From Earl:"After a later start (5 am) and a morning nap yesterday, early in the ride, Randy found his rhythm and cycled steadily through the day. He pushed on to Ellensboro, WV, arriving at about 10:30 pm. The tailwinds continued. He got a few light sprinkles. He continued to befuddle the teams who seemed to only be able to shake him with real effort or if he let them go by.
A new technique is being attempted to keep him awake in the morning part of the ride. Peppermint oil has been applied to his glove and he has been instructed to sniff deeply if he seems to be nodding off. We will also attempt to flatten out his calorie intake. He gets hungry, wolfs down 1000 calories and a half hour later wants to sleep. If sleep is denied or delayed, he starts nodding off on the bike.
We continue to be near the Irish rider, Donncha. He was the rider who offered his crew's assistance when Randy was first struggling with Shermer's symptoms. He is the rider we see the most and we are nearly always parked near his crew.
Randy pushed off between 3:30 & 4:00 am this morning, later than he wanted to because of the need to clarify conflicting route changes.
Today's plan is to ride from time station to time station, getting as far as is reasonable. The Appalachians are a challenge, but this is familiar ground for this strong climber. It was simply amazing watching Randy move steadily uphill yesterday afternoon.
A surprise is planned for Cumberland today. I hope he makes it there reasonably early, because he could get quite a boost.
The Crew is getting anxious to get to Annapolis. The goal is now Sunday. We keep hearing stories about intense crew conflict, but we remain focused on Randy and doing all we can to support his ride.
Next time station is Grafton, WV where I've parked the RV waiting for his arrival."
24 comments:
That Randy continues to be the leading American racer in his class causes tears of pride in my. I am moved beyond words with his will and his riding prowess. Ride those hills and click off the stops!
Randy you bring tears to my eyes by your strength, dedication, and endurance. Your goal is right around the corner!! Breath deep and take in that peppermint oil scent. Be safe!!!
Stay strong crew - you've been great.
Love, Elena
Man of steel! Keep your adrenaline pumped, Randy!!! You are soooo close now! Can't wait to see you at the finish line! You got this one, Randy!!!!
Go Randy.... Go!
Ride Strong, Be Safe and Enjoy!
Lara
Wow, almost there. Stay strong. We are following your progress here and have told so many people about you - several are now watching you from my office and from the City people I deal with. They, like everybody, are just amazed.
OMG you are so close. This is so exciting! One more day Randy. Think of the story "The Little Train that Could" Keep saying over and over again, I think can I think, I know I can I know I can. You have worked so hard. You will do it. Be in present mind. Live in the positive. Can you tell I just finished a yoga class. Lots of LOVE! Ady
As the Irish say: "May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back!" Good on you Randy! You are an inspiration. Last time I rode with you was on Monument-to-Monument (DC-Baltimore-DC). Now you are the Monument! Charlie
Randy:
You will have fans at the finish!!
Best,
George.
Awesome, just simply awesome.
“The road of life twists and turns and no two directions are ever the same. Yet our lessons come from the journey, not the destination.” ~Don Williams, Jr. Press on Randy & Crew, you are amazing! Lots of love from your Virginia girls! Cindy & Norma
Hi Team Mouri :D I am going to try to camp out in Mt. Airy TS 52 to see you all going by :D Loads of Love and fun! We are all here thinking of you All! Annie, Gil and Frosty :D
You're in the home stretch now, Randy. Smellin' the barn! You are amazing.
Randy - My daughter is baking chocolate chips cookies for you and your crew. They will be at the Mt. Airy time station. Hang in there buddy!!!
Karen and Megan Gunther
Keyser, WV TS 47 important little factoid: Eighties Hard rock artist Kix ("The Itch", "Don't Close your Eyes", "Midnight Dynamite") are from Keyser. Perhaps you remember that song, 'I got the itch! I got it...I got the itch...I got it!' Randy has the 'ITCH' for finishing his Quest for RAAM! Go Randlett Tadashi Mouri Go! Smooches - Cindy
I have chills thinking of all of you! What an amazing feat. Tom and I rode with you for a bit this morning, oh that it were true and we can see you on the route. And by the way, singing the wv hills song I sent earlier works. I sang it today climbing away. Folks thought I was crazy; we all know I am. Way to go you guys, a crew to be proud of with the top 50 plus american in raam 2011!!! What an unbelievable accomplishment. Love you all!! Crazy janey and her mission man
Pedal faster, Randy, I hear banjo music! By the way, you're awesome!
Keep it up Randy. Pretend Greg C is on your ass.
Dave G
Go Randy Go! As the song says “Only one more night”. You and your crew have done an amazing feat.
Fran
Randi, John and I are waiting by our computers for your arrival at TS 47 today. Planning to be at the finish in Annapolis tomorrow.
Jenni Buechler
Randy--
Linda, Dave and I are at susies's favorite, Red Robin, cheering you in. Can you hear us? Won't be long now!
Bev xxxxxx
Randy...I am humbled by your mental toughness & sheer willpower." May the Four winds blow you safely home." Congrats to you and your crew...Rob
Go Randy! It's just a bit further now, and you're so strong!
I'll be there at the finish to greet you, and you know lots of other people will be too.
I think Ed & Mary, chris meno... Will be there too.
keep making steady circles!! You are my hero ! Don't slow down a bit. Show us what you have got !!
Karin
I'm with you all the way, my friend. Well done!
Rex
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