The start line of a 3000 mile bike race.

Team Live Forever

Where is the fourth rider?

The saga will be unveiled next post... :)

RAAM official inspection

Lon Haldeman, RAAM founder, was on-hand at vehicle and equipment inspection this morning. He offered some insider info and pointers for us to take with us on the chaotic journey ahead.

We made a few adjustments to our gear and left inspections early. Then off to official team photoshoot, which in the spirit of RAAM chaos was only attended by 3 of our 4 racers.

To be continued...

RAAM opener

We arrived in Oceanside today to register with RAAM headquarters and checkin at the hotel.

The beach scene at the Oceanside Pier was just right out of Baywatch. Kids skateboarding the strand, teenage girls in bikinis, etc.

After a whirlwind of packetpickup and jersey sizing we stepped out for a ride as a team at 4:30. The RAAM spirit was quick to blow us over. At the top of a considerable grade, we pulled over to talk stragedy. And this point marks the start of the RAAM saga.

To be continued...

RAAM fueling station

Racing a bicycle 24/7 (literally) will require a significant amount of calories. I expect to use a liquid diet while racing and then eating comfort food immediately after a shift.

These are the Hammer Nutrition products we've selected.

AC Shoulder Separation - Grade 2 with X-rays

While on my first practice run at the Sea Otter Downhill MTB course, I got bucked after casing the landing on the first jump.  I really should know better.  As a result of the crash I got a grade 2 AC separation in my left shoulder.  The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is formed by the cap of the shoulder (acromion) and the collar bone (clavicle). It is held together by three taut ligaments. I tore one or two of these ligaments.

The rear suspension bucked me OTB (over the bars) so fast I just slammed instantly in to the wall of the next jump.  I was seriously dizzy and nauseous as the medic on course evaluated me.

After 3 days I got xrays and saw an Orthopedic specialist.  He said no surgery, 6 weeks rehab, and hope for the best.

Now I get to ride the trainer in my garage for a month to stay fit enough to attempt RAAM