Thoughts on RAAM
My good friend, Anthony, queried me with the following:
OK now Mr. Brevet-man, here is the next question, one that is now 20% serious and 80% joke (as opposed to 5% serious last year)–When are you going to train for RAAM?
RAAM, huh? (for my non-cycling friends… click here for an explanation) Funny thing. When I think about RAAM it shimmers on the horizon like some untouchable, impossible mirage. But then again, I felt that way about a 24 hour event only two years before I attempted one. And I ended up beating that 24 into submission and comfortably making it my own. So while RAAM is in the realm of “that’s crazy” I know that perceptions can easily change.
Right here, right now? No way. Physical requirements aside, logistically it seems undoable.
I’m looking forward to this weekend and seeing how I fair with an event longer than 24 hours and mixing 90 minutes or so of sleep into the fray. I really hope it goes well… I’d like to do more of these events. At least the 24 hour events—which after a 35+ hour event will seem relatively modest. As you know, I like pushing the envelope of my abilities with the happy side effect of making all lesser events mentally easier.
Regardless, attempting RAAM is still firmly in the “that’s crazy” stage of thought processes. Way crazy. So crazy that I look at the times I’ve been able to ride with John Jurczynski as an honor. Go John!
June 4th, 2007 at 11:19 am
HOLY CRAP 3000 miles oh wow!!! But you know with your stamina and your persaverence I bet you could do it!! Yeah do RAAM and cycle clear out here to the west coast. Not California, take a detour over the mountains and come vist me!!! You can do it!!! I know you can, I have faith!!! Haha crazy if you do, do it, but you are a true blue cyclist and when you set your mind to it, you can do anything!!!
June 4th, 2007 at 2:11 pm
I cannot imagine riding a bike cross-country!!! Is that as long as the Tour de France or what? I don’t know much about biking, clearly!
June 4th, 2007 at 2:22 pm
Whoa - across America? Don’t let my dad see this - he currently is training for the STP - (Seattle to Portland - 200 miles in one day. It will be his 5th year.)
If you still want to do Fun Monday - I’ll put your link up! Let me know.