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.