310 miles to Atlantic City, baby!
We had a long night in the van last night, letting most of the remaining crew, we're down three now for a total of nine, get some sleep. We worked both of the riders out of the follow van and sent the shuttle and motor home ahead. We're into some very hilly terrain and swapping riders out every 15 miles worked well for us and we made our way through at least three time stations working that strategy.
Rick and George were spent after that, so we parked it at TS 49 when we rolled in around 4:50 a.m. and let them sleep for a couple of hours. Rick took the first 30 miler this morning and George is in the middle of his right now. We'll exchange again in Flintstone which is about 15 miles from here. After that we have some nasty climbing that we will break up, working Rick out of the shuttle vehicle and George out of the van. Hopefully we can time our exchanges well and make up some time.
BIG thanks to race officials Mike and Cindy. They are like little angels looking out for us, calling to check in on us, listening to our woes, cheering us on and greeting us with smiles and hugs everytime we see them. I'm getting all choked up writing this, they have no idea how much seeing them lifts our spirits. This morning while getting ready to exchange, George says "I miss Cindy" and not two minutes later my phone rings and guess who it is...Mike! We took a few minutes to visit with them at TS 50 and we look forward to seeing them again soon. :)
We're getting there! This entire team has worked so hard, we've had our ups and more than our fair share of downs, but we'll make it!!!!!!
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4 comments:
You WILL make it. You are a strong team: strong riders, strong crew, and you all have a strong will that will get you across that finish line.
Keep it up! You are living the dream.
George you love to climb so go get it..... You and your team have done an amazing job 310 miles to go and to say you completed 2007 RAAM...... amazing job guys....
Bryan
Here is a poem that made me think of George and his determined spirit. I admire you for not giving up or giving in to the elements, the fatigue, or any other things you have had to face on this journey. You are an inspiration! Congrats on getting so far and keeping your goal in sight.
The Will to Win
By Berton Braley
If you want a thing bad enough
To go out and fight for it,
Work day and night for it,
Give up your time and your peace and your sleep for it,
If only desire of it
Makes you quite mad enough
Never to tire of it,
Makes you hold all other things tawdry and cheap for it,
If life seems all empty and useless without it
And all that you scheme and you dream is about it,
If gladly you'll sweat for it,
Fret for it,
Plan for it,
Lose all your terror of God or man for it,
If you'll simply go after that thing that you want
With all your capacity,
Strength, and sagacity,
Faith, hope, and confidence, stern pertinacity,
If neither cold poverty, famished and gaunt,
Nor sickness nor pain
Of body and brain
Can turn you away from the thing that you want,
If dogged and grim you besiege and beset it,
You'll get it.
Rick it's Mom It won;t be long until You can smell the salt water and see seagulls!! The next time We drive across country We promise not to complain how long it takes! Kudos to the two amazing riders and the loyal and hard working remaining crew!We love You Rick and can't wait to hear all about this amazing adventure.
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