20th Race Across America (RAAM)

Portland, Oregon to Pensacola, Florida. June 16 - ?

Team RAF/BAE SYSTEMS/CGEY Diary

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Team
 
Dave Cook (33) Hellifield, North Yorkshire, England
Dave Green (38) Thetford, Norfolk, England
Keith Jackson (32) Forres,Morayshire, Scotland
Steve Wilcox (30) Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan, England

The team
Photo: © Andy Tower

Just a country to cross

by Andy Tower

RAAM 02 is under way. After a wet start ceremony at the Portland Holiday Inn the RAAM team riders entered the neutral zone led by a Chrysler Prowler sports car. A last minute technical hitch was soon solved by the joint RAF/BAE SYSTEMS/CGEY support team. Progress through the neutral zone was slow with a number of punctures and the attempt to keep all riders together. The RAF riders were chomping at the bit to get underway and warm up after the cold Portland rain. Dave Green led the RAF attack and soon started to put pain into the other riders leading the RAF attack. The rain continued over Mount Hood up to an altitude of 4100 feet. The challenge of climbing continued over Blue Box pass. The team was rewarded with bright sunshine as they descended out of the dense wet woods of the Mount Hood National Park.

Steve Wilcox
Photo: ©Andy Tower

At Maupin the teams changed over and RAF Captain Dave Green and Keith Jackson were treated with a well-earned pasta tea after building an unofficial lead of 17 minutes after 81 miles racing. Dave Cook from BAE SYSTEMS and RAF rider Steve Wilcox replaced them fresh from resting in their mobile hotel. The mountains continued Steve Wilcox putting in an effort over Bake Oven Hill.

Photography

The two Dave's discuss last minute tactics. "So, we just go as hard as we can?" "Sounds fair"
Panic - a few last minute problems with Steve's bike.
Bike repaired - Steve Wilcox powers over Bake Oven Hill