Still in Kansas .. but not for long
Doug rode through the night to time station 27, in El Dorado KS … but he was at his limit. Beth and Matt were on van crew, and after talking to Jeff and Carol and our nutritionist Steve, we decided that getting him 90 minutes of rest and a quick turnaround would better serve him (versus the cat-napping we had been trying).
It worked! After he got back on the road, he was trucking. He’s dicing it up with Loewen, his main competitor .. they’re each taking 1st place from the other, constantly. Doug’s scheduled for a shower and a meal this evening and then it’s a nice ride through Missouri all night!
The “off” crew is taking a brief rest in Fort Something-or-other. It’s scary, there’s no one on the streets. We’re thinking it’s going to turn into a zombie movie any time now. Brainssssss …
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
Saturday, 14 June, 2008 at 04:48
Doug,
Everyone is getting so excited as you close in on the Mississippi River! I can only imagine the e-mails, phone calls, lack of work getting done in offices this week as you near the East Coast! We are all glued to our computers watching you knock off TS after TS!
Great job to you and your crew for this amazing accomplishment……one pedal stroke at a time!
Ride safe!
Saturday, 14 June, 2008 at 04:49
Way to go Doug and team. Nice job as always using all of your resources, mental and physical and of course your incredible spirit!
CCI folks everywhere are tuned in to your progress and though we’re sitting in front of computers we hope you can feel the strength we are sending your way.
See you soon all along the way…..
CCI grad Nanc and SD Mahler
Saturday, 14 June, 2008 at 10:32
Doug…You are such an inspiration to all cyclists! Keep digging deep and riding hard. You’ll finish…and finish first…I KNOW IT! I’ve spread the word to the Police Unity Tour riders and they have been keeping track of your amazing progress as well.
There is no better way to see the country than from the seat of a bicycle.
Stay strong and focused…you can do it! —Rob
Sunday, 15 June, 2008 at 06:34
Doug Its been said over and over again but it’s just unbelievable what you have accomplished so far !!!! After spending some time with Bre and Carol yesterday I can tell you that your house has turned in to a RAAM think tank with a public relations center staffed 24 hours a day. Those two are sleeping about as much as you are and on some nights, possibly less!! Your East Coast crew is doing a great job, although they may fall asleep 10 minutes after you cross the finish line in Annapolis!!! As you focus in on the Mississippi, and the last 959 miles know that just about anyone on the East Coast that you know is getting nothing accomplished at work because we are all tracking you on line. Hopefully by the time the IT depts figure it out and block the sites, you will be done. We are all behind you and your amazing crew and cannot wait to see you all in Maryland with muffins in hand!
Sunday, 15 June, 2008 at 07:17
Dear Doug/Team Levy/Team CCI
Thank you for what you are doing!!! Keep up the good ride!!! You are an inspiration to many. A lot of us are tracking you all the way and my “brother” Zico is going to try to come wave at you on your way through Ohio.
Oh, and, thanks for chekcing out the night trek cross country for me. I leave CA on the night of July 8 to head to my puppyraiser in Ohio.
Kiwi, CCI puppy born 5/13/08
Sunday, 15 June, 2008 at 07:33
Doug and support crew,
I feel like I am back in the early 1960′s. I was a huge Pittsburgh Pirate fan and I couldn’t wait to get the paper every day to check on my team and update their stats. This is the same thing. I get on line 4 to 5 times a day to track your progress and look at all of the stats. You guys are living the dream of all of us and you are our team just like any other sports franchise. Keep up the good work.
I went on a ride with BCP yesterday and all of their members are talking about you too.
Sid Levine
Sunday, 15 June, 2008 at 08:07
GO DOUG and all team Levy. You are doing an amazing job. Be proud and keep peddling! I know you will finish and a whole lot of folks are routing you on!
Be Safe, be well and listen to Carol!
Pat
Sunday, 15 June, 2008 at 09:52
I am another one of those people checking the computer several times a day for progress on your ride. You are one amazing biker! Yesterday Monica Coleman, Maria Sweeney, and I did the lower leg of the Longest Day Ride (108 miles- well, 110 with the little mistakes here and there). We did nothing on the ride but talk of your journay through America. None of us could admit to being hot, fatigued, tired, thirsty, hungry… whatever, because what we did was not even close to the miles between one time station. As we rode down one endless road in the Pine Barrens all we could think of was the endless roads you have been on. You are an inspiration to bikers everywhere! Keep pedaling. The end is getting closer and closer! Jan Peters
Sunday, 15 June, 2008 at 09:54
Doug – I am with you Buddy – stay strong
Sunday, 15 June, 2008 at 09:57
Hey Pop
I heard the dreaded Foosa are after you. Watch out Alex biting your butt. Don’t get hit Gloria, Melman!! And get ready for Madagascar 2!!
From – Gabe
Sunday, 15 June, 2008 at 10:03
Dad–
Happy Father’s Day!!! I couldn’t think of a better place for you to be than proving to us kids that we can do ANYTHING we set our minds to!! I love you and CAN’T wait to just SEE you at the finish. Keep going and remember that I only want to hear about what you’ve done, not what you’re GOING to do. (You taught me that). I feel like the proudest daughter in PA right now.
By the way, you know what, since it’s Father’s Day, you can ride all day today if you want. Mom approves.
Love ya
Sunday, 15 June, 2008 at 10:47
Wow! Looking at the stats, Doug checked into the time station at Camdentown, Missouri 3.5 hours ahead of Arvid. Sounds like you had a great night! You’re not in Kansas anymore! Great job crew…you’re keeping Doug safe, happy and taken care of. And with every mile, you’re closing in on those muffins waiting for you in Annapolis. Keep on trucking!
~ Christine Morris
Sunday, 15 June, 2008 at 11:28
Douggie, I am so proud of you. All the hard work and practice have brought you to this journey. Keep pedaling and be safe, my brother. lynnie
Sunday, 15 June, 2008 at 02:35
Doug,
Hey Roomie! I’m getting nothing done as I sit glued to my computer, analyzing the stats and silently cheering you on. I can’t walk away from my computer long enough to do errands, housework or eat as I’m afraid of missing something. With my Doug on Team Levy, I have no one to jump up and down with. Maggie and Molly (cats) just don’t understand all the commotion!!
I’m with you every pedal stroke along the way. It’s an an exciting milestone with the Mississippi on the horizon!
Can’t wait to see you in Annapolis!
Sunday, 15 June, 2008 at 04:23
Pass along to your Dad- tell him If he’s getting tired, remember- I’ll buy him (on credit) all the Breyer’s Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream he can eat in Annapolis. Michael Silverbook
Sunday, 15 June, 2008 at 07:18
Doug and Crew,
I can feel your energy making its way east!! Keep on racing your race and you will be here soon. So amazing how you all are doing this, and so inspiring to the rest of us. When I get tired, I think “gee, Doug is still on his bike”! Can’t wait to read tomorrow’s report! Lynne P.
Sunday, 15 June, 2008 at 10:12
You rock Doug! We’ve been enjoying following your progress and it astounds and motivates me everytime I look at how far you have ridden! Keep it up!! -Maren and Lola Cooley
Monday, 16 June, 2008 at 10:18
Go Doug! Go Doug!
That Beard looks good on your ugly mug
Pedal the bike, pedal some more
Pedal the bike from shore to shore
Pedal the bike till your blisters burst
We know in your age group you’ll finish first
Pedal the bike, Pedal it fast
We know this RAAM won’t be your last
Monday, 16 June, 2008 at 12:21
P.S. Additions to Poem
Pedal the bike, Go Doug! Go Doug!
That beard looks good on your ugly mug
Pedal the bike, pedal some more
Pedal the bike from shore to shore
Pedal the bike to McDonald’s in Pratt
Matt’s Hammer Gel Pies won’t make you fat
Pedal the bike till your blisters burst
We know in your age group you”ll finish first
Pedal the bike from coast to coast
Give Loewen nothing about which to boast
Pedal the bike, I assure you my friend
Soon you will finish, but it won’t be the end
Pedal the bike, pedal it fast
Cause 08 RAAM won’t be your last