RAAM Solo

Ann Wooldridge could teach the world a lot. She rode to the city docks in Annapolis, MD last night and was cheered by about 150 supporters from the USA, Brazil, the UK and many other places. Team Can Be Adventures was there with both Daniela Figueiredo Genovesi and Janet Christiansen, who applauded and hugged this bike warrior Ann Wooldridge.

There was a lot of awe and many tears. Ann appeared frail in the least, shy and overcome. In all my years of involvement with RAAM I have never witnessed such a moment. I was alarmed at her state, but with time she spoke, she had a megaphone but was barely audible and a little time later she smiled, she knew she had accomplished something very special.

In RAAM, it is always a thrill to watch the first place finishers cross the line, but a deeper appreciation and understanding comes with the back of the pack. Ann was an official DNF in RAAM, but she still set a transcontinental record for women 50+ and she accomplished so much more than finishing what she set out to do. She inspired millions; she rode the good ride, the toughest race and then some.

To Ann Wooldridge I say thank you for demonstrating what is important and what can be accomplished with true grit, a gigantic heart and an unstoppable spirit.

Ann has passed through Rouzerville, time station 49. She doesn't have long to go now. She is currently averaging 9.49mph and has been out there for 12 days, 16 hours and 23 minutes.

It was a tough day in the saddle. Still rolling along with a panty hose bottle holder, a found object modified campy shifters, a ace bandage "Shermer neck" support and the relentless support of the crew.

Ann will not be an official finisher but will likely secure the record for the fastest crossing by a 50+ woman.

That record has been held since 1992 by Bonnie Allison.

Team JDRF were 16 bike riders riding on 8 tandem bikes.

Tim Skipper, Matt Skipper, Tom Hooker, Joe Petersen, Kate Glossbrenner, Gary Oishi, Charlie Jenkins, Pat Jenkins, Bernie Barge, Roehl Caragao, Brenda Barnell, Scott Skipper, Jeff Mayeda, Sui-Yuk Mayeda, Clay Shart and Richard Hoff all rode exceptionally well.

Team JDRF arrived in Annapolis at 3:43am on June 27. The race took them 6 days, 10 hours and 4 minutes and they averaged 19.61mph.

They supported the charity: Charity Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)

JDRF is the leader in research leading to a cure for type 1 diabetes in the world. It sets the global agenda for diabetes research, and is the largest charitable funder and advocate of diabetes science worldwide.

The mission of JDRF is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that strikes children and adults suddenly, and can be fatal. Until a cure is found, people with type 1 diabetes have to test their blood sugar and give themselves insulin injections multiple times or use a pump - each day, every day of their lives. And even with that intensive care, insulin is not a cure for diabetes, nor does it prevent its eventual and devastating complications, which may include kidney failure, blindness, heart disease, stroke, and amputation.

Since its founding in 1970 by parents of children with type 1 diabetes, JDRF has awarded more than $1.3 billion to diabetes research, including more than $156 million in FY2008. In FY2008, the Foundation funded more than 1,000 centers, grants in laboratories, hospitals, and industry, and fellowships in 22 countries.

They had some great experiences on the road. One of which was some kind help they received.

A gas station was awesome letting them use their garden hose to wash off with. Their words; "It was cold but it sure felt good."

Team JDRF rode a brilliant race and can be proud of their efforts.

Congratulations Team JDRF - Well Done!

Frenchman Dominique Briand won the 50-59 Solo Category. He crossed the line at 12:55am after 11 days, 9 hours and 24 minutes. He averaged 11.05mph.

Dominique rode a good race. Unfortunately, Hermann Bachmann, the other competitor in this category had to pull out due to a severe neck injury. We wish him a full recovery.

But Dominique rode brilliantly. He finished. He battled home. He showed courage and ambition and rode till the very end.

At the start of the race, Dominique hoped to be an official finisher and will make every effort to win. He intended to start cautiously. He did just that. He adopted the plan many other riders adopted and rode to that plan to perfection.

He had a great support crew who helped him achieve his result.

Congratulations Dominique Briand - Well Done!

Marko Baloh finished third arriving in Annapolis at 1:26pm on June 27. After 9 days, 21 hours and 44 minutes he was glad to finish an extremely tough race. He averaged 12.71mph.

Marko Baloh supported the group Asthma & Sport. They work with children who have asthma and teach them how to deal with it. Every year they organise spinning marathon to raise money for children to go on vactation to the sea. They also organise cycling marathon around Slovenia with Asthma school.

The Slovenian has been ultra-consistent since the opening day, riding in third until Gerhard Gulewicz overhauled him with three days to go. He has suffered no time penalties. Though he slowed in the last forty-eight hours, Baloh had a comfortable time buffer on the rest of the field.

He finished second to Wyss in 2006, but his time was nine hours slower than that taken in this year's race.

Congratulations Marko Baloh - Well Done!