tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33348081328564517322024-02-02T12:22:07.983-06:00The trials and tribulations encountered preparing for and racing RAAM 2009benpopphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13667889568947229068noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3334808132856451732.post-24935055252700238992009-08-14T06:41:00.007-05:002009-08-19T06:37:54.420-05:00So it comes to an end....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLhxkjguq0VPIPyNLQiGbUcH6GBkla3oCTr9fsVyeQQ3bdyqYKY_uHUkov9ZToukJnvPQ_cvcrmQLAqn-FTKnAQLmInCVx9R9urpyhH7Pk9GA6Q1lhnfL8An9_DxpbTHFP9GtmeTO7Ys/s1600-h/year+of+shots+427.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLhxkjguq0VPIPyNLQiGbUcH6GBkla3oCTr9fsVyeQQ3bdyqYKY_uHUkov9ZToukJnvPQ_cvcrmQLAqn-FTKnAQLmInCVx9R9urpyhH7Pk9GA6Q1lhnfL8An9_DxpbTHFP9GtmeTO7Ys/s320/year+of+shots+427.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369783403693955954" border="0" /></a>Well, after nearly 5 years of planning and preparing we have executed RAAM. I wish i had some eloquent way to bring this to closure, but i don't. i keep telling myself if i just wait one more day i'll somehow be able with words to describe the experience myself and 7 of my closest friends and family whet through...but i can't. We went into an amazing battle together and came out the other side better people for it. RAAM has a crazy way of showing you who you really are and how you deal with "life as it happens". While this is my last RAAM as a racer, i look forward to helping others embark on their RAAM adventures as i feel it is an amazing medium for discovering yourself and what lies within you. Until we meet again somewhere down the road....bp<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiRhdI3pIffDDNAikbi5BmTGO18y55EM4u3FAVn5eOeqp__FN2D7T9_edSFSpHQHtgmcWinpERmUpfjwesoLBi9FkR9Se77OlYGkWedv25T-Cz_k5IDX6zt7LERh99lidQT2nAgYjtqw/s1600-h/September+012.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiRhdI3pIffDDNAikbi5BmTGO18y55EM4u3FAVn5eOeqp__FN2D7T9_edSFSpHQHtgmcWinpERmUpfjwesoLBi9FkR9Se77OlYGkWedv25T-Cz_k5IDX6zt7LERh99lidQT2nAgYjtqw/s320/September+012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370393974310573554" border="0" /></a>benpopphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13667889568947229068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3334808132856451732.post-68878234615803564482009-07-15T12:40:00.004-05:002009-07-15T12:59:37.614-05:00A Few Final Thoughts...and Images<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuU1VSZkdBP3_HWoMH52GzzKSQHABpiQKWjSGHnQawkMnPzbZLG2r7uSi4A3GUbwnrfzurkQeaDvZvRdeXDYX0ZbY7-TuW55ugsAvxG63dfDOktH0L-JV9n7h-GKeBFAD8-J0v9lFllG4/s1600-h/PenaltyBox.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuU1VSZkdBP3_HWoMH52GzzKSQHABpiQKWjSGHnQawkMnPzbZLG2r7uSi4A3GUbwnrfzurkQeaDvZvRdeXDYX0ZbY7-TuW55ugsAvxG63dfDOktH0L-JV9n7h-GKeBFAD8-J0v9lFllG4/s320/PenaltyBox.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358744331225332850" border="0" /></a>Over the next few days i'll complete my(and crew's) picture download here: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thepopps/sets/72157621507537180/">RAAM Pictures</a><br />I'm still trying to decipher exactly what we went through and what happened...but stay tuned for a recap.<br />Also, Tuesday July 28th, I'm going to do a "RAAM recap presentation" at Now Bikes in St. Paul. We are doing a short ride at 6pm, then beer and cheese "Sconnie style"to accompany the talk. Good pics, videos and stories are a guarantee.<br />Finally, I want to say that i am so grateful for all the good thoughts and support everyone sent throughout. We needed everyone of those positive thoughts and comments left here to get through. I can't tell you how many times i was ready to mentally fail...only to be saved by a well wish read to me by the crew from the website. Your support meant the world.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUd3V8lRKEOzzGaNqx9wcgQFLj-gJk7TvXhnfSOFr_ufOTiWHuKXUOmS32j6ngeVx9jkczMRkl7BHUQHoxK2mcs079UaxMZf2w2kI21pxu5lN4I80e8hHGL3ubJPbekhFgY8KrgZnPPkk/s1600-h/End11.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUd3V8lRKEOzzGaNqx9wcgQFLj-gJk7TvXhnfSOFr_ufOTiWHuKXUOmS32j6ngeVx9jkczMRkl7BHUQHoxK2mcs079UaxMZf2w2kI21pxu5lN4I80e8hHGL3ubJPbekhFgY8KrgZnPPkk/s400/End11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358747259532969762" border="0" /></a>benpopphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13667889568947229068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3334808132856451732.post-69740164505205673102009-06-30T21:34:00.003-05:002009-06-30T21:38:35.691-05:00Home<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7TlwjyCd5dRugVIWjpzZ-0zlbljd-WgK-DDO5JbQIpLjmbGrqXjvo56gIC2vvxaStt1lu-FporfGk3iREnrNuW5CYQFgEUmZ13hmEJERTdMjWfZovY1xyzg67PQRY4rs0lPXX6ZS5f0/s1600-h/RAAM!BOB1+008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7TlwjyCd5dRugVIWjpzZ-0zlbljd-WgK-DDO5JbQIpLjmbGrqXjvo56gIC2vvxaStt1lu-FporfGk3iREnrNuW5CYQFgEUmZ13hmEJERTdMjWfZovY1xyzg67PQRY4rs0lPXX6ZS5f0/s320/RAAM!BOB1+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353314983692636898" border="0" /></a>Well, we made it home...what an epic adventure. I'll try and put some closing thoughts together, along with an online album of pics for everyone to recount the adventure. Thanks so much to Matt, my crew and all of you who helped will me across the us...not possible without the support of you all. Off to bed. ben<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaEs-WVoLUX50z9ljHERYGvJEVcTy4kk9mBVFZBcYa0n64dHQ6IvsqP9mui9Yj1o0sz6ND_3VmNttXXgZ63y_s29brwWHQr7Mge5GHW3Nv_qIpshWUfO9KvdAHc5LayR3m89oP7qN_GgA/s1600-h/RAAM!BOB1+010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaEs-WVoLUX50z9ljHERYGvJEVcTy4kk9mBVFZBcYa0n64dHQ6IvsqP9mui9Yj1o0sz6ND_3VmNttXXgZ63y_s29brwWHQr7Mge5GHW3Nv_qIpshWUfO9KvdAHc5LayR3m89oP7qN_GgA/s320/RAAM!BOB1+010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353315514022796034" border="0" /></a>benpopphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13667889568947229068noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3334808132856451732.post-17751370423537378902009-06-28T17:16:00.003-05:002009-06-28T17:17:33.757-05:00HE FINISHED!Sorry for the lack of posts the last day--family obligations. But I wanted to let you know, BEN FINISHED. Solo RAAM rookie finisher, 2009.<br /><br />It's an absolutely amazing accomplishment. So raise your glasses...he's done. Safely.<br /><br />-Mattbenpopphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13667889568947229068noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3334808132856451732.post-52032691465191164592009-06-27T12:55:00.001-05:002009-06-27T12:57:43.616-05:00Less Than 300 Miles To Go!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4XuCda-UU96jE4iGAFX-g6rJf8MA-wcYXNjKMwt0vQjmtsK-eKeX5vIcQ4jlHkqjH3pOlW4qjcETcT1prtZmE474oVDRPBvU_ATqaXxFQUCrXMETEJE91TMUJq-Jjj7cSkygRipnAyE/s1600-h/annapolis1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352067816485409714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4XuCda-UU96jE4iGAFX-g6rJf8MA-wcYXNjKMwt0vQjmtsK-eKeX5vIcQ4jlHkqjH3pOlW4qjcETcT1prtZmE474oVDRPBvU_ATqaXxFQUCrXMETEJE91TMUJq-Jjj7cSkygRipnAyE/s400/annapolis1.jpg" /></a><br /><div> </div><div>This will be a much welcomed sight. Annapolis, MD.</div>benpopphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13667889568947229068noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3334808132856451732.post-5914244376517392272009-06-26T22:44:00.002-05:002009-06-26T22:46:22.718-05:00Cougar Sighting<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5HzF9duzFsVWquXzGovfceGwZzG-sY0I1BmhRUnGlbg8SLJnuNloUDk1a2p1Sy0pv95jbR98VwH9EABtSnvlf3Va3C2uzF_hhQum8JifVT3FjLyeiFdwENhjA24XCsMA0GRbTPEp4-fc/s1600-h/coug.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 195px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351848660945251026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5HzF9duzFsVWquXzGovfceGwZzG-sY0I1BmhRUnGlbg8SLJnuNloUDk1a2p1Sy0pv95jbR98VwH9EABtSnvlf3Va3C2uzF_hhQum8JifVT3FjLyeiFdwENhjA24XCsMA0GRbTPEp4-fc/s400/coug.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Live from the mountains of West Va. Miller lite, Whitesnake cassettes and Marb lights were discovered at the scene. Crue snapped a pic.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>benpopphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13667889568947229068noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3334808132856451732.post-67265697372938309722009-06-26T10:56:00.003-05:002009-06-26T11:37:32.648-05:00Day 10<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAG6MQTT6g_wISN9ywJtsACR6hwYew6hwSunGICSJsXzyZbbiaffsThTNkS3Vgd9MsD-5pG-RRZVyxnXiF-JZnU5JX8JipLLzMLYHgOdl5Y3nTJFVZdXX1THM5Nump5OBEH2-9ftDSwyE/s1600-h/Ohio.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351666753704066770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAG6MQTT6g_wISN9ywJtsACR6hwYew6hwSunGICSJsXzyZbbiaffsThTNkS3Vgd9MsD-5pG-RRZVyxnXiF-JZnU5JX8JipLLzMLYHgOdl5Y3nTJFVZdXX1THM5Nump5OBEH2-9ftDSwyE/s400/Ohio.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Entering Ohio at Sunrise...<br /><br /><strong>Location:</strong> Blanchester, Ohio<br /><strong>Conditions:</strong> 78F, mostly cloudy, winds from the WNW @ 9<br /><strong>Miles covered:</strong> 2,458<br /><strong>Miles remaining:</strong> 563<br /><strong>Food for thought:</strong> In ancient Japan, public contests were held to see who in a town could fart the loudest and longest. Winners were awarded many prizes and received great recognition.<br /><br /><br />Long, straight Midwestern roads suck. Especially if they're poorly maintained and have lots of traffic. That was the sentiment from both rider and Crue after yesterday's jaunt through Indiana--according to TP member Peter A.<br /><br />Today is Ohio. And things are looking better.<br /><br />I got to talk to Peter this morning--Fairbanks was preening--and everyone is feeling the effects of limited sleep. However, the end is in sight and that's energizing Ben. Physically, his body is holding up well and there haven't been any major issues. It's just the sleep factor that's compounding. Ben is especially tired in the mornings and the Crue has to use Ninja mind tricks to un-groggy his mind and motivate him.<br /><br />Ben is excited to enter the mountains of West Virginia, mostly for the varying terrain. He seems to thrive in hillier terrain versus the flat-ass plains. Right now, TP's plan is to push ahead to the W.V. foothills tonight and then bed down.<br /><br />That's all for now.<br /><br />-Mattbenpopphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13667889568947229068noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3334808132856451732.post-32195845508092354062009-06-25T13:33:00.002-05:002009-06-25T13:37:16.780-05:00Day 9Just a quick voicemail update from Fairbanks. The Crue is in Indiana. Following yesterday's heat, Ben got a a saline IV and hit the road again. Apparently he hasn't looked as good since day one. More of the same today: heat + Ben riding strong. That's good news after the rough patch he had a few days ago.<br /><br />Less than 800 miles to go. He's almost there folks.<br /><br />I hope to have more for you later.<br /><br />-Mattbenpopphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13667889568947229068noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3334808132856451732.post-4598272579689832382009-06-24T16:15:00.003-05:002009-06-24T16:53:42.524-05:00Days Seven and Eight<strong>Location:</strong> Washington, Missouri<br /><strong>Conditions:</strong> 93F, partly cloudly, winds from NE @ 4, dew point 75F<br /><strong>Miles covered:</strong> 1,987<br /><strong>Miles remaining:</strong> 1,034<br /><strong>Food for thought:</strong> David Spade's baby Mama, Jillian Grace, is from Washington, Missouri, (Google at your own risk...)<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />The Crue was icing him down every five minutes, feeding him fluids, trying to keep his spirits up, but it was challenging...<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Next stop, the Mississippi River and less than 1,000 miles to go!<br /><br />-Mattbenpopphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13667889568947229068noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3334808132856451732.post-87804832240168270312009-06-24T12:18:00.003-05:002009-06-24T12:30:27.878-05:00It's Not You, It's Me......in that I haven't been able to connect with Fairbanks over the last day (it's that damn work thing getting in the way of my RAAM reporting and the fact that the Crue is very busy).<br /><br />So I'm not ignoring the updates, I'm just waiting for more info. In the meantime follow <a href="http://twitter.com/TheFixStudio"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Larry's updates via Twitter</span></strong></a>. And Ben's progress on the <a href="http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/raam/rcrank.php"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">RAAM leaderboard</span></strong></a>.<br /><br />As soon as I talk with the Crue, I'll post more.<br /><br />--Mattbenpopphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13667889568947229068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3334808132856451732.post-69463637301474469552009-06-23T12:35:00.003-05:002009-06-23T12:39:27.730-05:00Road ConstructionNo daily update from the Crue yet, but Larry did post this to his <a href="http://twitter.com/TheFixStudio">Twitter account</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXT12JqZcTEqjGTac4M2YmZuxMonAgP1tWi8CiiX-gj2Y0q0PXgaibU2Uz4BCihGuhdvPGPGqIoefmAGwMLuacubqcdtV3Sd8hbxu5SLrNdABiRO_PVUVcml72T8j7332ZdgT9pcE5CxI/s1600-h/road+construction.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350578280457488994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXT12JqZcTEqjGTac4M2YmZuxMonAgP1tWi8CiiX-gj2Y0q0PXgaibU2Uz4BCihGuhdvPGPGqIoefmAGwMLuacubqcdtV3Sd8hbxu5SLrNdABiRO_PVUVcml72T8j7332ZdgT9pcE5CxI/s400/road+construction.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Looks like Ben ran into a bit of summer road construction. Or it's a scene from a modern day Village People album cover...<br /><br />-Mattbenpopphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13667889568947229068noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3334808132856451732.post-47656837510451731092009-06-22T10:58:00.002-05:002009-06-22T11:01:10.971-05:00Quick Day Six Follow-UpAccording to Fairbanks, Ben has been on the bike for 32 hours--his longest pull yet--great tailwinds. The team is about 20 miles or so from Pratt, Kansas--the halfway point in the race. When they reach Pratt, it's nap time for both rider and Crue.<br /><br />-Mattbenpopphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13667889568947229068noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3334808132856451732.post-30572290544205997472009-06-22T10:07:00.004-05:002009-06-22T10:36:52.652-05:00Day Six -- Long, Hot & Straight<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8WJwT0w3LaLJ80Dvy_1U2hxEen1ni_cb2IAbD9NTGepFw3yavZFGNbQl5OuoVHwu-DnIVpvUjnWvk11q4khuhUEBqACUuHYVwUdEHPU4PLrw-XRrIiCy905Xvr6-_vVzxFyp4x7lQrU8/s1600-h/sun.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 387px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350169594015465202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8WJwT0w3LaLJ80Dvy_1U2hxEen1ni_cb2IAbD9NTGepFw3yavZFGNbQl5OuoVHwu-DnIVpvUjnWvk11q4khuhUEBqACUuHYVwUdEHPU4PLrw-XRrIiCy905Xvr6-_vVzxFyp4x7lQrU8/s400/sun.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Location</strong>: Plains, Kansas<br /><strong>Conditions</strong>: 86F, sunny, winds from the WSW @ 14, Gusting to 19, Dew Point 67F<br /><strong>Miles covered</strong>: 1,398<br /><strong>Miles remaining</strong>: 1,627<br /><strong>Food for thought</strong>: The fastest time to pluck a turkey is 1 min. 30 seconds, by <a href="http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records/amazing_feats/unusual_skills/fastest_time_to_pluck_a_turkey.aspx"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Vincent Pilkington</span></strong></a><br /><br />It's hot out there. Eastern Kansas is under a heat advisory today with temps expected to reach 99F--that's right where Ben's saddle-chapped booty is headed...<br /><br />Fairbanks called me last night for the weather forecast. Given that Ben had favorable winds and the temps were still moderate, they made the decision to have him ride through the night. Smart choice given the forecast for today. Ben well likely sleep during the hottest part of the day, giving him a well-needed break from the unrelenting sun.<br /><br />After he makes his way--on straight, flat roads--through Kansas, he'll enter Missouri and then Illinois. Not a lot of updates for now, other than rider and crew remain in good spirits. The van hasn't gotten stuck again. And aside from some minor aches and pains, Ben remains in good health.<br /><br />TP is almost at the half-way point, which has got to be a huge motivator.<br /><br />Still, no sightings of the elusive wild cougar though....<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimm9jN9IzkZw-rfNJatrXoqbASw9uucA17FOCdxJJ1Kitobt0-V4_THFrPz4inCEhgs-hS0jhGqhGsZS1okdn-n967W2ZeyJGiDOxgUpYSfU631jvMWqdhLCA3LQFpt3Z0FTGVEvv1yH0/s1600-h/cougar.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 253px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350176162403084514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimm9jN9IzkZw-rfNJatrXoqbASw9uucA17FOCdxJJ1Kitobt0-V4_THFrPz4inCEhgs-hS0jhGqhGsZS1okdn-n967W2ZeyJGiDOxgUpYSfU631jvMWqdhLCA3LQFpt3Z0FTGVEvv1yH0/s320/cougar.bmp" /></a><br /><br />-Matt</div>benpopphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13667889568947229068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3334808132856451732.post-70319468849023221132009-06-21T12:51:00.003-05:002009-06-21T12:54:21.052-05:00Stuck Van<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKB9-5xIuVQ99eA1wpwq4YHJbO8FcDkVjLQ86GRpKFA-zNKo88oj4OwYSjHg6FFhlQGsfpnNLTFRD-lVbkI-dy9u9XmUwvmjRAdzMw2Ggv0qsw4IFFTlkrIsolYYOMdaCKCMz32KgCVw/s1600-h/stuck+van.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349840393075681554" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKB9-5xIuVQ99eA1wpwq4YHJbO8FcDkVjLQ86GRpKFA-zNKo88oj4OwYSjHg6FFhlQGsfpnNLTFRD-lVbkI-dy9u9XmUwvmjRAdzMw2Ggv0qsw4IFFTlkrIsolYYOMdaCKCMz32KgCVw/s400/stuck+van.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div> </div><div>Here's a photo of the stuck van from Crue member <a href="https://twitter.com/TheFixStudio"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Larry</span></strong></a>.</div><div> </div><div>-Matt</div>benpopphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13667889568947229068noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3334808132856451732.post-37885051356871377432009-06-21T12:36:00.005-05:002009-06-21T12:50:57.007-05:00Day Five--Abbreviated<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9DG7L_DXsg7m8pDYU6b0bhy0_whI-776_GMkSI7NXFbbKsPU1EfvmCnnb-fkO-mSz2qA1jAe3nIReBVfX0-SHOeqjlMaJyJqnS9AZzOGBcTipn7yn23aXK_ul9enWDEGdGUBGleaeR0g/s1600-h/bobcat+pass.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349836450281687874" style="WIDTH: 288px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9DG7L_DXsg7m8pDYU6b0bhy0_whI-776_GMkSI7NXFbbKsPU1EfvmCnnb-fkO-mSz2qA1jAe3nIReBVfX0-SHOeqjlMaJyJqnS9AZzOGBcTipn7yn23aXK_ul9enWDEGdGUBGleaeR0g/s400/bobcat+pass.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div>Just a quick update for now. I talked to Fairbanks for about 30 seconds before he had to hang up for a Crue change out--so I didn't get much. Team Popp just finished climbing Bobcat pass in New Mexico. It's the biggest vertical climb in RAAM. Now with the big mountains behind, Ben is on some welcomed flat terrain.</div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>In other news the follow van got stuck. In mud I presume... A nice local helped tow them out. Hopefully I'll talk to Fairbanks later in the day and get some more info. Stay tuned...</div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>-Matt</div>benpopphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13667889568947229068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3334808132856451732.post-13176649141738937352009-06-20T22:44:00.002-05:002009-06-20T22:53:25.210-05:00Live Video of Ben<div>Thanks to Dan. Mucho Danke.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfmMWKbWVdg">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfmMWKbWVdg</a><br /><br />Notice the Pirate EYE PATCH!<br /></div><div>Matt >---<em>Danger</em>---></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDY53-29rqnOg-qYMsMzOQOfKrLt94LmnCLjqE7R78A7TOkV92lWzhw0a9eFoai1liA_SSM-A_dt5SRAIKv0Bv0jD5tkwidqOToQ1b6zIIToJEj53Ozy-f6tErR-E_FO0qnmsayF_mUw/s1600-h/danger.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349623803871307170" style="WIDTH: 224px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDY53-29rqnOg-qYMsMzOQOfKrLt94LmnCLjqE7R78A7TOkV92lWzhw0a9eFoai1liA_SSM-A_dt5SRAIKv0Bv0jD5tkwidqOToQ1b6zIIToJEj53Ozy-f6tErR-E_FO0qnmsayF_mUw/s320/danger.bmp" border="0" /></a></div>benpopphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13667889568947229068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3334808132856451732.post-45033965319432474492009-06-20T17:55:00.005-05:002009-06-20T23:03:03.236-05:00Tech Tidbit<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1bemDiiDCORmtaZagn2BaU6OQUHHCVk-ywpH99h4VYONRF6Tg7U7XTXm59c73m7IudCoLEniIZGGrcoVwtgalZz48aVOsvFuNxZLlPhc1SM4qYGvcUuqkbpUOVU3L88XZPtOfKG8qE4/s1600-h/Stinger-6-3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349551153288248562" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1bemDiiDCORmtaZagn2BaU6OQUHHCVk-ywpH99h4VYONRF6Tg7U7XTXm59c73m7IudCoLEniIZGGrcoVwtgalZz48aVOsvFuNxZLlPhc1SM4qYGvcUuqkbpUOVU3L88XZPtOfKG8qE4/s320/Stinger-6-3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div>Here's a little fun tech tidbit from <a href="http://www.hedcycling.com/"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">HED Cycling's</span></strong> </a>Dino Edin. In addition to riding a HED frame on the flat stages, Ben is exclusively riding HED wheels.</div><div></div><br /><div>What's cool is that Ben has HED's new Stinger 4 wheels. These haven't been released to the public yet. In fact, the only other people riding these are <a href="http://www.highroadsports.com/team"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Team Columbia-Highroad</span></strong></a> which includes the likes of George Hincapie.<br /></div><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8TrbrO9iNpp7d6URD6xa6kq_LkAg6-o7HgYB50CAMqr-OYw-IEDcOOknxzgfX_l65EaXQeTMOk9XBMtZogkli6qjYNXQPZPQSFja_zS1dWRRBlql0bfbyyDMo5TojJmhkAPr3UWkSJs/s1600-h/George.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349550976849033298" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 222px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8TrbrO9iNpp7d6URD6xa6kq_LkAg6-o7HgYB50CAMqr-OYw-IEDcOOknxzgfX_l65EaXQeTMOk9XBMtZogkli6qjYNXQPZPQSFja_zS1dWRRBlql0bfbyyDMo5TojJmhkAPr3UWkSJs/s320/George.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div>For those of you who aren't familiar, HED Cycling Products designs and manufactures 16 different models of composite, aerodynamic wheels (as well as aerobars), exported worldwide and used in events from the Tour de France and the Hawaiian Ironman(r). </div><div></div><div>-Matt</div></div></div>benpopphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13667889568947229068noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3334808132856451732.post-79863986307352156742009-06-20T17:10:00.010-05:002009-06-20T23:04:45.361-05:00Day Four<strong>Location</strong>: Chama, New Mexico<br /><strong>Conditions</strong>: 57F, mostly cloudy, calm (though it did pour rain for about six hours earlier)<br /><strong>Miles covered</strong>: 934<br /><strong>Miles remaining</strong>: 2,087<br /><strong>Food for thought</strong>: In May 2007 a local auto mechanic bought a PowerBall ticket at a Chama gas station and won $68 million, perhaps TP should make a stop...<br /><br /><div><div></div><div>Lots of barn burning updates today. But first, check out the view outside of Chama...</div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349539006630665346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQRXk2auBgiDstIuvtbpuTzoK6kQ0g7J8cqvq6hpSWq0RaFXkj3MFwtuq175FjDqFqAPMGJQXViZUfF1YjitSkqoU7RgBOolbQPA5ngpSlTVt3t-FyJPUYhmf4jpjRj2SM7-vcAkwN94/s400/Chama.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>Not bad, eh? It's mountain-ey. And according to Fairbanks, Ben really likes the mountains and has been riding like a rockstar anytime the road turns up or down. Yesterday alone, he climbed around 30,000 feet--that's the height of Mt. Everest. In fact, the Crue has had to rein his climbing enthusiasm in a bit, making sure he's saving enough energy for East of the Mississippi.</p><p>What makes this all the more interesting, is that Ben scratched his eye yesterday. So for the past 24 hours he's been riding looking like this:</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349540779326716850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqiPZn1xlsdMaQThrMwY-8-BkyI-D0IlSkTZOq0hgWQ-lk8Sym2bpcI7GJTu-kdO_1G6o9W5P_7g0v7bR8BMHu0FhyphenhyphenjLC9JcrUXob61WZtUGhtagW1Pn-1WmofbETJ2MYPNPEA_Rb29I/s320/eye+patch+pirate.jpg" border="0" />Yep, with an eye patch...descending roads like this (at night to boot).</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rRTzwo88TqYVq1trcCIsyoCFpvwlvNKdtX9KCziK-E7PS8_6TI9hbT0hmxZ6uwFAV8w_wofEJ15_FEWJ94kBnBglJqIgS00XwmSE_V1t6wEQWN7CMJEF-s4JGIUSfXzYt-1d3IfF_-g/s1600-h/switchback.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349542056883965570" style="WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rRTzwo88TqYVq1trcCIsyoCFpvwlvNKdtX9KCziK-E7PS8_6TI9hbT0hmxZ6uwFAV8w_wofEJ15_FEWJ94kBnBglJqIgS00XwmSE_V1t6wEQWN7CMJEF-s4JGIUSfXzYt-1d3IfF_-g/s320/switchback.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Gulp. Not my cup of tea.</p><p>Today, Ben will breifly re-enter Colordao and climb La Manga pass--the highest point in RAAM at nearly 11,000 feet--before jogging South to Taos, New Mexico. That's tonight's rest stop and the plan is for him to bed down for a three hour nap.</p><p>According to Fairbanks, both rider and Crue remain in good spirits. Ben's having fun and so are his loyal minions. However, sleep is rare and people are starting to get tired. This is what is trying for everyone involved in the race.</p><p>Healthwise Ben is faring very well. Aches and pains are popping up (achilles, patella), but they've got 2.5 doctors in the Crue plus a masssage therapist--so it's kind of like a roving HMO. Besides, after riding 1,000, a bit of soreness is to be expected.</p><p>That's all for now. I have some interesting tech tidbits from <a href="http://www.hedcycling.com/"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">HED Cyling's</span></strong></a> Chris "Dino" Edin that I'll post in a bit.</p><p>Ciao,</p><p>-Matt</p><p>P.S. Certain readers have been clamoring for more Cougar updates. I promise that those will be coming.</p><div></div></div>benpopphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13667889568947229068noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3334808132856451732.post-17069653935700821562009-06-19T18:33:00.007-05:002009-06-19T18:52:21.576-05:00Start PicsHere are some pictures from the RAAM starting line (courtesy of<strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"> </span></strong><a href="https://twitter.com/gregrhodes"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Greg Rhodes</span></strong></a>).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMEGdUwMuAu5u0gyUGpxYMNbGgmTQKjySPGnOKDWIJPRek56Xa02_KzR6F6DFl_lb7f7H6Z4p-nZYbamov1Tw9UASXaiuo_uGZfdoXCLTd3XdMrTHG1_IIgJsobDRlXQ7oR2EfipqcKQ/s1600-h/start_4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349190277221029570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMEGdUwMuAu5u0gyUGpxYMNbGgmTQKjySPGnOKDWIJPRek56Xa02_KzR6F6DFl_lb7f7H6Z4p-nZYbamov1Tw9UASXaiuo_uGZfdoXCLTd3XdMrTHG1_IIgJsobDRlXQ7oR2EfipqcKQ/s400/start_4.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5oyXLSGVW7sSPncjYzcqojIL9lKtaGaZFoZ2sLSC_6oeRJlYx8nBw3ScYBJi1EDnefZBWHXh6ZSsZi3GkXo6gTcM48-bqQlKEJSJuZjcy-C2Nuixz7akW8DP2cCOk2gW-0pC1nBBltIU/s1600-h/start_3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349190142329509378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5oyXLSGVW7sSPncjYzcqojIL9lKtaGaZFoZ2sLSC_6oeRJlYx8nBw3ScYBJi1EDnefZBWHXh6ZSsZi3GkXo6gTcM48-bqQlKEJSJuZjcy-C2Nuixz7akW8DP2cCOk2gW-0pC1nBBltIU/s400/start_3.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZZrdm-REWkcqY8IVCAqUeA7CU0sN1DgrIj7NYH9Gj0aBNRVsUx1FSmIOUqG5JLljXWy-mq2yMVUDCIMNRo87MDJ2YSdUwA_igILGz4p6tp_4BXCa6-Bv8mcAZEaCvyA1ik7LL4F9DrE/s1600-h/start_2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349190003608985890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZZrdm-REWkcqY8IVCAqUeA7CU0sN1DgrIj7NYH9Gj0aBNRVsUx1FSmIOUqG5JLljXWy-mq2yMVUDCIMNRo87MDJ2YSdUwA_igILGz4p6tp_4BXCa6-Bv8mcAZEaCvyA1ik7LL4F9DrE/s400/start_2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDDjC-7rjIbu5xgnkHiw91LMsFcr7Ns8VLi3CSBp88RoqhA2f6UjU857BYT_lXNlNdDJ0h1cZx2uOUTbuilMz_EQEwVg1bJyJRWOXzT2Yuh71RrnEXMS_ufgIYoqCUYJqRrC6y9ivaEK0/s1600-h/start_1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349189846526565074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDDjC-7rjIbu5xgnkHiw91LMsFcr7Ns8VLi3CSBp88RoqhA2f6UjU857BYT_lXNlNdDJ0h1cZx2uOUTbuilMz_EQEwVg1bJyJRWOXzT2Yuh71RrnEXMS_ufgIYoqCUYJqRrC6y9ivaEK0/s400/start_1.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div><br /><p>-Matt</p>benpopphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13667889568947229068noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3334808132856451732.post-43737204393948522402009-06-19T16:53:00.002-05:002009-06-19T16:55:44.434-05:00Live from the RoadCrue member Larry Foss is twittering and posting pics. Follow him at <a href="https://twitter.com/TheFixStudio"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">https://twitter.com/TheFixStudio</span></strong></a><br /><br />-Mattbenpopphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13667889568947229068noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3334808132856451732.post-1037691240965398872009-06-19T14:35:00.005-05:002009-06-19T23:47:24.617-05:00Day Three<strong>Location</strong>: Mexican Hat, Utah<br /><strong>Conditions</strong>: 82F, sunny, winds calm<br /><strong>Miles covered</strong>: 679<br /><strong>Miles remaining</strong>: 2,341<br /><strong>Food for thought:</strong> Mexican Hat draws its name from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mexicanhatrock.jpg"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">this</span></strong></a> rock outcropping which resembles <a href="http://www.handsnpaws.com/product/ACAPPH11/Mexican_Sombrero_Dog_Hat.html"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">this</span></strong></a><br /><br />Hola Amigos. I'm back with the latest updates.<br /><br />According to TP Crue member Fairbanks Hanley, Ben left Flagstaff early this morning at about 2:00 a.m., following a two- to three-hour rest. From there he rode northeast through Monument Valley National Park and up into Utah.<br /><br />Fairbanks said that Ben continues to ride strong. He's steadily worked his way up through the field and currently sits in 7th place. While he's focused on the task at hand, he's still joking around and having fun--as evidenced by his keen spotting of a chalk phallus etched on the pavement which he insisted the Crue call me about.<br /><br />There's been a conscious effort to feed Ben solid "real" foods, versus just simple sugars which can lead to sweetness overload and gut rot. Another thing working in Ben's favor is the fact that temps in the desert have been about 10-15 degrees below average which makes it easier to eat--even still, it has been warm.<br /><br />The plan going forward is for Ben to ride about 300 miles per day and sleep approximately two hours. Additionally, the Crue is now on their seven-hour rotations (seven in the follow vehicle, followed by seven in the RV). So, hopefully all have settled into somewhat of a "routine".<br /><br />Next up, the Colorado Rockies. Big climbs. Long descents. And more chalk art adorning the mountain passes.<br /><br />That's all for now. Adios and El paseo ayuna.<br /><br />-Mattbenpopphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13667889568947229068noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3334808132856451732.post-44447213890930213332009-06-19T08:35:00.003-05:002009-06-19T08:42:54.732-05:00RAAM DocumentaryThere's a RAAM documentary playing this Saturday in Uptown (Minneapolis). It's a film called <strong><a href="http://www.bicycledreamsmovie.com/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Bicycle Dreams</span></a></strong> by Stephen Auerbach. Here's the official description:<br /><br />"<em>They are seekers, madmen, and angels hell-bent on riding across America on a bicycle in less than ten days. But what begins as the adventure of a lifetime is transformed in an instant when tragedy strikes the race. These voyagers discover what is truly at stake as they pedal on, praying for the deliverance only the finish line can bring. By journey's end, some are saved, others are lost, but all learn that the fuel that takes a soul toward its own true destiny is desire."</em><br /><br />The screening is part of the Solstice film festival. Details are <strong><a href="http://solstice.bside.com/2009/films/bicycledreams_solstice2009"><span style="color:#ff0000;">here</span></a></strong>. Check it out.<br /><br />-Mattbenpopphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13667889568947229068noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3334808132856451732.post-18642419838350688962009-06-18T13:38:00.007-05:002009-06-18T16:01:55.029-05:00Day Two<p><strong>Location:</strong> Prescott, Ariz.<br /><strong>Conditions:</strong> 71F, partly cloudy, winds from the SW @ 1 mph<br /><strong>Miles covered</strong>: 350-ish<br /><strong>Miles remaining:</strong> 2,600-ish<br /><strong>Food for thought:</strong> The <strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_&_Tennille"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Captain and Tennille</span></a></strong> live in Prescott, Ariz.<br /><br />I just got off the phone with Ben’s crew and Day One is in the books. According to Owen “Fairbanks” Hanley and “Patient” Megan (Ben’s wife), things couldn’t have gone any better than they did. Favorable winds helped Ben keep up his average speed. He’s still in good spirits (i.e. not too tired yet). And while he had some minor stomach complaints from all the simple sugars (nothing to worry about and totally normal), he kept up his calorie and fluid intake. Most important, he’s riding well, looking good and staying positive.<br /><br />In the next few hours Team Popp (TP) will stop at a motel in either Cottonwood or Flagstaff, Ariz., and “put Ben down” for his first sleep since starting the race. At that point the crew will formulate a plan for the coming day(s). Let’s hope it includes better sightseeing observations/commentary… All I’ve gotten from Owen thus far is “it’s neat to see all the ecosystems…” I told him Ben’s readers deserve more (like a wild cougar sighting).<br /><br />One last note, if you’re following Ben on <a href="http://twitter.com/BenPopp"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Twitter</span></strong></a>, you’ll notice that he fired off a few tweets last night. Fear not, he’s not texting while riding, it’s just Owen sending updates from Ben's phone.<br /><br />Stay tuned for more and send your positive juju Ben’s way.</p><p>-Matt </p>benpopphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13667889568947229068noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3334808132856451732.post-77617273635746802352009-06-18T10:06:00.005-05:002009-06-18T14:10:47.143-05:00Track His ProgressIt's not time for my daily update yet, but I wanted to share an easy way for you to track Ben's progress (where he is, miles ridden, etc.). Click <a href="http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/raam/rcracer.php?s_N_Entry_ID=2528"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">here</span></strong></a><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"> </span></strong>to visit his "racer report" on RAAM's site.<br /><br />Additionally, you can view the overall race standings <strong><a href="http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/raam/rcrank.php"><span style="color:#ff0000;">here</span></a></strong>. Note that RAAM's Web site has been inundated with traffic and is operating <em>really</em> slow--and sometimes not at all.<br /><br />More later...<br /><br />-Mattbenpopphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13667889568947229068noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3334808132856451732.post-78797812938693486882009-06-17T14:18:00.006-05:002009-06-18T14:52:14.128-05:00He's Off<p><strong>Location</strong>: Oceanside, Calif.<br /><strong>Conditions</strong>: 70F, cloudy, winds from the SW @ 7 mph<br /><strong>Miles covered</strong>: 0<br /><strong>Miles remaining</strong>: 3,021.3<br /><strong>Food for thought</strong>: This is the best Ben’s arse will feel in a long, long time…<br /><br />It’s official, folks, he’s off. A few minutes ago, Ben started the 2009 Race Across AMerica (RAAM). The <a href="http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/raam/route/2009/09Route.gif"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">route</span></strong></a> is more than 3,000 miles, touching 14 states and climbing more than 100,000 feet. Solo racers typically finish in nine to 12 days, averaging 250 to 350 miles per day. This is a 24x7 endeavor for both rider and crew.<br /><br />Solo racers have the challenge of balancing a few hours of sleep each night against race deadlines. According to Outside magazine, there is no tougher individual endurance event in the world. Crews have to keep the roving melee moving along despite weather, broken vehicles, filled-to-the-rim RV potties and at times, fraying nerves (imagine crossing the country at 10-15 miles-an-hour in a tin box with your closest family and friends).<br /><br />The plan for Team Popp (TP for short) is to ride the next 36 hours straight without a break. Why? This allows Ben to ride through the hottest section of the course (California and Arizona deserts) at night. For reference, it’s about 100F during the day right now…not ideal riding conditions. After about 36 hours, Ben should be near Flagstaff, Ariz., where he’ll bed down for a 3-hour rest, butt airing and tasty snack.<br />Stay tuned for tomorrow’s TP Update.<br /><br />-Matt<br /><br />P.S. Feel free to submit any questions you might have in the comments section.</p>benpopphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13667889568947229068noreply@blogger.com9