Location: Washington, Missouri
Conditions: 93F, partly cloudly, winds from NE @ 4, dew point 75F
Miles covered: 1,987
Miles remaining: 1,034
Food for thought: David Spade's baby Mama, Jillian Grace, is from Washington, Missouri, (Google at your own risk...)
It had to happen...a rough patch. Every RAAM rider goes through it. When you're doing a race as long as RAAM, it's going to happen many, many times.
Ben's first big rough patch was yesterday. Following on the heels of his 32-hour pull and rest, he got up yesterday, not quit right. That, combined with the 100-degree heat and humidity, made for a tough-ass day.
The Crue was icing him down every five minutes, feeding him fluids, trying to keep his spirits up, but it was challenging...
However, last night, after a hotel-bed rest, an IV and massage, Ben woke up like a new man. Fairbanks said that today, despite the heat, he's "riding like a champ," and his spirits are up.
In other RAAM excitement, the follow van had a flat tire yesterday. The RV had one today. At least no one on the Crue has butt implants, otherwise one of those would likely go flat too and need a changeout.
Next stop, the Mississippi River and less than 1,000 miles to go!
-Matt
6 comments:
Even with the hard day, Owen "Fairbanks" says that the Crue and Ben have had lots and lots of laughs. I think they are all a bit silly by now and it is great to know that they are finding humor in all this. Because of the 110+ weather, Fairbanks said that changing the flat tire was a drenching experience and I agree with Matt, no butt implants (although you wonder). Keep on keeping on guys!
Dear Ben,
Let us introduce ourselves. We're your new neighbors in Lake Elmo. Though we haven't met, your name proceeds you so we've been following your progress in RAAM. Legion Lane is rooting for you and looking forward to hearing a few RAAM stories after you settle into your new house. Good luck! You're on the downhill side now.
Dana, Sheila, Eric and Darren Smith
Benny,
You told me this is when you thought it was going to get tough... it appears that you are rolling right through it!!
Everyone at the shop and some guy I saw on the ride to work today wanted to wish you well(I only wear the EA kit this week)!!
Sumo,Ambrose, Tracy, The Mad Mex Basave and all of the Synergy group are cheering bigtime!
Benny's rough patch sounds a bit like his entire two man journey back when I was part of the "Crue" back in 2002. My favorite memory of that two man RAAM trip was when Benny had a bath towel soaked in water wrapped around his neck and tucked into his jersey and he was wearing two knee braces. He looked like a cross between Rocky Balboa and Kareem Abdul Jabbar. In retrospect, his poor taste in attire was fitting for the Oklahoma crowd that watched him go by.
Rolled-up bibshorts at the waist in 90+°F heat are not attractive either for around-the-home-actory wear and leisure...
Perhaps the Btron's "Kareem look" wasn't so bad?
Go TP!!!
24 hour Road Trip…got up yesterday morning and decided to take a little ride…ended up running into Ben and his Crue at the Mississippi River. Totally amazing! Ben we are so PROUD of you and your Crue. Thanks for sharing a part of your journey with a couple of old Geezers. We couldn’t have gotten there without Q’s ride and Stephanie and my mom’s navigation. Love ya…mean it…Uncle Ed and Aunt Kathy. Your Wisconsin Family sends their love. See you on the 12th. Did the Crue save you any cookies?
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