Race Across Oregon
Urs and I had two goals going into the event. Win the race and break the record. Incredible crews, favorable conditions, and good competition made it all possible. Urs and I crossed the finish line winning the event with a new course record in 27:13 beating the old record by 1:45. Thanks again to the crews and all of the people who helped to support the race. Stay along for the ride, we’re building some serious momentum.
National 24 hour record
We did it, 502.6 miles in 24 hrs. for a new National 24 hour record. I say we did it because never before have I had so many people come togeather to really pour so much of their own energy into helping me achieve my goal. I can’t thank all of you enough. So here they are - the amazing team of people who made it possible. Rock N Road, Speedy Reedy, Sammamish Valley Cycle, Titanflex, E-motion Rollers, Seattle Performance Medicine, Michael Lewis Chiropractic, Revolution Inc., The incredible “Team Yogurt” consisting of Tim Meyer, Jeff Mast, Greg Bowman, and Jeff Stuck. Also the entire Meyer family, My own family, Steve Rettig, Matt and Leah Smith, the Dierholf family, the Trout family, Jason Wisner, Urs Koenig, Greg Paley, Bob Brudvick, all of the Seattle Randos, and many others I haven’t mentioned. But most of all to my wonderful wife Lara.
Check out these articles about the race: mlive.com and Grand Haven News
Next Stop RAO July 21st as Urs and I look to take it up a notch.
Return to the National 24 hr challenge
Well it has been a long winter here in the Northwest. And now that spring has arrived. It looks as if more than just the flowers are growing. In fact there is a Baby Ragsdale growing . That’s right Lara and I are proud to say we will have a little boy coming June 29th (or so).
So on to the Riding. 2006 is behind us with fantastic and exciting highs and some debilitating and exhausing lows. All of which will make for an even better 2007.
The two major events for the season are this:
Return to the National 24 hr challenge in Michigan and improve on last years performance. How might one do that you ask? I Have set my sights on a good round number 500 miles.
Then after returning and seeing the arrival of Baby Ragsdale. Urs Koenig and I will be doing the Race Across Oregon as a two person team. This is very exciting as it will be my first time in a team race and there is no one I am more excited about racing with than Urs. He and I will look to find out just how fast two guys can cover 538 miles with over 40,000 ft of climbing.
Stay tuned as we head into what should be a very exciting year.
Go For IT
So going into the race I had made the decision. Better to go down fighting than to play it safe and HOPE to do well. I was going to Go For IT. And that is what I did. I went out hard in 3rd place, and at mile 20 or so I was certainly wondering if I was in the wrong place quite a few big shots were still behind me. I didn’t exactly want to stop and see what they were up to so I just kept cruising. As the miles past I began to think 3rd after 20 miles it could be a Hoax 3rd after 300 or 400 miles and I am probably right were I ought to be.I however started experiencing difficulties late during the night. But just kept hammering and battleing off riders as they would appear from behind. Eventually by mile 430 I no longer had the mental energy to deal with the physical problems I was having. I decided to stop, rest and try and work it out. After maybe an hour or more of resting, my stomach, legs and body probably felt worse rather than better. So I made the decision to call it a race. The Crow would end up taking third and I would get the dredded DNF.I battled hard for 25 hrs or more and was pleased with my race, the finish line seemed fairly insignificant to me. The reason I do these races is to challenge myself, to push myself harder than I would other wise. To see how I fair against some of the best. I feel like I got that. I didn’t need to torture myself or endanger myself to finish. And although I would do a few things differently I feel I rode the race well.
I would like to thank all those who have supported and encouraged me throughout this past season. It has deffinately been a strange one for me. I have learned alot about my self in regard to goals, events, motivations, dissapointment, and success. And it has only been possible through the help and encouragement from others.
The Biggeest thanks has to go those who have offered their time and their hearts the CREW. My wonderful wife Lara, Steve Rettig, Bob Brudvik, Eric Vigoren, Peter Beeson, Peg Winczewski, Fred Mulder, Matt Smith, Jason Wisner, My parents, Aunt Jennifer, My Grandma, And to the individuals out there who have also dedicated not only there time but their talents. Alan the Mushdog for the great website, and Aaron for the incredible photography
A Large thanks to my sponsors. Especially Sammamish Valley Cycle in Redmond and Rock N Road cycle in my home town of Grand Haven Mi.
Also to E-motion rollers and Bi-saddle both makers of brilliant and innovative products please check out there web sites on the sponsors links.
Thank You all and stay tuned to see our plans for next year. I think things are going to get pretty exciting!!