As you have read from a previous post, Leo and his wife, Elaine, will be our home base crew and assist us from afar as we work our way across the country. Many thanks Leo and Elaine. I love you both and appreciate your commitment to helping our team keep the readers informed.
May 7th, I did the DC Randonneur 300k out of Frederick, Md. I pretty much rode the entire distance with Clint, Bryan and Dan (all SPP members as well). Mike, the fourth SPP rider, started out with us, but being his first 300k held back on his effort level to make sure he had energy for the finish..and that he did. Congrats Mike! This particular ride was a little hillier than OC12 and a good test for my lungs. I was still experiencing congestion in my chest (coughing a lot and heavy breathing), but felt okay on the climbs. Overall feeling a little better, but still not there. Perhaps 85-90%. Again, the muscles were fatigued afterward, but not as badly as what I had experienced coming off of the OC12 ride. A good sign that I am getting better. But RAAM is closing in and I don't have much time remaining before the start.
May 7th, I did the DC Randonneur 300k out of Frederick, Md. I pretty much rode the entire distance with Clint, Bryan and Dan (all SPP members as well). Mike, the fourth SPP rider, started out with us, but being his first 300k held back on his effort level to make sure he had energy for the finish..and that he did. Congrats Mike! This particular ride was a little hillier than OC12 and a good test for my lungs. I was still experiencing congestion in my chest (coughing a lot and heavy breathing), but felt okay on the climbs. Overall feeling a little better, but still not there. Perhaps 85-90%. Again, the muscles were fatigued afterward, but not as badly as what I had experienced coming off of the OC12 ride. A good sign that I am getting better. But RAAM is closing in and I don't have much time remaining before the start.
We held a fundraiser on Tuesday, May 10 at the Dogfish Head Alehouse, Fairfax. This kick-starts our fund raising and awareness efforts for Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia. Susie worked hard to solicit items for our silent auction, that was held inside the restaurant. We'd like to thank the following businesses for their kind donation/s: Portrait Innovations/ Transitions Therapeutic Massage and Bodyworks/ Massage Envy/ Willowcroft Vineyard/ Plow & Hearth/Palm Beach Tan/ Barrel Oak Vineyard/ Sport Rock/All Sport/ Donna and Kerry Gray Catering/Inner Drive Golf Services
Please extend your patronage to these fine folks when you have the opportunity. And just for fun, tell them that the RAAM guy riding for Habitat for Humanity sent you.
I placed an indoor trainer in the back of a pickup truck and planned to spin from opening to closing of the restaurant.
I started at 11:15 a.m. and went to 9:30 p.m. (1 1/2 hours early). I didn't stop because I was tired or bored. I stopped because one of the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity, Adam, wanted to buy me a beer. So we shut down the mobile fitness center (donated by our neighbors, John and Karen) and moved inside. As I walked into the main area of the restaurant I was greeted by a huge round of applause and cheering from the entire restaurant. I'd have to say it was pretty cool (I briefly felt like a rock star...very briefly). Beer always tastes better after a long ride and with good company. Thanks again Adam.
Many friends showed up enduring the traffic and long work hours. It was nice to see so many of you and even better that I was able to stop a little early and enjoy your company. Thank you all!
While I was riding, I met some wonderful folks that passed by and was curious what I was doing. Many people thought I was riding across country in the pickup truck and was simulating the mileage on the trainer. Wouldn't that be sweet (though a little dangerous). I had the opportunity to meet several staff members from the pickup truck. Frank, the President walked up and introduced himself as well as Steve, Rachel and Bobby. They were all very appreciative of our efforts and were ready for a hearty lunch. Meredith has been working closely with Susie and dropped off materials earlier in the day, came by the restaurant later and stayed late into the evening. All the energy she displayed, I think she should sign up for RAAM next year. Great folks working for Habit for Humanity. I'm looking forward to more involvement when I return from RAAM.
This latest crew practice on the Eastern Shore was more for the crew than for me. I was still concentrating on getting healthy and arriving at the RAAM start feeling 100%. I'm not there yet, but getting close. As you read from Leo/Elaine's posts the weekend was successful...and exciting! I can honestly say that I have never ridden through a road full of so many fish in my entire life. We only regret not getting video coverage of it all. The water went on and on and on. I kept thinking that the crew was going to start messing with me and play the Jaws theme over the PA.
I would only end up riding 231 miles, but the crew practice was invaluable. So what started out as a rookie crew at the N.C. RAAM crew seminar, they have developed into a fine group of working veterans. I could not ask for a better team.
Next up is the DC Randonneur 400k out of Frederick, again. I'm feeling better and will likely ride a little harder to further test my progress. Stay tuned!
Please extend your patronage to these fine folks when you have the opportunity. And just for fun, tell them that the RAAM guy riding for Habitat for Humanity sent you.
I placed an indoor trainer in the back of a pickup truck and planned to spin from opening to closing of the restaurant.
I started at 11:15 a.m. and went to 9:30 p.m. (1 1/2 hours early). I didn't stop because I was tired or bored. I stopped because one of the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity, Adam, wanted to buy me a beer. So we shut down the mobile fitness center (donated by our neighbors, John and Karen) and moved inside. As I walked into the main area of the restaurant I was greeted by a huge round of applause and cheering from the entire restaurant. I'd have to say it was pretty cool (I briefly felt like a rock star...very briefly). Beer always tastes better after a long ride and with good company. Thanks again Adam.
Many friends showed up enduring the traffic and long work hours. It was nice to see so many of you and even better that I was able to stop a little early and enjoy your company. Thank you all!
While I was riding, I met some wonderful folks that passed by and was curious what I was doing. Many people thought I was riding across country in the pickup truck and was simulating the mileage on the trainer. Wouldn't that be sweet (though a little dangerous). I had the opportunity to meet several staff members from the pickup truck. Frank, the President walked up and introduced himself as well as Steve, Rachel and Bobby. They were all very appreciative of our efforts and were ready for a hearty lunch. Meredith has been working closely with Susie and dropped off materials earlier in the day, came by the restaurant later and stayed late into the evening. All the energy she displayed, I think she should sign up for RAAM next year. Great folks working for Habit for Humanity. I'm looking forward to more involvement when I return from RAAM.
This latest crew practice on the Eastern Shore was more for the crew than for me. I was still concentrating on getting healthy and arriving at the RAAM start feeling 100%. I'm not there yet, but getting close. As you read from Leo/Elaine's posts the weekend was successful...and exciting! I can honestly say that I have never ridden through a road full of so many fish in my entire life. We only regret not getting video coverage of it all. The water went on and on and on. I kept thinking that the crew was going to start messing with me and play the Jaws theme over the PA.
I would only end up riding 231 miles, but the crew practice was invaluable. So what started out as a rookie crew at the N.C. RAAM crew seminar, they have developed into a fine group of working veterans. I could not ask for a better team.
Next up is the DC Randonneur 400k out of Frederick, again. I'm feeling better and will likely ride a little harder to further test my progress. Stay tuned!
1 comment:
Hey, Randy, it's almost time. Doug and I are sending our wishes for a safe and successful trip! Love ya, Shirley.
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