The Story of My Race Across America
Miracles at the Mississippi Life-defining moments are rare, but in the landscape of our memories they rise like mighty mountain peaks above an expanse of clouds that form the collective annals of our existence; the birth of a son or daughter, the death of a loved-one, your first kiss, finding your God. I experienced such a moment on the lush …
Losing the edge….. There’s a scene from the wildly popular 1986 movie Top Gun when Cougar walks into his commanding officer’s room following a scary encounter with a Russian MiG-28 fighter plane and states “I’m holding on too tight. I’ve lost the edge.” He then “turns-in his wings” thereby giving-up his flight status as a Top Gun pilot. I’m no …
The end is just the beginning… Approximately twenty miles east of Chillicothe, Ohio, on a lightning-illuminated Hwy 50, I stopped pedaling for the final time. I gently propped my trusty “red dragon” bicycle (a blood-red colored Trek Domane that had become an extension of my own body over the course of this race) against our support van, clambered inside, and …
June 28, 2018 It’s been almost a week since I made the decision to withdraw from the Race Across America after 2,600 miles of sleep-deprived exertion, yet the adventure continues for me. The race has changed me. I am no longer the same person who waited anxiously at the start line in Oceanside on June 12. I’d like to think …
One final trip as Team Red Dragon in the Little White Dragon Wagon. We travel to Maryland. Passing over the Appalachian region left us contemplative over what could’ve been. The desire to see Michael, with his strong climbing skills and his skilled descents, yet knowing full well, the danger we would’ve been facing with Michael stretched so far beyond his …
Mile: 2576 June 22, 22:09 (RAAM – EST) A thunderstorm so heavy with lightening all around. Michael continues on. We all just wonder, what will be thrown at us next. A flash flood alert has come as well. He’s riding through water 3-4 inches deep sending off rooster tails, that informs us the traction must be nil. After a few …
From 7:00 pm – 7:00 am, we must direct follow Michael – 20-30’ Behind him at all times. He must be in our headlights. We are a connected entity during this time. The Little White Dragon Wagon acts as shield. During these times, we often entertain ourselves with what I refer to as “The Terrano Talks”. It’s often in the …
A brief pitstop, referred to as ‘butt break’ – he doesn’t actually get off the bike but stands and stretches for a moment. Sometimes it will include a clothing change. Here Michael is checking in with the Navigator. Navigator always sits shotgun and communicates without a Michael Our the window and hands needed items out the window as the van …
What is involved in a Time Station stop? Most Time Stations are just a drive by. A place designated on the map and nothing more. Michael rides by the designated spot and then the crew chief checks in online to Headquarters to verify he made it. Often times Time Stations are at gas stations or other establishments that have facilities …
And did we mention…severe thunderstorms approaching. Nothing new though, Michael has been riding through torrential rains off and on these last few days. He currently wears double shorts to keep his tender bum as comfortable as possible, and with all the rain he changes at least twice a day. Keeping up with his laundry is of key importance to keep …
