Connecting with RAO and ROF Racers Near and Far

What a great week for reconnecting with far flung friends. We heard from Al Smudz, RAO winner, 2007 & 08 and super nice guy from Michigan and David Holt, who is not only a helpful and encouraging man, but also a new Sebring record holder, this week. Word is, while qualified for RAAM, AL has his sights set on Furnace Creek 508, a race through Death Valley October 3. Someone close to me believes Al could very well be the big winner this year.

Al was the previous over all record holder at Sebring 24 w/489.8 in 2008. Al reports that David road 490 miles Feb. 14/15, 2009 with the support of his wife Susan. Al lent support while riding the 12 hour race as a training ride and then joined Susan. Now I’m not sure, but I believe David is in the 50+ category and holds at least one other 24-hour record.

Glenn Johnson’s not been riding much but is working hard to make LaCultra a great ultra race just over the border in WA. May 23-24.

It’s about time to see or hear from Ricky Martin, the happiest solo racer at 2006 RAO. He was looking to race RAAM in 2009, but I haven’t seen or heard from him for a while. I heard through the grapevine that Urs Koenig, the man who is too often called a machine because of his steady, strong and consistent riding is preparing for this year’s RAAM. The truth is I don’t know Urs except how he looks on a bike and how amazingly steady he rides. Just the same, he will be exciting to follow on this year’s Race Across America.

We look forward to seeing David Holt at the Davis 24 hour challenge in early April. Before that we look forward to hearing how George Thomas and Terri Gouch’s newest race, The Hill Country 600 near San Antonia, Texas March 14 – 15 goes.

For me the race scene is local. This weekend the Banana Belt series begins out at Hagg Lake. I am nervous about it, but also excited to be racing as part of Team Hammer Velo.

Hammer on …