RAAM 2013- My perspective – Part 3

RAAM 2013, My perspective Part III/conclusion: 3rd possible DNF avoided *”Quitting is not an option”* * * I was glad to have made it this far holding my own. Out of the 39 solos that started, (all categories) 20 or so were ahead of me. I had survived the the extreme heat, managed to regain an effective sleep cycle, controlled the fluid retention in my legs with compression stockings and elevated legs during my sleep breaks. A number of individuals had pledged to donate to Mully Children’s Family based on my final official RAAM standings. For every rider (all categories) I finished ahead off (including those who DNF’d) $4,000 would be donated to MCF. Since I knew that historical data indicated that 30-40% would DNF, it was very important to become an ‘offcial finisher’. At the same time, if I passed a few more riders on the way, it meant more money going to help rescue more children from a life of hopelessness. I was in a comfortable position and felt good about my chances of reaching Annapolis in under 12 days.

Then it happened. My morning crew, which included my wife Ruth had just left to find a motel. Suddenly, without warning, I developed a severe pain in my left knee. I tried to ride through it, but it got worse very fast. The terrain was reasonably flat when it happened, so I simply pushed much less with my left leg and did the brunt of the work with my right leg. However, we soon reached the many steep grades found in Eastern USA. The climbing required me to push full out with both legs and even stand in the pedals. Every time I tried, it felt like my knee was buckling under the pain. I called Ruth and told her about this new adversity, as I was not sure what was going to happen. This news hit her without warning (as it had me). A possible DNF is probably as hard on the crew, as it is on the cyclist. There is no

way I could ride some 750 miles doing most of the work with one leg, especially with all the climbing.

Ruth contacted some people back home and it became a prayer item. I took some pain-killers, but it did little. We stopped and I lay down under a tree so my crew could wrap ice around my knee. I rested and let the ice reduce the internal swelling.

There is no doubt that cycling at this level means we push our bodies to the limits and sometimes beyond. About 15 years ago I made a promise to Ruth that if I sensed that I was incurring an injury on a ride, (no matter how big the event was) that had potential lasting negative effects on my health, I would withdraw. It is a promise I intend to keep.

Seven years ago, I sensed God’s call to become an ambassador for orphaned and abandoned kids rescued by Mully Children’s Family. I quit my job of 31 years to volunteer full-time to do that. I chose ultra-marathon cycling as my platform from which to do so. I also promised God that I would do my best in all aspects, including cycling. As I lay there, uncertain about what to do, I had total peace about the outcome of this event. The ice and the pain-killers helped so I could ride again. At time station 42 I recorded a short statement for our website www.grandpascan.com. You can clearly sense that I was far from certain of becoming an official finisher again. http://grandpascan.com/2013/06/23/time-station-42-deeper-meaning-to-raam/. The remedies we tried, worked. As the hours and even days passed, my pain subsided.

I rode strong through the last 24 hours with only one short nap. I created some distance between those who were chasing me and came to within 12 minutes of passing one more rider, but more importantly, I became an ‘officlal finisher’ a second time, cycling across the USA in 11 days, 20 hours and 8 minutes. Nineteen cyclists finished ahead of me and I fared better than 19 (including those who DNF’d) resulting in an extra $76,000 being donated to MCF.

Summary:

• Over the years of riding long distances for a purpose, I have learned that when I reach the end of my abilities, God is still in control. I however still have to continue to do my best.
• I have learned that making a significant difference does not come easy and there is a personal cost to it.
• I have learned that the personal sacrifices I am making are insignificant compared to the personal rewards I am experiencing.

My goal is to inspire and challenge others to share my passion to bring hope to an abandoned child. Because a child’s life may depend on it, quitting is not an option.

The things we do for ourselves will be forgotten when we are gone,
The things we do for others will live on. – Grandpa Arvid