I Would Ride 2000 Miles
… and I would ride one thousand more …
Doug hit the 2,000 mile mark yesterday evening before dinner, and crossed the mighty Mississip a few hours after that. It’s hard to believe this epic adventure is winding down (if you can consider another 900 or more miles as of this morning “winding down”).
Doug has been playing cat and mouse with his chief rival, Arvid Loewen, all night. Loewen and Doug are vying for 1st in the 50-59 bracket, and Loewen passed Doug at the dinner stop last night.
We’re camped out in Walmart lot waiting for the roving crew and our intrepid rider (see America, Walmart by Walmart!) right now. A fellow Canine Companions for Independence raiser has just shown up with two of the cutest pups ever, Yogi and Tessie, to cheer Doug on. Pics coming, hopefully today!
Thanks for coming out to cheer, Vanessa!
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
Monday, 16 June, 2008 at 06:35
Love you from you mom
-Mom
Monday, 16 June, 2008 at 07:05
Please relay the following message to Doug…
Tell Doug that Jen and I have been keeping tabs on him several times a day and we are amazed at his progress.
“by the book” thats Doug!!!
Keep it up and I hope you take first.
I know all you want is to finish the race, but I want to see you take first.
Oh, by the way the scruffy beard it gives you a little more character.
Good Luck.
Monday, 16 June, 2008 at 08:44
WooHoo from all of your CCI friends. In graduate class CCI Team Training they told us “fake it till you make it”. Well you surely are “making it”. Bring it on in. It’s a thrill to watch your progress.
Nanc and SD Mahler
NER Nov 2007
Monday, 16 June, 2008 at 09:35
You are doing great! It’s an inspiration to read about your progress. Just keep the pedals turning and the rubber side down, and leave the rest to your crew.
Steve Muth from SCU
Monday, 16 June, 2008 at 10:01
Wow! Doug and crew just checked into the time station in Effingham, Illinois. 2000+ miles into the race, and safely across the Mississip! I don’t know if I’m going to get any work done in the next few days as the excitement of the finish draws ever closer! Doug, you are living the dream!
HE’S GOING THE DISTANCE!
~Chritine Morris
Monday, 16 June, 2008 at 03:24
Hey Doug…..since you are coming back on Thurs…how about heading North to Buffalo, I will make you a home-cooked meal for dinner and the next morning we shall go to the corner bakery for FRESH MUFFINS:)
For heavens sake they better have the BEST muffins in the world!
While in Buffalo we will have BUFFALO WINGS & PIZZA, probably will not be as good as the MUFFINS!
I am sooo proud of you, see you soon, you bring the MUFFINS and I’ll bring the WINGS!
LOVE…..Norma and THE CLAN:)
Monday, 16 June, 2008 at 06:10
Doug,
Sent the link to this blog to the Chief, another Rec cyclist. His only response was “WOW”. Just remember the one thing you told me the first time you dragged me on a hill ride from Horsham “Pain is weakness leaving the body.”
Drive On!
John
Monday, 16 June, 2008 at 10:32
Way to go!!!! Keep up the good work! Your doing awesome!
– Maren and Lola
Tuesday, 17 June, 2008 at 08:35
This sure beats riding to Kamp!
Love ya and be safe.
Real heros are everyday people!
Tuesday, 17 June, 2008 at 09:41
Hi Doug.
Words are easy; what you are accomplishing is beyond words and beyond my ability to express my awe and admiration as well as my respect for why you’re doing it. When I try to explain RAAM to non cycling relatives and friends, they simply can’t grasp it !
These last few hours must be excruciatingly difficult, but somehow we know you’ll find a way. We hope our thoughts are giving you a gentle helping push to the finish.
GOD BE WITH YOU and GO! GO! GO!
Ed D’Orazio