Getting Ready to Roll

Gunnar has spent the last few days getting ready mentally for the race.  The rest of his crew has done the gofer stuff - finding sunscreen, outfitting the van, buying supplies, going through the route book, etc. etc.

The RV is a real beauty - sleeps 6 comfortably and has walls that slide out when you are parked.  I'm so glad that there are other people who are eager to drive it.  I probably won't be called to serve.

We are all pretty excited and nervous about this race.  Especially after meeting some of the other racers and their crews.   There are quite a few other bikers here at the Super 8 hotel where we are staying.  We talked to Gerhard Gulewicz from Graz, Austria.  He has raced the RAAM solo many times, and has finished second several times.  And his chase vehicle is outfitted with a sound system that can probably be heard in Järvsö when he turns the volume up.  So our little dinky speaker system made us instantly nervous.  People are nice, and every one has something to share.

We were down at the start yesterday for the racer's meeting.  Got a good look at the Pacific Ocean, and Gunnar got his feet wet in it.

Today is the start of the RAAM for the women and the men over 60.  Before that there is a photo session for Gunnar and the crew and an inspection of both vehicles.

Tomorrow is the big day.  Wish us luck and remember that Gunnar is racing for the Cancer Society.  Please be generous!
Alice O.