June 20, 2008 We're home!! Finished the race Wednesday evening after 7days3hours and56minutes. We came in 1st place in our division and 3rd overall for the 4person-mixed teams! Everyone is so pumped and so proud!
Virgil gave us a scare on the last day betwen TS 48 and TS49--his Litespeed frame broke as the was going downhill 40 mph on a long straightaway. Thought he had a flat at first. Had to ride about 4-5 miles per hour for nearly a mile--the bike wobbling the entire way). That forced him to ride his Independent (with a double and wrong gearing) over the final Time Stations. Michele loaned him her rear wheel, so he could get better gearing--but it just wasn't the same as his trusty old triple Litespeed.
Then he crashed on some wet railroad tracks later on (hip pointer, knee road rash, and a terribly misaligned back). But he got right back on!
Not a single flat tire the entire race--we can hardly believe that! (unless you count the 2 leaking tires on the support vans)
The Riders want to give a huge thank you to the Crew--a remarkable job! This certainly could not have been accomplished without their dedication and efforts. And all the well-wishes and support of our friends and family across the Country. We had family and friends meeting us in Oceanside, Alton, and at the finish--was that ever a special feeling! We had two bus drivers that could not have been better--Sean and Patrick--they became "family" in a short time. Our most important Thank You is to John Hopkins that made this once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity a reality. WE LOVE YOU ALL!
June 16, 1:30pm. We passed the arch and got into Alton! Finally home, but now we have to leave again...Everyone is doing GREAT!
THANKS TO EVERYONE THAT CAME OUT TO SUPPORT US!!! THE RIDERS REALLY APPRECIATED IT!
June 15, 7:20am. We are headed out of Pratt, Kansas right now. The riders are doing great and are ahead of schedule compared to our predictions. Steve and Michele just came off of a double shift, so now, Lee and Virgil are retourning the favor.
June 13, 4:00pm. Just left Durango. Lee and Virgil just came off of some killer climbs and Steve and Michele are headed for some more. Everyone feels great! Last night through the desert, Virgil and Lee were riding and we saw a whopping 41 degrees! Kinda chilly...
June 11, 9:15pm. Waiting at Borrego Springs for Michele and Steve. Virgil and Lee say there are lots of hills and traffic. 4,100 feet was highest peak. All 4 racers rode parts of the route to Lake Henshaw.
June 11, 5:00pm EST Racers went off as planned. They were so excited! Lots of cheering and yelling with motorcycle police escort. Temperature is 101!
June 10, 7:00 pm EST Just learned our good friend, Dick Ruff, in the 60+ solo rider category crashed near Durango--going downhill at 40mph and got wobbly. He had lot of abrasions on his hand and surgery to clean it, with more surgery to come in a few days. Miraculously, no more serious injuries. Had to drop out of the Race. We wish Dick a speedy recovery--he and Sue are in our thoughts and prayers.
June 10, passed inspections and are ready to go.
Friday, June 6: Vans left St. Louis this morning. Fred and Brenda ran into rain near Joplin, MO. Rest of day was clear. Clyde, in the other van, will be picking up Frank in Tulsa around noon. All other Riders and Crew will leave St. Louis on June 9.
