Noe on RAAM part Deux de ought
Saludos a todos,
Another incredible day across America. Now in Colorado, Trinidad, Colorado after what I feel is the most EPIC series of “stages” RAAM has to offer. Lots of 6% to 10% accents and descents! Never dropping under 6000′ and two 9000′+ passes and one 10,000′+ pass! My favorite being this last stage from La Veta to Trinidad. Two passes on this one; Cucharra and Cordova both over 9000′. The San Isabel Natl. Forest in the Culebra Mountain Range is why the The Rocky Mountains are so impressive!
Today marked the day when the teams begin to catch the solo riders that left two days earlier (Sunday.) Standings right now for all category leaders are all riding a close and exciting race. Lot’s of action, lots of RAAM personel all around and lot’s of the RAAM “buzz” everywhere!
For me this year’s RAAM has been, at least thus far…Absolutely Outstanding! A big-time Thank you to Donovan (and Randy) in Pagosa Springs! Met Donovan in back in Tucson, both he and I volunteer for Inner City Outings, a Sierra Club Org. that helps (us, volunteers) to take those less fortunate to get out and enjoy what many of us are fortunate enough to take for granted…the great outdoors! It’s a great organization that great people in every great community should have. Thanks again Don for the H.A.B.U. : (hookin’-a-brother-up!) home cooked meal, beer, bed, hot-shower AND blueberry pancakes WITH coffee inthe moring. Really it’s been a “soft” RAAM experience so far this year in comparison from last year when I slept the entire distance in or right beside the car. Either way…life is good but I’ll certainly take this year’s hospitality hook-ups when I can!
Okay mi amigos, I’m gonna try to drive some of the grain elevator-to-grain elevator of Kansas out of the way tonight… in the dark! Please head to: www.raceacrossamerica.org for some exciting youtube videos and up-to-date standings of all the riders in all the categories as they try to conquer “the worlds toughest race”.
Hope you are enjoying your Summer (close enough) thus far,
from 1107.9 miles/ 3046.6 miles in Trinidad, Colorado; peace and more peace to ya,
Noe