Morning Read: The ride of a lifetime

[question everything]

Tuesday, June 21, 2005

Morning Read: The ride of a lifetime

60-year-old Irvine man and his riding companion might make some bicycling history.

By JEFF MILLER
The Orange County Register

(snip)

Crain will challenge the obstacles, fate and, maybe more than anything, himself starting today in the Race Across America, a bicycling event that is exactly what the name suggests, a race from San Diego to Atlantic City.

He and teammate Fred Boethling will split the pedaling relay-style, together covering more than 3,000 miles and conquering amber waves, purple mountains and fruited plains.

The event began in 1982, when four men rode from the Santa Monica pier to the Empire State Building. This year, more than 130 riders - including a handful from Southern California - have entered.


(snip)

Sure, there might not be enough money on the planet for you to agree to ride a bike over a distance many people consider inconvenient via a 767. But Crain and Boethling are willing to pay for the opportunity, about $8,000 apiece. That's how much it will cost them for their support team of 10 people, two vans and a chase car.

(snip)

Solo riders typically spend 22 hours a day on their bikes for roughly eight consecutive days and suffer hallucinations. Of the 26 soloists entered this year, barely 40 percent are expected to reach New Jersey.

(snip)

http://www.ocregister.com/ocr/2005/06/21/sections/news/news/article_567915.php

[BiggJawn]

1. Michael Shermer was "abducted by aliens" during one RAAM...

Turned out it was his support crew trying to put him to bed for a scheduled nap.

750 miles in 90 hours would be enough for me.