would take to lure 'em in, just like you would have done. I said, "This will be cool. A chance to get together, get a little riding in, racing even; just like old times?!" They hemmed and hawed. Ok, time to pull out all the stops. "Brett wouldn't have let you say 'no' to this; hell, he wouldn't have even let you vacillate, old man." Done. Brettster, it was a beautiful and wondrous thing, they fell like dominoes.
So, I guess we're going to do this -- come too far, no turning back, so you say. Well, we're going to make you proud, dear friend. We're going to laugh and sweat and scream and reflect. We're going to pedal with your crazy contagious adventurous kind and gentle spirit pushing us along -- just like old times.
May the wind be always at your back and the rubber side down.
Love,
Scott F.
Monday, June 1, 2009
A Mountain Too Far?
A Mountain Too Far?
No, not the capsule summary of this year's Race Across the West for the Wildcats Four Brett – cynic! Instead, it's a recollection of what might have been one of Brett's finest hours in sports, our adventure in the Norwegian Birkebeiner a few years back. Brett was short in stature but long on toughness – which the Birkebeiner amply demonstrated. With shortened training time for the Race Across the West due to illness, I am hoping that recalling and writing about Brett will inspire me to the same sort of effort in a few weeks.
For those not familiar with it, the Birkebeiner (http://epi.birkebeiner.no/English/Rennet) is a cross-country ski marathon that essentially goes from one side of a mountain to the other to end up in Lillehammer, Norway. For the history behind the Birkebeiner, including why you have to carry a 7 pound backpack, read http://epi.birkebeiner.no/English/Birkebeiner-history. Those who live in the Midwest or who cross country ski might know of the American Birkebeiner, which takes place every February from Cable to Heyward, Wisconsin. Having done that one a couple of times, I wanted to try the original.
When I decided to go do the Birkebeiner, I cast about in my mind for the most gullible, er, adventurous of my friends with whom to go. It did not take long to set my targets on Brett, who made a habit of running up and down the Grand Canyon and other nonsense. Of course, he readily agreed and even talked his wife Sarah into coming along for support. Living in Colorado at the time, I had easy access to corduroy trails at cross country ski areas like Eldora and Frisco, and had no trouble getting in some good on-snow training. Surprisingly for a denizen of St. Paul, Minnesota, though, Brett had no such luck – it was a dry winter. So he showed up in Oslo generally fit but with no skilometers in his legs.
Now, the American Birkebeiner is no ski in the park. It's held on an undulating 50km trail through the glacier-carved moraines of Wisconsin. With 7,500 participants, it's the largest annual gathering of Minnesotans out in the woods, not counting the flies in the summertime.
Though it shares the name, the original Birkebeiner in Norway has a completely different topographical profile. Briefly, you go up about 3,000 feet and then come down over the course of 54 km (about 34 miles) with 14,000 of your closest friends and 28,000 skis to get tangled up with. In short, it’s an event only for the toughest Viking tough-guys (and -girls).
Well, the whistle blew at 7:00 am sharp in the start town of Rena and we were on our way. Brett’s wife Sarah was to meet us at the 40 km mark in case we wanted to change gloves, hats, etc., which would no doubt be soaked with sweat, before the descent to Lillehammer. You can see from the profile (read right to left) that the course goes up right from the start. Hey, thanks for the warm-up! With adrenaline from the spectacle coursing through our veins, we took off up the hill. After about 5 km, Brett was cooked. I was just getting warm. I half-heartedly mentioned the possibility of turning around and catching a ride back to Lillehammer. Brett would have none of it. In his trademark defiant style (athletically speaking), he said, “5 k downhill or 35 k more uphill? Dude!”
At the 10 km mark, he broke down crying. Not really, but he was not entirely unlike burnt toast. I helpfully used one of his favorite quips: “Sucks to be you!” [Note to team and readers – please add your favorite Brett-quote to the blog.] For the next 20-30 km, Brett kept soldiering on while I made sure we stopped at every refreshment stand to refuel with bananas, oranges and boller (bread rolls). Over the next hour or so towards our meeting spot with Sarah, there was little if any talking as we slogged up and down the hills. Even with good ski fitness, I was starting to get tired myself. Meanwhile, Brett was hanging tough, seemingly not getting any more tired. By the time we met Sarah at the 40 km mark, I was ready for a couch and a pillow while Brett got more energized. As we changed into dry tops, gloves and hats out there on the snow, Brett was bubbling effusively, “All downhill from here, dude!”
Snow conditions had been good to us to that point. The Swix race techs had picked the right grip wax for that side of the mountains. On the west (finishing) side of the mountain, though, there had not been any fresh snow in days. Together with the number of skiers that had already gone down the trail, what we faced was a rutted, icy descent. Rather than the expected leisurely saunter to Lillehammer, we got a terrifying, white-knuckle ride through hell.
Looking at the course profile, you might be thinking that at least you guys had the last, flat part of the course profile – nice way to finish. Without getting into too much detail about ski wax, it turns out that the wax that worked on the east side of the mountain did not work on the west side. For a skier, having wax that doesn’t grip means you can’t use your legs. We could have experimented with other waxes we were carrying in our backpacks, but the thought of stopping and digging through our backpacks, pulling off our skis, etc. was only slightly less appealing than jabbing our ski poles in our eyes. When you can't kick with your legs, all you're left with is your arms, using a technique called double-poling. For non-Vikings, it’s best done in small doses, not full-time for the last 8 to 10 kilometers of a 54 kilometer race. After fifteen minutes, our elbow tendons and muscles were shredded. In fact, I feel a twinge in my elbow again right now as I recall that section. I don’t know how long it took to do those last few bits of trail but it seemed an eternity.
By this time, we were both totally spent. How Brett pulled off the last 49 km of the Birkebeiner, I really don’t know. What I do know is that his sunny optimism and perseverance made for a memorable event I’ll never forget. What I hope is that I can call on those same qualities to get me through my 250-mile share of the Race Across the West.
No, not the capsule summary of this year's Race Across the West for the Wildcats Four Brett – cynic! Instead, it's a recollection of what might have been one of Brett's finest hours in sports, our adventure in the Norwegian Birkebeiner a few years back. Brett was short in stature but long on toughness – which the Birkebeiner amply demonstrated. With shortened training time for the Race Across the West due to illness, I am hoping that recalling and writing about Brett will inspire me to the same sort of effort in a few weeks.
For those not familiar with it, the Birkebeiner (http://epi.birkebeiner.no/English/Rennet) is a cross-country ski marathon that essentially goes from one side of a mountain to the other to end up in Lillehammer, Norway. For the history behind the Birkebeiner, including why you have to carry a 7 pound backpack, read http://epi.birkebeiner.no/English/Birkebeiner-history. Those who live in the Midwest or who cross country ski might know of the American Birkebeiner, which takes place every February from Cable to Heyward, Wisconsin. Having done that one a couple of times, I wanted to try the original.
When I decided to go do the Birkebeiner, I cast about in my mind for the most gullible, er, adventurous of my friends with whom to go. It did not take long to set my targets on Brett, who made a habit of running up and down the Grand Canyon and other nonsense. Of course, he readily agreed and even talked his wife Sarah into coming along for support. Living in Colorado at the time, I had easy access to corduroy trails at cross country ski areas like Eldora and Frisco, and had no trouble getting in some good on-snow training. Surprisingly for a denizen of St. Paul, Minnesota, though, Brett had no such luck – it was a dry winter. So he showed up in Oslo generally fit but with no skilometers in his legs.
Now, the American Birkebeiner is no ski in the park. It's held on an undulating 50km trail through the glacier-carved moraines of Wisconsin. With 7,500 participants, it's the largest annual gathering of Minnesotans out in the woods, not counting the flies in the summertime.
Though it shares the name, the original Birkebeiner in Norway has a completely different topographical profile. Briefly, you go up about 3,000 feet and then come down over the course of 54 km (about 34 miles) with 14,000 of your closest friends and 28,000 skis to get tangled up with. In short, it’s an event only for the toughest Viking tough-guys (and -girls).
Well, the whistle blew at 7:00 am sharp in the start town of Rena and we were on our way. Brett’s wife Sarah was to meet us at the 40 km mark in case we wanted to change gloves, hats, etc., which would no doubt be soaked with sweat, before the descent to Lillehammer. You can see from the profile (read right to left) that the course goes up right from the start. Hey, thanks for the warm-up! With adrenaline from the spectacle coursing through our veins, we took off up the hill. After about 5 km, Brett was cooked. I was just getting warm. I half-heartedly mentioned the possibility of turning around and catching a ride back to Lillehammer. Brett would have none of it. In his trademark defiant style (athletically speaking), he said, “5 k downhill or 35 k more uphill? Dude!”
At the 10 km mark, he broke down crying. Not really, but he was not entirely unlike burnt toast. I helpfully used one of his favorite quips: “Sucks to be you!” [Note to team and readers – please add your favorite Brett-quote to the blog.] For the next 20-30 km, Brett kept soldiering on while I made sure we stopped at every refreshment stand to refuel with bananas, oranges and boller (bread rolls). Over the next hour or so towards our meeting spot with Sarah, there was little if any talking as we slogged up and down the hills. Even with good ski fitness, I was starting to get tired myself. Meanwhile, Brett was hanging tough, seemingly not getting any more tired. By the time we met Sarah at the 40 km mark, I was ready for a couch and a pillow while Brett got more energized. As we changed into dry tops, gloves and hats out there on the snow, Brett was bubbling effusively, “All downhill from here, dude!”
Snow conditions had been good to us to that point. The Swix race techs had picked the right grip wax for that side of the mountains. On the west (finishing) side of the mountain, though, there had not been any fresh snow in days. Together with the number of skiers that had already gone down the trail, what we faced was a rutted, icy descent. Rather than the expected leisurely saunter to Lillehammer, we got a terrifying, white-knuckle ride through hell.
Looking at the course profile, you might be thinking that at least you guys had the last, flat part of the course profile – nice way to finish. Without getting into too much detail about ski wax, it turns out that the wax that worked on the east side of the mountain did not work on the west side. For a skier, having wax that doesn’t grip means you can’t use your legs. We could have experimented with other waxes we were carrying in our backpacks, but the thought of stopping and digging through our backpacks, pulling off our skis, etc. was only slightly less appealing than jabbing our ski poles in our eyes. When you can't kick with your legs, all you're left with is your arms, using a technique called double-poling. For non-Vikings, it’s best done in small doses, not full-time for the last 8 to 10 kilometers of a 54 kilometer race. After fifteen minutes, our elbow tendons and muscles were shredded. In fact, I feel a twinge in my elbow again right now as I recall that section. I don’t know how long it took to do those last few bits of trail but it seemed an eternity.
By this time, we were both totally spent. How Brett pulled off the last 49 km of the Birkebeiner, I really don’t know. What I do know is that his sunny optimism and perseverance made for a memorable event I’ll never forget. What I hope is that I can call on those same qualities to get me through my 250-mile share of the Race Across the West.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Training Diary - Ojai Century
As a final tune up, I rode in the Ojai Century this weekend in Ojai, CA. I thought I was in for a beautiful 100 mile ride in the mountains surrounding Ojai and then down to the coast for nice 25 miles downwind stretch before ascending the Ojai grade to the finish. As it turned out, June gloom left us with nice cool weather and RAIN! on the decent to the coast. It felt like it was about 35 degrees, even though it was probably more like 60. The wind on the coast was in our favor, however, and I was able to finish the 100 miles and 4,000 feet of climbing at my goal time of 5.5 hours of saddle time.
That will probably be my last long ride prior to our start. I will spend the next couple of weeks spinning through 50 mile rides in the Santa Monica Mountains and tapering to build reserves and energy.
As a team we are finalizing our plans. During the race we will have some posts from our support team as well as it seems that the logistics of this beast are as all consuming as the training. God bless our support team (Sharon Sherman, Mark Sherman, Chris Olsson and we have a couple more that will joining us as well) as well as our spouses and families for all their support!
That will probably be my last long ride prior to our start. I will spend the next couple of weeks spinning through 50 mile rides in the Santa Monica Mountains and tapering to build reserves and energy.
As a team we are finalizing our plans. During the race we will have some posts from our support team as well as it seems that the logistics of this beast are as all consuming as the training. God bless our support team (Sharon Sherman, Mark Sherman, Chris Olsson and we have a couple more that will joining us as well) as well as our spouses and families for all their support!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Training Diary - 20 more days
20 more days until the gun sounds! I am feeling a little like Lance Armstrong and Levi Leipheimer after stage 15 of the Giro d'Italia. Lance stated that he thought it was the hardest single stage of his career. More than 7 hours on the bike, many categorized climbs as well as several small non-categorized climbs and 100 degree heat. Lance said, "I've never seen a stage like that.. in all the years that I've raced...hard, hard, hard".
On June 17, the Wildcats Four Brett look forward to conquering the RAW which will provide us each with 17 hours in the saddle, temperatures in excess of 100 degrees and overall climbing of close to 40,000 feet - hard, hard, hard.
Keep following us, we need your support!
To listen to Lance's recap of stage 15 follow this link - http://www.livestrong.com/lance-armstrong/video/lance-and-levi-postrace-recap-after-giros-stage-15/4d0583e9-3a09-4f40-a244-907f40c0c247/.
Happy riding and keep the rubber side down!
On June 17, the Wildcats Four Brett look forward to conquering the RAW which will provide us each with 17 hours in the saddle, temperatures in excess of 100 degrees and overall climbing of close to 40,000 feet - hard, hard, hard.
Keep following us, we need your support!
To listen to Lance's recap of stage 15 follow this link - http://www.livestrong.com/lance-armstrong/video/lance-and-levi-postrace-recap-after-giros-stage-15/4d0583e9-3a09-4f40-a244-907f40c0c247/.
Happy riding and keep the rubber side down!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Brett Stories: Planes, Trains and Automobiles
As 27 year old graduate student with family, I was always known affectionately on the team as the “old man”. In addition, I was usually one of the only ones that could afford the $27 per night for the Motel 6 (which beat sleeping in the car), which always led to plenty of freeloaders in the room. It was during one such event that Sharon, Tyler and I shared a small, two-bed hotel room with Brett. It was late when we arrived. No stores were open, so we went to the vending machine for a soda to quiet our young son. Understanding that all dark sodas contain caffeine, we decided upon Mountain Dew! After unknowingly pumping our 18 month old full of sugar and caffeine Sharon spent the next several hours peeling Tyler off the ceiling and walls. Needing my beauty rest, I decided to remove myself from the Tasmanian devil bed and climbed into bed next to Brett. As you all know, competitive cyclists are a little twisted and shave their legs. After falling asleep, Brett’s subconscious was telling him he was next to Sarah and my subconscious was telling me I was next to Sharon. While cyclists do shave their legs, they don’t shave their faces. Upon briefly regaining consciousness, the dialog went something like this.
Scott: "Brett."
Brett: "Hmmm."
Scott: "Why did you kiss my ear?"
Brett: "Why are you holding my hand?"
Scott: "Where's your other hand?"
Brett: "Between two pillows."
Scott: "Those aren't pillows!"
Both: "AAAHHHHHHHHHHHH! (much shivering and grimacing by both)"
Scott: "See that Giro d’Italia last week?"
Brett: "Yeah, heckuva a race, heckuva race. Team Motorla gotta great team this year."
Scott: "Brett."
Brett: "Hmmm."
Scott: "Why did you kiss my ear?"
Brett: "Why are you holding my hand?"
Scott: "Where's your other hand?"
Brett: "Between two pillows."
Scott: "Those aren't pillows!"
Both: "AAAHHHHHHHHHHHH! (much shivering and grimacing by both)"
Scott: "See that Giro d’Italia last week?"
Brett: "Yeah, heckuva a race, heckuva race. Team Motorla gotta great team this year."
Monday, May 18, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Cruisin' the Conejo
33 more training days until race day! On Saturday, I completed the Cruisin' the Conejo Century, a challenging full century that starts in Thousand Oaks, winds through the Santa Monica Mountains decends into the Oxnard plain and finally snakes through scorching Simi Valley and back to Thousand Oaks. The ride measures 102.8 miles and a full 6000 ft of climbing. I met my time goals and felt very good at the finish. A good indication of current training progress.
This week I am planning a couple of "two-a-days" with a 50 mile morning ride and then either a group ride or join the weekly criterium training ride in the afternoon.
I drove through the desert coming back from Mammoth this past weekend in the 90 degree heat. I rolled down the window and tried to imagine what it will be like to be pedaling in the heat for long stretches. Those drawing the night shifts will definitely appreciate the cool desert nights.
This week I am planning a couple of "two-a-days" with a 50 mile morning ride and then either a group ride or join the weekly criterium training ride in the afternoon.
I drove through the desert coming back from Mammoth this past weekend in the 90 degree heat. I rolled down the window and tried to imagine what it will be like to be pedaling in the heat for long stretches. Those drawing the night shifts will definitely appreciate the cool desert nights.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Wildcats Four Brett
On June 17, Wildcats Four Brett, a team composed of Scott Sherman, Jim Kodjababian, Jay Osborne and Scott Forman will begin their quest for victory in the Race Across the West (RAW). RAW is a non-stop, non-drafting 1,044 mile bike race from Oceanside, California to the mountains of Taos, New Mexico, in which the riders will encounter fatigue, extreme heat, cold temperatures and elevations in excess of 10,000 feet in their quest for victory. While the team has ambitions of returning to their former race glory, the real purpose is to provide a fitting tribute to another teammate, the late Brett Dobis and to raise money for the cure to Huntington’s Disease. Brett suffered from Huntington's Disease and passed away in 2005 at an early age. Brett is survived by his wife and two children. While Brett will certainly be racing with us in spirit, had he been here to race himself, he certainly would have insisted on riding the entire 1,044 miles himself.
Race Across the West
The Race Across the West is a non-stop, non-drafting 1,044 mile bike race from Oceanside, California to the mountains of Taos, New Mexico. The race route encompasses some of the most spectacular scenery the southwest has to offer, as well as presenting some daunting challenges. The race climbs up from the Pacific coast and across the coastal mountains where riders will face their first challenging climbs. The route then continues west crossing the Californian and Arizonian deserts where temperatures can hit well over 110F, testing the riders conditioning and stamina.
The route passes through Blyth California and then through the towns of Prescott and Flagstaff, Arizona. The long climb up to Flagstaff will tax already very tired legs. The route then moves northward through the spectacular Monument Valley and then passes through Montezuma Creek, Utah before moving into Colorado and crossing the Rockies. This will be one of the most daunting sections of the route with several high mountain passes to cross. The route then turns southward down to the resort town of Taos New Mexico.
The route passes through Blyth California and then through the towns of Prescott and Flagstaff, Arizona. The long climb up to Flagstaff will tax already very tired legs. The route then moves northward through the spectacular Monument Valley and then passes through Montezuma Creek, Utah before moving into Colorado and crossing the Rockies. This will be one of the most daunting sections of the route with several high mountain passes to cross. The route then turns southward down to the resort town of Taos New Mexico.
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