Chillicothe rest stop

So many states…so many WalMart parking lots

When crewing for RAAM, one of the largest taks is to stay stocked with supplies and provisions. Not only does the crew have to think about food prep in the support vehicle where they rest and recoup, but also the follow vehicle which can never take itself away from the rider except just long enough to obtain fuel.

We go thru 13 states in less than 9 days and shop at least twice a day. We shop frequently for a few reasons: with the time of year, we have to stay stocked with ice to keep the riders cool; meals need to be prepared fresh and crew and riders are more likely to eat something purchased within the last 24 to 36 hours; and finally, understanding that no support vehicle has unlimited storage space.

Keeping all that in mind, we spend a lot of time in Wal Marts across the US. Consistency is key when trying to develop a routine…Wal Mart fits this need as 98% are open 24 hrs which means the bathrooms are almost always available (nice when u r tired of trying to find a tree, bush or rock). Quick access to ice, water, food, basic tools for emergency situations (bolt cutters when the bike lock is broken and wont come off) is nearly always guaranteed. Store management is very friendly for temporarily camping out in vehicles of all sizes making the well lit parking lots safe places to wait for riders and make team exchanges.

13 states = a lot of time spent in and around WalMart. Thanks for your hospitality.

~sara

RAAM is a race!!!!

Anyone who participates in races, knows that a big factor on how you might finish is who shows up. If you’ve been keeping track of where all the teams are, you will notice that we’re not ahead of most of the 4 person teams. We knew that, and had our own goals and were planning on riding with “intent”.

But, if you look at the category that we are in. Four person, Less than 50 (age), mixed, there just happens to be one other team in our category. When we reviewed the competition, there was no way that we could compete. They only had one female (we have two), and together, they have probably have 10 RAAM races under their belt. So we didn’t’ think we even had a chance. But, if you look, we have been just behind them (T416). Yesterday, we actually caught and passed them, but then they switched to their young (35 age) rider who then blew by us.

So with the toughest hills coming up, we are strategizing to see if we can pull out a win. Wish us luck!!!