Tonight we are currently driving through Saint Louis and then off racing through Illinois and Indiana. The team should be in Effingham IL when we awake tomorrow morning. It appears at the moment that we are going to be spared the heavy weather that is hammering the Midwest. I think I actually enjoyed this morning's riding the most so far of any of the days. The hills of Missouri around the Lake of the Ozarks are really nice. It was not too hard to hold a 23 mph average even with all the hills. This afternoon we went past the capital of Missouri and then followed the Missouri river on nearly flat ground. Pete and I averaged over 27 mph and Karla was pushing 23 mph. The heat and humidity made for good times too. Unlike yesterday with the dry winds of the Kansas plains, today we were blessed with 90 degree temperatures and high humidity. It was good to feel your toes be wet with sweat at the end of a ride.
Unfortunately, team 607 who we have been racing neck and neck with has pulled away today and it looks like we are not going to be able to close the gap. The only hope is that we can regain 2 hours of time in the mountains but with less than 1000 miles remaining in the race, we have our work cut out for us. Given the pace we are holding, we should arrive before sunset in Annapolis on Tuesday night. That will be really nice so we have a full day to recover before the trip to San Antonio/Austin and finally back to SD.
We started to overtake the solo riders that started on the Sunday before the team race. I often think about these warriors for a lack of a better term while riding. I cannot fathom riding the entire race course by yourself. The amount of fatigue plaguing these people is unreal. Pete and I were talking in the van while passing some of the riders. I asked Pete about his experiences at this stage. He said all you can usually muster is a maximum of 18 mph on the flats and the race comes down to who can process the calories and oxidize fat the best. It really does not matter how “fast” you are (40K time trial, etc.) but instead depends on your mental strength and how efficient your body can absorb calories on the bike. This is why Pete and Jim began using the liquid diet exclusively during RAAM and still use a lot of the same principles today.
Enough for now – here are some photos from the day.
Unfortunately, team 607 who we have been racing neck and neck with has pulled away today and it looks like we are not going to be able to close the gap. The only hope is that we can regain 2 hours of time in the mountains but with less than 1000 miles remaining in the race, we have our work cut out for us. Given the pace we are holding, we should arrive before sunset in Annapolis on Tuesday night. That will be really nice so we have a full day to recover before the trip to San Antonio/Austin and finally back to SD.
We started to overtake the solo riders that started on the Sunday before the team race. I often think about these warriors for a lack of a better term while riding. I cannot fathom riding the entire race course by yourself. The amount of fatigue plaguing these people is unreal. Pete and I were talking in the van while passing some of the riders. I asked Pete about his experiences at this stage. He said all you can usually muster is a maximum of 18 mph on the flats and the race comes down to who can process the calories and oxidize fat the best. It really does not matter how “fast” you are (40K time trial, etc.) but instead depends on your mental strength and how efficient your body can absorb calories on the bike. This is why Pete and Jim began using the liquid diet exclusively during RAAM and still use a lot of the same principles today.
Enough for now – here are some photos from the day.
This is Jim - the fact that he lost part of his leg many years ago does not slow him down. He has competed in solo RAAM several times. Amazing.
Our rides - a rented RV and a loaned 4-Runner. We are truly trying to make a difference for our charity.
Our competition's ride - team 607 from Toronto. Not sure how much money they raised actually went to charity.
Karla and I ready to go out this morning at 5:30 am -
Karla at the end of the day
I guess in Marthasville, Mo it is a big deal for the riders to come through town. This young lady was collecting signatures from all the riders.
2 comments:
Hope you are enjoying the midwest! You missed a great party for grandma b's 90th birthday. Your cousins are all amazed at your latest adventure. Loved your photos. So proud of the two of you.
love,
mom
Go Bokhovens. I have been loving the updates. You guys are awesome, keep it up! Josh Chesnut
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