get over. After being a part of RAAM several years ago I know how
tough the officials can be and safety is the biggest concern. The 3
Cannondale rocket ships are good to go and ready to have the motor
(Kevin) mounted for takeoff! The women solo racers took off at noon
along with one male 60+ racer; their accomplishments were quite
impressive and we hope they have a safe night out on the road. We
spent the rest of the afternoon hanging around at the Oceanside Pier,
getting some last minute supplies, and having a few beers since we
will not be able to sip on the hoppy goodness until we make it to
Annapolis. Please keep up with us, leave messages (especially for
Kevin), and we will pass on your words of encouragement.
Troy-crew
Good luck Kevin and crew!! I wish I could have been apart this year. I know you can do this, piece of cake!!!!
ReplyDeleteDon
Well today is the day you have been working so hard preparing for. You start fulfilling your dream. WOW! THE TOUGHEST BICYCLE RIDE IN THE WORLD! And SOLO at that! We back at home are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments on and off the bike! Kevin, you are amazing! Outstanding in all you do! We'll be with you all the way! Jim & Dee
ReplyDeleteKevin...I wish you and your crew the best...and a quick journey. Keep Jure Robic in your sights...and things will be OK. I believe that you will finish the event... you know it won't be easy.
ReplyDeleteKev,
ReplyDeleteStay safe, confident and relaxed. You are going to do great. I love you.
Lisa (wife)
Kevin,
ReplyDeleteIt RAAM were easy, everyone would do it. Deciding to do something is the most important step to succeeding. I've been on some rides with you, and you're more than ready for this challenge. Now go hit a home run!
Steve
Good luck Kevin. The whole mountain bike community in Augusta will be watching and pulling for you.
ReplyDeleteChain Reaction Guys
Todd AKA "Ted"
Snorkel Steve
Genior
Brad "Pale Rider"
Jimmy B
Alex AKA "ATC"
Kevin,
ReplyDeleteI wanted to wish you and your crew good luck. Calvin and I will be thinking about you.
Beverly L.
Kevin:
ReplyDeleteDon't try to keep anyone else in sight -- just ride within yourself. You know how long this race is. You can do it, and do it well.
Good luck!
Hope you and the team have fun and stay safe! Wish I could be there to ride as well. Chase and I did Brag last week and I only did 400 miles over the whole trip.
ReplyDeleteClay Sprouse
Good Luck and stay safe
ReplyDeleteKevin,
ReplyDeleteWish I could give you some valuable advice but you've ridden so far beyond anywhere I've ever gone that I have no experience that I can pass on to you. You're in another world now. But perhaps one randonneurring axiom still applies: Ride to finish.
Good luck and I'll be tracking your progress.
Mike D.
Ride, Kevin, Ride!
ReplyDelete(like Forrest ran)
Good luck - be safe,
o.cubed
Kevin, tailwinds all the way. And get tucked low otherwise! I'm sure you'll have a great ride. Gator and I both had a lot of fun on Shenandoah 1200. Don't forget to smile when you can!
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Ian
Hey Kevin,
ReplyDeleteThe Augusta cycling community has your back. Sorry that can't come with a permanent tail wind. Best to you and the crew!
Randy DuTeau
Good luck Kevin! I'll be in Annapolis waiting for you!
ReplyDeleteGood luck Kevin - you are a super strong rider. Hoping you get out of the heat soon! You will do great! Andrew Gilchrist
ReplyDeleteI need an update!! How's Kev doing? Obviously he's hanging in there as I knew he would, but I need details!! And tell him I'm so PROUD of him!!
ReplyDeleteLisa M. (sister)
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteKevin and Crew,
ReplyDeleteWe're all pulling for you guys and wish we could be there to take a few pulls for you. Hard to tell exactly what's going on from just the RAAM web site, but looks like you've made it through the part you were most concerned with.
Tailwinds,
Jim Wallace
Just keep on pedaling!! It is hard to tell what's going on from the RAAM website...looks like you're biking up at around 8200 feet in the NM mountains enroute to CO. Just keep on doing what you're doing! It will be downhill soon!!
ReplyDeleteWay to go Kevin. I went grocery shopping in Publix the other day and all the check out clerks there were talking and bragging about you. Everyone is watching your progress. Besides your physical ability, I just can't imagine your mental toughness to do this. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteWatching your progress on-line Kevin. Keep up the great work! One stroke at a time, brother. You're looking strong. Cheering you on from a distance here in New York.
ReplyDeleteKevin,
ReplyDeleteYou have are over the half way point! The true triumph gets closer every mile and there you are making it happen. I have full faith that you will complete this adventure and that you have a great crew to help you do it.
Marshall(from Macon)
I've been talking with Gary and Kevin is getting stronger. Had problems with heat as usual early on and couldn't eat, but is feeling good and crew sound good also. He will make it I know. Just wish I could have been there again.
ReplyDeleteDon
Wow Kevin, your getting stronger....one more American and you will be in first for USA. Incredible. Keep it up......We are all watching.
ReplyDeleteKev:
ReplyDeleteI said it on the RAAM website and I'll say it here . . . you ROCK!! I may get in trouble for spending so much time on the internet at work, but I can't help it! I keep checking your progress and the blogs. I'm just in awe of you!!
Lisa M.
Kevin, dude, you are on fire! Congratulations for your amazing work. You seem to be getting stronger with every mile. It is so exciting to see you climb your way up the leaderboard. Keep going! It will be great to see you finish in the top 5, but why stop there? How about a podium finish!
ReplyDeleteNow that RAAM appears to have their leaderboard functional again, I see that you have taken the top spot among the USA solo riders. WAY TO GO!
ReplyDeleteKeep it up. Many people are pullin' for ya!
Kevin,
ReplyDeleteI hope you're feeling as well as you're performing! If you are, you're feeling great. Even my wife is following what you're doing and pulling for you. Donna says, "Go, Kevin."
Number 1 American right now. Impressive! Very impressive. Your crew must be doing a fabulous job. You, too, of course.
I hope you're having a wonderful time, Kevin. The RAAM site says fewer than 200 have finished solo RAAM, while 2000 have climbed Mt. Everest.
Keep it up. Remember to finish. That's job number one.
You're THE MAN.
Jim
Keep up the good work, Kevin! You're doing great. I know that Charlie and Rich are following your race and wish you the best.
ReplyDeleteJulie Combs
GO, KEVIN, GO!! I'm following you on Twitter and they just said that you passed Jim Rees close to the Mississippi! You're almost there!! From Twitter:
ReplyDeleteKaiser has passed Rees heading through TS33 and leads by 17 minutes. He was trailing by 41 at TS32.
GO, KEVIN, GO!!!!! Sir...I'm REALLLY excited for you!! Also, reading all the posts by the others is getting me fired up!! You ARE THE MAN!! Hopefully, we can ride again if I'm able to get back to Augusta after I'm done here in Kuwait in April. It would truly be an honor to ride with you again.
Tim
Isn't this race exciting?!?!
ReplyDeleteI talked to my brother, Chris Kaiser, earlier today . . . Missouri is experiencing record heat right now and they expect to maybe rest Kev a bit during the day so he can ride at night. Back in the desert he wasn't sure if he'd make it. I do wish there was a way to call in to the crew and broadcast our cheers straight to Kev! He really responds to encouragement. We're probably more focused on Leaderboard rankings than he is, though! Either way, Kevin is doing OUTSTANDING!!
Lisa M.
Totally amazing to us all back home in Augusta. Can't think of a more impressive performance in any type of event by a local cyclist. Best of luck for the remainder.
ReplyDeleteI don't know you, but man you inspire me to ride more. Keep up the good work and stay safe.
ReplyDelete