RAAM Solo

VIC'S RAAMIFICATIONS
BACHMANN BRACES HIMSELF IN TAOS
Taos, New Mexico
June 21, 2009
By Vic Armijo

There was no guessing the condition of our second place age 50+ solo Hermann Bachmann as he rode into Taos today. He is suffering from "Shermer's Neck," that RAAM specific malady of neck muscle failure brought about from hundreds of miles of holding one's head up while cycling. Bachmann was wearing a whiplash style neck-brace to counter his muscle's inability to continue to hold up his head.

Despite the obvious problems of his neck, he says he's in otherwise good condition and is confident of finishing. His crew gathered together for this shot before sending him off for more.

Upon hearing of Bachmann's condition, members of Michelle Santilhano's crew went looking for Bachmann to offer him a more effective rigid brace. Their rider pulled out yesterday and they've turned their presence on course into a sight-seeing and RAAM-watching trip. "We have this brace that will do the job so much better than a soft brace," said one of the Santilhano crew.

That's the RAAM spirit!