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RAAM 2009

Back to low carb'ing, vision for RAAM 2010

July 4, 2009 by Bob Avritt
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Since I have been mostly low carb’ing and have dropped 10lbs of water weight. I intend to continue to LC to get my weight back down to the mid 180lbs range. I felt best at that weight. I think I looked fairly good too. 

Here after RAAM, I am in love with my bike again. Not just in love with it, but I seem to have this bug gnawing at me. This bug to do more races. I'm just not sure what races, or what type of races. Think I'll get with Keith to see about racing with Cobras. 

My vision for RAAM is a one-two finish for Team Type 1 and Team Type 2. How cool would that be? I have a plan and will be working to implement that plan over the next 11 months. 

Today's breakfast/lunch was a 4 egg cheese omelet using shredded "taco" cheese topped with taco sauce. It is important to make the food interesting. Helps keep me on track.  

Pre-RAAM 2009 in California

July 4, 2009 by Bob Avritt
Posted in

 

I flew into San Diego early on Thursday. I met up with Daniel Snyder at the Denver airport and hung with him. Daniel is a nutritionist, and really cool guy. He has similar opinions about people with diabetes being encouraged to eat carbohydrates as I do. Generally makes no sense to encourage someone who has carbohydrate metabolism issues to eat carbohydrates. 

After a Starbucks fix, we headed out to the meeting place where our team van would pick us up for the trip up to Carlsbad. There we met up with Debbie Walsh. Everyone was excited to be there, and ready for the race to begin. 

The van showed up with Tom Schuler driving. We loaded my bike, and were literally off to the races. The ride to the hotel has some exciting moments due to traffic, and close calls. Crazy California drivers! 

I don't think the scope of this operation hit me until we pulled into the hotel parking lot. There I saw 4 RVs and several mini-vans. Wow, this is real! 

I set about assembling my bike, then assisting with other tasks as I as able. 

Friday morning was another early day. So much to do. 

I got a call from Patty telling me that she is pregnant!  WooHoo! What great news to start such an EPIC race and a wonderful father's day surprise! 

We had to take all the vehicles, riders, and equipment down to the race start for RAAM safety inspection. Of course we passed with flying colors. 

I met up with Bernie, an online friend from bikejournal.com. Bernie was riding for JDRF's 8 tandem team. Was nice to meet him, and visit a bit about RAAM etc... 

We all headed down to the mandatory RAAM pre-race meeting. All the teams were introduced, and some of the rules were reviewed. 

After the meeting it was back to the hotel. A quick ride to the beach and back. Then a full team meeting with both Team Type 1 and Team Type 2. Dave Eldridge reviewed many many details. I don't know how he was able to keep it all straight! 

Off to bed. Try to sleep. Nerves are high. Tomorrow, RACE START! 

 

 

A letter to Team Type 2 and Crew

July 2, 2009 by Bob Avritt
Posted in

  Hey everyone! 

 

 

I just wanted to pass along my heart felt thanks to each and everyone of you for an EXCEPTIONAL effort in Team Type 2's inaugural Race Across America (RAAM) entry! 
 
Each athlete poured their heart,  soul, and sweat out on the road from Ocean Side, California all the way to Annapolis, Maryland! Gentlemen, I say to you, Exceptional Job! You did your job for the team, and the I thank you for your passion, your dedication, and your exceptional efforts! I am proud and honored to have been, and continue to be with you as we are, Team Type 2! 
 
I watched in amazement as our Team Type 2 Crew executed their support duties to make our lives as RAAM racers a reality. Without you, my dear crew, reaching Annapolis would have been an even more daunting task than it was. Your selfless gift of yourself, your time, and your passion for the cause of Team Type 2 will never be forgotten. I hope you hold your head high, proud in our accomplisment! You are Team Type 2 Crew. The best RAAM Crew, bar none! Thanks to Dave Eldridge for incredible logistical support. Bob Schrank took us under his wing and help guide us through many of the pitfalls of RAAM, and helped out this newbie! 
 
Without the support of Team Sports, we simply would not have been able to get into the mix in such fine fashion. Thanks for your efforts to make this long shot effort a reality. 
 
Our amazing brothers and sisters on Team Type 1 have been our biggest fans and supporters! I am humbled by their incredible and giving spirit. 
 
Finally, none of this would have been possible without Phil Southerland and Joe Eldridge who shared my vision of a Team Type 2. They believed in me. They believed in us. Even when there were doubts by some, they held true to the knowledge that people with either type of diabetes can accomplish anything we set our minds to! 
 
So, I thank one and all from the bottom of my sleep deprived heart. Each of you are EXCEPTIONAL people! 
 
-Zin

 

 

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