RAAM TV

Be sure to watch “Race Across America” this Saturday January 22nd 2:30 – 4:30 EST on NBC (check local listings). You will have the opportunity to see the five riders that, in my opinion, stood head and shoulders over the competition last year. Four of them are: Ron Bell, Bob Kash, Lee Mitchell and Chris Stauffer. The Grand PAC Masters are absolutely amazing. Take for example Dr. Ronnie Bell who crashed a few days in to RAAM suffering severe bruises and road rash. Not only did he maintain his spot in the rider rotation and set a new record – he joined a summit attempt of Mt. Rainier a matter of days after the race. Unfortunately Ron has a family commitment during RAO weekend. Unfortunately for the competition he will be replaced by Lew Meyer who according to his teammates is the strongest rider of the bunch. I am really looking forward to introducing this amazing group of racers to you at the pre-race meeting. The fifth racer is RAO co-director and my partner Terri Gooch. Comeback stories are almost becoming common place, however Terri’s comeback from illnes and injury in ‘04 was unbelievable. After RAAM ‘02 Terri raced the Co-Motion Classic and 24 Hour UMCA Championships. A few weeks after the 24 Terri came down with what was eventually diagnosed with viral pneumonia. It laid her low for about two months – December ‘02. In February ‘03 Terri had a bad accident skiing and injured one of her knees – out through May. In July Terri relapsed with pneumonia which took a nasty toll on her. After a long recovery she endured months of severe fatigue and an understandable loss of confidence. Last April Terri’s doctor told her racing RAAM in the shape she was in would cause some long term health problems. She altered her training, went into RAAM at about 60% of her normal shape and ended up with one of the gutsiest performances I’ve ever seen. I hope NBC gives her proper credit – as all of you know who have met her, Terri is awesome.

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