RAAM Update 6/22 – THE FINISH LINE!!!

After 3048 miles, over 100,000 feet of vertical climbing and only 9 days, 18 hours and 55 minutes since leaving the Oceanside, California pier, Team Beat Cancer rode across the finish line in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

A big congratulations to Rick and George, their crew, family and sponsors for a job well done. George took a mighty last leg of over 200+ miles after Rick’s achilles finally got the best of him last night. A fair trade for some of the 100+ mile pulls that Rick took earlier in the race when George was also having problems. And folks, that’s what team RAAM is about – conquering the toughest bike race in the world – as a team!

Read the write up on the RAAM website here.

RAAM Update – 6/21 – Goodbye Country Roads….

What type of race saves the hardest part until the end?At least in the the final day of Tour de France the riders arrive in Paris at a relatively easy and relaxed pace until the sprinters get the opportunity for their last shot at a stage win. Team Beat Cancer just rolled through Time Station #50 in La Vale, Maryland after completing the stage with the most climbing so far.That’s right, forget the climb over Monarch Pass in Colorado, don’t try to compare the ‘hills’ around Flagstaff, Arizona – its the hills in West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania that offer the highest elevation gain per section in RAAM!George and Rick just came through 4,500+ feet of climbing to leave the country roads of West Virginia behind.But like a bad Ginsu knife commercial – Wait! – There’s more!They still face sections with 3,000+, 4,300+ and 3,200+ across the next three time stations through Maryland and Pennsylvania.That’s enough for almost anyone to wish that they were back in Kansas – especially after 2,500+ miles of cycling.BUT…They’re not done yet! Time Station #54 to Georgetown, PA features almost a vertical mile of climbing (4,910 feet if you’re scoring at home!) – The most climbing of any section of RAAM.Follow along with Rick and George’s RAAM adventure! 

RAAM Update – 6/20 – The Secret!

The final time cutoff check point is now in the rear view mirror for Team Beat Cancer and there is less than 500 miles to the finish line. Only RAAM would make the statement ‘only 500 miles’ seem like an easy task. Rick and George have managed to find some extra energy and fresh legs somewhere – they averaged over 17 mph through the last three time stations!

Want to be in on a secret? Rick’s wife, Terry, is on her way to Atlantic City, NJ to be at the finish line as a surprise for Rick. I figure Rick’s a little too busy to find time to read this blog in the next 48 hours to spoil it.
She’s been the support behind Rick the past twelve months and her successful battle with cancer over the several years has been one of the catalysts for Team Beat Cancer…

RAAM Update – 6/15 – Team BeatCancer

Rick and George (and support crew) continue their ‘adventure’ from Oceanside, CA to Atlantic City, NJ. Now well into Day #3 and entering Day #4, Team Beat Cancer has made it over Wolf Creek Pass in Colorado and is about to enjoy some Midwest flats and rolling hills for the next several days.

Rick just called in from the South Fork, CO time station and sounded in great spirits and had a lot of energy for a guy that is almost 1000 miles into an ultracycling race. Other than some fatigue, occasional cramping and a small saddle sore, he’s doing amazingly well – and getting ready to give George a bit of a rest by gearing up for a 100 mile pull!

RAAM Update #3 – Team BeatCancer

The Race Across America is well underway, with the lead solo riders approaching the half way point after beginning on Sunday.

The team competition started Tuesday. Team BeatCancer by www.coastalsportsmedicine.com seems to have found their cycling legs and have moved on up in the field according to the their last time station check.

Both riders are reported having problems adjusting their sleep schedules but may be on track after Rick Schulz took a 100 mile pull last night to give team mate George Vargas some well needed sleep and recovery.  Once both riders can get a little recovery, I believe we will continue to see Team BeatCancer move up through the field. Sleep and recovery off the bike will continue to become important factors for all racers as we get further into the race. Look for a shake-up in the team standings in the latter part of the races as competitors that went out too fast and didn’t plan for good recovery start to fall off their pace. Sometimes its better to be the tortoise than the hare.

Follow Team BeatCancer from their team blog