RAAM Training Weekend

The training weekend was a huge success and we met our goals of testing out the van sound systems as well as giving our newest members a run down on crewing, direct following, and leap frog support. I think we have a fantastic team and I am very happy with how things went. I hope that those that were able to participate enjoyed the trip and were able to get some sense of what crewing is like (although we were only doing the basics). Lisa put together a great route that was very scenic, hilly (we even had a simulation of the flagstaff climb and the Gerome decent), and an all around great place to ride - I am a little jealous that she has such beautiful training grounds - although a bit windy. She, her husband, and her dog Sprocket were fantastic hosts and we really appreciated them sharing their beautiful home with us!

The van audio and rear light setup worked very well and Janet really liked the sound levels (as all of us who were able to ride did). I went with a bumper mounted design in an attempt to get the sound source as close to the rider as possible. This worked great with only one minor drawback, if you are in the van with the windows up it can be difficult to tell how well the sound is projecting. So we will have to pay attention to ensure that (a) music is playing and (b) we don't let it repeat too many times.

On the way home I proposed the following shift organization and Janet likes the groupings, so the crews will be (subject to change):

A-Shift:
Bill - Crew Chief and EMT
Kathryn - Logistics

B-Shift:
Tom - Mechanic
Lisa - Navigation Specialist / Mechanic

C-Shift:
Chris - Mechanic
Patty-Jo - Crewing and RAAM knowledge base (whose mind I will surely be picking at the end of each day during RAAM)

Kat - (Massage) Arrives part way into the race and will probably relieve someone on of C-Shift first. This will give her the opportunity to work on Janet before she goes down for sleep our longest period of time that we are not moving.

Also on the way home, I discussed with Kathryn and Janet the possibility that B and C crews rotate through the primary follow van within the first six or so hours of the race with me there to help or answer any questions about the van etc.. The first section where we are allowed to direct follow is Christmas Circle in Anza Borrego, so we may start that around there or where the follow vehicle picks up Janet after the self support area (leaf frog support until Christmas Circle). I know from experience that the first day is a very exciting time and I think it will be nice to get you all involved in that first part. It is also a very important area to do everything right (NOTE: It is always important to do everything right) because there will be many RAAM officials and the racers are much closer together for the first day.

I hope to add some photo's from our weekend as I get them from the crew...stay tuned!