RAAM: CREW UPDATE DAY 17
Friday, June 18, 2010 at 06:29AM 16 Jun 10
“Another long day in the office” as Tony likes to put it, but his unyielding energy and faith in the crew have allowed him to keep on track. However, Tony fatigue levels are starting to show. For one, you might imagine someone who sleeps 2 hours a day to be a little groggy or rude...but it’s completely the opposite. He’s on auto pilot; he obeys orders, laughs, makes jokes and is 100% at the mercy of Gilbert and Andy. Riding into the final leg, Tony was telling Andy “take it easy on me, I’ll get there just be patient with me”. He continues to astound us all. On a scarier note, there were lots of insects flying around last night and one seem to have gotten infiltrated Tony’s helmet for a little midnight snack. He reached speeds over 40mph and was still trying to shake out the bug. But as the final curve approached, his speed was still increasing and the fear of over ridding the headlights became a reality. He came inches from hitting the loose gravel and dirt on the side of the road...He came out unscathed but needless to say this 30 second joy ride could have been devastating. You could tell by the look in his eyes that he was having a great time riding the curves as his posture and technique are still impeccable. There was also a crazy dog that chased him down at 0230hrs in the morning! This dog was fearless, a honking horn and the taste of rubber from the van tires couldn’t scare him off. Finally, after nearly putting the van into the ditch and waking up the neighbourhood, the dog scrambled. With his typical calm demeanour (or fatigue lvls), Tony didn’t even react.
With around 500 miles left into the race, Tony is eager (as we are) to make a move. There should be some action in the leader board, stay posted.
Reader Comments (39)
Sunny warm early morning in Kingston. Heading out to take the dog on an offleash walk but had to pop in here first!
You're on the home stretch Tony.
Keep on racing happy even if you are on "auto-pilot"
Sending cheerful thoughts to you and your crew.
Keep going little brother!!! You are doing great....I can feel your energy and it is getting stronger so keep it up.....
love you lots xoxoxoxo
Tony — Your performance continues to amaze. Watching you move up the leader board over the last couple of days, from eighth to fourth, has been a nail-biting and awe-inspiring experience. Can you move up even further? I'm sure you can! We're all pulling for you. Keep racing your race, the plan is working!
Tony - what a great evening for you and the team. I'm truly uplifted by your achievements and your team's commitment for success. Stay strong.
Rick
Tony a truly inspirational performance! Keep up the great pace and the energy! Go Team Tony!!
Wow guys - the team really has it figured out. Keep up your great work in support of Tony. We all know he can't do it without you.
Tony - keep your legs moving. You know what you have left in the tank and my guess is it is a lot more than the two or three guys around you. Make the BIG final push count.
Kurtis
All my prayers and love go to you Team Tony - keep safe - you are amazing,
I am so proud of you all - what a great group you are Keep safe, and keep
up the good work - I wish I could be at the finish line to greet you - I am there
in my heart. I am almost glued to my computer to keep up with the reports.
Tons of love from
Mom/Ailish
Tony
Waking up to see you in forth place has made my day! Keep pushing brother and eating up the pavement between you and the 3 in front of you.
Crew you are amazing, keep doing what you have been doing and bring him to the finish.
Tony and Crew --
It was an honor to be part of the team for two days! All my friends and family are amazed at the epic display of endurance -- truly inspirational to all of us! I've been watching the standings and we are totally pumped at the progress you are making!
Continued safe passage and enjoy the final stages of RAAM -- you deserve all the spoils of victory my friends!
Lay down the HAMMER brother!
Luv
Bill, Julie, Lauren, and Elisabeth!
Tony,
Je suis ta course avec beaucoup d'intérêt. Tu es en excellente position. Continue, ne lâche pas de pédaler, la fin approche. Tu es mon héros. Bravo!!!
Bobby
Final stretch! One mile at a time! We're cheering for you!
Keep it up and think of how good it will feel at the finish line.
Stay tough!
Absolutely brilliant Tony. I feel like I'm sitting watching the event and commentating on the sheer speed,resilience and pacing of the man representing the Maple Leaf who is making such a 2000 mile surge and move through the field. Love the videos and the back/forth between the crews and the shots of horses galloping alongside. Envious studs I would assume! Stay strong and thirsty my friend. Watching every move we can - enjoy the 'home' stretch. TRI to keep FIT, Steve
Wonderful progress since I last was able to look. Hope things keep going as well for the next few days. All our very best wishes and good thoughts are with you,
Lots and lots of love,
John and Margo xxxx
Rollin' rolin' rollin'.... keep them wheels a turning Tony. Great going, keep it up and the finish line will greet you sooner.
Keep going Tony!! You are on the last strech!!! I am very proud of your work. I'm sure your team is supporting you in this crazy race!!! Good job team!! Can't wait to read the next update!! I'm talking to my platoon about Tony and his crazy mental fitness! He is our inspiratioN!!!
JF
Team Tony - you guys (each of you) are fantastic. Tony.... what else can be said? You're unbelievable.
Rick
Amazing. All of you. I am so proud of and excited for y'all. Inspired. Period.
Hey gang, my brother Rick ( the retarded one ! ) lives in Vir, 45 mins from Annap, he will be at the finish line, locals call your destination ego alley, ( think big yachts ) more importantly he knows where to find the coldest pitchers of beer, also ( most conveniently ) where the crabcakes are to die for. ( this is MD shore after all )
Seek him out....Richard Macdonell - the guy with the goofy smile !
xxx
Hey gang...almost at the finish line. Keep drivin the body Tony. Normally at the end of a race, I'd say, make sure to leave nothing out there but I don't think that is a worry. Excellent work...the crew has kept you in fine form and your riding is living proof. Awesome. It's been a pleasure watching your journey. Sorry we could not make it down. See you upon your return.
Back in from the end of the day offleash walk with my dog.
Thought of you a lot on this walk.
Keep rolling...stay happy.