Cat Berge - Will she finish the RAAM?

[maggieH]

The Race Across America (RAAM) starts tomorrow, June 19. (http://raceacrossamerica.org)

From "Chews Views" on the raceacrossamerica.org website:


Sweden’s Anna (Cat) Berge qualified for RAAM at the 2001 Furnace Creek 508, placing second overall and beating Seana Hogan’s 1991 rookie time by over four hours. Berge is attempting to become the first woman finisher since Cassie Lowe in 2001. She will be going for Muffy Ritz’s 12-year old rookie record of 12.49 mph, which would yield a finishing time of 10:04:21 on the 2005 course. Berge once took a survey of why people drop out of RAAM. I hope she doesn’t become a statistic in her own survey.

Cat's website is http://www.catharinaberge.com - it's pretty interesting, lots of photos. She has a PhD in comparative pathology (http://www.catharinaberge.com/id36.htm)

Here's the link for Cat's RAAM updates (http://www.catharinaberge.com/id75.htm) Her pre-race message was written June 6. Apparently she intends to post messages each day.

[Veronica]

She's amazing. I saw her last year doing the Devil Mountain Double on a tandem. It was hot last year and they were in and out of of our water stop on Mount Hamiliton lickety split. They were trying to break the course record I think. Yeah, if nothing goes wrong - she'll do it.

V.

[maggieH]

Cat Berge passed TS#2 at 17:40 eastern time, putting her in 11th place, ahead of 15 of the men.

[bluezfire]

Just before reading this thread, I was at the RAAM website reading the updates. As of this writing, she has passed TS#5 in Hope, AZ with a time of 17:41. I'm most excited about having a woman to watch in this year's race. Or I guess I should say "solo" woman.

This is my second year following this race. I was on the edge of my seat towards the end last year, anticipating each newsletter update with the latest happenings. Man, I wish they televised this race ... live! Or at least with daily highlights or something. (Forgive me if they actually *do* this where you are because around here, we get nothing. Thank God for the internet, is all I can say.) I'm so glad to see others on here talking about it. I'll have an outlet for my thoughts and such so I don't bore those people in my real life with details of an event that most of them have absolutely no knowledge that even exists.

[maggieH]

She still hasn't reached TS#6. A couple of the guys who reached TS#5 after her have already gotten to #6. Perhaps she decided to sleep awhile. So far all of the ride times equal the elapsed times. It will be interesting to see when that starts to differ -- how much they are sleeping.

~maggie

[MomOnBike]

I just checked out the daily pictures and Cat is in far more than her share. :D

Gosh, I wish I still lived along the route. Right about now I'd be filling water bottles/jugs & baking high protein cookies to hand out to riders and crews - or something. More likely, I'd just stand by the side of the road & watch and cheer.

[MM_QFC!]

Here's here site, with daily updates and pics...she's looking great so far...hopefully, she'll continue to have a good strong safe race.
http://www.catharinaberge.com/id75.htm

[Deanna]

Cat is fairly well known and very well liked in my local bike club, so this update appeared on our chat list. It's quite lengthy, but I didn't see this on Cat's website, so if people are interested, I'll post them as they appear:

>>>Good morning!

>>>I chatted with Elaine Miles from Cat's crew this morning! We had a good 20 minutes to talk and I slammed her withquestions. :-)

First and foremost, Cat is doing great!!! Of course she is having the usual RAAM-induced variety of problems, but her spirits are good and she is focused and determined. She is quite aware of whose RVs she is seeing and who might be taking sleep breaks, who might be ahead of her, who might be behind her, whose pace van that is pulled off the side of the road, etc.... Of course, like I mentioned before, her crew does not have access to the time station stats like we do on the RAAM site. They only have the data that is available at each time station, if they even have a chance to stop at it. Each time station lists who has already passed thru ahead of her. So, who is in back of her is really unknown to them unless they see a pace van belonging to a rider that they know is not ahead of them. If so, they can deduct(deduce) that that given rider may be close behind or their van pulled ahead for a crew sleep break and is just going to wait for their rider and the 2nd pace van. It's really a lot of detective work for each crew to deduct where other riders are.

I updated Elaine on the placing of each rider, their average speed so that we could figure out who hasn't slept yet and who has, and how far ahead of
her the next rider is so that Cat could pace herself.

Cat is having trouble with her knee. She has a neoprene support brace on it now and will be riding with that, probably from now until the end. This knee has been a source of trouble for her and prayers are needed to keep her knee in good condition to get her to the finish line. She also is wearing 2 pairs of shorts due to saddle sores and has switched to her larger pair of cycling shoes due to swelling in her feet.

Cat didn't sleep at all the first night, which I already knew... but she did take her sleep break last night and the night before. Her sleep break is scheduled to be for 3 hours, but Cat is waking up after 2 and has been getting back on her bike without the total 3 hours to sleep. REM sleep patterns are such that 90-minute blocks of sleep are most helpful and most resting, so 120 minutes has her waking up before her 2nd REM cycle. She also took another 30-minute break early this morning because she was so cold. They put her in the van and cranked up the heat and she snoozed for 30 minutes.

The crew has been reading some cards to her over the PA system... cards from well wishers, notes of encouragement. Cat loves this!

Since the crew has not had a chance to download the digital photos they have been taking, or check emails, I don't have any photos today and I can't read all of your emails to her crew. So, I'm trying to make a deal with Cat's sister, Susanne, who is coming to the course from Sweden on Sunday, and having her print the emails out so that the crew has them for the 2nd 1/2 of RAAM and can read them to Cat.

Cat has a big climb today....as she leaves Time Station #16 from Pagosa Springs and heads into Time Station #17 into South Fork, Colorado, she has to climb Wolf Creek Pass, of which the elevation is at 10,857 feet. The temperature looks to be cool, at 61 degrees (F) in South Fork, Colorado this
morning. Then she has a 6% descent for 6 miles off the summit.

Cat is eating a lot of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches , peanut butter bagels, Hammer Nutrition products Sustained Energy and Perpetuem, Clif Shots, and organic milk and organic chocolate milk. Nutrition-wise, she is doing great. She is having no problems with her food or water consumption.

Cat should be pulling into Time Station #16, in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, really soon now. This puts her at around 300 miles, give or take, for Day Three. From what I have read, the weather ahead of Cat looks great.... sunny, around the middle 80s (F), and SW winds.

A note to Susanne, Cat's sister.... yes, she has the Swedish National Anthem with her! Cat has it noted in her crew book and the CD is ready to be played while crossing the finish line!!!!

[SadieKate]

Deanna, aren't they reading emails to her over a loud speaker system? Maybe you could put together a message from the TE women, aka the Ladies' Mutual Aid and Admiration Society?

[Deanna]

Yes they are. If you send them, I'll do my best to get them to her!

[SadieKate]

http://raceacrossamerica.org/

With profound regret, Race Across America announces that Bob Breedlove, competitor #188, collided head-on with a pickup truck at approximately 12.15 p.m. EDT, on June 23, 28 miles west of Trinidad, Colorado. When paramedics arrived on the scene they pronounced him dead. The accident took place on a section of road that sloped very gently downhill for cyclists in the race. According to the driver of the pickup truck, Bob Breedlove appeared to collapse on his bicycle and swerved into the path of the oncoming vehicle.

Cyclists competing in the Race Across America are offered the option of completing the race, should they so desire.

Race Director Jim Pitre said: "Speaking both personally, and on behalf of the entire management and all those associated with the race, I extend my most sincere sympathy to the family of Bob Breedlove."

[SadieKate]

Apparently he was in the lead for the 50+ category. Here is a note from the 6/21 race daily report

50+ Race
The two-man battle for the 50+ might not seem close, with Bob Breedlove enjoying a five-hour lead over 20-time RAAM finisher Rob Kish. But Kish has forgotten more about finishing RAAM than anyone else will ever know and his measured pace has lulled more than a few fellow racers into a false sense of security.

[MomOnBike]

My heart goes out to Mr. Breedlove's family and friends - and to the driver of the truck.

What a tragic accident.

[Trek420]

Mine as well. So very very sad.

Just another thought, on the RAAM site there is a bulletin board where people can post their thoughts about this tragic losss. From what I read there he was such a great guy.

It said there that the stunned, sad, doubtless tired and bleary eyed board administrator accidently deleted the posts about this heroic rider. Any of us who have posted our thoughts and feelings there please revisit the site.

I don't know if any of those are reaching the families of the rider, driver and other riders but worth a try.

[bluezfire]

I was stunned and saddened by this news yesterday. I picked out my "favorites" and have been watching them closely since Sunday. And Bob was one of those, him being in the lead for the 50+. I couldn't help but sit here and be amazed and in awe of him and his accomplishments. I couldn't help but think how great it would be to do something as amazing as this when I'm over 50. It's a tragic thing, indeed.

[annie]

Reading the tragic news about Bob Breelove yesterday, I could not stop crying. :( :( :( As a fellow Iowan, I've always kept track of his biking feats. He has been an inspiration to so many Iowa bikers. Not only did one always read/hear about his amazing biking ability, but always about what a wonderful person he was. He has been an icon here in Iowa for so many years. I can't begin to guess how mnay people have been helped and influenced in a positive way by this man. His death is a huge loss.

That said, and cliche tho' it may be, he died doing what he loved. He'll never suffer from old age or a deteriorating body. He won't end up in a nursing home. There are worse ways to go than -boom!- in a bike accident.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and all who knew and loved him. They are the ones who are suffering.

annie

[maggieH]

Cat moved into 9th place today. Fourteen of the 25 solo men riders are still in the race, so there's 8 men ahead of her and 6 behind.

[maggieH]

Great photos of Cat on Day 8. (http://www.catharinaberge.com/id72.htm)Like it says in the sidebar, "Does this look girl look like someone who has just ridden 2000 miles? No way!"

[MomOnBike]

Cat's going to finish, and look good when she gets to the end. :D

What a race to follow. It seems like Cat and the 18-YO kid from Alaska are the two sentimental favorites this year. They always have a smile in their pics. (Hmmm)

"My" recumbent teams aren't doing as well as I'd like this year, but, oh well. As my daughter puts it, that's why God made Next Year.

MomOn(RAAM site and)Bike

[aka_kim]

I hadn't been following the teams until I saw a blurb on the home page yesterday. Most teams are riding for charity, including two promoting organ and tissue donation. On the roster for one of these is a kidney transplant recipient; on the other a kidney donor and a group of physicians from the Davis/Sacramento area including Eric Heiden. You can get to the team websites from the RAAM race roster to make online donations.

[emily_in_nc]

I just read the last couple of day's updates on Cat's website and was interested to read that her crew has not told her about Bob Breedlove's death. I am sure that is for the best, as hearing of a fellow racer coming to a tragic end on the race would make it very hard to continue, I'd expect. But it also seems as if it would be difficult to keep her from hearing somehow - a phone call or from another rider (the site mentions her being passed by and then passing a solo male rider, and speaking to him). I can only imagine how she is going to feel when she finally finds out. It's such a tragedy.

I am enjoying following Cat's ride virtually, though. She is truly an inspiration!

Emily

[Jo-n-NY]

I was wondering the same as Emily, if Cat would hear the news from a fellow rider. hmmmmm, I guess it is a Catch 22.

But yes, she is absolutely and inspiration.

On another note, I have been reading Denise's journal and as of yesterday, it sounds like so far, so good for Denise's tour!

~JoAnn

[emily_in_nc]

On another note, I have been reading Denise's journal and as of yesterday, it sounds like so far, so good for Denise's tour!
~JoAnn

I just finished catching up on Denise's tour journal a little while ago myself! It is so much fun to follow her progress vicariously. Now that I have done a self-supported tour with Barry last fall, I can really put myself in her place and imagine how she is feeling and how her days are going. I am envious of all the good seafood she is getting to eat in Maine, and of her being able to tour once again - hopefully I'll be able to do that again next year myself. She is my inspiration since this is her first tour after a crash. Go Denise! :)

Emily

P.S. Sorry for the off-the-Cat-Buerge-topic post!

[MomOnBike]

Re: Telling Cat

When Younger Daughter travels with school bands and orchestras overseas, we parents are told not to contact the kids in the case of a family tragedy - like a grandparent's death. There's not much the kid can do about it, and it will just spoil their trip. Hard hearted as it sounds, that's good advice. Let Cat finish the race, then she can move on to other emotional things.

Now if there were a clear and imminent danger to the cyclists...

As for Denise, she sure knows how to tour, doesn't she? I want to ride by an ocean, too.

[maggieH]

I need links! Who is Denise? What tour? And where did you read that Cat doesn't know about Breedlove? you said "her website" -- is there a different site than the one I linked to? catharinaberge.com

~maggie

[SadieKate]

While we have many touring members, Denise Goldberg is probably our forum tour guru.

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/journal/?handle=denise2005downeast

[emily_in_nc]

I need links! Who is Denise? What tour? And where did you read that Cat doesn't know about Breedlove? you said "her website" -- is there a different site than the one I linked to? catharinaberge.com
~maggie

That's the one. The comment is buried on this page:

http://www.catharinaberge.com/id70.htm

It says "I chatted with both Lissa and Patty, crew members for Cat, for almost 25 minutes. They wanted me to post this message to all of you: DO NOT tell Cat about Dr. Bob Breedlove if you get the chance to talk with her. She does not know and they do not plan on telling her. They have been screening calls a bit, until I had a chance to post this message.'

Also, just to correct a typo in the above post, Denise's last name is Goldberg. She is a regular here on the TE forum with many helpful posts! Like me, she has a Bike Friday (actually, she has two!) She's done a lot of self-supported tours but did not get to do one last year due to an accident.

Hope this helps!
Emily

[maggieH]

Thanks! Denise's recent posts are particularly interesting to me because our family (children, spouses, and grandchildren) will be celebrating my husband's 75th birthday by spending a week together in Acadia National Park, July 9-16. Our daughter Sue tours, so when she gets back from Ireland ( solo touring) next week, I'll point her to Denise's posts about biking in Acadia.

Last January when Sue got back from her solo tour in the Andes she became too busy to write a blog. But I did create a site while her trip was happening -- as I got each email from her. You might find it interesting. 19DaysinChile.htm (http://lemonidesheineman.com/Sue/19DaysinChile.htm)

[maggieH]

Cat is expected to arrive at the finish line around midnight. It's only 60 miles from my home. I could be back home by 3 a.m. Am I crazy?

[MomOnBike]

You're not crazy. Go. Take pictures. Share. Tell me (us) all about it.

But go early, I understand that parking isn't exactly friendly, and you need to find the finish line.

[emily_in_nc]

Cat is expected to arrive at the finish line around midnight. It's only 60 miles from my home. I could be back home by 3 a.m. Am I crazy?

They're now predicting Cat to finish around 11pm (I saw this here:
http://www.caida.org/%7Edmoore/raam2005/predictions/finish_arrival_prediction.html)

It would be so cool if you could be there, maggieH! I think what Cat has nearly done is just phenomenal. She has my deepest admiration and respect!

Emily

[Bike Goddess]

Maggie H- Ditto from me too! Take your camera and lots of pictures. Do you have time to make a TEAM ESTROGEN LOVES YOU sign? Wouldn't that be fun!

Whatever you do, it's a memory of a lifetime!! :D :D

[Jo-n-NY]

Thanks for the update Emily. I forgot to check out the site today. She is an inspiration to all us cyclists and non-cyclists also.

Emily,
and not to get of the topic at hand, and not wanting to start another thread, but I read your newest update on your accident blog and good for you with moving your recovery another notch.

~ JoAnn

[maggieH]

She's in New Jersey - got to the Delaware Memorial Bridge at 4:30. I'll get to work right now on a TE sign. I need to leave here in about an hour.

~maggie

[SadieKate]

Wonderful! I haven't checked the site today but I'll go see what's happening. Have fun on your road trip!

[aka_kim]

And she's finished!!! About 9:30 pm eastern.

[emily_in_nc]

And she's finished!!! About 9:30 pm eastern.

Oh wow, and way earlier than they predicted - hope Maggie was able to get there on time?! Maggie, we want a report when you have time!

Emily

P.S. Thanks JoAnn! :)

[maggieH]

I follow my marching orders -- made poster, took lots of pics. Didn't have much time or any poster board, so just taped together 6 pieces of paper.

http://drides.home.comcast.net/VRC/images/raam/TEpostercrop.jpg

Toward the end the media were invited onstage for inteviews. Then I moved up near the stage and then she saw the poster and started looking at it carefully to see what it was about -- then the MC looked at it he asked for an explanation of the poster -- and I said it was from Internet forums. And he read aloud "Team Estrogen"

You'll find lots of finish-line pictures of Cat at the RAAM slideshow start here and then "next" (http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/files/raam2005/2005_pics/2005_finish/fslide172.htm)

I have other other pics to show you, including one of her slipping into the "well-worn clogs" that are mentioned in this article (http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/files/newsarchive/063005_9.htm) -- and, yes, she was truly radiant.

I'll put together a page of pics for you, but with grandkids arriving tomorrow for the weekend it'll be a few days.

~maggie

[bluezfire]

Wow! That is super cool, Maggie! I'm so glad you were able to be there and experience such an event.

And a big CONGRATULATIONS and WOOHOO to Cat for her finish! Now THAT is what I call inspiration.

Anyone else want to be Cat when they grow up? :)

[CatBerge]

I ride for girls like you!!! You made my day. I remember seeing the sign... was really touched... but I don't remember if I got to thank Maggie for coming there with it. Hope my high school girl friend was there. I had not seen her for 20 years. She took a picture of Maggie with the sign. I got the pictures tonight. Went to the website.. Read all posting.
I am crying.... crying because of all the love and care you show. Crying because I am overwelmed. Just a little girl who does not know her limits and want to cycle across the US.
God blessed me with so much love and care from all of you. What I lacked in terms of power compared to the men.. I got 5-fold in terms of support from you'all.
Take care my friends!!!! Cat.

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."
-- C.S. Lewis

[Bike Goddess]

CAT- we were honored to support you. I followed you as soon as I learned about what you were doing. I rooted for you here at my home and talked about you everywhere someone would listen.

Thank you for who you are, what you do, and the profound difference you are making on the planet.

I send you much love and good wishes. . I hope we will have the honor of you being with us in this wonderful forum. It's just like being home with your best girlfriends.

Please keep us posted. I know all of us will be thrilled to hear of your next adventure.

Also, CONGRATULATIONS on your PHD work. That's fabulous, too! :D :D :D

[Trek420]

bluezfire "Anyone else want to be Cat when they grow up? :)"

YES! But does that mean I have to grow up?

Congratulations Cat!

[maggieH]

I mentioned in the earlier post that I had a picture of Cat "slipping into her well worn clogs" - as was mentioned inthe article.
http://drides.home.comcast.net/VRC/images/raam/catshoes.jpg

Cat's parents
http://drides.home.comcast.net/VRC/images/raam/catparentscrop.jpg

Mom's back
http://drides.home.comcast.net/VRC/images/raam/catmombackcrop.jpg

I like this picture of Cat and Dad.
http://drides.home.comcast.net/VRC/images/raam/catdadhug.jpg

Cat was being handed so many awards she had a hard time holding them all. The award with the figure of the cyclist had to do with being inspirational.
http://drides.home.comcast.net/VRC/images/raam/catjugglingstuff.jpg

[Ninabike]

Dear Cat,

Congratulations and thank you. I found myself riding vicariously with you as I'm sure many others did. I second what Bike Goddess said - please continue to post on our forum. You are such an inspiration as are so many of the other women on this forum.

Again, thank you and God Bless!!

Nina

[SadieKate]

Welcome, Cat! We had a great time following your progress. Congratulations and hope you recovery quickly. I can't imagine the toll this ride must take but we were all inspired by you.

Hope you visit with us often and I'll be thinking of you come our shared B-day.

Sarah

[bikerchick68]

I've been following this thread but had not posted to it...

Just want to add my congrats on your amazing ride... you truly are an inspiration!!

I am fortunate to live in San Diego and every year go stand on Mission Gorge Rd. in Santee, CA and watch everyone race by... it's pretty spectacular! Guess next year I better get pics... :)

[MomOnBike]

I just have to add me congratulations to those here. I'm amazed at the grit RAAM riders show. I am in awe.

(I knew you'd do well. No question in my mind)

[Jo-n-NY]

I want to send my congratulations also. Your ride was truely inspirational to read about.

~ JoAnn

[CorsairMac]

how exciting is that?? to follow and cheer you on from sidelines and then lo and behold!! here you are!!

Congrats Cat on a job well done. I can not even imagine what it must have been like riding all those miles through all types of weather alone hour after hour. My hats off to you and deepest respect for what you have accomplished and continue to accomplish. You are an inspiration to all cyclists everywhere!


Kudos!

[Deanna]

Another note of Congratulations! Also thanks, because of you my co-worker is now a cycling fan!

[CatBerge]

was many times the hardest. I am the wimpiest of all girls. Had tried road racing.... but would get so nervous before a race... that I quit racing. So how come I could not tackle the small races... but am able to tackle the super-challenging ones? I think it has to do with that in these long races... it boils down to strength, endurance, perseverance.... and either my competitors deserve to be ahead of me or they will fade.
So, if you think that you are not good enough, because you do not have nerves to race... just remember that wimp #1 did Race Across America. The bravest person... is not the one without fears, but the one who fears and goes out with shaking knees to conquer their fears. The most admirable one is not the one who does 200 miles in 10 hours, but the ones who comes in at midnight having given their all in 20 hours. I love crewing on events chearing on these fellow soldiers that arrive late at night. My hero in RAAM this year was my fellow competitor, Chris Hopkinson, to whom I gave my neckbrace, when his neck muscles gave up (Shermer's neck). Every time we met and chatted... I saw his fight and his determination to finish RAAM despite all kinds of physical challenges. He came in last, but he finished. Only 12 of 26 riders finished. He is my hero, not Jure Robic.
Cat.

[Grog]

Congratulations Cat! Here in Canada we didn't get many chances to follow the race but from what I read here you are a very courageous women. Thank you for inspiring all of us! Good luck on your future adventures... and hoping to see more of you here on TE!

[greenchick]

was many times the hardest. I am the wimpiest of all girls. Had tried road racing.... but would get so nervous before a race... that I quit racing. So how come I could not tackle the small races... but am able to tackle the super-challenging ones? I think it has to do with that in these long races... it boils down to strength, endurance, perseverance.... and either my competitors deserve to be ahead of me or they will fade.
So, if you think that you are not good enough, because you do not have nerves to race... just remember that wimp #1 did Race Across America. The bravest person... is not the one without fears, but the one who fears and goes out with shaking knees to conquer their fears. The most admirable one is not the one who does 200 miles in 10 hours, but the ones who comes in at midnight having given their all in 20 hours. I love crewing on events chearing on these fellow soldiers that arrive late at night. My hero in RAAM this year was my fellow competitor, Chris Hopkinson, to whom I gave my neckbrace, when his neck muscles gave up (Shermer's neck). Every time we met and chatted... I saw his fight and his determination to finish RAAM despite all kinds of physical challenges. He came in last, but he finished. Only 12 of 26 riders finished. He is my hero, not Jure Robic.
Cat.

I'm quoting all of this, because I can't find just one bit to pick out. All of it is wisdom and inspiration, and I hope I'll remember it sometime when I really need it. Thanks, and congratulations again (and lest I forget, welcome to the board -- it's wonderful to have you here!)

[DirtDiva]

Welcome Cat. That was quite some ride you did! It's awesome to see you here - do stay and play. :)

[bikerchick68]

"He came in last, but he finished"...

wow a powerful statement... this is really what it's all about... to ME anyway! Nice to hear someone echo those sentiments... sounds like Chris put up quite the fight and WON! Good for him... he must be so danged proud too! :)

[Lynne]

was many times the hardest. I am the wimpiest of all girls. Had tried road racing.... but would get so nervous before a race... that I quit racing. So how come I could not tackle the small races... but am able to tackle the super-challenging ones? ...

Whew! So glad you are visiting and posting! I'm 39, new to biking but competetive in nature. I decided to try racing and did so a few weeks ago (very friendly teach-the-newbie type of atmosphere). It's every Monday night at the local car race track. But here's the thing, even today, 4 days before the next race, my heart is going a mile a minute, I'm scared out of my wits and SO afraid I'll get lapped or worse! It's all I think about when I think about racing. I'm really struggling with this mentally because I'm so afraid of making an idiot of myself...you know, the old chick just starting out on a bike and racing with those young women anyway.

But now I've read your post and I feel a little better. :) I figured EVERYONE who races is either so confident or they are laid back enough that they don't care if they get lapped. It's nice to know other women might feel the way I do but still really want to do it. I really hope in my heart that if I get lapped everyone doesn't think I'm a big slow fool out there....I'll keep your positive attitude in mind and hope that's what they think instead (if I happen to get lapped...that sure is a great motivator to pedal till you are ready to pass out, lol!).

And sorry, for some reason I'm not expressing myself very well today, hmph!

[CatBerge]

I know a guy who is a winner in my eyes. He goes out and races... and rarely wins, sometimes he gets lapped, sometimes he gets dropped. But he finishes and is pleased with his effort. He is just a great looser. He knows how to loose a race,... without loosing. I just admire him so much for that. I wish too to become more like him. It is not hard to feel content about yourself when you are standing on the podium,... but to feel happy and content with yourself when you did not make the podium... or came in last... or did not finish... that takes some mental challenges. Those are the challenges that we need to work on in life... and once we have learnt those... then we too can become great loosers. I am a 'high achiever' and need to work on loosing...
Cheers, Cat,

[CorsairMac]

Lynne: just think Jan Ullrich