RAAM CREW PRIMARY JOB:

 

Team Gel - logistics.  When I saw Richard’s presentation about RAAM a while ago it seemed like he was trying to do everything so I offered to help out with logistics so that he could concentrate on training for the race.  I did the website, the financing, ordering kit etc and once the team had started, I was the contact for everyone getting information between those in the UK and the USA.

 

WHAT WERE YOUR BEST MOMENTS DURING RAAM?

 

7th June when most of us got together in the UK and I could see it all coming together.

 

Being in Annapolis waiting for Rich to come in and seeing the others finish as well.  Some didn’t get on with their rider and it felt good to know our team was working well.

 

The moment USE Exposure donated $2000 worth of lights to support us.

 

When BBC Surrey asked to interview Rich.  He thought it was a prank at first, but the interview was great.

 

WHAT WAS YOUR FUNNIEST MOMENT DURING RAAM?

 

Sue Moore (Barrie’s wife) and Julie (Richard’s wife) getting upset whilst waiting for the team to arrive in Annapolis.  They thought I didn’t like them being so emotional and described me as, “Just a Man”.

 

WHAT WAS YOUR WORST MOMENT DURING RAAM?

 

I felt there wasn’t enough support before the race so some great opportunities were missed, but once it started we got a great deal of support.

 

WHAT DID YOU LEARN?

 

I saw other teams coming in at the end and thought some of their equipment would have been really handy.  Also, I think we could have stressed the enormity of what Richard was doing more before the race - ‘an ordinary guy doing extraordinary things.’  We could have raised more awareness if we had done that.

 

They have already started building the kindergarten in Ghana but need more money.  Our target was £10,000 and we have raised £6,500 so far.

 

DID YOU EVER WANT TO GIVE UP?

 

No, I’m too stubborn.  I don’t believe in giving up.

 

CAN YOU SUM UP YOUR RAAM EXPERIENCE IN ONE SENTENCE?

 

“Disappointed I couldn’t be part of the crew in the USA but it was an unbelievable experience to be involved.”