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.
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.
posted by Sabertooth Salmon at 9:29 PM
1 Comments:
John
It looks like you are doing great. You should be in Indy tomorrow morning. I will see if I can catch up with you somewhere in Ohio.
Good Luck
Mat
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