Noe’s Cap On RAAM
Noe Gamez has been hauling ass across the country officiating this running of the Ride Across America. Here’s his final thoughts on the
Hi everybody,
Thank you for indulging me in this email about my 2007 Race Across America ‘experiences’. I hope you enjoy…
As a few of you already know, I’m already on my journey back across this beautiful land after this years RAAM event. Knowing fully well that I would not be able to make it all the way to Atlantic City and back to Tucson, Arizona, home for me, in the time I had planned on; I had a difficult decision to make late Monday night/Super-early Tuesday morning. What was difficult about it was that I would not be seeing this years finish line, the ULTIMATE goal for all the cyclists ( and especially those still in the running–riding really), in Atlantic City.
What was especially tough, was coming back across the race route and encountering the solo and team riders. You immediately gain a strong (some stronger than others, of course) bond with these people as we make our way to the “finish line”. I was happy of course to see them once again and let them know just how much luck I hoped upon them in getting all the way there…safely. Big hugs, to say the very least, were exchanged and even some tears shed.
As it turns out, It just so happened to work out that my services as a race official would be most needed returning backwards on the route to get some much needed updates on the riders “behind” me. While disappointed, it’s always nice to feel a sense of purpose and I was able to report every riders whereabouts back to head quarters. I made it into Indiana, for those of us keeping score, and went back to central Missouri before I officially un-officiated myself in Jefferson City.
I’ve been since then driving A LOT!! I’m in Denver, Colorado right now! I got in late last night after jumping on Interstate-70 after my last duty as an official for this years event, late Monday night.
I drove, drove, drove and then drove some more to get to a great friends house, here in Denver. A HOT SHOWER AND A BED TO SLEEP IN FOR THE FIRST TIME IN OVER A WEEK!!!!!!!! VERY NICE!!!!
Some of this years highlights are too many to list…but some of my absolute favorites include:
Night one; being a part of sunset and sunrise in Joshua Tree National Forest.
Seeing the very first sliver of this months new moon rise on the eastern horizon in the four corners area of the U.S. For those of that have experienced this beauty, it’s truly a very special place.
The EPIC mountain passes of Colorado…pretty much All of CO.
Now, this may seem like a strange one but here goes anyway. Greensburg, Kansas. Now seven weeks later, was leveled by a tornado…COMPLETELY LEVELED! It takes your breath away to see the devastation left in the wake of a natural disaster. It also made me immediately appreciate love and life.
Finally to conclude this epic long email (it is RAAM) — I really most enjoyed the people. After all, that is what we are… people. Of one blood and one world. I love sharing and trying to connect with everyone I come across, in this case across America… but really across the world.
Thanks again,
Love and Life and Peace to you all,
Noe Gamez