MIles 2616-2702 Entering West Virgina Driving from Athens, OH into West Virginia tonight I (Susi) was filled with so many emotions, I thought I would try and capture a piece of it and share it here, with those of you who have been traveling along this journey with us. First let’s set the stage. It is a gorgeous evening with …
Fort Garland
Mile 1100 While Michael and the follow vehicle took off to enjoy the LaVeta Pass stretch we found a wonderful pit stop for refueling, laundry, and food. Fort Garland was a perfect stop in the middle of nowhere, we stopped for a crew exchange. When this happens its a lot of yellow vests, a flurry of activity, and some general …
LaVeta to Trinidad and beyond T17-T22
Miles: 1077-1319 This stretch of terrain is near and dear to Michael’s and Team Red Dragon’s heart. This area is just beautiful. It encompasses two passes that Michael just loves to ride. It happen to be that we were passing through on Father’s Day both times. There are lots of places for the whole crew to root Michael on. Michael …
Wolf Creek Pass Summit TS16-TS17 (Miles: 982.8-1030.7)
Wolf Creek Pass Summit Michael is an amazing hill climber. He looks forward to the grind and powers up the hills. Wolf Creek Pass is no exception. The climb, in the cooler temperatures, was a welcome change. At the top of the climb Michael scrambled up in front of the Continental Divide sign and hoisted his bike up overhead. Then …
RAAM 2021 – Day 3 – It’s a Different World Out There
Miles 500-699 – Camp Verde, AZ – Cow Springs, AZ Today included a long stretch (102 miles) from Camp Verde to Flagstaff, and then traveling beyond towards Monument Valley. This time section did not allow for other support vehicles so one crew shift stayed with Michael the whole way – appx. 13 hours. This stretch of road offered some relief …
TS12-TS15 We Might Have Hit a Turning Point…???
First a word about Time Stations (TS). The RAAM race route is divided up into 54 Time Stations (TS). In our Route Book we have explicit directions and descriptions from one TS to the next. At each TS, once the rider has passed through, a member of the team must contact Headquarters (HQ) to report the TS accomplished. Now that …
RAAM 2021 – Day 2 – The Heat Just Keeps on Coming!
Miles 312-500 (Salome, AZ – Camp Verde, AZ The desert heat is so incredibly brutal. Physically being here, feeling the intensity of the sun beating down, searing your eyes, nostrils and skin. Then to think about how exponentially hotter it must be for Michael on the bike, with extreme exertion all the while, it is unfathomable, even watching it …
RAAM 2021 – Day 1 – The Journey Begins
Miles 0-311 Participating in RAAM Is a journey like no other. We are currently just over 24 hours into the adventure – it feels like a lifetime. One day. 311 miles – who does that?!? One of our Hopecam parents shared this insight – think to yourself, what all you did between 2:00 pm yesterday and 2:00 pm today. It’s …
Don’t Cry Because it’s Over, Laugh because it Happened
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 …
Terrano Talks
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 …