Raam 2010

Just noticed that Amy Xu/Team Strongheart DNf'ed due to Fatigue at the Mississippi River

Sandy and Amy are still amazing in my book! RAAM actually let Amy go on even though she missed the cut off - but when she got back on the bike, she realized she couldn't go on. Seriously, though - they rock!

Our local news reported that Diego Ballesteros Cucurull has been upgraded from critical to serious condition, and he's expected to spend about two weeks in the hospital before being flown back home to Spain. He's declined interviews but he did issue a statement thanking his supporters - at the hospital, law enforcement and worldwide - for all of the prayers, care and well-wishes. They're saying he's in good spirits.

As of now, no charges have been brought against the driver but that may change because the KS Highway Patrol will be presenting evidence to the District Attorney to determine if there is a case. That sounds to me like they're not letting this go, which is good news. I'm familiar with the stretch of road where the accident happened and it's WIDE open - four-lane divided, wide shoulders, and an extra wide median (a semi could pull across between the east and west lanes without sticking out into traffic either way). The country is about as flat as it gets, and there aren't a lot of trees or other visual blocks of any kind. There was just flat no reason the accident should have happened. Anybody who can't control their car any better than that shouldn't be driving.--

Had a blast at the Bloomington, Indiana time stop last night! It was slow when I was there, it was the last night for the stop, there were only 9 riders or teams left last night - I saw two of them :)

I got to see Team Fara - their rider was on a recumbent at that moment - though the team vehicles had several types of bikes ready. I also saw the final solo male to come through - he and his team are German. Apparently he only made the most recent time cut by 20 minutes - but he is hanging in there and is determined to finish even if he may not "officially" finish.

It was fun to be there, and learned more about how the race actually works. Several race officials came through while I was there by myself and I learned a lot listening to them.

And bestest yet I finally got to meet a fellow TE member :D Mr Bloom was able to swing by - great to be able to put a face to a name!