RAAM TRAINING FOR 2011

The schedule has been set and it looks like I'll be compiling 11,000 miles between January 1st and June 1st.  This, of course, is based on good weather and road conditions.  So I'm hoping for a mild winter this year.  The training will consist of mostly weekend rides with a progressive increase in mid week rides.  Mileage will increase from 250 miles per week to 800 miles per week over a 6 month period with emphasis on the long rides.

Pete Penseyres, holder of the fastest RAAM average speed of 15.4mph, says that his success came from riding 400 mile rides beginning Friday after work.  I will try to match his training routine at least twice in my peak period and hope for the best.

I will do my best to provide weekly updates to keep you abreast of my training.  Thanks again for following along.

RAAM Crew Seminar

The Raleigh RAAM Crew Seminar was fun and informative.  There were approximately 35 potential crew members and racers in attendance. George Thomas, RAAM veteran and race director, was the presenter.  He was funny and engaging.  The seminar was based on RAAM crewing history.  Some his and a lot of others.

George, far end of the table, preparing his material.

Friends and families don't always stay that way after crewing for RAAM, as he proceeded to tell story after story of crewing gone bad.  This all led to the importance of a good crew chief and his or her ability to train, delegate and trust that the crew will do what was necessary within their roles for a successful and enjoyable race.

Our end of the conference table looked like a snack bar.

There were a couple of racers in the seminar that have yet to RAAM Qualify (RQ).  I believe they are entered in the Sebring 24 hour Challange, so it will be nice to bump into them to catch up and see how things are going.  My suggestion to them would be to join forces and race as a team, if they do not RQ at Sebring.

Lynn Lashley, a strong rider I rode with some during the Elite PAC Tour (ET), met us for dinner after the seminar.  She said that she would've attended, but was getting ready for knee surgery next month and didn't think the she'd recover in time for RAAM.  She RQ'd at the Texas Time Trials and by completing the ET within the time limits each day.  It was fun to see her.

The ride home was quick, but it seemed like the minds were stirring with a lot of questions and ideas.  So with Susie at the helm and Stephanie shot gun, Rich and Troy were free to surf and turf (not sure exactly what the means, but it sounds good...like food).  Needless to say we are all anxious for June 2011.

Psyched for a little RAAM research on the way home.

RAAM CREW SEMINAR

Team Mouri is heading down to Raleigh-Durham for the RAAM Crew Seminar.  I have nearly the entire crew in attendance.  This may seem like over-kill, but my crew has little experience in crew for such an event.  I've received a great deal of feedback that I should hire a crew chief, but I'm confident with the people I have and as long as I expose them RAAM like situations this group will shine.

This is just a quick note to let everyone know that I have the weekend off from riding to attend this meeting.  I'll report back when we return.

Prost!