Paris wrote a daily diary of events from beginning to end of the
12 days 19 hours spent supporting Jim Rees solo Race Accross America
2007.
The ups and the downs literally.
The Race started from
Oceanside CA at 9am local time, 12pm “RAAM
time”. We are now on a different
clock – Eastern seaboard time – to
confuse our bodies further! The initial
13 miles were parade through the town
and escort to the start of the race
proper, up through the Palomar Mountain
State park. With many riders and crew
bunched together it was chaotic but
exciting.
Jim started well and
enjoyed the mountains. The following
stretch was downhill and into the desert,
descending from 5000 feet to 200 feet
below sea level, into what they call “badlands”.
The unrelenting sun and heat began
to take it’s toll on the riders,
and by the end of the second stage
Jim had been well and truly introduced
to the world’s toughest cycle
race.
After taking a rest stop,
Jim then went on across the desert
as night fell. The course took in the
interstates – the equivalent
of British motorways – adding
more danger as lorries fly by the rider
at 75mph.
Jim continued along the
quieter stage to Hope, Arizona, through
the twilight hours.
Race Day 2
More baking heat through
the deserts of Arizona. Then ascents
of 8000 ft up Mount Francis as night
fell. On the other side of the mountains
we joined Route 66 and the interstate.
Sleep deprivation from 4 hours rest
in the last 36 hours was heaping on
further challenge as we negotiated
the interstate. We arrived safely,
but exhausted, in Williams Arizona
as the sun began to rise.
Race Day 3
No time for extended
breaks as Jim had to summon the strength
to get back on the bike for the next
stage through the city of Flagstaff.
Being an urban route it was crucial
to get through before rush hour and
avoid congestion of city traffic. Onwards
then to Tuba City and into the land
of the Navaho Nation. With temperatures
rising and the potential for Twisters
to develop, Jim arrived mid afternoon
and ook a precious rest period. Into
the evening and back in the saddle,
ascending to 7000 ft to Kayenta where
the vista became dominated by the awesome
Monument Valley, and we crossed the
state line into Utah.
Darkness now as we approached the famous monument peaks and the Mexican
Hat. In the pitch black we were unable to appreciate the “8th Wonder
of the World”. Our focus was to up the pace in order to reach the
city of Cortez, Colorado before the first cutoff of the race – a
time at which the rider must have reached a designated position or be
disqualified from the race.
Having had two tough
days in the desert, and with little rest,
Jim put in a phenomenal effort to attack
the mountains of Utah and regain time
to comfortably reach Cortez, well within
the cutoff time. He also began to overtake
other riders as he grew stronger through
the sections.
As day 3 becomes day
4, he now faces the prospect of the
highest ascent of the race, 12,000
feet through Wolf Creek Pass in the
Rocky Mountains.
Jim’s achievement
so far has been incredible and he has
bounced back magnificently from the
difficulties of the first desert sections.
He is getting stronger and racing harder
as RAAM 2007 develops.
Onwards into the mountains
and conditions turned against the riders
with temperatures dropping significantly.
Many of the solo competitors began
their ascent as night fell, Jim included,
and faced the incredible challenge
of severe climbs in the cold and dark.
By this stage all riders were suffering
from sleep deprivation too. Some fell
by the wayside, but Jim battled onwards,
albeit slowly, and edged his way along
the mountain pass. He arrived at the
next time station exhausted and emotional,
dogged determination had delivered
him this far. back
to top
Race Day 5
After the stresses
of Wolf Creek the crew were unsure
of how Jim could respond to the next
stages which built to another severe
climb from 6000 to 9000 feet. The
first stage attempted today was relatively
flat and allowed Jim to gather himself
for the ascents to come. Keeping
a steady pace through the second
stage on the gradual ascent of La
Veta Pass was measured riding, culminating
in the final stage – Cuchara
Pass and another 3,000 feet climb.
The breathtaking scenery and clear
mountain air boosted Jim and the
support crew who enjoyed one of the
prettiest stages with a great performance.
Ever one for the camera, Jim was
photographed and interviewed by the
RAAM media team as we coasted into
Trinidad ahead of schedule. back
to top
Race Day 6
Now began the geographical
transition from mountain passes and
high peaks to rolling foothills and
eventually high plains. Leaving Colarado
we passed into Kansas and America’s
bread basket. An endless flat vista
of crop and beef production, punctuated
by enormous concrete structures where
grain is stored. Contrasting with the
mountain climbs, Kansas’ flats
should be welcome relief were it not
for an energy sapping headwind which
frustrated Jim and started to take
it’s toll on his neck. A common
problem amongst ultra cyclists is a
condition where the neck muscles are
so fatigued that the rider is unable
to keep his head up and look forward
from the prone aero position – the
most efficient cycling style. This
was now another issue to contend with,
but Jim pushed on and upped the effort
to drive forward through the wind and
pain.
However a dramatic night
in Kansas was to unfold. Pushing though
to the night shift the efforts of the
day’s riding began to catch up
with Jim and his pace slowed as he
valiantly cycled onwards. Darkness
brought overwhelming need for sleep
and we allowed Jim to take an hour’s
rest in the support car. Six days and
1,300 miles of distance had caught
up with him and his tiredness turned
to sickness. After an hour of slow
progress it was clear that Jim was
completely empty of energy and we decided
to take him off the course and find
a motel room for a few hours rest.
We headed north to Dodge
City in the car, the only significant
conurbation, to find shelter for Jim.
It was 1 am and the crew, having had
to coax Jim along through a difficult
few hours, were feeling the strain
too. I was driving – and totally
focussed on finding a bolt hole we
found a motel. Entering the concourse
my priority was to get as close to
the entrance as possible, not realising
the awning meant there was restricted
headroom and Jim’s spare bike
was on the roof rack. A sickening crunch
followed and my heart sank as I realised
what had happened. The handlebars of
Jim’s spare bike were mangled
and the roof rack torn off.
Despite all that he had
contended with that evening, Jim’s
instant response was one of typical
charm and philosophy; “I never
liked that bike much anyway – it
was giving my neck gip”. I thank
him for his genuine, loving nature – and
his understanding that this was merely
an accident, not a disaster.
Jim had a few hours sleep
and Steve and I used our best Blue
Peter skills with a roll of Duck tape
to repair the roof rack. We then drove
back to the place where we left the
course and Jim completed the remaining
17 miles of the section to Montezuma.
I was certainly pleased the long night
had come to an end. back
to top
Race Day 7
One week into the race
and further progress was made along
the flat lands of Kansas, through the
more populated outskirts of Witchita
and comfortably reaching the second
cutoff target of El Dorado time station.
Jim then enjoyed a well earned rest
and a fresh chicken salad!
Heading off that
evening it was clear that Jim’s
neck was causing more discomfort
and pain. We attempted to relieve
it by fitting a neck strap which
gave some support but was not an
effective solution. Meeting former
RAAM winner and sore neck sufferer
Alan Larson at the Fort Scott timestation
gave us some ideas around constructing
a brace to hold Jim’s chin
upward, however this would have to
wait till morning and Jim would have
to bear with the pain. back
to top
Race Day 8
Day 8 saw us leave Kansas
and after the trials encountered in
the state I was pleased to see the
back of it. Entering Missouri gave
way to more rolling green hills and
dips which reminded me of the UK. Maybe
because of the Missouri felt more welcoming,
familiar and comfortable.
The problem with Jim’s
neck was becoming increasingly serious
and having taken Alan Larson’s
advice Steve and myself put Valerie
Singleton to shame by constructing
a chin and neck brace from 1” PVC
piping, a belt, and an NFL football
helmet chin strap. This endeavour caused
a media frenzy in Camdenton where we
were stationed and even attracted the
attention of the local paper – the
Sun Leader, as well as the RAAM media
team; “mad Brits in neck brace
shocker!”. Although I have yet
to see the final copy.
Jim arrived from his
stint on the road for a fitting and
after a few adjustments the Team Inspiration
neck brace became the newest member
of the crew. Despite not looking too
pretty it does the job rather well
and I am considering registering a
patent.
All neck braced
up, Jim embarked on the next leg
to Jefferson City. An unremarkable
place except for what appeared to
be a replica of the White House where
we found the lonely, un manned time
station. Onwards through the night
to Marthasville following the Missouri
River. Long flat sections punctuated
by two sections of hills, this was
a long, tiring session through the
night. Jim slowed significantly in
the hours before dawn – he
had slept less than an hour in the
last 24. But as the sun rose so did
his speed. Critically this has to
be maintained if we are to beat the
next cut off in Indianapolis at 11am
tomorrow. back
to top
Race Day 9
Crossing from Missouri
to Illinois the terrain altered little
being mostly flat or gentle rolling
hills through farmland and smalltown
America. Jim made swift progress in
these conditions and the cutoff in
Indianapolis was reached with almost
two hours to spare. With this rate
of progress the opportunity to break
the British record was within reach.
In terms of the race, Jim was riding
in a “pack” with three
other riders: Spurgeon – who
was attempting the race on a single
speed bike with no gears – he
had to change wheels for the uphill
sections, Optis – a lanky Canadian
racer, and Autissier – a Frenchman.
Coming through time stations we would
often see them and their crews and
positions between the four would alter
constantly.
Travelling through to
Illinois also brought the landmark
of 2000 miles down, 1000 miles to go.
We tentatively began to think of the
end ofthe race, the finish line, and
a comfortable bed to sleep in.
Now riding constantly
through day and night, the concept
of distinct days was no longer appropriate,
with Jim either on the bike, eating
or sleeping. The crew worked in shifts
around Jim and so our patterns followed
his, snatching a nap or bite to eat
whenever the opportunity arose. The
impact of this on the rider was obvious
and unpredictable – sudden switches
from alert and awake to head dropping,
speed slowing and the steady line and
rhythm of a strong rider became more
like a child just off stabilisers.
For the following crew, there role
was to spot and stop this happening
or impacting on bike speed. Coaching
and coaxing Jim along, feeding snacks,
promising treats were all tactics involved
to keep him upright and moving forwards.
These conditions were
taking their toll on the crew too.
I was struggling to perform simple
mental arithmetic in order to work
out bike peed averages and distance
targets. Driving along long straight
roads at 15 mph, especially at night,
was even more challenging and we all
experienced the sinking feeling of
nerves and relief as we realised that
quite possibly the grip of sleep had
taken us and yes, I had been asleep
at the wheel for a brief moment.
Crossing to Ohio we continued
in farming country. Small towns dotted
the roadside: wooden houses painted
white and pastel blue, rocking chairs
on the verandas, and many expressions
of patriotism decorating the front
gardens and porches. The ubiquitous
Star Spangled Banner a distinct reminder
that this is a country at war many
miles from here.
Becoming greener and
more rolling we experienced our first
rain of the race with a torrential
downpour near Circleville. For Jim
this was an annoyance rather than a
drama. The rain was warm and he had
wet weather gear. For me, having to
get in and out of the car for Jim’s
toilet breaks, kit changes and bike
checks it was less pleasant as my already
too long worn clothes were now damp
and steamy.
Approaching West Virginia
and the hills become more frequent
and higher. As we crossed the border
from Ohio the route took us from comfortable
country roads and onto the US 50E which
at this point is a six lane highway.
Clear blue skies and a strong sunlight
reflecting off the white concrete sapped
Jim’s energy. The roar of cars
and trucks at 70 mph made communication
virtually impossible and Jim was in
effect isolated from the support vehicle.
This was the busiest highway we had
encountered since California.
Having ridden through
the night Jim was short of sleep and
energy and the typical metronomic rhythm
of his cycling began to stutter. The
poor condition of the hard shoulder
made the surface challenging and Jim
sought a better line in the slow lane.
Crossing the white line he lost control
of the bike and swerved across the
carriageway. Managing to correct his
line he avoided catastrophe but this
was a reminder of the dangers involved
in this race. Traffic bearing down
on him at frightening speed, horns
blearing, stones and debris being thrown
all around, this is no place for the
faint hearted.
Clearly shaken, we guided
Jim off the course at the nearest opportunity.
Up a small country lane we found a
tree to sleep under and allowed ourselves
to restore our energy and courage.
Continuing onwards the
50E became more quiet and being a main
route provided a good surface for swifter
progress. We were now in the foothills
of the Appelation Mountains, the last
major range before descending to the
east coast and Atlantic City. So far
Jim had cycled 2,500 miles and was
on track to break the British record
for the race.
With so much energy having
been spent already and the gruelling
regime affecting his neck and swollen
legs, we held our breath as Jim began
the climbs of the Appellations. We
had seen two sides of Jim’s encounters
with the mountains of Colorado: misery
and despair at Wolf Creek, euphoria
and triumph at Cuchara Pass. Which
were we to experience this time? back
to top
Race Day 12
Ascending the first peak
in the early hours, we knew Jim would
have to cover the Appellations – a
significant mountain range – in
the space of a day to remain on track.
Jim had always responded magnificently
to these challenges and set about the
climbs with grit and determination.
Completing the first mountain stage
strongly, Jim was then struck with
tiredness. Sleep deprivation was taking
hold and Jim could not escape it’s
grip. Jim was becoming irritable, making
more and more sudden stops to urinate
or change kit, all taking precious
time. Eventually we allowed him to
sleep in the car. The unscheduled stops
had blown the schedule for the British
record. Of more concern was that at
the present rate failing to meet the
cut off to be an official RAAM finisher
was becoming a possibility. We had
to be in Atlantic City by 5pm on Friday.
Failure to do so would mean Jim would
not record a time and would be classed
DNF – Did Not Finish.
It was time to unlock
Jim’s immense power in his mind
to take him to the finish. Physically
he was in good shape and had good speed
on the bike. The challenge was to draw
on his inner strength to keep him in
the saddle and pedalling. Enrico woke
Jim and presented him with a map of
the USA pointing out where we had started
in Oceanside to our current position,
Jim had covered 90% of the route. Focussing
Jim on the goal, Enrico got Jim out
of the car and back on the bike to
resume the climbs.
The next section to Hancock,
Maryland consisted of four major climbs
which Jim completed in an aggressive
time. Now we embarked on the last two
stages in the Appellations with three
relatively simple climbs to go before
the course descends to the Atlantic
coast. Jim completed the first of these
stages on schedule. We started the
second section with a 1000ft climb
and as we reached the summit the sleep
demon returned to haunt Jim. Our schedule
allowed no further breaks. In order
to reach Atlantic City and complete
the race before the cut off, Jim would
have to cycle almost continually. There
were 217 miles to go in 19 hours.
I pushed Jim onwards
through the second climb but we were
losing time. Jim wasn’t going
fast enough and he was pleading with
me to stop. He tried all tactics: humour,
aggression, negotiation. In my mind
I knew his performance was deteriorating
rapidly but to stop would throw the
possibility of a finish away. However
it was clear that continuing at this
rate was impossible. We stopped for
a 15 minute break and Jim snatched
a nap. Resuming on the road, after
only a few miles his bike control ceased
and we were forced to stop again, this
time for 30 minutes. We were now on
the edge. After 12 days of hard cycling
through deserts, mountains, headwinds
and searing heat, Jim had reached the
point where sleep deprivation now ruled
his physical and mental systems. We
pushed on but Jim could now no longer
follow the instructions I was giving
him. He was hallucinating, veering
from one side of the road to the other.
It was time to bring
this to an end.
My thoughts turned to
Jim, Tracy and their children. Our
commitment to them from the start had
been to complete the race safely. At
this point the decision to stop was
an easy one. I knew the consequences
would be difficult to accept – all
the preparation, effort and commitment
from all involved meant that not achieving
the goal would be a massive and potentially
destructive disappointment. However,
my friend was in a very dangerous situation
and I was in the priveliged position
to remove him from it.
We pulled over to the
side of the road and prepared a bed
in the back of the MPV for Jim to sleep
in. Crew doctor Enrico recommended
at least two hours sleep and Jim was
fast asleep instantaneously.
In terms of the race
I had now accepted that Jim would not
finish inside the cut off time. We
now had 190 miles to the finish line
to cover in under 13 hours, an average
of 15 mph. Jim’s average speed
to date had been 10-12 mph. Only the
winners of RAAM sustain averages of
over 15mph.
We woke Jim at 4.20am.
His first question was about the race:
Jim: “So where
are we now?”
Paris: “Jim, in order to finish we have to cover 190 miles in 13
hours.
I’m sorry Jim, you aren’t going to finish within the cut
off”
The look on Jim’s
face was one of surprise and shock.
Paris: “We will
support you and finish the course with
you. You will have cycled across America”
Jim: “I know you
did what you had to do, but nothing
is impossible. I’m getting on
the bike”
With that he rubbed his
head and slapped his face. I readied
the bike and he set off at a terrific
rate, back onto a steady line, consistent
rhythm. I felt sorry for him. I did
not believe this was possible and he
was putting in a Herculean effort.
I was worried that he would blow again
and he would be unable to cycle at
all, or we would limp to the time station
and Jim’s race would fall apart
in front of him.
Yet Jim did not slow
down and we covered the 12 miles to
the time station swiftly. We handed
over to the other crew of Tony, John
and Donna for the next two stages.
We were all a little bemused by Jim
who stripped off his layers of clothing
down to just his racing suit. “let’s
go, I’m going to do this” and
off he went.
The course now moved
into the beautiful fertile lands of
Pennsylvania where Amish communities
sit side by side with modern farms.
The contrast is stunning yet they seem
to coexist happily together, neither
really seeming out of place. From our
other vehicle I was keeping watch on
Jim’s progress and times. He
wasn’t slowing. He was getting
faster. Surely this couldn’t
be done, could it?
We arrived at the final
time station and waited for Jim and
the crew to arrive. Although Jim had
made rapid progress so far, I was still
concerned that he would not be able
to sustain this searing pace. We were
also now in a city with cars, traffic
lights and roadworks to contend with.
All of which would slow Jim down.
Incredibly he kept going and as he approached us at the final transition
I allowed myself to believe that maybe he does have a chance, albeit
a very very slim one. Jim arrived at the final transition needing to
cover 60 miles in 3 ¾ hours.
We swapped crews and
set off. After just 50 yards Jim stopped.
Puncture! Our first of the race and
right when we didn’t need it.
A quick wheel change and Jim was back
on course.
As we progressed the
course began to emerge in our favour:
flat long roads, less traffic and a
precious tailwind. Jim was able to
keep the bike at over 20mph and race
in the “aero” position – crouching
down on the handlebars to minimise
drag. As the clocked ticked, the miles
were consumed. Enrico drove in a typical
aggressive Italian style to plough
through the traffic, while Donna bellowed
instructions and encouragement. I was
navigating, my hands clenched vice
like to the route book. He could do
it, but it’s going to be very
tight.
We cleared the final
time station and were cheered through
by the rest of the crew. Only nine
miles to complete now. But then a jolt
and a strange noise from our follow
car. We had driven over a bolt which
was embedded in the tyre. If it deflated
we would have to stop and Jim would
have to go on alone and navigate to
the finish. I hoped that the tyre would
hold out long enough.
Still focussed on finishing
the race I stopped myself from thinking
about celebrations or victories. 3,040
miles down, the emotions and challenges:
desert heat, Wolf Creek, Dodge City
and only 13 hours before Jim could
barely stand upright and was totally
exhausted and incoherent. Yet here
we were, a few miles from the finish
and nothing was going to stop him.
We crossed the line and
jumped from the car to embrace Jim.
I can only describe what I witnessed
that day as something incredible, if
not magical. Jim’s determination
and belief drove him through his exhaustion
and sleep deprivation to the point
where he could extract an extraordinary
performance and cycle quicker than
he had at any point in the entire race.
Jim finished the race
six minutes inside the cutoff time.
