It's raining on this hot and humid day in May, and I really need to start getting this RAAM thing in gear. I don't know how the RAAM racers do it? Needing to stay focused and on a plan for 10 months knowing full well it will be torture for 8 to 12 days in June! My hat's off to all you guys and gals. And, let's not forget the crews and officials. I crewed for Bubba Jeff Stephens in 2001 and what an experience. That was hard work and was not a vacation.

Indiana girl and the Indiana nights

Sandy Earl will be the first woman to attempt RAAM solo on a recumbent. She hails from Oregon, but she's originally from Ft Wayne, Indiana. Went to Snider High School way back when. I kind of feel a kinship as I lived in the Ft Wayne area for 25 years. She's no stranger to ultra-cycling. She still holds the women's mileage record at Calvin's Challenge and I think her 504 totem is a leopard of some sort. Her folks are coming down to our time station to cheer her on. The VIP seating will be reserved for Ma and Pa!