I'm Randy Mouri and this blog is about my quest to be an official finisher in the Race Across AMerica (RAAM), the toughest endurance race in the world. It's over and I became an official solo finisher in 11 days, 1 hour and 13 minutes! We continue to raise money and awareness on behalf of Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia (Habitat NoVa). If you would like to make a donation to Habitat NoVa, please visit my page on Habitat’s site. Endless thanks to our sponsors and all the folks that have made such generous contributions. Team Mouri would not have been able to travel so comfortably, which certainly may have changed the outcome of the race.


Monday, July 4, 2011

The Week After RAAM

My recovery week was filled with gaining 10 lbs via 8 pints of ice cream, 40-50 bags of assorted chips, 2 lbs of Twizzlers, 1 lb of peanut butter filled pretzels, 1/2 lb of Cheese Balls and my regular breakfast, lunch and dinners.  So I like to eat!  That may have been what got me through RAAM.

At any rate, I'm working on my story, but it will have to wait for some crew feedback.  As you may or may not know the rider is totally oblivious to what transpires during the race.  My only mission was to stay on the bike and pedal.  Compared to what the crew had to deal with, I think I had the easier of the tasks at hand.

I've had time to read through the blog and digest all of the comments.  I am overwhelmed with the number of you that took the time to send your comments and positive energy.  It truly helped me get through my toughest moments for which I can not thank you all enough.

Life is back to normal starting tomorrow, but life does not end.  I will continue to dream and continue to live life to its fullest.  Keep in touch and I hope to share my stories with you soon.

A BIG THANKS to everyone for all of your support and positive thoughts in helping me get across the country.

Here is one of our finishing photos from Earl Janssen:

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Recovering...and wanted to give a quick shout out to Ms Rhea Gingrow

While passing through Littlestown, PA I had the honor of meeting a Ms Rhea Gingrow.  It just so happened that I needed a fuel stop right in front of her house.  I asked her permission to use her steps as my dining chair to which she obliged.  After a few spoons of my chicken noodle soup, I turned to ask Ms Gingrow if she would mind having her picture taken with me, to which she also obliged.

During our photo session we learned that Ms Gingrow recently lost her husband, Bill, of 63 years and simply enjoyed observing life from her porch.  At the moment she was waiting for her nephew to pick her up for a lunch date.  But she told us that we were welcome to stay as long as we wished.

I would later learn from her nephew, Terry Gingrow, that we were the talk of the afternoon.  Ms Rhea Gingrow was very interested in my quest to race across America and be an official finisher.   11 days, 1 hour and 13 minutes is what it took and I still had time to enjoy a pleasant conversation with a very special woman from Littlestown, PA.

We love you Ms Rhea!  Stay sweet and kind and take care of your back.  And keep cheering on the cyclists passing through Littlestown.  Hope to see you again!

Me and Ms Rhea Gingrow.  Photo by Mary Delaney.