Crossing the Finish Line!

6/27/2009 6:00:15 AM

We made it! We crossed the finish line in Annapolis last night at 10:20 pm. It was a great feeling to have crossed the country with such a dedicated team of people. Our time of 6 days, 4 hours, and 48 (i think) minutes equals an average speed of 20.3 miles per hour! I has very happy with that accomplishment. I know that many of you were cheering for us from different parts of the country as you read our blogs. I thank you for that support. It was fun reading your replies and words of encouragement. it seemed as if our team was much larger than the 19 that came across the country.

Our team was a great team. The crew portion of the team took care of us riders. They were always focused on our safety and kept us in their sights every minute. I had the opportunity to have Lee, Kris, Dustin, Tony and Staci crew when Dave, Brody, Ryan and I were riding. Everyone of them did a great job. Lee was our crew chief and kept things moving down the road. Lee was that solid steady hand that builds confidence of those he is around. I was able to relax and enjoy the ride because I knew that Lee could handle any situation that might have arisen. Chris and Dustin were a great team. Kris drove as well if not better than anyone I have been with in my past RAAMs. He seemed to find the best transition points and was always focused on rider safety. Dustin was one of the best navigators I had seen. This was his first RAAM but to anyone that didn't know, it could have been his 10th. Staci stepped into the navigator/driver position like a natural. I enjoyed getting to know her a little this past week. Tony spent a couple of days on the road with the riders and a couple of days with the motor home crew. He is a great asset to any part of the team. He made many friends along the way.

Tony has been with me for all 3 of the RAAMs that I have participated in. In 2004, Tony suggested that we try this crazy thing and put together a team to participate in RAAM. Many of us didn't think we could accomplish such a thing but Tony knew from the beginning that we could. I rode with him in 2005, he was a crew in 2007 and again this year in 2009. I could not thank him enough, for if it wasn't his friendship and vision I would have never finished one RAAM much less 3! Again, THANK YOU TONY!

The motor home crew probably had the toughest job of them all. A RAAM motor home is a unique place. It is an experience in a of itself. It supports all of the team. It is where the pre and post ride meals are prepared, it sleeps the riders and motor home staff. It is where the riders shower after being on the road and it is where we get ready to take the race. All of the teams supplies are handled out of the motor home.

I want to to thank Jason and Kristen for all that they have done to form this team and raise awareness for organ donation. They are special people that the world needs more of. They brought us together and hopefully through there efforts raised awareness and money (please make a donation. Without out your donation this last week was only a race that we rode and ended last night. With your donation this last week has true meaning that will continue to help many people in the future).

Last and most important I want to thank my wife Kathy. I love her and am grateful for her support. I could not have asked for a better companion to help me through this life.

I am a little sore this morning but I would love to do a ride today around this beautiful city of Annapolis. Maybe I can find some cyclists around here....

Bob