Twelve Days Two Hours Eleven Minutes

Thank you RAAM for a fixed cut off time this year! In my opinion, that's the secret to attracting average Joes like myself. That said, a finish within 48 hours of the winner would be a good carrot to chase next time. Could it be done on a single speed? Good question. I definitely have room for improvement in the training department as well as the execution of the race itself. I've heard that people tend to burn out (or maybe "peak" is a better word) after about four RAAMs. Not sure where the money or crews are going to come from. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

I had a couple of nice conversations with Greg Pressler and Perry Stone yesterday.

Sunday we leave Indiana for the trip home. We plan to take about four days to drive back with the kids.

Internet access has been limited, and I won't have a computer handy on the way back to Oregon. I've also got over 1000 digital pictures to sift through. Sooner or later I'll get some more pictures up on the blog and see how many details I can remember from the race.

Time for some pizza.

Bye!

We did it!

Your thoughts, cheers, and encouragement were like a tailwind pushing us to the finish. I'm humbled by all the attention. Thank you!

I've said it before - RAAM is not about the bike. Every rider who makes it to the finish overcomes his or her own unique set of obstacles. I'm certain that many riders were tested in ways that make my race seem easy in comparison. I hope you take the time to learn about all the wonderful stories that unfolded this year. I was deeply touched by many of the riders, and I hope to share some of my experiences with you in the coming days, weeks, and months.

Now, regarding certain rumors... I am NOT considering doing RAAM on a fixed gear - ever! That WOULD be an impressive accomplishment, though. Is there anyone on earth crazy enough to try it?

Two Hundred Fifty One

Rider here (it's been me for the last week) for perhaps my last guest post.

He didn't just finish RAAM, but, well, there's this too.

"The Ian Sandbach award is presented to the rider or team that is the most inspirational and demonstrated the highest level of sportsmanship."*

He's an official RAAM finisher!

At 2:45 EST our hero John Spurgeon completed his 3042.8 mile ride to Atlantic City with an official RAAM time of 290 hours and 11 minutes.

Way to go John!

He didn't use gears and he garned huge respect along the way to Atlantic City.

I don't know how to express how happy I am.

What can be next? He's already talked about doing it fixed.

Two Hundred Forty Nine

Average speed is still up. 10.49 through TS 42. I haven't had contact with the crew for awhile so I'll have to assume that an average of 9.69 mph between TS 41 and 42 was the result of time off for a good (and well deserved) rest. 684 miles to go.

Pictures of the Sabertooth Salmon on the RAAM website.

Two Hundred Forty Eight

Average speed in mph:
10.5 mph at TS 31 (Collins, MO)
10.49 mph at TS 32 (Camdenton, MO)
10.46 at TS 33 (Jefferson City, MO)
10.41 at TS 34 (Marthasville, MO)
10.44 at TS 35 (Mississippi River, MO): The speed starts to rise - 11.31 mph average between 34 and 35
10.49 at TS 36 (Greenville, IL): Speed is still going the right way! 13.33 average from TS 35
10.50 at TS 37 (Effingham, IL): 11.07 average from TS 36
10.56 at TS 38 (Marshall, IL): 14.01 mph average from TS 37!

TS 38 is 2142.7 miles into the race!

Way to go John! Bank that time for those West Virginia hills!
Julia and the kids are on a plane to come cheer you on. Keep those legs turning and keep that speed up!

Two Hundred Forty Seven

Rider...
How much do you push? I think that question is something John's crew has been struggling with from the start, but the question seems to become more and more pressing as the race goes on. John's average speed through the most recent time station is 10.46 mph and competitors behind him are slowly succumbing to the time cutoffs. Is it best to take frequent breaks and keep up spirits, or is it better to push through (saving time now but potentially costing time later)? Up until this evening John's crew was still going with the 15 miles of riding and a 10 minute break though it sounds as if they'll start pushing for longer periods of time on the bike as the temperature drops with the evening. John has started having neck problems and the heat of the day was getting to him (99 degrees in the shade and very humid) so frequent stops were scheduled, but each minute sitting still on the side of the road decreases average speed and must increase stress levels. I think the crew would like to push a bit more but if they push too much John could crack, or rebel.
Does a balance need to be struck between getting along with John and getting him to the finish? When the race is over and John can look back on it, will the ends justify the means?
However much I want to be there to push him along (and I desperately, desperately want to be there) I'm glad I'm not faced with those real decisions, it's easy to be 2000 miles away and say "get back on that bike and ride," it's different to be there and say it to his face time and time again.
Keep it up John. Keep it up crew. You're all doing a wonderful, challenging thing.
Let every action and decision be guided by what will get John to Atlantic City within the time cut.

Two Hundred Forty Six

Rider again...
John has just gotten into time station #32, (I'm not even sure they have even called in yet) and John is taking a rest in the van. The plan is to have him sleep for about an hour and a half but he often gets up after an hour so I'll be calling back then and might get a chance to talk to him.
John spent 3-4 hours in a hotel after getting through time station 30. That's got to be the explanation for the low speed (7.72) between time station 30 and 31. Hopefully the rest did him some good and he has started building back up some safety over the cutoff speed.
John's been having some trouble with the heat and again, I hope the rest he's taking now will get him through the heat of the day and he can go strong into the night.
I wish I was there. Or do I? It's easy to be encouraging and chipper when I'm not sleep deprived, hot and seeing the effects of sleep deprivation on a good friend. I was just talking to Julia who is going to be flying out to see John and I told her that despite how tired, or grumpy or angry John might be, to tell him to get back on that bike and ride. He might be hating his life but he's likely pushed himself as far past whatever limits he thinks he has and he needs the crew to do the rest.
Go John go!

Hi Josh!

Great to meet you at the last time station! I hope those gloves work out for you. Give me your address and I'll send you a surprise.

Your friend,
John

Two Hundred Forty Five

Rider again...
I just got off the phone with Mike and John seems to be doing great. He's 30 - 40 miles from the Missouri border and coming up on time station 30. John is recovering from the mountains, Mike said John did really well going over the mountains but suffered a bit afterward and he lost much of the time reserve (over the cutoff speed) he had but he's building it back-up in preparation for the climbs in West Virginia later in the race. The switch in crew schedule seems to have worked well for both crew and John, and the current schedule for John is to ride about 15 miles and take a ten minute break in the van. John is usually riding about 15 - 17 mph and with the breaks in the van he's averaging about 13 mph (which is going to build up a good reserve over the 10.4 cutoff speed).
At a recent time station John and the crew enjoyed a barbecue and John has had a couple interviews recently while riding. He's also listened to American Flyers and Breaking Away (with the crew watching and describing some scenes to him) and is now listening to books on CD to help pass the time. John has been leapfrogging with John Jurczynski for quite awhile. Mike says John J and crew are the nicest people. If I understood correctly they have a motel room at the next time station that John (our John) will be able to use to get showered and perhaps take a rest in. I'm sure it's nice for both of them to have the other there for the camaraderie, and it's probably nice to be rabbit and hare to help keep the motivation up.
The weekend has brought out lots of recreational cyclists who encourage the racers and some towns have people with roadside parties to cheer the cyclists along. As Upton reports below other crews are very supporting and encouraging. Mike said some have bowed down in respect as John rolled by.
The sittings problems John had seem to have been resolved with the help from the crew and some hand problems which developed seem to have been taken care of by John succumbing to the crew's insistence that he wear gloves.
Mike says John's energy levels are high, his hydration is good (having problems with appropriate places to pee since he's drinking a lot and needs to go so often) and his stomach has settled down since he changed his diet (to fast food!).

I've found John in the Field Report 7 (starts at 2:11 - counting down) and 5 (1:48) videos. I haven't looked through the others yet, I'll link to them when I find something.

Post Two Hundred Forty Four

Upton posting from Ft Scott, KS - This is where we plan to let John rest tonight, and my shift have driven ahead and got into a hotel. We had the day off, but met up with John in El Durado, KS, and planned on how far he wished or thought he could go toady. John is doing fine, and we are getting support from a lot of other teams. As the relay teams go through, we get a lot of encouragement for him. Yesterday, before the last major climb in the Rockies, a small group came over to the van and remarked about he is their hero. I had to motion them away from the van, as we planned a 90 min sleep break before the last accent. They did not even realise he was in there, but greatly respected that he needed the quiet but talked with Dan and myself.

Most of the way up the climb, a nice lady, whose name has escaped us all (email if it is you in the pic later) stopped and chatted during a brief break.

Also, Kandy Bennett of the Skyloine Service Station at TOp of Yarnell Grade Hill ) no we did not forget you!) just have not had internet service, came out to say hi and pose as well.

John's thoughts to the Rockies was best covered at the end of the 9900 ft climb, ending the major climbing of the Rockies by wanting this quote "I am holding my strength"

I have taken quite a few pictures of John and crew during the race so far... especially good candid shots of all. We are looking for a way to really post most of them... but you are getting the nice shots...

Two Hundred Forty Three

Matthew Rider posting again because John is out on course pedaling away.
There's another article about John on the RAAM site.

"I've switched over to McDonald's and Burger King. It just sits better on my stomach!"

Man, there was a possible HUGE sponsorship idea there. McDonald's branded jersey and support vehicle. Get a member of the crew to dress as Ronald McDonald. Stop off at the occasional McDonald's on route and say "I'm lovin' it" to whomever will listen and get loads of cash in return. This single speed thing is drawing a lot of attention. Or Match.com - play off of the single speed bike and singles looking for a match. Maybe next year. What tie-ins could a fix gear bike have? I can only think of one and don't even want to know what branding would look like.

I recently spoke with Mike for just a bit and found out that the support crews are changing their strategy a little. The day crew is just finishing up a 24 hour shift and Mike and his crew are about to start a 24 hour shift. I'm not sure what prompted the change but it might provide a bit more continuity of support for John.

It's nice to look at the standings and see that John's average and current speed has risen a bit. As I write this he's between station 25 and 26 and if you look at the rider report you'll see John's between station average speed has gotten up over 12mph after a lengthy drop below 9. Of course the Rockies have affected his speed but it's got to feel good for him to speed back up and get some extra breathing room from the minimum speed cutoff.

Two Hundred Forty Two

Matthew Rider again:
Another post on the RAAM website about John with an update on his status.
I didn't get a chance to make a call to Mike last night but based on the lack of progress I suspected that John is battling with wind and had taken some extra time off the bike.
I wish I could be there with him and push him along for a bit, I can't even imagine what he must be going through.
Hopefully not something like this.

And John mentioned again. I must not check the website enough, I didn't see this one on the front page.

Two Hundred Forty One

Matthew Rider again:
Just now I (obsessively) checked the RAAM website to confirm John is at time station 17 and what do I see but a front page post referencing the "Single Speed Mad-Man."
For those of you that aren't going to click through and read the short post, see how it closes

"...no one can deny you're one fantastic cyclist. See you on the boardwalk! I sense some history being written here."

I got chills reading that. Goosebumps.

I also saw a reference to John here.

"Brenden Dan is the Australian 24 hour solo single speed mountain bike record holder, so he asked me how single speed rider John Spurgeon was doing."

...and while I'm at it, half of this article is about John. This is a description they provide.

"Sporting a toned, sleek body clad in Spandex and a helmet."

Yeah baby!

Two Hundred Forty

Matthew Rider here:

I just got off the phone with Mike and John (8:35PM PST) and despite a bad connection I managed to get the following...

John had just finished the (approximately 20 mile) descent off of Wolf Creek. A 20 mile descent sounds great at first, but I imagine it would get old after awhile. Of course I haven't been on a bike for three days, I suppose whatever soreness one might get from a tight tuck would be well worth the break from pedaling it might offer, and of course a 20 mile descent means one had to climb to get high enough to go downhill for twenty miles. The top of the ascent brought him up into the sun which must have been nice since he had to get bundled up for the descent. I don't have a weather report for John's location but the RAAM website says there is rain and wind to deal with a few hundred miles ahead of John so he may be on the edge of that.

While climbing John caught someone and then traded spots with him on the descent. John was also fortunate enough to have the company of two media crews while climbing. They talked with him as he stopped every so often for a bite to eat. I'm sure having the attention and someone new to talk to was a nice distraction.

As I was talking with Mike getting an update they pulled into a time station (17 I think) and Mike told me there were four teams there. Mike also told me John is having some problems with his, uh, sitting area but Upton (I think) is doing a great job taking care of John so he should be all right.

Unfortunately I don't have much to say about my conversation with John. I tried finding out if the Whopper he reported eating in his last post was a regrettable meal choice but the bad connection and odd sounds coming from the van's PA system cut the call short.

He's planning on sleeping for one hour then he'll get back on the bike.
...and I feel like I've had a long week.
931 miles down - 2111 to go

Go John!

Two Hundred Thirty Nine

Thanks EVERYONE for all the words of encouragement. I'm in a Burger King having dinner (Whopper and fries). We'll be leaving Arizona soon. See you on the other side!

John

Two Hundred Thirty Eight

Posted by Upton Dabney - Today it finally started. I am sure that the last few days have been causing a bit of anxiety in John, although he would not admit the nervousness, seemed a little like a kid eagerly awaiting the Christmas morning, and Santa had arrived.

John got a lot of looks and comments from other bicyclists as he was going single speed for this race. Actually, a one point on the course, another team recovered his water bottle, and returned it by asking, "yopu guys are with the single speeder, right?".... He has been getting a lot of positive remarks from the other teams and support crews.

At Time Station 1, a lot of people were taking pictures of his bike... making sure that it was for real. The other qquestion we have been getting is whether he has different gears, and we tell them the two gear ratios he is using.

I took a few pictures today and hope you enjoy them.

Two Hundred Thirty-Seven

Upton and Allen


Previous RAAM Champions


John, Jure, and Upton


Solo Riders

Two Hundred Thirty-Six

Julia, Andres, Jon, Mike, moi

Tuesday we left Hillsboro after lunch and stopped by Jon Wolf's house to pick up his bike. We took it with us to Oceanside. In a few minutes Dad is going to drive down to San Diego to drop off the bike and pick up my brother, Dan, at the airport. Jon departs San Diego tomorrow on an Elite Pac Tour.

We took the scenic route along Hwy 101 and arrived in Oceanside Thursday around noon. Our hotel reservations had been canceled by mistake. The RAAM staff reserved rooms at the same hotel and then cancelled. The hotel manager cancelled our reservations too. We ended up across the street at a Motel 9. All's well that ends well.

Yesterday we had some more drama when we couldn't find the car keys. After turning the hotel room upside down and making plans to get new keys, Dad finally found them under the bed. I think he planted them there.

Mike, our crew chief, is the the detailed-oriented engineer. He makes schedules and check lists for us every day.

Upton Dabney is the Head Athletic Trainer at Oregon Institute of Technology. He's been showing people how to give me massages and hook up the TENS unit to my tendon in case it acts up. Yesterday he lifted me by my shoulder blade to stretch my upper back.



Julia and Andres are grad students studying exercise physiology at Purdue. Yesterday they collected all my urine and Mike's. Today they drew some blood. During the race they'll be taking small samples to see how the race affects me.



After breakfast my dad reviewed the process for changing a flat tire on the van. Upton, Mike, Andres, and Julia are watching in the picture above.

I met Perry Stone yesterday. Perry is features quite a bit in the 2004 RAAM DVD. Then I had my pictures taken. I chatted with Rick Bothling and his mom for a while. They gave us some good tips about preventing and dealing with saddle sores based on Fred's experience last year.

The interview with Allen Larson and Danny Chew was so cool! I'm sure I sounded like a bumbling rookie, but I was thrilled to be talking 1:1 with two RAAM legends. Allen know a lot about me from RAO and Danny seemed genuinely interested in my story. The single speed thing gets people's attention. Both Allen and Danny seemed somewhat concerned about whether my gearing would be small enough to get me over some of the climbs late in the race. The issue is really how much of an affect fatigue is going to have on my ability to mash a relatively big gear up grades that could approach 20% at times.

Mike tells me that activity at the start is really picking up today. I can't wait to get down there and snap some more photos.

Later gator!

Two Hundred Thirty-Five

Pacific Ocean


View of the start from the vehicle inspection lot


Inspection


Registration


Me on the Pier above the RAAM start line


Dad and I


Laura, Julia, Mike, Julia T., Andres

More photos at http://picasaweb.google.com/sabertoothsalmon/RAAM2007

Two Hundred Thirty-Four

It's Saturday morning, and we're in Oceanside. About 26 hours from the start! I'll post some pictures and more updates to the blog later today. Bye!