RAAM - 2 Days to go and counting - with Pics!

Another day of preparation and practice as Micky and the Support Crew continue the countdown to Race day, and another day of mixed blessings to test some or all of us.  Mickey kicked off with a great 20mile ride through the scenic hills behind San Diego, with a couple of tough climbs which are part of the first leg of the race on Wednesday. It was good to have a practice run on the course with the route books and directions as we all learnt what BR (bear right), SS (stop sign) and FE ( #$%^& EJIT) meant. The countryside had lots of rocks and cacti and was direct from a spaghetti western  – except for the Casino’s and giant Ford “pick-ups”.  Mickey looked strong, chanting at the bit, smiling at the top of the stage reckoning the early climbs will sort the men from the boys. At the turnaround point we counted how many seconds before Dave would realise he was driving on the wrong side of the road. It was at least 5 seconds.

 We returned to a hearty breakfast of toast, toast and more toast well prepared by Chef Rusty and Cooks Apprentice Gary.  With much to do we scattered to the headwinds to “get our stuff done”. 

Dave headed off to Race Headquarters to get equipment and to “charm the pants off the organisers” (his words, not mine!). He achieved the first, and we dared not asked about the second. Dave even managed to pass himself off as Mickey at one point – “it’s like looking in a mirror”… Russell showed his invaluable handyman skills and that he watches too much PlaySchool, rigging up our vehicle flags and frames, and all from 2 pipe cleaners and a couple of bits of string!

Stan and his cousin Sam went shopping to experience WalMart at its best and worst, buying most of what we need from a blow-up pool (for an ice-bath), to marshmallows for our camp sing-alongs at night.

Mickey and Greg went back to LA as Mickey had some real work to do (yes – real work) taking off the lycra and donning the suit at Valencia to compare hospital IT systems. Greg decided to test out the hospital cafeteria and survived, but nearly didn’t make it after a “Code Red Secure…Code Red Secure…” came over the loudspeakers in the grounds as he went past the Behavioural Investigation Ward (aka Looney Bin).  It was an omen of much to come. Julie gave Greg the kiss of death with an SMS saying how good we sounded on the phone and how pumped we were. 30mins later Greg picked up the RV Motorhome and pranged it 1 mile down the road.

Greg filled it full of fuel and then ran over the bollards protecting the bowser, ripping open 1 metre on the side of the RV like an opened can. We then picked up our second RV and received a Guinness World Record for the worst fuel economy on the first RV – 1 mile on a $112 tank of petrol. Greg also filled up the bad language spreadsheet, with Stan needing to put in extra columns….. Greg received the inaugural “Calax Award” for Crew Member of the Day.

Greg felt better when Gary took the heat off by reversing the other vehicle into a post.  When driving from dinner Dave gave us a tip about how to remember which side of the road to be on, then promptly turned the corner onto the wrong side of the road, then did it again, then did it again. We are now struggling for drivers. When we ask “whom wants to drive???” there is an eerie silence and no-one wants to put their hand up.

A big cause of celebration was the birthday of Roger “the Governor” Riley, giving good cause for a cleansing ale and a wine tasting. Given Roger’s experience with the anti-thrombosis stockings, it was lucky he received a pair of fishnet stockings as a present from Mickey and the team. We’re not sure if he’s tried them on as yet, although Roger thought they would go down a treat with Lynne.  

We ended the day with a quick planning session, tired yet positive.  Greg, Stan and Dave slept in the RV with the first learning being “park on a flat surface” as we all kept sliding down to the end of our respective beds.

Although a number of things have not gone smoothly, we are in good spirits. Our experiences have reminded us of “no assumptions” ie be prepared for setbacks and issues. The real test is how we remedy tough situations, how we react as a team, and how we move on having learned from the experience.

We look forward to Celine joining us tomorrow to complete our complement. Given Celine is on the  plane wearing Mickey’s kilt and doffing down the most expensive champers she could get, anything could happen.

Today was a tough day, but in many ways a good day. Tomorrow is another day, and it will be a good day.

Happy Birthday Roger (and Lynne)

Rusty getting to grips with "new fangled" technology, typing at 1 word per 10mins.

MicRooCrew and staff at Fresco's restaurant - great food and great service

Greg with a vehicle he didn't crash

MickRooCrew House - 1st from the right - cosy!

Roger enjoying the benefits from Celine's anti-thrombosis stockings

Greg's room - great in an earthquake

The largest reciept the lady at Wal-Mart had seen (lots of 99c undies)

Chesty Bond Roger wishing "they all could be California Girls"

IT'S COMING UP!!!

G'day mates! Are you ready for some EXTRAORDINARY news! OK, here is the BIG GREAT NEWS! Da, da, de daaaaa!! Mick Campbell's race is in ONE day! The CRAZY MickRooCrew went on the plane two days ago, (Sunday) and flew to the U.S.A! Galvo (Celine) went yesterday, wearing Mick's kilt, looking a little bit silly in the Buisness Lounge but she assures us she was wearing knickers!!! She was carrying three sleeping bags, one in toe for Roger to replace Paddy's parka which I doubt was keeping him warm!!! We have heard that Greg is "breaking in" the Winnebago but we will let him tell you more about his escapades of driving in USA.......
Any ways, moving on, Mick Campbell yesterday did two hundred kilometres to San Diego! How long must that take, (he hasn't started the race yet, just practicing)! It is VERY amazing. But just think, he's not going to do two hundred kilometers he is going to do neary five thousand!!! The race is under TWELVE days, but Mick is trying to do in ten! What a nutter this crazy man is!!  
Okay, here is a little more extra news you ought to know. It was a MickRooCrews birthday, and can you guess who it was.... Roger! Happy Birthday! Oh, and also it's somebody else's birthday! It's the MickRooCrew's! (Actully it was last week but any way..) Happy Birthday!
So PLEASE stay tooned on what is happened with Molly and Hannah. xx

3 Days To Go To Race Day.....

We’re here and it’s been an experience and a half already. We really appreciated the Campbell clan, our families and a number of friends coming to see us off at Sydney airport. As a support crew we understand the importance of our task and the professionalism we’ll show. Whilst we are here for a serious job we will have fun when we can…..although we’ve been tested on Day 1.  

Any nervousness at the airport dissipated thanks to Dave’s new friend Jennifer at check-in whom turned a blind eye to our 1-2 boxes of bike parts. Stan laid his cards on the table early with a couple of Shots on the way through duty free, having time to recover as our flight left over an hour late. Watching Rusty and Roger nervously trying to get their in-flight stockings on was hilarious – ballet is not for them. Our flight was uneventful bar Russell’s faulty headset, the questionable eggs, the captain whom took great delight in turning the Seatbelt sign on whenever a toilet queue formed and the girl in the yellow bikini in the movie that caught everyone’s attention.

US Immigration detained Stan for a lengthy period on arrival, perhaps because his signatures on all his documents are different, are spelt different even though his full signature is simply “Stan”.   We met Mesch, our newest virtual team member whom was at the airport looking for Stan, as were we – Stan was still in immigration! Stan has been quiet about his experience at immigration, although rumours persist that Doctor Proctor gave Stan the once over, his Ice-Fingers working a treat.

We caught up with Mickey, collected Gary from his flight and traipsed to Hertz, now “Hurtz” afer a 10min process became a 2.5hr check-in, testing Dave’s charm skills to the max as Calax at the check-in counter refuted his efforts to get our car. Dave was keen to take her to dinner but her painted eyebrows and  general demeanour scared him away, a beaten man. RAAM  1 – MickRooCrew 0. Dave sought solace with supervisors and his persistence eventually got Calax to relent, and we could get our vehicle and get on our way.

We enjoyed the freeway jaunt to Oceanside, and if Mickey rides as fast as he drives, he’ll nail RAAM in record time. Our conversation was enthralling at 120km/hr as we marvelled at the individuality of the architectural design of the housing estates, and after one of Rusty’s jokes, decided we won’t ever go camping with Rusty! Dinner became an informal launch gathering, enjoyable with good friends and good food. Mickey’s eating heaps, as he primes himself for RAAM. The dinner and camaraderie was a nice way to end the day. RAAM 1 – MickRooCrew 1.

Anyone whom we have met whom has asked what we are doing is very positive, supportive and enthralled by the epic undertaking Mickey is making. The encouragement adds to the confidence, as we prepare. Bikes are now ready, the team is gelling well, and many other elements such as our 2-way radio’s, food,  team rosters and processes are falling into place. Mickey looks good, composed and that steely resolve is harbering just below the surface.

We’ve sorted out our sleeping positions in the ‘cosy’ bungalow where we can hear the waves of the ocean and it’s nice to know our loved ones are on the other side of the horizon. Greg’s sleeping under the table, Mickey gets his own room whilst Stan is staying at his cousins’ place. Roger’s sleeping bag turned out to be Paddy’s parka…. And Roger will be very snug in his sleeping jacket.

Roger also says thanks Celine for the anti-thrombosis stockings which saved his legs, but nearly killed his feet with blisters like Mickey had in the Sahara.

All is well, and we can’t wait for tomorrow, cheers, Greg

Introducing Hannah - Your Official Blog Correspondent

Hey Everyone

My name’s Hannah and I’m writing this as part of Mickey’s ongoing RAAM blogs. I have cerebral palsy (CP) that means I use a wheelchair and walking frame to get around. I’m very lucky to be writing these with Mickey’s daughter Molly who has already given you an insight into the crazy hustle and bustle of getting to the race and the excitement of the first day of Race Across America. We’ll be writing these blogs to help keep you posted on what “The Nutter” (Molly’s very accurate nickname for her dad) is doing in America while most of us (without envy) are still here in Australia.  Just to let you know Mickey I was reading about the heat extremes and so you know it’s been the other extreme over here – FREEZING! So I hope you’ve enjoyed this blog. But watch this space more coming soon

Keep going Mickey

We are cheering you on

TTFN

Hannah

Meet The MickRooCrew - Rusty Mackay!

Introducing RUSTY MACKAY…

A product of the post-war Baby Boom and avid technophobe (still coming to grips with Twitter, Facebook, texting and blogs), he's looking forward to assisting "MickRooCrew" with all things mechanical.  Give him a broken bracket or a brake calliper over a laptop any day?!

He purchased his first bike from the next door neighbour at age 9 – it was a 26” Raleigh brush painted Zenith Blue and cost him his life savings of 5 pounds!  Dollars and cents were still 3 years away (14th Feb 1966 as sung by Dollar Dan) and he spent a solid week pleading with his parents before he was able to finalise the deal!

At 57, it’s carbon fibre composites, Durace and lycra.  The advancements in equipment have been spectacular when considering those early machines, he just wishes he still had the cadence and the heart rate to push the modern bikes the way he flogged some of those old machines around Oatley Park.

RAAM shall be inspirational for him as he watches Mickey push his “Giant” across America.  Averaging 25km/h, we will have lots of time to soak in the views and think of the she-crews left in Sydney.  Vera, Alannah, Georgia and Playboy shall be supporting our effort and looking forward to the blogs, texts, tweets and Skype sessions…looks like this technophobe could be getting with the programme!

GOOD LUCK TO ALL IN MICKROOCREW!!!

P.S.  Are we there yet?!!!

Meet The MickRooCrew - Roger Riley!

Introducing ROGER RILEY…

The team member with the creakiest knees who was about when the Golden Gate was built.  He had a bicycle once and used it to ride to school, to the beach and to his relatives' homes in Sydney, Australia.

His long suffering wife Lyn, mother of their three children and "Nan" to their six grand-daughters, is confident of his driving and navigation abilities as he has travelled far and wide throughout Australia, Europe and South East Asia...and returned home at all hours from many a strange place during their marriage!

Roger is involved in this gig at the invitation of Mickey Campbell, his next door neighbour, who it seems is a very trusting soul?!

In all seriousness, a great opportunity to be part of a caring team, for a once in a lifetime experience, and to raise funds for a most worthwhile cause.

Meet The MickRooCrew - Greg Wallace!

Introducing GREG WALLACE…

Greg "Forrest" Wallace is an experienced event competitor with five marathons, two 100km trail ultra-marathons as well as a number of other races and charity events to his credit in recent years. Greg is a Marketing Director and has held a number of senior executive leadership positions in telecommunications companies.  Greg is looking forward to the teamwork, camaraderie and experience of the support crew as they assist Mickey on his quest.  He can't wait to drive across America at 25km per hour and sleep in a Winnebago, but has drawn the line at cleaning out the port-a-loo and applying chamois-butter to Mickey!