Why racing RAAM? Or maybe why even another attempt to race RAAM Solo? For those not knowing… I start cycling in 2020 only as easy workout option. My first ultra distance race was Sebring 2022 and I did better than I expected (3rd overall and 440 miles). With that I qualified for RAAM and signed up with zero idea what RAAM was about. Since I signed up and learned about RAAM I decided to push for the finish line. Increased training for endurance and power improvements. First RAAM attempt and first ultra cycling season was 2023. Unfortunately had food poisoning kick me out so I only did a bit over 2100 miles and signed ip for 2024. Changed training and focused on completing RAAM this year as top goal.
My Race Finale Part 2 I wanted to do it faster but admittedly the heat and wind changed that plan. I am proud to have successfully completed RAAM and I am very thankful for my crew sticking through it with and pushing me hard to make it to the finish line. Also, very happy about my coach Giovanni Prosperi preparing me well for the race. More is to come, and I will get into some details of the race in the next weeks. I am proud of being one of the finishers of RAAM Solo now. And within a week or two will do my planning for rest of the year and future years. Also … no soreness due to a perfect seat (Infinity bike seats) and nutrition was spot on using Hammer Nutrition products plus solid food options but more about it later. #infinitybikeseat (https://infinitybikeseat.com) #hammernutrition (https://hammernutrition.com)
My Race Finale Part 1 Finally taking a minute for a short update on myself about Race Across America. I am very thankful for all who posted updates on my race progress and about my finish of RAAM 2024. Many know I had a DNF in 2023 due to food poisoning around mile 1500. I was out after mile 2145. admittedly the spots where I got the bad food and where I stopped last year have been very emotional to me and I am sure also to my crew chief Heidi Maldonado. As I learned in my very short time of cycling (got the first bike in 2020, first races shorter distances in 2021 and first 24-hour race in 2022 with a major accident putting me down and causing a 9-month recovery time followed by first ultra cycling race season in 2023). I did get an outstanding crew again this year. And admittedly without the crew keeping me on focus of nutrition and hydration plus motivating me I would have failed again. They played a major role in my success. The race as always was different to the previous races again. I believe I was well prepared for most. However, the insane temperatures and storms was tough to deal with. But we managed it. Scary moment was when an over 40 mph wind guest blew me off the road and I went down over the edge for about 6 ft able to hold on some plants and bushes to avoid going further down. I believe that was my scariest moment in the race. We overcame it and kept fighting. Also, I still hear the voices over the radio about ‘Ingolf …. Keep drinking … drink the Perpetueam now … or … drink your water …’. It sometimes was annoying to me, and I admit my responses have not always been nice. But I kept drinking and eating. And I admit as much frustrated as I was when sleeping longer than planned, I am glad the crew managed that and handled it well. So overall I checked and in history of RAAM it looks like I am one of the 27 racers in age group 60+ who completed that race.
