Humidity and mid day heat has been tough
Byron's reporting that while Mike's still in good spirits, the heat and humidity between 11am and 4pm every day have been way worse than expected. "Give me the dry desert heat over this stuff any day," says Byron. "I'm sweating like crazy just standing outside. It's just really tough doing RAAM in these conditions."
Mike's about to go down for a nap and the crew believes third place Fabio Biasiolo -- who was just about 30 minutes back from Mike at the TS#37 in Effingham, IL -- is also going to be going down very soon as well.
Right now Mike's biggest disappointment is that the race is taking longer than he'd expected and some of the travel arrangements (flights back, etc.) are going to have to be altered and that's kind of bumming him out.
Knowing Mike, he'll get it together after the next nap and have a good day tomorrow. Tomorrow it will be a full week that the solo guys have been riding continously and that's got to wear on a rider tremendously -- almost more mentally than physically.
This has been one very tough RAAM. Let's help get Mike to the finish line. As always, your comments are not only repeated by bullhorn to Mike, they're very much appreciated and are a big part of what's keeping him going.
Mike's about to go down for a nap and the crew believes third place Fabio Biasiolo -- who was just about 30 minutes back from Mike at the TS#37 in Effingham, IL -- is also going to be going down very soon as well.
Right now Mike's biggest disappointment is that the race is taking longer than he'd expected and some of the travel arrangements (flights back, etc.) are going to have to be altered and that's kind of bumming him out.
Knowing Mike, he'll get it together after the next nap and have a good day tomorrow. Tomorrow it will be a full week that the solo guys have been riding continously and that's got to wear on a rider tremendously -- almost more mentally than physically.
This has been one very tough RAAM. Let's help get Mike to the finish line. As always, your comments are not only repeated by bullhorn to Mike, they're very much appreciated and are a big part of what's keeping him going.
10 Comments:
Hi Mike...up here in the Great White North we only sleep in the winter.....summer is for enjoying every moment. Your amazing ride for the first 7 days inspired me to do an early morning 40 miles on the bike before work today . I am just amazed at your focus at this stage in the race. You are mentally the strongest person I have ever met. I remember those last few miles of your 24 hour track race in San Diego, You were so determined to keep pushing the pace just to completely crush the race record and you kept up a blistering pace. These next few days are going to be all mental and they will be extremely tough but that is your strong point......we are very proud to be your friend......this is my second day without ice cream in your honor........keep the fatih....Greg White in the Great White North
Hey Mike....great job with only 4 flats this far into the race......the heat and humidity is tough but it affects everyone and gives you the advantage.....how many of these riders have survived the heat of running the bad 146. You are supertough.......with just 700 miles left it might be time to consider a little sprint to the finish.....you have our total support and admiration.....Greg White in the Great White North
Mike, I can't leave home for more than a few hours at a time, because I have to keep updated on your race. I've been telling everyone how awesome your doing. People are blown away that you can do something like this. I feel like I'm rooting for my favorite team in the Super Bowl. You have a lot of new fans you've never met. Keep it up, you're getting close.
Mike, you're doing great. For some reason, it's really hot and humid too here in Switzerland (actually, it's like this here every summer). I went up and down some hills Friday and I was sweating like crazy. Just remember: drink, drink, drink... Just keep your focus, you're doing great so far.
Greatings from Switzerland,
David.
Hello Mike and Crew, Keep up the Great job. Anything is possible with the right additutde and great support. Think about what it will be like when you can say "TWO RAAM races under my belt". Very impressive. Good Luck. Ducky Dave--Somewhere in Iraq.
Go Mike GO!
Everyone who's finish RAAM is winner. I fill think about you, when will this afternoon climbing to my hill, and this will double my strenght. And I wish same to you.
GO Mike. Greetings from Slovenia.
Good Morning MIKE! A little Western States news, Scott Jurek wins yet again for the 7th time! Whenever I start to feel tired or experience a tough race moment, I try to really look around me and take in the scenary, ofcourse you probably won't have any tough moments today, but just in case! :) ONE WEEK OF RIDING!! WOOHOO!! I'm thinking you're going to be able to eat a TON of food after this race! YOU RULE!
Mike-
It is 7:30 am and I am sitting here listening to your little brother play the bass on a very hard song as fast as he can. He is so determined to learn it, he works day and night to improve. He has come further than any 13 year old I have ever known. He never gives up.Where did he get this passion from? He makes his debute performance at Church service this morning. We will all say a prayer for your continued strength and safety. Go, Mike, Go! Love,
Peg
I am humbled by your accomplishments. I have never coached anyone doing such extraordinary things. But each person does their own amazing things each day. So in this light, here are my top three things I say when coaching track, hope they help just a little.
"Suck it up." Seriously, this heat and humidity we loved as kids. You would be on your little BMX jumping off some ramp and then playing Hide n Seek. Maybe eat a popsicle.
"Dig deep" like you never have before.
"Relax and Pump."
love you,
Stacey Carr
P.S. My parents are in Vancouver now and they send their best!
Michael,
Cedar Rapids is quickly becoming educated about RAAM and my nephew. I have told everyone I know about my nephew who is riding across the whole country in like 9 days or so. They are in total awe as well. This is truly an amazing feat Michael.
Gary and I go to the computer every chance we get to check on you. We continue our prayers for your safety and are constantly thinking of you. We love you - Mary and Gary.
Post a Comment
<< Home