RAAM CREW PRIMARY JOB:

Bike Mechanic / RV driver

WHAT WERE YOUR BEST MOMENTS DURING RAAM?

Watching Richard climbing through the Rockies, he was awesome.  The task didn’t seem to phase him at all, it was as if he was dancing on the pedals.  Unbelievable.  I had a lump in my throat when I was watching him.

WHAT WAS YOUR FUNNIEST MOMENT DURING RAAM?

Playing Bond and Bond with Barrie when we were on stakeout one night checking other rider’s positions and times.

WHAT WAS YOUR WORST MOMENT DURING RAAM?

Definitely the lack of sleep.  It was difficult to perform my jobs because of that.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN?

I learned that I am more than I thought I was.  I am more resourceful and stronger emotionally than I ever realised.  For example, at one point the RV battery died and I had to refit it very quickly as Richard was coming in for a pit stop and we had no power.  I’m no car mechanic, but suddenly things I’d learned as a teenager came back to me right when I needed them - and I did it!  And minutes before Richard came in too!  I would never have believed I could.  It felt amazing and gave me a real high to know that I could do something like that.

DID YOU EVER WANT TO GIVE UP?

Yes, there was one point in the middle when the team morale got low, I thought we weren’t good enough and I wanted to give up then.  I’m so happy I didn’t.

CAN YOU SUM UP YOUR RAAM EXPERIENCE IN ONE SENTENCE?

Yes, with a Bob Dylan quote: 

“We’re going all the way till the wheels fall off and burn”