Gary has Reached Congress, Az - Time Station 6

(Crew chief update) Gary has now reached the Congress, Az time station.  He arrived at RAAM time of 00:56 which is 9:56 pm PDT.  The temperature was a cool 83 degrees F. Gary's race average is now 11.75 mph. His mental condition continues to be his nemesis. He rides and climbs well, but the whole time is complaining that he is falling asleep and seeing double. The double vision I have no way to check, but have been unable to find any precedent of it in other ultra riders. I've checked his calorie and electrolyte intake and it is within acceptable limits.  I've seen people go to sleep on bikes, Gary shows none of the signs. His body is able to ride, his mind is doing everything it can to get him to stop.

(John Henry Maurice)  Crew Chief Kevin advises that they plan to take a short break and then begin the next leg of the route to  Prescott, Az.

Gary and his son, Simon, resting in Congress

(Crew chief update) We spent much more time at time station 6 than we should have.  Gary did not sleep, there was just a lot of pfaffing around. Crew member Jason had prepared a number of bottles for the coming miles, lubed the bike chain, and performed a number of other tasks related to keeping the operation running smoothly. Crew member Simon was with his dad.  It took a bit of arm twisting, but we got Gary back on the bike and the crew back in the van following him.

(John Henry Maurice)   This next leg has two significant climbs that will test Gary's legs.  The first is the Yarnell Grade which climb 1,800 feet in just seven miles.



 Next is a 2,000 foot climb over fifteen miles into Prescott.



 The leg is only 46 miles long, but it will be a very difficult one.