From Eddie on AttackPoint: Thanks to Biggins, my RAAM photos are now posted on a real server. 15 pages worth. Enjoy! Full-res “L” versions are not posted…ask if you want one. (M)ediums are posted. Some nice shots in Monument Valley, AZ start on page 6.
Editor: I especially like the one on page 10 showing Eddie and Ken having a good chuckle over the sign posted at the McDonald’s.
The finish line photo of Team Nor’easter: from left to right are Dave Nash, Pete Dady, Sandy Fillebrown, Ken Walker, Dave Pruden, Greg Walker, Eddie Bergeron, Brad Whitmore, and Lex Bundschuh. Photo courtesy of Vadim Masalkov.
A final word from Sandy: Thanks for all the support everyone. The various team and crew members have departed for home and some well deserved rest, but we’ll all remember the people that were cheering us on throughout the adventure. We all have some memories that we’ll cherish; I’m incredibly proud to have been a part of this.
Vadim Masalkov (speedy) reported on Attackpoint at 1:20 AM:
I just came back home from Atlantic City. They did it. They are tired, but happy.
Also heard on AttackPoint:
Ron Grayson (rong): Congratulations, Well done old boys, jolly good show….it was fun crewing for first 2 days. Can I ride next year? Sleep well, you earned it…then hit the casinos.
Matthew Robbins (cedarcreeek): Congratulations! When the adrenaline and caffeine wears off, maybe you can get some sleep…
Cristina Luis (Cristina): Way to go! w00t, even! It’s been pretty awesome to follow along.
Clinton More (cmorse): Awesome job guys!!! And many thanks to the crew and friends that so vigilantly kept us up to date via Attackpoint.
Kris Beecroft (kissy): You guys are amazing!! Congrats to you and your wonderful support crew! What an incredible feat.
Dasha Babushok (TheDabbler): Congratulations! This was a totally awesome journey and accomplishment! Get some rest!
Julie Keim (furlong47): WOW! Finished at 11:01 PM!!!!
Congrats guys, this whole thing was amazing! You rock!
Eight+ days after leaving Oceanside, California, Team Nor’easter crossed the finish line in Atlantic City, New Jersey in 197:44 (adjusted to 197:59 with the 15 minute penalty from very early in the race).
Think about it!! Despite a horrific accident before CP 2, which changed the team composition from four to three riders, this all rookie team of riders and crew rode a great race!
And I don’t think they got lost, not even once! Maybe every team should have a national class orienteering champion or two on their crew next year.
Well, while we are waiting for the team to finish, I though I would share a part of an email that Eddie sent out before the race. It will be interesting to see what was used, and what they needed more of – besides tubes…
Tools:
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Allen wrench sets (many, english and metric)
Socket set (english and metric)
pliers, lg and needle
cable cutters
Open end wrenches, english and metric
BB cup wrench
BB tool, Shimano integrated (works for Ken’s bike and anyone else with
Shimano integrated sealed 2-cup BB)
BB tool, Shimano 12-splined (works with Brad’s square post, 113mm sealed)
Shimano cassette lockring tool
Chain whip (don’t laugh, this is a real tool…also motivational 🙂
Multi spoke wrench (2 of these)
Chain rivet tool (2 of these, 1 is shimano HG compat)
Crankarm puller
Chain cleaner
Cassette brush
Several sets of tire levers
Hypodermic grease thingy with needle
Screwdrivers, phillips and flat, various sizes
Utility knife
File, needle and flat
Hammer
Floor pump
Small frame pump
2 tube patchkits
Workstand (if it fits in the van)
Shimano component specsheets and instructions
Lots of old rags
A couple of plastic parts washing tubs
Ziploc bags
Paper towels
Tape measure
Sponge
Scotch-Brite
Sandpaper
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Lubes and cleaners:
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Finish Line teflon grease
White Lightning dry lube (chains, etc)
Finish Line syn wet lube (chains, cables, calipers, etc)
*I might also get a tube of tri-flow wet lube
Performance clean safe general purpose cleaner
White Lightning Clean Streak degreaser (self-dry)
————————————————————
Spare parts:
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Spare integrated BB (see above, I just happen to have a spare)
A few spokes+nipples
Several tubes, ~4 regular stem, 2 longstem
Full set of handlebar tape
Brake/shifter cables (I think I have 2 spares at home, will pick up another
tonight)
Spare saddle (from my bike)
Spare helmet
Spare clipless pedals and cleats (my Speedplay X3’s)
Spare beartraps+toeclips (just in case)
Spare shoes (mine, sz 8 US)
Spare gloves (mine, M)
Spare regulation headlight and taillight (Brad will likely use my headlight)
8 AA NIMH rechargable batts and 2 chargers (Sandy has a couple of additional
sets and a charger) Chargers will work in the vehicles.
Wheelset (1 front, 1 rear, no cassette)
Sunglasses (clear amber and dark, interchangeable)
Poly cable ties, assorted
Duct tape, Electrical tape, Athletic tape, scotch tape
Grey reflective tape (Ken also has some yellow)
A few foam helmet pads
~4 water bottles
A few spare bottle cages
A few spare chainring nuts
A few bottle cage frame screws
Spare look cleats
Randy Hall posted the following on AttackPoint: They were moving much faster than I anticipated, and I just barely missed them at White Clay Creek.
I was able to get a handful of pics at the Delaware Memorial Bridge checkpoint (the first 2 are of team 417 from my car near Kemblesville, PA, which was about 15 minutes in back of them at the time). As Tom said, they are in great spirits with the finish so close. It was stunning how fast Biggins took off out of the checkpoint.
Team Nor’easter has spent a lot of time near the tandem team – Team JDRF. We have been curious about the lack of a second rider and the fact that the second seat is missing. Here is the short explanation of the seat issue from their official website: “We are still riding tandems with captains only. The tandems have been somewhat stripped of unnecessary parts. Seats, pedals and handlebars for the stoker have been removed to save weight.”
Update 8:49 PM EDT – Tom Overbaugh posted the following on Attackpoint:
Just returned from TS 55 (DE Memorial Bridge) where a number of DVOA’ers (Maryann Cassidy, Randy Hall, Eric Weyman and myself) turned out to cheer on Team Nor’easter.
The RV arrived around 7:00 pm and the riders pulled in just before 7:30. Everyone looked to be in pretty good shape. The riders looked amazingly fresh considering all they’ve been through. Greg was taking the first shift to AC and left in a blur. They had a very good split into TS 55 and it looks like they are poised for a strong finish. 3 or 4 other teams pulled into the Burger King a little behind them but none are in the 4-man/3-man division.
The RV apparently stopped at White Clay Creek SP where a sleep-deprived Eddie somehow managed to get in a run.
It was really inspiring to see the riders and crew. An incredible accomplishment – makes me want to jump on my bike and start riding!
Update 7:26 PM EDT: Team Nor’easter has just checked into CP 55 – Delaware Memorial Bridge and has just 64.9 miles to go!
I had just talked to Pete and Sandy. They are with the RV waiting at the Burger King which is the checkpoint. Waiting with them from DVOA was Tom Overbaugh, Randy Hall, and Maryann Cassidy.
Sandy reported that the team was having a strong day. The results show that they have passed a couple of other teams today.
A trip to Atlantic City didn’t work out for me, so Vadim, another DVOA member will be there to cheer the team on to the finish.