KEVIN'S REFLECTION FROM RAAM 2004
To compete in Race Across America (RAAM) was a dream come true. Originally, when Jeff Rushton and I rode our bikes across America for charity, two years ago, we constantly kidded each other about what it would be like to actually race the distance of 5000 km, which took us 24 days to complete in 2000.
When I look back it seems that most ultra or professional cyclists would have laughed at the fact that we thought that 125 miles a day over 24 days was a challenge. But, for us rookie distance riders, it in fact was.
Perspective is a very interesting thing. Since competing in Eco-challenge Borneo in 2000 and now being competitive in 2004 in Ultra distance, I am blown away by the perceived limits we place on what the human body can handle.
When Jeff asked me last year if I wanted to compete as a two-man team in RAAM I of course told him yes, but inside I had reservations about putting myself into a situation that I knew I would have to focus my training and lifestyle towards winning the two-man division.
Since riding across America in 24 days in 2000, I have always wondered if it was possible for me to do it in 8-9 days, solo, with a close support crew and lots of time to fight the negative monsters that can sometimes play mutiny on ones mind to quit. That question has always intrigued me, but before I do it solo I wanted to see if we could not only complete the two-man but if we could do it in style by breaking the previous two-man record set in 2001 of 7days 1 hour by Ceara Discovery/Powerbar.
Our preparation was the key. Under the guidance of Dr Pat Hewitt, we aerobically built a strong base over 18 months. Went on a strict diet of proper fats, carbs, proteins, fruits, vegetables supplements and minerals. We cleansed 6 months before the race to clean our intestines and improve liver function by which to process the race food more efficiently. One week before the race we only ate our race food diet of non-perishable foods (that would stay stable in the RV and didn’t require much preparation) to make sure that we wouldn’t have gastrointestinal problems during the race.
Our race diet was a strict regimen of an electrolyte drink, lots of water, Dr Pat’s special almond butter sandwich, pumpernickel bread, tuna sandwiches, rice and tuna, salmon and rice, eggs on pumpernickel, salsa, pasta with olive oil mixed with protein powder and parmesan and lots of Ultra Maintain smoothies before and after the ride. This all added up to about 5000-7000 calories a day.
Our shifts consisted of 2-hour shifts, around the clock, for the entire race. A typical shift would be regimented like this:
- Two hours riding
- Havi or Jack (mechanics) would take our bike to address any problems
- Hop on the trainer already set up on the side of the road to cool down
- Drink a smoothie and towel off while riding the trainer - 10 min
- Change, clean our groin to prevent saddle sores eat solid food – 10 min
- Lon the masseuse would rub down our legs and stretch us - 10 min
- Sleep – 1 hour
- Wake up half hour before transition
- Go to the washroom – 5 Min
- Dress (This would require more time at night with cooler temperatures) – 10 min
- Apply sunscreen and Drink a smoothie - 5 min
- Warm-up on Trainer – 10 min
The warm-up and cool down was critical for maintaining our average speed of 30 km/hr.
Once we were on the bike we had to ramp up the speed right away if we wanted to break the current record.
My body was working better than I expected. The food was efficiently being used as fuel and going through me like grass through a goose! It always amazes me how one can actually get stronger when you are constantly fed high quality food and you don’t acidify your muscles by going anaerobic.
What made the experience of RAAM the most meaningful was to hear from our support crew, stories of people we were riding for, via our headsets. Gaining total inspiration from the strength that people have shown through their battles with Cancer. After hearing these stories on each shift it really put all of our challenges during the race into perspective. Each time I felt very lucky to be riding in honor of these people and I would have this humble feeling of being fortunate to play a small role in this theater we call life!
I used to race Ultra distance expecting it to hurt and paying a hefty price by taxing my body at the risk of doing long term damage and expecting a long recovery. Now, I realize how important it is to make sure my body receives the proper calories and nutrients. Maintaining an efficient fat-burning machine while staying aerobic and actually becoming healthier as the ride goes on. Doesn’t that symbolize life perfectly? We all hope to have a long life being very active, getting stronger as we get older and why not break the odd record or two along the way!
In the end Jeff and I and our support team broke the World record for a two-man team completing the Race Across America from San Diego to Atlantic City in 6 days 14 hours and 7 minutes with an average speed of 18.90 mph (beating the previous record by 11 hours). It was only possible because of the support of my family, co-workers and of course our incredible support crew.
Some definite highlights of the trip were riding alongside RAAM legends Rob Kish and Wolfgang Fasching. Epic climbs in Arizona, and New Mexico. Riding in the middle of the night in total silence, morning sunrises, tailwinds across West Texas. Entering the amazing climbs of the Appalachian’s and seeing my beautiful wife on the boardwalk of Atlantic City.
Cancer can also be beaten if we have this same support from the people around us. RAAM was another chapter that Jeff and I used to draw people to the web page www.coasttocoastride.com creating awareness of Cancer survival.
It has been one month since the race and I am left with a nagging feeling that a chapter has been left open and what’s left to be written is to do RAAM solo in 2005. It would be something to finish RAAM solo but to be competing in the top three spots riding alongside RAAM legends is what really gets me excited!
Jeff is also organizing a ride August 12-16, 04 called www.Tourforkids.com that I will be attending and it will be an opportunity to have some fun and ride 100+ miles per day with everyone. We will be riding to kids Cancer camps and raising money for another great cause!
I hope to see you there!
Kevin Wallace
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Post Race Reports/Articles
Read post race articles from Oliver Moore of the Globe and Mail, Danny Chew of RaceAcrossAmerica.org, and Race Crew commentary. Read More.
A Note From Kevin on Day 6
I must say I am both humbled and appreciative of each of your comments. They mean so much to me providing much needed energy to myself and my team. Read More.
Dedications
As the endless miles attack Kevin's legs and soul, he'll draw strength from
thoughts of these eight courageous women. Read More.
Kevin's Message
I would like to thank my friends that are not on my crew during the race but have been part of the crew in preparation. Read More.
The Quest
Team Race makes it official. Our intent is to break the Mens SOLO RAAM record. Read More.
Kevin's Gear List
I am packing some last minute items on the eve of flying out to start line and I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Read More.
Kevin's Reflection from RAAM 2004
To compete in Race Across America (RAAM) was a dream come true. Read More.
The World's Toughest Race
Still the numbers are provocative and set ones mind to churning, and when the churning is done and the initial disbelief lingers. Read More.
RAAM DNF - The Noble Defeat
Today we will explore some of the DNF Dragons that have seduced, cajoled, and downright wrestled past RAAM riders to give up. Read More.
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