with apologies to BIKENETers who aren't interested, here's another post
about RAAM.   Can anyone tell me what media has covered it OTHER than
web / email / bbs ???????
forwarded message follows:
Rickey Wray's RAAM Review #4
RICKEYWRAY@aol.comThu, 8 Aug 1996 23:02:16 -0400
Howdy from Texas,  RAAM friends!  This will be the last of Rickey Wray's
analysis until after RAAM is over.  By this time tomorrow, the winner of the
team's division should be enjoying supper, and the solo men may very well be
sprinting for the win.  As everyone knows, AOL was down all day, yesterday,
so I unable to post my comments.
The following key identifies how to read the table.   This time I used "Dr.
Jim's" update, since there was little difference in terms of averages and
estimated finishing times from the 1-900, 5:00 PM update.  As usual, I added
where the racers were at this time last year, and how they compare to where
the leader (Kish) was at this time last year.
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 continues at a record pace.  Of course the big news is Seana
dropping out.  It is sad, but we all owe a great deal to Seana for she has
changed, and will continue to change, the face of RAAM and women in sports.
 For the last couple of years, she has been a contender for the win.
 Unfortunately, this was not the year to be.  Undoubtedly, some will compare
her to Kish, and say, "well, Kish, didn't always win, but he never quit, even
when he knew he wouldn't win."  Kish always had someone behind him, other
men, pushing him.  Seana was out there, by herself, no Muffy, and towards the
end, no attainable goal that she hadn't already obtained.  That, coupled with
what I understand were horrendous saddle sores (which I can very much
identify with) resulted in the DNF.  In my book, she is a hero, and I admire
her accomplishments immensely.
The men's race continues to be one of the most exciting (not quite as
exciting as  my blazing pace of last year) I have ever witnessed.  Chew and
Kish are battling it out for first, with Fasching lurking just a few hours
back.  Was it a long sleep break or is Fasching filling the impact of 2300
miles with 600 to go?  Tonight will be a telling night as none of the top
four can afford a sleep break, but can they make it without one?  Kish tends
to be very regular in his sleep patterns, and if he has stayed on that
schedule will probably try to go without one more.  If history repeats, so
will Danny and will he face the same fate as last year, and be forced to go
down for sleep.  Tatrai is now less than 70 miles back, but that has not come
without sacrifice.  From all indications, he has gone without 2 sleep breaks,
and if he has any intention of catching up will have to do so again tonight.
 I forsee Tatrai passing Fasching tonight, but will Gerry end up the third
man out, again?  At this point, Kees is no longer a factor in the winner's
circle, and is stuck out there in Shermerland.   Maybe in the future for
those of you who do RAAM, and get stuck way in the back, (which I hope never
happens) we can call it Wilsonland, after me in '95.
Two night's ago, at this time the leader's (Chew) average was 14.7 mph,
having dropped from 15.3  on the 4th to 15.2 on the 5th .  Chew continues to
hold the lead but it is very slim.  Kish is the "fox" so my money is still on
him.  It all hinges on Chew's need for sleep.
I continue to be amazed at the number of riders still out there going, and
still well within the "official finish" realm.  Based on today's numbers 14
men are still on the road,  with 12 (counting the winner) on an "official
finish" pace.  If it ends as it now stands, we will have a 60% official
finish rate in the men's, and a 70% finish rate.  However, past, personal
experience says that it will be very difficult for those near the upper limit
of the projected "official finish" allowance of 10'10'17" to keep motivated
and going.  They will soon have lots of hills, some rolling, some steep, and
the Southeast humidity to deal with.  It's going to be exciting.
Of local interest, Lannie and Rose Smith are currently running seven hours
ahead of last year's pace, and are in Oklahoma, with a projected finish next
Thursday night.
Bye.  Rickey Wray Wilson
 * SLMR 2.1a * Proofread carefully to see if you any words out.
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