Before RAAM, we read books, we watched videos, we read blogs of other RAAM riders.
Before RAAM, we studied elevation maps, we studied the terrain, we studied reports on hydration, nutrition, muscle fatigue, and sleep deprivation.
We thought we knew what RAAM was.
We thought we knew how hard RAAM was.
We thought we knew what we were getting into.
We knew nothing.
There is a reason this is considered “the toughest bike race in the world.” I have seen some really tough folks, but Mike is by far the toughest person I’ve ever known – heart and body. Mike gave this ride everything he had and then some.
You’ve heard people say, “You just had to be there.” I gotta tell you – This is one of those times – You just had to be there. Even the elevation maps that look impossible don’t tell the whole story.
A fellow RAAM rider commented on one of Mike’s blog posts that the way you train for RAAM is by trying it. Another said that his trek of 743 miles was his RAAM training ride. Will Mike attempt RAAM again? Maybe. We are all more enlightened…we all know a little more. Every day, every night, every minute at RAAM is an education for the rider and the crew.
Mike didn’t finish RAAM, and in the official stats he is listed as a DNF (did not finish). In my book, that stands for “Did Nothing Fatal.”
Some people might say Mike “failed” to finish RAAM. Technically, that is true. But he finished his own first RAAM…all 743 miles of it…and that was just part of his successful RAAM ride.
Mike was a success when he raised $30,000 for the Sanford Cardiovascular Research Center and the Dick Beardsley Foundation.
Mike was a success when 13 people who believed in him and his cause were honored to join his crew.
Mike was a success when he was waiting on that podium in Oceanside at the start – before he pedaled his first stroke.
Mike was a success when he rode 743 miles.
How you do anything is how you do everything. Mike rode RAAM like he lives his life.
Jack London wrote, “I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.”
Mike gave 100% on every inch of those 743 miles.
It was an honor to serve Mike on this piece of his journey. Should he decide someday to go back to RAAM for another attempt, I will be the first one to sign on as his crew.
Thanks, Mike – we are all better people for having been on this leg of your journey with you.
Jenny
As with all things we do in this ultra-endurance world of extreme sports, it is not about the event. It is about the journey that brought Mike to the RAAM. If there was anything Mike did wrong, it was that he was born a human being. Everything has to go perfectly, especially in a first attempt. Things that we do not even notice any other day, can end your event. There are surely lessons to be learned. If Mike does go again, he and his crew will be better off. But, you are all better for having tried and not met the ultimate goal than for not having started at all. There is only respect and inspiration in what Mike and his crew did. I, for one, am very proud to be able to call Mike and you my friends and am very proud of what you have done.
Enough of this typing stuff, I gotta hit the road! Thanks for being an inspiration. Now, only I can do what I need with that.
Comment by Bill Latter — June 14, 2010 @ 11:00 am
Jenny, that was absoulutely one of the most beautiful things I have ever read! It brought tears to my eyes and goosebumps over my body! You were a GREAT crew chief and I too will be there for Mikey if he decides to tackle this beast of a race again! I hope you can catch up on your sleep!
Dick
Comment by Dick Beardsley — June 14, 2010 @ 11:17 am
Ditto to dick, I have tears! My dad is such an inspiration. Your words said it perfectly
Comment by Shana Leigh — June 14, 2010 @ 1:57 pm
Jenny,
I can’t agree with Dick more. Jenny, you had to have one of the hardest jobs keeping everything working. You did an amazing job. I hope Mike has the opportunity to do it again.
Chad
Comment by Chad — June 14, 2010 @ 2:15 pm
Congratulations on surviving 743 miles in 4 days, you are my hero. I pray that you will look at this as a success. I am proud to know you. Rest up and get enjoy the much earned recooperation.
Comment by Vicki Tigner — June 14, 2010 @ 2:23 pm
Hi Mike,
Sorry we won’t be able to intersect in KS. Congratultions though on such a serious effort including all the prep work and trainng you did. I admire your fortitude to go through the rigorous training and give it your best shot. Good luck with your future plans, whatever they might be.
Bud
Comment by Bud — June 14, 2010 @ 7:54 pm
Mike–Jenny said it all in her post! You have inspired many with your story, your drive, and best of all, your God-following HEART!!! I continue to follow the RAAM because of you:) It is truly a ride of a lifetime that you had the honor of participating in at age 53–THAT is something to celebrate:) May God bless you with these days of supporting other bikers in the race and at the same time, healing and resting your own body!!
Comment by LeeAnna Stacy — June 14, 2010 @ 9:06 pm
Mike, I was woried what people would talk about when I went back to work this week. I wondered If people would be back to normal or if the whole thing would keep going. Well uncle I can say that everyone might actually be talking about it more. And surprisingly it appears that Everyone is even more upbeat than they were last week. And I don’t think even one person talked about the fact that you did not finish. We all talked about how hard of a ride it would be and that you are a little crazy[just joking] Seriously though. Thanks for all you do mike. Your nephew Jesse Beaner
Comment by Jesse Beaner — June 14, 2010 @ 11:21 pm
Jenny…BRAVO. Mike…BRAVO Your dedicated friends…BRAVO.
From all of us. Hip Hip HOORAH…Hip Hip HOORAH…Hip Hip HOORAH
Love ya
Bill
Comment by Bill Wenmark — June 15, 2010 @ 6:28 am
Mike, you are an inspiration to all who followed your journey. You took on an amazing challenge and gave it all you had. If only we all could do that and be as successful as you. You are blessed to be surrounded by such capable and loving crew members, friends and family.
Comment by Laurie Gabhart — June 15, 2010 @ 1:23 pm
Jenny – you have expressed it well. Beautiful post that says everything that could be said about the challenge, Mike and the effort put forth. Great job by the entire team. You can be proud of what you have accomplished.
Comment by Rick Weber — June 16, 2010 @ 8:59 am
Congratulations Mike!! Well Written Jenny! You have both served to motivate and encourage me to live more.
Comment by Lisa Murfin — June 16, 2010 @ 12:24 pm
Hi Mike and crew,
Enjoyed watching the interview from Pratt KS. That is cool that you are following the riders. Good interview!!
Bud
Comment by Bud — June 16, 2010 @ 6:44 pm