It has taken us a few days to adjust to the nocturnal lifestyle and the rigors of life in a RAAM crew van. In the beginning days the night crew nicknamed the race “Nap Across America.” When you’re following a rider who only sleeps for three to four hours per 24 hour period, the race is in constant movement and the only way to gain extra sleep hours is to grab them when you can. Fortunately we have been able to spend on average 5 hours a day (our night) in a motel room. I have to say that Janet has assembled an amazing crew and we have been working well together.
Currently we are headed into Plains Kansas with a steady headwind keeping speeds down. On the bright side the pavement is smooth as ice which Janet is greatly enjoying- especially compared to some of the other roads we have traveled thus far. Her spirits have been high and she has been joking the whole way. We are constantly trying to think of ways to keep her entertained through the night which helps ensure she stays awake! Cindy has been making lots of signs on our whiteboard, one of which you can find on the RAAM website. Tom has primarily been the driver and keeps Janet appraised of vehicles passing. I am the navigator, feeder (pass requested items to the rider from the van) and DJ for Janet. Given the terrain we travel we have run the gamut of temperatures and are continually adjusting Janet’s clothing which requires a stop. If you have been following you may have read about the solo male that crashed while changing cloths on the bike.
Through this trip we have seen an amazing variety of animals in the night. The list includes deer, elk, fox, bobcat, owl, prong-horn antelope, jack rabbits, jack asses (the four legged ones), horses, cows, and turkeys.
As I sit here and watch Janet ride, I have to say how incredibly impressed I am with her resolve and strength. No matter the conditions and terrain she pushes forward and beyond. Her focus is the finish line and I have no doubt that she will beat this RAAM course.
Check the team Osprey photo section as I just uploaded 40+ photos I have taken along the course.
Well since I originally wrote this we hit our crew switch point and we slept for four + hours. We are now sitting at the Pratt Kansas time station #25. It's a great time station with WiFi internet service, free McDonalds (the owner is running this time station) and great goodies!
Bill Osborn
Night Crew
