Hello RAAM racing fans! Like many of you, I too have been following the progress of RAAM since it started this past Sunday. As mentioned previously by others on this mail-list, club member Michael Lau is one of 15 remaining competitors in the Men's Solo division of this mighty epic test of cycling ability.
I have to confess that I'm very excited and thrilled to observe the results of this race as they unfold and are displayed on the web site - and primarily so because a fellow club member, Michael Lau, is one of the racers! I've just heard back from Steve Born, who has just returned from visiting the racers on the course, and thought I'd share with you his observations. So, without further delay, here are Steve's answers to my initial questions I asked him about Michael's success to date: <snip> I have ridden with Michael on various tours before and he's always impressed me with his strength. I have no doubt that he will finish the race and that his progress is going well at this time. I did see him on the course a couple times and cheered for him as he rode past. I did notice that he had a brace or bandage on one of his knees but I couldn't see any unusual changes from his normal, smooth pedal stroke. Michael always acknowledged my presence there, which made me believe he was quite awake and alert. The last time I saw him was en route to Ogden. Currently he is in a group (I use the term "group" somewhat loosely) of riders including Patten, Koning, Moonen, and Beal... he's in good company and holding his own. I think he, as all the riders will, enjoy getting out of all that climbing, it really takes a toll. Michael's tough... I predict he will finish. Personally, I think Kish will catch Fasching by the end of Arkansas, if not before. Fasching's pace at the start was off the charts but now, with the big climbs behind, he's in Kish country. I'm estimating that Kish is about 100 miles behind Fasching at this time, which is remarkable considering all the climbing in the first third of the race... Fasching trained in the Alps while Kish trained in Florida - big difference! <snip> Steve So there you have it! Michael's doing well, and certainly has earned the deepest regard and admiration from this OBC member! ... wow, and to think I actually thought of myself as a cyclist. ;-) A big round of 'Cheers!' for Michael from me, and hopefully you too. All together now! ... Bill Taylor ------------------------------------------------- For list help, please send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Club Office: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (613) 230-1064 Web/mailing list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.cyberus.ca/~obcweb Newsletter: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.cyberus.ca/~obcweb/Newsletter ------------------------------------------------- ==^================================================================ This email was sent to: [email protected] EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?aVxiDo.a2i8p1 Or send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^================================================================
