From: INT:RICKEYWRAY@AOL.COM (Forwarded by Robert Bump )
Subj: Rickey Wray's RAAM Review
Good evening (or Howdy from Texas) RAAM friends and especially to another 
Bubba,
Jeff, (although I'm not sure if I like being called a Bubba, cause it has a
negative slant with cyclists down here in Texas.)   Anyway Jeff, keep eating
that BarBQ, but if it's not from Texas it's not the good stuff!
As before, the following commentary is strictly my "spin" on the race, and
should be taken as such.  The above analysis is based strictly upon the
standings as posted, and last year's results as they appear in UMCA
publications.  Any typos or miscalculations are my error and, of course, the
data should not be used in developing any race strategies.
The race, while still at a record pace is beginning to slow.    Last night at
this time the leader's (Kish) average was 15.2 mph.  Chew now has the lead 
ut
it is very slim and the average speed has dropped to 14.7.  Kish is the 
aster
at this race and it will be very difficult to "out fox" him.  I would not be
surprised to wake up tomorrow morning and find out that he is back in the 
lead.
Currently, Kish and Chew are running almost a flip flop compared to last 
ear.
In 95, Kish went through the time station 40 minutes ahead of Kish.  This 
year,
based on the update Kish is 10 miles behind Chew, or around 40 minutes.  What 
a
race!  Both are running 10 hours ahead of the 1995 pace. The rookie, Fasching 
is
fascinating.  Although he faded slightly yesterday, he is right up there with
the two favoured sons.  Tatrai continues to come on strong, and is now almost 
20
hours ahead of where is was at this time last year.  At 112 miles back, he is
near time station #36, and he did not pass the time station until 11:25 AM of
the NEXT morning during last year's race. My compliments to Paul Solon, based 
on
the latest update he is on the move again, and is at 285 miles back.  The 
ost
amazing thing is the number of riders still out there going, and still well
within the "official finish" realm.  Based on this morning's numbers 16 men 
are
still on the road (although I hear we have had another dropout), with 11
(counting the winner) on an "official finish" pace.  Conditions, I hear, are
some of the best, but the weather report indicates a heat wave coming on, and
should this happen, could unfavorably impact the mid-pack riders as they come
across the Southeast.  I don't know which was worse last year, fighting the
headwinds and rain from the impact of the hurricane, or sweltering in the
humidity, all I know is I wish I was out there riding again this year.  
aybe,
1998.
Seana is starting to slow compared to the front.  Although she is still 3 
hours
ahead of her own finishing time last year based on pace, she actually went
through this time station one hour earlier last year.  Also, she is around 3
time stations back from the leaders and the difference in average speed has
increased to 1.3 mph from 1 mph compared to last night.  Most importantly, 
he
is now projected in at 9 days, making it difficult for her to be the first 
women
into the 8 day finish, unless she picks up her pace soon.
Of local interest, Lannie and Rose Smith are currently running five hours 
ahead
of last year's pace, and should be coming out of the mountains tonight.
Bye.  Rickey Wray Wilson
 * SLMR 2.1a * 2 wrongs don't make a right, but 3 quick left turns will!
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