Race News, Updates and Press Releases

Pre Race Preparations

Monday, June 12, 2006

Monday, June 12 dawned with grey, overcast skys and the early morning salt air smelled just like you always remember that first whiff of the ocean spray.  All was quiet on the pier on this morning, the morning before the race.  A quick early breakfast at Ruby's on the pier set the stage for a long 8am riders meeting in the gymnasium at the foot of the Oceanside pier.

Riders from all teams except solo riders (who left yesterday) were present for the team meeting.  RAAM officials went over all of the rules and possible sources of penalties, such as riding within 100 meters of another rider except when passing;  failure to pull the chase car far enough off the side of the road;  stopping on the shoulder of the freeway except in an emergency;  The rules for the parade start (departure from the Pier to the bike path and out 12 miles to the official start location) were explained, then revised later in the day at least twice.  Our team was selected as the leadoff team for the Parade start, either because we were the oldest (average age-65) or because we have a famous team leader in Pete Penseyres who just happens to own the RAAM solo cross country speed record set in 1986.

In order to qualify to ride the race, the vehicles had to be inspected, race numbers put on the chase vehicles, as well as helmets, and bikes were inspected for light systems, reflective tape, warning signs, etc.

Even Carl received a helmet number, or was that his booking number? Racks were inspected and team numbers were placed on the vehicles, mostly for media purposes.  Again, the bike racks were supplied by Jax Bicycle Shop and are perfect for the quick loading and unloading of the bikes.

After checking the route book for the start tomorrow, we found the page that describes the 6000 ft. elevation climb as we ride out of Oceanside to Borrego Springs.  Pete and Jim Penseyres will do the major climb tomorrow and try to break away from the pack.  We drew No. 7 starting position for the actual race start, so Pete and Jim should get a good jump.  Remember, most of the riders starting tomorrow are 20 to 30 years younger than the Chaffey group.

Some of the racing groups tried to intimidate us with their vehicles, but Ron and Gary Byrne just ignored them.

The team photo was finally taken in the late afternoon after all inspections had been completed;  Pete's time trial bike will go on the ride, and probably be used on the ride down a 60 mile downgrade from Chirraco summit to Blythe, CA.  Pete figures he can make up a lot of time on that down grade.

The inspectors finally passed us and the vehicles were cleared to race.  Tomorrow morning we meet at Pete's house in Oceanside and load up the vans, bikes, miscellaneous equipment, food, energy bars, energy drinks, courage, and head for the start line.

The team has been divided into 2 Four Man teams. Team One (Tiger One) is comprised of Pete Penseyres, Gary Spencer, Ron Mittino and Chuck Gilbert.  Team 2 (Tiger Two) is comprised of Jim Penseyres, Gary Byrne, Carl Skavarna, and Don Flanigan.  Generally, Team One will ride from 2pm to 2am each day, each rider riding half hour sprints or a total of 3 hours per day over the 12 hour period.  Team Two will repeat the process from 2am until 2pm the next day.  Teams will sleep during their 12 hours off duty.  Since Team Two does not start until 2am, their job is to jump ahead, and get motel rooms, then sleep until their time to ride arrives.  The motel locations have been selected based on the best estimates we could make on the number of miles we could cover.  Team one will move into the motel rooms when Team Two takes to the road, sleep until about 10am, then drive ahead and meet Team 2 at 2pm.

The great adventure begins;  see you tomorrow, same time, same station.