I never get bored of cycling through the mountains

As part of my preparation for Tour for Life, I flew to Abbotsford with my bike. There I borrowed a scissor to cut my "shrink wrap" off my bike. Since I carry little more than what I need on my bike, I usally travel in some old clothes, which, after changing into my cycling gear, I leave behind in the garbage can. By 11:15am BC time (40 minutes after landing) I was on the bike heading home. The weather was nice, sunny and about 18 degrees. I made it to Kamloops (about 320 km) by 11:30pm BC time. Even though I have all night riding equipment, I try to avoid it as much as possible, unless I have a support crew following me. I had sunshine all the way home. I never get tired of Glacier Park , as I slowly make my way up Rogers Pass. It is such a peaceful experience, hearing every waterfall, every bald eagle or other bird species. On a bike you truly experience God's wonderful creation. Other than some tense moments trying to find a room in a 1-motel town on a Saturday night when there was a wedding in town, the ride went as planned.

I made it back safe and sound in 6 days, 23 hours, (about 2350km) unsupported. I did not even have a single flat. The distance per day was significantly less than what I will need to do during Tour for Life.

Arvid

PS: As I was walking into the bathroom at Tim Horton's in Portage la Prairie I passed a table with four seniors solving all the world's problems. They gave me the "once over". When I was inside, I heard them say, "That guy can barely walk, but he can sure bike". I guess they must have passed me on the highway coming in.

A Year After RAAM

RAAM 2008 ended a year and two days ago. I watched as Arvid crossed the finish line in Annapolis with a sigh of relief. He'd been through sleep deprivation, pain, and mental battles across the US and over 3,000 miles. I'd seen him progress to that point, and so it seemed natural that he would finish the world's toughest bike race. This year, as RAAM is now halfway complete, I've been following the stats online. When I go to bed the riders are racing, and when I wake up they are still racing. Watching it from this end reminds me just how ridiculous and tough the ride is. His achievement has become even more amazing and concrete in my mind.

This year is no different. 23 days of 457km/day. To some it's just a number. To me it's an understanding of 3/4 of the day spent on a bike, with minimal hours of sleep. It's 23 days of pushing the body, of riding hard over and over and over. Yes, 457 is just a number, but it's a big number. Keep that in mind as you pray and support Arvid on the Tour for Life!

Paul