We’re (not?) in Kansas (anymore?)
Picture three grown men furiously trying to kill an Igloo<tm> cooler with their feet so the flies will be scared off so we can bring it inside the RV. That’s the latest from the road. 
Doug is moving through Kansas … we left Bucklin, KS less than an hour ago, and are headed to Pratt — where they are giving free MacDonald’s grub to the racers. Woo! Sorry Doug, no Big Mac, it has sesame seeds on the bun.
He’s still in first place as of 17:30 EST (in his age group) and if he averages over 13 miles in an hour to Missippi, he’ll beat the cut-off point and it will be smooth sailing to the finish. Remember, Doug loves to climb, to the WV mountains will be fun for him …
Keep posting up those comments, we read them to him and they’re great motivation!
Team CCI Tweets- teamcci: The crew has parted ways and is off on their own separate adventures. Doug is on his way home with his family. THANKS FOR EVERYTHING TO ALL! Friday, 20 June, 2008
- teamcci: Just about done with this amazing experience! I know that the hard work and sleep deprivation was worth it! Thursday, 19 June, 2008
- teamcci: Last Day. Matt hasn't showered since Kansas. GO DOUG! Thursday, 19 June, 2008
Beneficiary
Friday, 13 June, 2008 at 05:16
Doug, you are the MAN! You’re #! Crew, you are doing an UNBEATABLE job! Keep doing what you’re doing…you’re doing it right! You guys are in my thoughts all the time and I check your progress several times a day (and night). Did I mention how proud I am of you? ^_^
May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back…
~ Christine Morris
Friday, 13 June, 2008 at 06:23
Hey Doug, I hear your butt is sore. I guess when you get back, I’ll have to buy you a Barbie Bike seat, you know, well padded and spread all over the place!! btw- in the previous blog posting, the Lynn Crossman post was Lynne Pennypacker., who was spot on about Rocco’s! for whatever it’s worth, I’m going to ride my bike tommorrow. My butt will then be in Sympathy w/ your butt!! do you think this will get flagged for bad language BUTT??? keep storng and pedal on, my brother!! lynnie
Friday, 13 June, 2008 at 06:25
Hi Doug. I hope you kick butt all the way to Annapolis. I don’t know you yet but I’m rooting for you. I do the Monday night SCU club rides out of Wayne, PA from COS. Last week I did a 550 mile ride in CA from SF to LA. But heck it took 7 days. Keep at it! Good luck and best wishes.
Friday, 13 June, 2008 at 07:27
Dad–
I am so proud of you. You really are a testament to inner and outer strength. I love you and can’t wait to give you a hug. Keep it up. You are doing amazing. You are rocking it!!
Love,
Breanne
Friday, 13 June, 2008 at 07:29
Pop-
You can finish the race. You are doing awesome right now. I hope you can finish the race. Love, Gabe
Friday, 13 June, 2008 at 07:51
Hey,
Doug best wishes for continued success. Do it for all the 50 year old farts. I am personally approaching 60 in 3 years. Thanks for the beautiful pictures. What kind of camera you using? I lead a ride out of IVMS you can see pictures at
http://www.photoshow.com/members/orbea Fred you take a nice picture. Best of everything to entire crew,
Joe Phelps
Friday, 13 June, 2008 at 08:02
Doug,
Well, you should be warmed up by now. Keep pacing yourself. That doesn’t mean go slow. Make sure you use your strengths.
Half way now, then there’s no looking back just forward.
And for Doug M. How come when you leave now there is an A group at Horsham. Whats up with that? Don’t worry we miss you too. How does it feel to be retired now?
Scott
Friday, 13 June, 2008 at 08:17
Hey Doug – You have been such an inspiration! I read the article from the Inquirer on you and Carol and you are both admired. I hear you got a sore butt -and don’t it might sound crazy, but how about a little ice??? At least it will keep that swelling down. You are in my thoughts and prayers and I’m looking forward to your crossing that finish line a winner! Take care – I am so proud of you.
Friday, 13 June, 2008 at 09:28
WooWoo….McDonalds! I never saw so many happy faces as all of you at the Pratt TS!
Doug – love all the facial hair……makes you look fierce to your competitors!!
I’m following your every move and so proud of your accomplishments on this journey!
Love your never-wavering interview comments about your humble, true motive for undertaking this adventure!
Team Levy – outstanding support in getting Doug to Kansas! Keep up the great work!
Wish I was there too!
Friday, 13 June, 2008 at 10:09
Doug, I have only met you a few times in passing, but I have been a RAMM follower for two years now. I can’t even imagine the experience of a lifetime you are now enjoying (I know you are, even with the sore butt). I check my email several times a day looking for updates. Your crew is doing an awesome job getting you from check point to checkpoint! Your daughter and Steve are sending the best updates. And you, my friend, are showing all of us what determination, hard work, and faith is all about. You’re awesome! Keep pedaling, you are more than halfway now. I’ll be at the finish. Jan Peters
PS You might consider a recumbent bicycle the next time.! No sore butt!
Friday, 13 June, 2008 at 10:26
Doug,
I’m a long-time SCU member, rode with you out of HHHS a couple of years ago when I was working in the area. Your RAAM endeavor is truly inspiring, I pass the progress updates from Breanne and Steve along to another club of which I’m a member. You have a bunch of us rooting for you and cheering you on from afar. After this is all over, I’ll be sure to hook up on an SCU ride so I can shake your hand and tell you in person how impressed I am with what you’ve done here. Go DOUG!
Also Hello to your crew, especially my friend Doug Mueller!
Jim W.
Friday, 13 June, 2008 at 10:57
Doug,
You are doing an amazing job. Keep riding strong and think about all the people pulling for you in Philly. Lots of postings from SCU, Guys racing lists etc. Keep up the good work.
If the winds kick up over 40mph again I would recommend a cat nap till they die down. Save your energy for the hills!
Use anything with balm for the butt – Blam Ex Bag Balm – 2x shorts?
What the hell are you doing sitting anyway – get out of the saddle and ROCK IT.
With you 100%
Ed
Saturday, 14 June, 2008 at 02:43
Go Doug, keep up the hard work we’re allrooting for you sitting comfortably at home! You’ll be there soon enough.
Saturday, 14 June, 2008 at 07:22
Go Doug!! I’ve been out riding my horse in this beautiful weather we’ve been having and as I do, I think of you pushing those pedals round and round. You and your crew have amazing, bottomless strength and focus. Those mountains ahead haven’t ever seen the likes of someone so determined as you!!! Ride your race!
Saturday, 14 June, 2008 at 08:32
We have been following you thru the race…
Great Job…You look marvelous! Remember to Stretch everywhere…drink…rest….
Great job Team Levy!! You guys are Awesome@!!
Smooth Sailing all the way Home…
Be Well … Namasté
Saturday, 14 June, 2008 at 09:23
Doug,
You are doing great. Everyone at SCU is so proud of you and wishes that they could do what you can and are doing.
Every hill I go up I think of you and your dedication and love of cycling. I keep saying to myself “if Doug can do it, then I can try a little harder and climb a little faster.”
All that training and long miles are paying off.
Keep it up, your are # 1.
Elliot Titcher, SCU member
Saturday, 14 June, 2008 at 10:27
Go Doug! Go Crew! Doug, you are an amazing inspiration. It is so great to read about the great progress you are making and we eagerly await each update. GO FOR IT!!!! You are making all of us proud. Hang tough and persevere.
Saturday, 14 June, 2008 at 11:59
Doug – the pictures look great. Thinking of you as the days go by – hard to believe how far you’ve come. Keep it up!
George
Saturday, 14 June, 2008 at 12:06
You’re amazing Levy! Keep up the good work- it’s practically all downhill to Annapolis now! Try the memory foam on your seat, it may help, if you can keep it positioned.
Crew- tell him there’s a FREE McDonalds’s ahead in Annapolis, too. If he starts wearing down, that’s all he’ll need.
Saturday, 14 June, 2008 at 03:53
Doug
Hang in there and just keep spinning, we all are behind you. I hear you have a problem with your “butt”! What’s up with that? Good luck to the only guy that can call me “Dickie”.
Saturday, 14 June, 2008 at 04:15
Keep up the good work, rest up on the flats, that way you’ll be rested for WV, just remember it’s all down hill from there. Good Luck to you and your team.
Saturday, 14 June, 2008 at 06:31
Hi Doug and crew-
keep up that awesome work!
and did i see a veggie drink with that egg Mcmuffin? crew anyone?? hey,. beth – i thought you were in charge with nutritious snax?? but i guess you cannot beat free
try Solercaine for the behind. worked great for me years ago when i switched bike shorts and yeowee! that chamois was horrendous. spray or lotion, it should numb the pain….literally (along with chamois butter).
Hey, beth – don’t forget to give Doug the EPA/DHA liquid so he can keep some brain function while sleeping on the bike (how you can still pedal is beyond me….and to look like you only just started 8 days into it) and who knows, maybe the crew needs a shot daily, too? but as the days go now, one tsp every 4-6 hours just before his cat nap.
hope to see you in Annapolis!!
joanna (your favorite nutritionist….oh, your only nutritionist)
Saturday, 14 June, 2008 at 10:00
Doug,
Again, what you’re doing is freaking AMAZING. Keep it going, bud —- You’re an inspiration to all of us who ride. Keep up the good work, and again, greetings to your crew and hello to Doug M!. Kick butt Dougie. I love the updates from Steve & Breanne!!!!!
Jim
Monday, 16 June, 2008 at 12:46
Doug
Good luck to you and all your crew. What an adventure!!
Hope to shake your hand @ SCU HHHS, my hero.
Pat Rock