Originally Posted by Richard Cranium
A truly awesome event. And an awesome effort by anyone attempting it, let alone completing it.
I've often wished that there would be more interest in an "unsupported" long distance road event of similar nature.
There's much about RAAM rules I find ridiculously unfair and uncompetitive.
In one respect, it would be interesting if Adventure Corp could see their way clear to bastardize the race by having manufactures supply contestants with identical equipment. (except sizing) That way, the "true measure" of the rider/climber/hiker would be even more identified. (and the quality of the equipment equalized)
To me part of the beauty of this race is the survival and planing aspect from the bike setup to the training. While giving everyone an identical bike would possibly make the event more even. I think it would detract from the overall adventure spirit of the race.
By the way, Dave Nice was told by others who had tried the race on a fixie that he wouldn't succeed but he wanted to try anyway. I really think that Dave was well prepared in terms of his training but still he only made about 800 miles.
I think the problem was not with Dave but that it is just too difficult to do these kinds of mileages day after day on a fixie. The problem as I see it is negative resistance and little or no recovery periods.
Negative resistance, which happens when the muscle is resisting being lengthened which occurs every time you use your legs to help you slow down or control the bike with the pedals, takes longer to recover from that regular resistance.
I hope Dave tries it again on a geared bike. I think he will do better.
By the way Kevin Montgomery put up a couple of short video clips from a self made mini documentary of his progress. Even though he dropped out of the race after a few days the videos are very interesting.
I think it would be great if more riders did this sort of self made and self paced video documentary of thier efforts. It really allows others to see and get the feel for the whole thing like nothing else.