Pursue your dreams, no matter what

[RAAM 2009 - Patrick Autissier] Conclusion

2009-07-07T12:13:00.002-05:00

The last news...

END OF THE JOURNEY

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Boston, July 7th, 2009

I just started the Race Across America 2009 and after only 21 miles, I run on empty as soon as the road goes up. Impossible for me to find my usual pace, and it is the breath short that I painfully climb the first pass of the race that culminates at 2,600 feet. I arrive at the first Time Station (TS) located at Lake Henshaw, CA, sweating heavily, very tired and not really understanding what's going on. It's already 105F, it's the beginning of the race and the stress and fear of not doing well are present. However, it doesn't explain such a lack of energy that characterizes the first miles. But I don't have the time to figure this out and it's with great fear that I continue the race. After the first night where I manage to ride relatively well, thanks to mild temperature and a strong tail-wind, I arrive at the TS #5 in Congress, AZ. It's the end of the first day and the time for me and my team to evaluate my progress. I managed to get my daily goal done by riding 340 miles (goal was 300 miles per day), by stopping very little and not sleeping at all. However, my whole team already feels that I'm not riding as well as I use to. I can't find my rhythm and as soon as the road goes up, I can't keep up the pace and has to put the smallest gear on my bike and suffer the whole climb instead of riding aggressively.

The second day of the race is expected to be difficult with countless passes and a stifling heat of 110F. I climb at a sluggish pace Yarnell Grade pass, culminating at 4,870 feet, and then arrive at TS #6 in Prescott, AZ located at 5,500 feet. Being there at the beginning of the night and feeling exhausted, I decide to take my first real sleep break in a motel. Unfortunately, I can't find the sleep and it's very tired that I remount on my bike and goes to the next TS in Flagstaff, AZ. In the night, I have the pleasure to meeting again with Anne-Cecile, my wife and Sylvie, who just joined the team. Their presence and energy helps me staying awake during the night but the climb to Flagstaff located at 6,840 feet is never-ending. In the early hours, I manage to fall asleep 15 minutes in the follow van. Finally, I arrive in Flagstaff in the middle of the morning where the rest of the team is waiting. If the first day of the race, I was not wondering too much about my lack of energy, as time went by and the fatigue accumulating, doubt has quickly insinuated in my mind. On my previous solo RAAM, although I had moments of great fatigue, after a few hours, I could recover and I would ride well again. But this year I never felt strong, and that from the very beginning of the race. I had no energy despite the fact that I was eating well. At this moment of the race, I was not trying to figure this out but only trying to recover and get back on track. Arriving in Flagstaff, I tried to sleep longer, but unfortunately without success. Despite an amount of sleep of 15 minutes in 2 days, the stress and doubt accumulated since the beginning prevented me from falling asleep.

I got back on my bike around noon in the heat to the TS#9 located in Tuba City, AZ, the gateway to Monument Valley. Although this stage was relatively easy, some hills toward the end of this stretch made me realized how much I was exhausted physically and mentally. I never felt good, and when I painfully arrived in Tuba City, I decided to stop the race. Quitting a race like RAAM is a very difficult decision to make because many people were involved in this project, whether team members who came from France or elsewhere and took time off for you, sponsors who help you financially, friends and colleagues who support you, and finally the family who support you but also "suffer" in some way from your passion. Everyone wants you to cross the finish line because it's a little part of them who cross that finish line with you. However, the cyclist is the only one who pedal, and it's only him who can make the decision, in his mind and soul, to stop or continue the race.

Being sick 3 weeks before the race (probably a flu), I was basically unable to train until the start of RAAM. This has destroyed months of training and preparation. Solo RAAM does not forgive any weakness once the race is on, because rest is virtually inexistent until the very end. Moreover, having finished solo RAAM in 2007, I knew what to expect in the next days, with especially the Rockies to ride through. This has undoubtedly affected me mentally, and when riding a bike is already physically painful, one must accept the defeat, rather than taking ill-considered risks for his health. Life will move on, and I'm sure that there will be many more challenges in the future, whether athletics or not, and this defeat will probably (has already!) have a positive impact on my life.

To conclude, I'd like to thank the many people who accompanied me during this incredible RAAM journey. I can't mention you all, by fear of forgetting some. But know that you have all, at one time or another, crossed my path, whether by sponsoring me, being a team member, sending emails of encouragement, making a donation, or simply saying to me that I was nuts! I will never forget your support. You all have been a big part of my dream, and thanks to you, some people in need somewhere in this planet, have now hope for a better life. Thank you for them.

To be continued...

Patrick

www.patrickautissier.org

ps: My website has been updated with photos, table and blood analysis data.

[RAAM 2009 - Patrick Autissier] Tuba City, AZ

2009-06-20T14:27:00.002-05:00

Saturday, June 20, 2009, 10:46AM

I am sad to report this will be the final newsletter of the 2009 RAAM Solo attempt for Patrick. Yesterday afternoon at Time Station 9 in Tuba City, AZ, Patrick decided with the help of his wife and crew, that he could not continue the race. This was an incredibly difficult decision. Yesterday's effort to mount a charge to return to form was met by harsh conditions on the road, extreme heat, and a total body fatigue that was insurmountable. With no strength left in his legs, no charge or spark from his body, Patrick realized that in this condition, he could not complete the race.

On Thursday, after a difficult Day One, the course led him through on of the toughest stretches of road along the course. A grueling climb out of the town of Congress, AZ up the Yarnell Grade covers 1800 feet of elevation over 7 miles. Later during this stage, there is an equally difficult climb, a slow steady 2000 foot elevation gain over 15 miles into Prescott AZ. Patrick struggled through the day into the evening, and upon reaching Prescott was overwhelmingly fatigued, exhausted and felt weak. Although, his mind was clear, his body was not responding well to the challenge. Patrick slept restlessly for two hours before, remounting his bike for the overnight ride to Flagstaff. This stretch covered 90 miles over two stages between Time Stations 6 and 8.

Around 1AM RAAM time, we left covering 25 miles in two hours. Relief came for the exhausted crew in the form of Sylvie and Anne Cecile. Although they had been awake already for 24 hours, they had far more energy then the rest of the crew, and their humor and encouragement from home, carried Patrick to the city of Cottonwood, AZ at Time Station 7. From there in the middle of a cold high desert night, Patrick began another brutal climb to Flagstaff through the Coconino National Forest, past the picturesque town of Sedona, AZ into the Red Rock State park, up the Oak Creek Climb. Around 25 miles into the stage, with another 25 miles to go to Flagstaff, Patrick was overwhelmingly exhausted and took a 15 minute power nap along the banks of Oak creek, nestled under dominating red rock cliffs. Upon awaking, Patrick struggled through the early morning hours to reach the top of the predominately uphill ride to Flagstaff. The crew struggled to revive a blown electrical system in the main support van. Upon reaching Time Station 8 in Flagstaff, he was exhausted.

After a long conversation with the crew at Time Station 8, he was determined to try to rebound after a short period of sleep in the support van in the shade of the only tree in Flagstaff. While the tree served it's purpose, the management of the Chase Bank in Flagstaff, which owned the parking lot where the tree lived, were not amused or supportive and asked us to move along. Patrick climbed back on his bike around noon to attempt to continue and rejuvenate his fatigued body. Half the crew met Guy, the most renowned car mechanic in all of Flagstaff to help revive the support van. He had only one tooth, but could sure fix a blown fuse in a hurry. The remainder of the crew could only follow at a distance in the other van, but supported him along the way.

Unfortunately, upon reaching Time Station 9 in Tuba City, Patrick could no longer mount any response from his spent legs, and with regret and sadness notified the crew that he could no longer continue. The crew, RAAM officials, and many of those who we met along the way were deeply saddened by this decision his withdrawal. However Patrick and his wife Anne Cecile were confident that this was the only and best choice to make.

Upon reaching Kayente, AZ, the remainder of the crew and Patrick reunited, shared dinner and reflected on the experience. Patrick has obvious sadness and regret, however after fighting illness during the weeks before the start, he realized that his body could not match his will to continue. Putting the ride in perspective, he has realized that his previous completion of the 2007 Solo RAAM, and his other successes with this race were amazing accomplishments. Despite his months of training (waking at 4AM to ride 40 miles before work three days a week, two hundred miles of riding over the weekends, a 360 mile ride over 24 hours in Sebring, FL) and months of logistical preparation were no match for the flu-like illness that set him back weeks before the race. He takes with him a sense of pride for his accomplishments even without completing the race.

Patrick and his crew are now driving back to Boston, via Southwest Utah into Durango, CO tonight. While he has no plans to compete in this race in the future, I am sure he will be planning his next endeavor before the week is over.

[RAAM 2009 - Patrick Autissier] Day 1

2009-06-18T19:08:00.004-05:00

Thursday, 18 June 2009, 19h 43 min (race time, eastern time)

Hello! Nice to see you around. Today has been a long day for all of us. After catching up with Patrick yesterday afternoon, Jerome and I saw that he had been having a hard time at the beginning of the race. Patrick had not been cycling for the last 3 weeks, reason why this start line was a little effortful.

At time station 2 Jerome and I waited for the follow van to arrived, we had feed Patrick and changed crew, although Rob came with us for the night following. Patrick cycled all night long with a pretty good speed up hill. In one moment he did not felt very good at all but that helped him to wake up a little bit more and regain strength to continue.

Today has been a hot day and in general we have all been a little sleep deprived. Patrick has tried to sleep, but for what I am concerned he has had little success with this. At 9:30 a.m. we changed crews again but this time Jerome stayed with Aude and Greg in the follow van.

Patrick has been tired today, it is normal when cycling in the dessert and in a very hot climate.

Rob and I have had an intense day of groceries and driving on mountains and now we are at a motel trying to get some sleep because tonight we are on the night crew again. Sylvie and Anne-Cecile arrive tonight so we will be more and merrier.

Sorry for this short newsletter but if I do not keep it short I am not going to be able to send it (we only get 30 min. internet at this motel).

Thank you very much for your time and I hope you are as excited as we all to see how this is going to end. Have a good one!!!

Maite

Ps: you can follow Patrick's progress on his website www.patrickautissier.org

[RAAM 2009 - Patrick Autissier] Day 0

2009-06-18T17:50:00.002-05:00

Wednesday, 17 June 2009, 16h 34 min

Yesterday afternoon the vans had already gone through revision, Greg and I had dedicated a couple of hours to cooking meals for Wednesday and Thursday and we where pretty much all settled to go. I took this perfect timing to do one of the designated cognitive tests on Patrick. Shortly before Greg had done an interview of our dear cyclist. We later on had a succulent sausage plate Greg had prepared accompanied with candle light, we had our last crew meeting in "La Jolla" before we all dispersed to try to sleep.

It was 4 a.m. and I just could not manage to fall asleep. I turned on my sofa and thought about the great, mysterious, fascinating and tough this race was going to be. Luckily for me not long went by and Jerome was up on his feet doing the same as me, turning skype on in order to talk to his love ones.

Not half an hour went by and the house started to have massive movement, even thou we agreed on waking up at 7 a.m. By 8 we had all have had breakfast and started to do last minute packing, such as putting ice in the ice coolers in order to keep the food fresh as well as Patricks energy drinks. At this same time Patrick decided to try to sleep half an hour. During the night he had succeeded in sleeping 5 hours, which is pretty good before a big event such as this.

By 9:30 we had already divided our crew into the two vans: Rob Greg and Aude would be on the follow van while Jerome and I would be on the support van. The follow van went directly to Oceanside while the support van went to a Fedex authorized location to drop the first package of drawn blood.

At 10:30 we all met again in Oceanside, Patrick was leaving at 12:41 but he had to be there at 11:30, so we had a good timing. Because of this situation I couldn't avoid walking to "La Mission's beach" Mac Donald's , which is literally a minute away, and buying some food. At the sight of it Jerome decided he too wanted to take this opportunity.

At noon all the Solo drivers where on the leaving stage ready to start their maximum 12 day race. Jerome and Greg where ready with their cameras shooting each picture they found worth it, and after only three riders where still to be announced Patrick's turn came. While Robic and Marko where still on stage, Patrick started his journey.

Due to this years rules Patrick had to do the first miles without a following van, the real starting line of the race was 8 miles from the stage. The two vans left, one to frog leap and the other to get some groceries which had been ignored before doing the final packing.

After this, Jerome and I went on into the first time station. We stopped there to wait to see Patrick go trough, but the invasion of millions of crickets in this zone was to much for us and decided to move into another place. Ten miles from the first Time station we found shade under a couple of trees and stayed there. We have now been here for three hours and still no sign of the first Solo racer. We are in the middle of nowhere so there is no phone signal. We are literally un-contactable. We will wait what we must, and after that we will advance to the second time station to find internet and send you guy these facts.

Thank you vey much for your support, donations and interest =). Have a great day and hope to see you soon via newsletters.

Maite J. Balda

P.S. Jerome is writing a newsletter each day also in French and in a different point of view and knowledge (lets face it I am a rookie at this race while Jerome appreciates and has the trained eye to see importance in facts that skip my mind).

www.patrickautissier.org

[RAAM 2009 - Patrick Autissier] Day - 1

2009-06-16T19:48:00.002-05:00

La Jolla, CA

Well, this is it! I'm about to embark on my last RAAM solo journey across the USA. No need to tell you that I'm quite nervous right now. However, as soon as we'll hit the road tomorrow at 3:41PM EST, anxiety will be gone and there will be left ahead of us just... 3,023 miles of open road, fantastic scenery, lots of laughs, pain, doubt, tears, sometimes all of that within an hour, but most importantly 3,023 miles of complete unknown. Although I can call myself a RAAM veteran, having competed already 3 times, each year is different, and I have absolutely no idea what RAAM is going to throw at me this time. But that's the beauty of this race. It feels like being a "forty-niners" looking for gold, except that we're going East, and our gold is the finish line in Annapolis, MD. And I can't wait to start this unique journey of discovery.

Nothing would have been possible without the support of many people. I'd like to thank my sponsors, TV5 Monde, Cytek, Redbones, Spiz, Avis, RaceDayWheels, ATA Cyles, and the French Consulate in Boston. My crew members will help me through this journey and they are all at least as excited as I am. Before driving them crazy, I'd like to thank Rob, Jerome, Greg, Maite, Aude, Sylvie, Anne-Cecile and Camille. Although I will be the only one on the bike, RAAM is a team effort and I'm sure I have a great team this year. I also want to thank Amy and Pat for welcoming us in their beautiful house in La Jolla, facing the Pacific Ocean. Being there the last few days prior to the start has been really nice and stress-free for all of us.

This project is about challenges and dreams. I'm a lucky man and life has been very good so far for me. I have a great family, 2 fantastic children Estelle and Damien, a job, basically I couldn't ask for more. However, when I look outside my personal circle, life is tough for many people, and if through my dreams, I can help, even a little, these people who are less lucky than I am, I'd be a better man.

Please go to my website at www.patrickautissier.org and consider making a donation to Partners In Health or Nashoba Learning Group.

This is my last newsletter because I'll be kind of busy for the next 10 - 12 days. My crew members will try to post newsletters, photos, videos and data about my progress. I know that the links on my homepage don't work on the MAC, so here it is: go to www.patrickautissier.org

Newsletters: Click on the blog webpage

Photos: Click on the Photos webpage

RAAM Website: Click on the RAAM webpage and go to live coverage

Data table: Click on the graphs of the newsletter posted on the home page

Video: go to www.youtube.com/user/pautissi

Thank you for your support,

Patrick

Race Number # 302

www.patrickautissier.org

[RAAM 2009 - Patrick Autissier] Day - 2

2009-06-16T00:37:00.002-05:00

La Jolla, June 15h, 2009 (Day – 2)

Hello! So first of all I will introduce myself. I am Maite Balda (better known as MJ) and I am a rookie as a RAAM crewmember. Patrick, Aude, Jerome,Gregory and I arrived yesterday to California. Patrick and I flew from Boston while the other three had quite an adventure driving our following van from Boston, which includes a night spent in Las Vegas. Rob's plane arrived to California an hour ago and he will be joining us shortly.

At "La Jolla" we are staying in an absolutely beautiful house owned by Amy Snyder and her partner Pat. It is a gorgeous house just at the ocean shore and it is most appreciated by the fact that their owners have been the best and most wonderful welcomers.

Yesterday we had our first crew meeting at California and talked about strategies, organization and general rules. We went over the different penalties while driving and stopping and then had pizza and wine while talking about the essence of the race with our hostesses.

This morning we got on our feet and went to have breakfast at the most charming "petit dejeuner" place just some steps away from our current home. Patrick had an omelet with bacon, peppers and lots of protein, perfect for a person who is about to cycle back to where he flew from on an over 6 hour period of time.

After Breakfast Jerome and Patrick went to Oceanside to have Patrick take his picture and do his interview. Greg and Aude stayed home organizing and preparing the follow van with not only labels and bumper stickers but creativity to make everything fit in the bets way possible. I was more than 4 hours trying to convert the code posted on the RAAM webpage to GPS readable code. I must say with immense sadness that I failed in my task after trying with three different computers and multiple variations of programs.

While Greg and Aude finished their assignment and I reluctantly observed the GOS with great disdain, Patrick and Jerome arrived with part of the lunch and other food. Jerome cooked some pasta, and we ate it with a roasted chicken they both bought.

After having some time to do digestion we all left to Oceanside for a general crew and participants meeting. It stated at 5, the RAAM director went over the instructions emphasizing on various points of the RAAM manual. Later on he proceeded to introduce all the RAAM participants, which was fun. There is actually a guy who has done RAAN 22 times, being this his 23rth! Patrick got to see some friends and talk to them, shake hands with a lot of RAAM involved people.

Don't forget to check Patrick's website at www.patrickautissier.org.

Thank you for your support.

See you tomorrow and take care!

Maite J. Balda

[RAAM 2009 - Patrick Autissier] Day - 4

2009-06-13T21:10:00.002-05:00

In the news...

LIVE UPDATE WILL START JUNE 15TH...

Boston, June 13th, 2009 (Day - 4)

I will be flying out to California tomorrow morning, so it's the last time I have a chance to update my website. Starting tomorrow, you will be able to follow our progress daily by clicking on the different links on the home page at www.patrickautissier.org. It's pretty straightforward and as you can see, we'll try to post daily a newsletter, photos, data table, maybe some videos, and the RAAM organization will have all the information per Time Station.

I hope you'll enjoy the race as much as I will, and don't forget to make a donation to Partners In Health or Nashoba Learning Group.

IMMUNE RESPONSE DURING PHYSICAL EXHAUSTION

Boston, June 13th, 2009 (Day - 4)

Finally, I'll be able to do the scientific study that I couldn't do in 2007. The idea is to measure the immune cells during an extreme stress, both physical and mental. Very few, if any, sporting challenges around the world can top solo RAAM. A solo rider usually must stay on the bike for at least 20 hours per day, sleeps no more than 2 hours per day, has to endure brutal change of temperature, hallucinations and delusional thoughts, must eat a minimum of 10,000 calories, climbs the equivalent of 4 Mount Everest during the race. On top of the huge physical challenge, the stress level goes even higher, due to hazard road conditions like potholes, 18-wheeler trucks, animals crossing the road (it happened to me in 2007 and I almost went down!). Finally, the prospect of not finishing the race haunts each rider. Solo RAAM is conceived to test the absolute limit of an individual, both physically and mentally.

You'll have a glimpse of my immune status, as well as some blood parameters during the race. My doctor will draw blood on Day 0, 1, 5, 7 and 8 of the race and will send the specimen to my lab at Boston College and my former lab at Beth Israel Hospital. Boston College will perform complex flow cytometry study that will not be available during the race. However, Beth Israel will do a CBC (Cell Blood Count) and the data will be posted on my website, along with a table giving daily the amount of sleep, time on the bike, time off the bike, etc...I have already collected data before the start, and I'll do the same after the race during the recovery period.

Please take a look at the pre-race time-point on my home page at www.patrickautissier.org

No one has ever done this kind of study and I thought stupidly that I should do it myself. Oh well!

Thank you for your support,

Patrick

Race Number # 302

www.patrickautissier.org

[RAAM 2009 - Patrick Autissier] Day - 10

2009-06-08T10:46:00.001-05:00

In the news...

RAAM: ALPINE STYLE OR BIG EXPEDITION ?

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Boston, June 8th, 2009 (Day - 10)

One of my other passion is the mountaineering world. Since many years, I have been reading lots of books about big mountains like Everest, K2, Lhotse. And historically, there has been two ways to climb those big hills: Alpine style where you are basically by yourself, no sherpas, no O2, just you and the mountains. Some would say it's the purest challenge, but of course it's reserved to a very small elite of high-altitude mountaineers, like Messner, Lafaille or Viesturs. The other way, which is now mainly used on Everest is the big expedition style. Here you're part of a commercial expedition led by an experienced guide that provides basically everything, from food to sherpas to 4-star base camp, so that you just have to focus on your goal of climbing the hill. Although it makes things easier and safer, YOU still have to go up there using your own power. It's a huge accomplishment if you can summit Everest, and I'm so happy and proud that Pr. Paul Robinson, one of my best supporter in the cytometry world, did it...and came back as he say with his 10 toes and 10 fingers! Paul, I really hope to see you at the Time Station #38.

On RAAM, the alpine style would be 4 crew members (or sherpas!) and 2 vehicles! That's the minimum that the RAAM organization requires for a solo rider. However now most solo riders have about 10-12 crew members, 1 RV and 1 or 2 other vehicles, which would correspond to the big expedition style. Due to budget constraint, I will have 7 crew members and 2 vehicles (1 mini van and 1 12-passenger van). I won't have any RV, motels will be very limited along the route. That would place us on the low-end of a big expedition. And that's fine, because as I learned over the years, you want to avoid "luxury" when doing solo RAAM. After 10 hours on the bike, you crave for a nice place to stop like an RV, having a good meal, lay down on a bed. BUT because of that luxury, you don't want to go back on the bike. So you're losing big time! I know because I've been there and done that in 2005. This year I'll try to minimize my time off the bike and certainly there will not be luxury waiting for me when I'll stop. Hopefully I'll get back on the bike in no time, while the other solo riders will enjoy their RVs ;-).

Reminder: The fundraising event is tomorrow June 9th at 6:30PM, Boston College, Devlin Hall. The event is free. 100% of the donations (no % for Firstgiving fees) will go directly to Partners In Health and Nashoba Learning Group. The movie Bicycle Dreams is great, you'll love it whether you're a cyclist or not, and DVDs of the movie will be on sale ($20). Please come!

Finally, There was an article in the Boston Herald last Sunday. You can read it here.

Thank you for your support,

Patrick

www.patrickautissier.org

[RAAM 2009 - Patrick Autissier] Day - 15

2009-06-03T09:01:00.001-05:00

In the news...

MAKING ROOM FOR AUTISM: NASHOBA LEARNING GROUP (NLG)

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Boston, June 3rd, 2009 (Day - 15)

My 2 children Estelle and Damien are what people would consider as "normal" kids, living life at full-speed (maybe too fast for their parents!), going to public schools, being part of a soccer team or a swim team, and enjoying the time with their friends. In short, they are very healthy kids and enjoy life to the fullest, which makes my wife and I so happy. However, sometimes when we see a disabled child, as parents we can't help but wonder what IF...

I have known of Nashoba Learning Group for several years now through one of my best friends, John McClellan, whose wife Liz created NLG in 2003. I went to the opening of her new school in Bedford, MA last year and saw all these kids and their parents. At first, I felt a little awkward and strange because I can't even imagine what they are going through on a daily basis. But then I realized that I don't have to share their pain and difficulties. What they want and need is help! And this RAAM project is simply about helping people.

Please click on the picture (homepage) and watch a 10' video about NLG and read an article about NLG

Thank you for your support,

Patrick

www.patrickautissier.org

ps: The Benefit Screening: Bicycle Dreams is coming up (June 9th 6:30PM at Boston College, Devlin Hall). I hope to see you there.

[RAAM 2009 - Patrick Autissier] Day - 18

2009-05-28T17:51:00.002-05:00

In the news...

FUNDRAISING EVENT, JUNE 9TH AT BOSTON COLLEGE

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Boston, May 28th, 2009 (day - 18)

I am very excited to announce that there will be a fundraising event at Boston College, just 1 week prior to the start of the race. Thanks to Film Director Stephen Auerbach, I have the great opportunity to do a special screening of his movie "Bicycle Dreams" here in Boston, MA. That's probably going to be THE only chance to watch the movie on a big screen in the Boston area. Don't miss it!

Nothing is fake in Bicycle Dreams. Real people, real emotions, real drama make this movie very special, whether you're a cyclist...or not!!!

More information are posted on the Contact / Event webpage at www.patrickautissier.org

CYTEK, NEW SPONSOR

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Boston, May 28th, 2009 (day - 18)

Cytek is a very-well known company in the cytometry world. They design, build and support upgrades for flow cytometers since 20 years. They have been supporting me in 2007, and I'm very pleased that they are renewing again their support this year. I'm looking forward to participating in the Race Across America under their colors, and I'll be more than happy to meet them at the next ISAC meeting in Seattle, WA next year.

Please visit Cytek website for more information about the company.

Thank you for your support,

Patrick

www.patrickautissier.org

[RAAM 2009 - Patrick Autissier] Day - 26

2009-05-21T11:02:00.002-05:00

BOSTON COLLEGE BIOLOGIST GETTING READY FOR A LONG (3,000 MILES) HAUL

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Boston, May 20th, 2009 (day - 26)

Patrick Autissier, a researcher in the Biology Department, will compete next month among an elite group of ultra cyclists in Race Across America

By Ed Hayward | Chronicle Staff

Exhaustion. Dehydration. Hallucinations. Such signs at the end of the academic year might suggest the need for a vacation more>>

Patrick

[RAAM 2009 - Patrick Autissier] Day - 26

2009-05-20T17:59:00.001-05:00

In the news...

AMERICAN DOCTOR'S CHARITY SAVES LIVES AROUND THE WORLD

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Boston, May 20th, 2009 (day - 26)

I will race in less than 30 days for 2 charities: one of them is Partners In Health. Four years ago, a friend of mine at my former lab told me about PIH and the incredible work that they do for the poor people in several countries. Then, I read the book "M ountains beyond mountains" by Tracy Kidder who got the Pulitzer prize. This book tells the story and achievements of Partners In Health and their founders Paul Farmer, Ophelia Dahl, Thomas J. White and Jim Yong Kim.

One of their leading and oldest program is in Haiti. But the task that PIH is facing is huge because, despite recent improvements in some areas, Haiti continues to be the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. I could tell you that 54 percent of Haitians live on less than US$1 a day and 78 percent on less than US$2 a day, or that life expectancy at birth is 60 years (Source: World Bank), these numbers, although terrifying, are just numbers and do not tell the story of the human beings behind them.

Better than words, I urge you to watch the interview of Dr Paul Farmer, and watch it until the very end. It will take only 10 minutes of your time, and if you decide to make a donation, in the end your gift can save several lives. Plain and simple!

Please click on the video link here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BS05uKPAcjI&feature=related

Thank you for your support,

Patrick

www.patrickautissier.org

[RAAM 2009 - Patrick Autissier] Day - 35

2009-05-11T17:09:00.002-05:00

In the news...

TRAINING NEWS

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Boston, May 11th, 2009 (day - 35)

Training is going very well. I usually ride around 20 - 25 hours per week. I do short rides (2 - 3 hours) early in the morning during the week and longer ride (5 - 7 hours) in the weekend. Last Saturday, I participated in a 200 K ride organized by the New England Randonneurs. It was a very hilly ride going up to New Hampshire, and despite the rain, tons of potholes thanks to a very bad winter here in New England, I managed, along with 3 others cyclists to complete it in 6:38, averaging 19.2mph. When I looked back, it took me 7:23 in 2007 and...8:13 in 2005, the 2 years I did the solo RAAM. So what these numbers tell me is that at least my training goes into the right direction. Of course, solo RAAM is 15 times 200K on top of each other...with barely any rest in between. However, it seems like, as for a good wine, I'm getting better as I get older. After all, maybe there is some truth in that 50 is the new 30.

GOOD LUCK PAUL!

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Boston, May 11th, 2009 (day - 35)

On another note, maybe you've seen on my bio that I am a Flow Cytometry Specialist, and you're wondering: "what the heck is this guy doing???". Well, if you go to wikipedia, you'll know more about this technique which has applications in research fields as diverse as immunology, marine biology or molecular biology. Our society is called ISAC (International Society of Analytical Cytology) and I'm very proud to be a member of this family. My RAAM project have been supported over the years by many ISAC members, as well as several companies working in the cytometry field. However, one individual gave me an incredible support, by helping me finding sponsorship, allowing me to present my project during the ISAC congress in Quebec City in 2006, and convincing people to make a donation to my charities. He is the former President of ISAC and his name is Pr. Paul Robinson. If you think I'm nuts, well you don't know Paul. As I write this newsletter, he is resting at Everest Base Camp, waiting to hear from Russell Brice, the expedition leader, that it's time to pack and leave for the summit. It must be an exciting but also a very scary call. I wish him the best of luck for the summit and I'm looking forward to meeting with him at the Time Station 38 near Indianapolis.

Thank you for your support,

Patrick

www.patrickautissier.org

[RAAM 2009 - Patrick Autissier] Day - 43

2009-05-04T16:11:00.002-05:00

In the news...

TV5MONDE, NEW SPONSOR

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Boston, May 4th, 2009 (day - 43)

TV5MONDE, the only French language TV broadcasted worldwide 24/7...and without commercial interruptions, is sponsoring Patrick, as it did in 2005. "It's a fascinating project, both athletically and humanly, said Patrice Courtaban, CEO of TV5MONDE USA. TV5MONDE is proud to sponsor Patrick and will help him spread the word about the charities that he supports and this absolutely crazy bike race across a continent."

Please visit TV5MONDE website if you ever want to know more about the French language, culture, cuisine and its people.

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE: BICYCLE DREAMS

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Boston, May 4th, 2009 (day - 43)

And the winner is…...Bicycle Dreams by Stephen Auerbach! It's a great satisfaction to see that Stephen Auerbach's talent to tell the incredible story of RAAM 2005 has been rewarded, even by a "small" film festival. Every opportunity to show to people this fantastic race and its participants, from the riders to the crew people, to the volunteers and the race organization, is a great thing.

If you live in or near Hoboken, NJ or Breckenridge, CO, I encourage you to go watch the movie on June 2th and June 12th respectively. Information about tickets and schedule can be found at www.bicycledreamsmovie.com

Thank you for your support,

Patrick

www.patrickautissier.org

ps: You received this email because somehow I got your email address in my contacts. If you don't want to receive anymore emails from me, just hit the reply button and type NO, I will certainly understand it and will remove your email address from the list.

[RAAM 2009 - Patrick Autissier] Day - 57

2009-04-21T11:38:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone,

Well, as you see on the subject line, I'm doing it all over

again...but for the last time...I promise!

You have been very supportive over the years. I can't thank you enough

for that. With your help, a total of $35,000 over the 3 RAAMs has

been raised for people in need. I have personally accomplished my

dream of finishing solo RAAM in 2007. I think It's time for me to move

on and do other things, maybe more normal or less crazy if you will!

However, I want to do it one last time as I feel like I can do better.

This year will be obviously very special and there will be a lot going

on during this project. The fundraising will benefit Partners In

Health and Nashoba Learning Group. There will be also some very

interesting scientific studies done during the race, using flow

cytometry so you know a little bit more what we do in our labs.

Finally in the news, a film "Bicycle dreams" by Stephen Auerbach,

telling the story of the RAAM 2005, will have its world premiere this

coming Saturday at the Newport Beach Film Festival. Information about

ticket and hours are posted on my website.

Better than a long email, I encourage you to log on to my website at www.patrickautissier.org

and see the project, donation info, RAAM route, crew members, etc...

Thank you for your support,

Patrick

www.patrickautissier.org

ps: You received this email because somehow I got your email address

in my contacts. If you don't want to receive anymore emails from me,

just hit the reply button and type NO, I will certainly understand it

and will remove your email address from the list.

Here we go again...

2009-03-27T12:38:00.002-05:00

Yes, I'm doing it all over again. This race is completely crazy, and one has to be a little "disturbed" to keep punishing himself and his body during 12 long days. However, RAAM is 100% addictive and once you taste it, it's already too late. RAAM has been an extraordinary journey for me for the last 4 years, and I think it's time for me to move on and do other things. But before closing the book, I want to race one last time next June as a solo rider and try to do the best I possibly can. You'll find on this website a lot of information about the fundraising effort for Partners In Health and Nashoba Learning Group, the RAAM route and the scientific studies that we're going to conduct with Boston College Psychology and Biology. In the next weeks, more information will be posted.

RAAM race report

2007-09-15T00:33:00.001-05:00

As promised, I will try to tell you what occurred during this insane race. The race report is relatively long, but it took me only 13 minutes to read it. If one compares with the 12 days that took me to cross the USA on a bike, I think that it is a good bargain for you. Moreover, with all that it occurred during these 12 days, I could easily have written a book of 300 pages. So now, it is your turn. Attention, 3... 2... 1... 0!

I have just crossed in my support van the Del Memorial Bridge in New Jersey (prohibited to the riders), and I’m getting ready to get back on my bike for what seems to be a “promenade de santé” of 50 miles until Atlantic City, town of arrival of the Race Across America 2007. After all, what represents 50 miles when one has just made nearly 3,000 miles in 12 days through the United States, riding in the deserts of California, climbing the mountains of Colorado, crossing the high plains of Kansas, the numerous rollers of the Midwest and the steep walls of the Appalachian Mountains, standing temperatures from +110 ºF to +40 ºF in a few hours, avoiding the constant traps that offer the road like the potholes, the debris, the trucks and the raccoons!, sleeping finally only a few hours in the motels or on the side of the road. I tell to myself at this moment that these 50 miles will just be like an easy Sunday ride, a “piece of cake”, that the hardest part of the race is over and that nothing wrong can happen to me anymore. After all, I feel good physically, the weather is nice, and I have 3h to do it, with an average thus of 16.5 mph. My dream to finish the RAAM as a solo rider, the hardest bike race in the world (No, it’s not the Tour de France!), is on the way to be carried out after 3 years of effort. What I don’t know yet is that the dream is about to become a nightmare. These 50 miles will be probably for me the hardest mentally of the entire race. As for my team which is in the van behind me, they are about to live the most stressful 3 hours of this adventure.

For the 3rd time (2nd time in solo), I find myself on the starting line of the RAAM. After my DNF (Do Not Finish) in 2005, and in spite of a great 2^nd place in a 4-man team the following year, I know that this year I cannot fail, and that I must give it all to cross the finish line in Atlantic City. My winter training went very well, the crew team is experienced and ready, the sponsors were all lined up in time, and my family for the 1^st time will join me in this adventure. In short, all the lights are green when I start riding my bike in Oceanside, Ca for a 3,042 miles grueling journey through the USA. However, the RAAM, like the Everest or the Vendée-Globe Challenge for example, is one of these very rare sporting challenges where no one can predict what’s going to happen, even the best specialist in the world. There are so many different parameters to manage, that a simple grain of sand at the beginning of the challenge can become insurmountable after a few days and can lead to a DNF. But it is what makes also all the charm of this kind of extreme challenge. It is in the difficulty that we really know what we’re made of, and the RAAM is conceived to push the competitors to their extreme limit, and even beyond at times. I am aware of that when I ride the first meters of the race, but I am ready and I rely on my team.

The 1^st day of the race goes very well, thanks to a great weather and a temperature in the Californian desert lower than 110ºF. I decided, in agreement with the team, to ride fast and to accumulate a maximum of miles during the first days. I feel great, and it is a treat for me and the crew team which follows me to ride in a beautiful landscape of desert and canyons. In spite of several stops to eat, I manage to ride 340 miles the 1^st day and this without any sleep. I am in 13^th place out of 30 solo riders. My team is very happy because, contrary to 2005 when I had ridden only 280 miles and was 24^th out of 26 solo riders, this year they see me actually "doing" the race, and not a randonnee.

However, the 1^st big difficulty of the race, located after Congress, AZ, called Yarnell grade, a pass of 6 miles at 6%, is coming up. I decide to take my first sleep break before the pass because in 2005 I completely blew up during the climb. It was a wise decision because I climb up the pass without any problem, and I climb down immediately towards Prescott, AZ. After a 2^nd sleep break at the end of the night in Flagstaff, AZ, and after having ridden 233 miles for the 2^nd day, we move towards Utah and the famous Monument Valley

As in 2005, we have the chance to cross Monument Valley during the daylight. It is an imposing landscape that one can never forget. Rob, the crew chief and team doctor, takes benefit of this amazing view to take a picture of Estelle and me which will be eventually published at the beginning of August in the newspaper "Improper Bostonian", in the hope of publicizing the fundraising project. The 3^rd day goes without problem while riding 250 miles, which will bring us at the bottom of the Rockies in Colorado, and the famous Wolf Creek Pass, higher pass of the race culminating at 10,857 feet.

8 miles at 7%, here is very simplified my problem with Wolf Creek pass. In 2005, it took me nearly 3 hours, in the middle of the night and with a sluggish pace to make it to the top. In 2006, because of respiratory problems, I had not ridden 1 yard, leaving to my teammates the “privilege” to climb up the "beast". This year, I arrive at the bottom of the pass at the end of the day where the entire team waits for me, knowing that it is an important moment. The weather is very nice, and the colors in the pass are splendid. I ask Estelle to make an interview at the beginning of the climb, taking advantage of the imposing landscape and the still gentle slope. Everyone is hyped up and encourages me, knowing that this time I have the legs. Indeed, after only 1h20', I arrive at the top of the pass. All the team and I are very pleased, to have finally overcome Wolf Creek. With our surprise, we meet at the top Michelle Grainger, a pro cyclist who finished RAAM in 1990. She gives us invaluable advices, especially on how to deal with saddle sores that starts to bother me.

The rest of Colorado goes without too many problems, by paying attention to manage the sleep, the food intake, and especially taking care of the saddle sores. I ride 225 miles the 4^th day and climb up 2 other big passes of the race, La Veta Pass (9,413 feet) and Cuchara Pass (9,995 feet) without problems. The descent of Cuchara while going towards Trinidad is for me an emotional time. Indeed, it is on this portion of the road that Bob Breedlove, veteran and a RAAM legend, had an accident and died in 2005. It is mainly because of this accident that I had decided to give up this same year. A memorial exists now at the site of the accident. In 2006, I had not seen it, but this year I pay attention not to miss it. I make all the descent at a moderated pace when suddenly, I see on the side of the road a white cross with an inscription in red. After having a thought for Bob, I continue riding towards the East of Colorado and the next state to be crossed, the very boring Kansas and his high cereal plains as far as the eye can see.

The crossing of Kansas is in general synonymous with head-wind or cross-wind. Luckily, it does not blow or a little this year, but the road remains terribly monotonous, absolutely flat and straight for miles and miles, interrupted with water towers from time to time. After 5 days of race, it is very hard to be motivated in riding in that brutally boring landscape, and for the first time I feel down. While arriving at Mullinville, KS at sunset (TS#25), my team gets angry at me. They are frustrated to see me slowing down and wasting an invaluable time to get back on the bike after a sleep break. The explanation is violent and allows me to “wake up". I ride almost all the following night, with only a 30 minutes nap in the early morning. While arriving on the highway which goes to El Dorado, KS (TS#28), I recognize the site where I had decided to give up in 2005. Wanting to do something “special” and to restart nicely my unfinished business 2 years ago, I decide to accelerate and literally to do a 25 miles time trial. My average speed goes up to 25 mph until, while taking the exit, I see the following van of Jean-Marc Velez, the other Frenchman of the race. From this moment, I give it all in order to finish in front of him at the Time Station. I passed him with less than 1 mile to go, riding at nearly 31 mph. I never rode that fast since the start of the race. While arriving in El Dorado, I am hyped up because I rode 290 miles this 6^th day, we passed the half way point of the race, I find myself in the 12^th place, I will join my family this evening, and more importantly I feel very good physically. Unfortunately, all the good things often come to an end, and mine will be brutal.

I finish my ride across Kansas (Yay!) at the beginning of the night after having passed Fort Scott (TS#30). It is there that I meet Anne-Cecile, my wife and Damien, my son (Estelle being with me since California). The emotion is intense, but we don’t have much time because the clock does not stop. The night is very difficult and I have a very tough time to keep my eyes open. After a 2 hours stop in the early morning, I set out again to ride across the rollers in Missouri. The day goes well, and after having ridden through Jefferson City and seeing the Capitol, I arrive at sunset in Marthasville, MO (TS#34), feeling good and in 13^th place. After a good meal, I set out again with the hope to ride well during the night. However, quickly I don’t feel well; my mind is very confused, and I have delusional thoughts, mixing dream and reality. I ride very slowly, trying to sort things in my messed brain. The hours go on and my situation is worsened. I stop twice in the middle of the night to sleep in the van, because I know that only the sleep can help me getting through this. Unfortunately, the debt of sleep is too important, and 20 miles before Greenville (TS#36), I collapse on the side of the road, incapable of going further. Fortunately, Rob, the team doctor, called by a crew member, arrives quickly, and places an I.V perfusion. Twenty minutes later, I set out again painfully towards Greenville where a motel room awaits me for 3 long hours of sleep. When I set out again, I feel much better and this feeling of living an awakened nightmare is forgotten (for a while!). However, I lost 5 hours during this incident, and also the contact with the other solo riders. I find myself at the back of the pack, but I was so close to a DNF that I put into perspective my place in the general rank.

The next day, I cross the end of Missouri, Illinois, and arrive in Indiana while having ridden 280 miles, much better than the 210 miles of the day before. In Indianapolis, I have the great pleasure to pass the last cut-off of the race with 6 hours to spare. Now there is only 800 miles to go, after having ridden a little more than 2,200 miles. Unless a catastrophe occurs, and in spite of the Appalachian Mountains to be crossed, I feel relatively good and confident about my chances to finish the race before the deadline. Unfortunately, nothing is ever acquired in a race as long and grueling as the RAAM, I soon will learn it with much pain.

I set out again of Indianapolis after a 3 hours rest and ride very well until the moment I arrive in Ohio. From relatively flat, the road becomes tougher with a succession of never-ending rollers which hurt the legs very badly. I start to feel some pain in my left thigh. More hours and miles later, and in spite of the care of our Massage Therapist Deb, the pain worsens and it is with anxiety that I arrive in Parkersburg, VA (TS#46). There is less than 500 miles to go before Atlantic City, but there are now the Appalachian Mountains to cross. On the contrary of the Rockies, the Appalachian Mountains are successive short hills but very steep, and with only one valid leg, the task is likely to be very complicated. I cross Virginia State painfully, by stopping several times to “limit the damage”, and the entire team set up a meeting on the parking lot of a mall in La Vale, MD, Time Station #50, at the bottom of the hardest stage, with no less than 4 steep hills to be passed.

Against part of the team which was afraid of my reactions, Rob, the crew chief, tells me that, based on my average speed during the last 12 hours (7 mph), I would not arrive in Atlantic City, 310 miles away, before Saturday midday. That means that I won’t be an official finisher, but also that 2 members of our team will have to leave the race early because they have to take their flight for France in Boston Saturday evening. I set out again of La Vale while thinking about Rob has just said to me. And I conclude that I have only one choice: to ride as fast as I possibly can, in spite of only one leg in “working order", since the left leg is unusable, at least in the mountains. Either the right leg holds up in the steep hills which follow and I am likely to arrive before the deadline (Friday evening) in Atlantic City, or it does not hold up and I would have to give up, and we will all be in Atlantic City Thursday evening.

When I arrive at the bottom of the first hill, I found a good rhythm, but I’m anxious about this first difficulty. I climb up the hill in zigzag to save my right leg, because the slope is so steep. I am almost sure that the leg will not hold up, but with much encouragement from the entire team and in spite of the rain which now falls, slowly I managed to get to the top and climb down immediately on the other side. That first climb gives me confidence, and against all odds, I patiently manage to climb up the other hills of this section. Finally, there might be a slight chance that I can finish the RAAM before the deadline and I continue to ride on during the night, without any sleep. I arrive in the early morning in Pennsylvania, in the Amish country where, exhausted, I give myself a 10 minutes nap on the side of the road. There is only left now no more than 110 miles to be done in 6h, with an average speed of 18.5 mph. Not that obvious, but luckily the wind pushes me in the right direction. I ride the next 60 miles averaging 19.5 mph, and I arrive at the Del Memorial Bridge in New Jersey that I crossed inside the van, the bridge being prohibited to the riders.

The last 50 miles are completely flat, the weather is perfect, and I have 3h to do it, with an average speed of 16.5 mph. All seems to be on my side to finish the RAAM with a flourish. I start out this last straight line confident and happy to finish the race, with the support of my incredible team. Unfortunately, as in Missouri, after a few miles, my mind becomes quickly very confused, probably by the lack of sleep of the last 24 hours and the accumulated stress. I can’t think straight, and I am completely unable to realize what is going on. That occurs at the worst moment because time is now really limited and therefore it is out of question of stopping. At one time, I turn right without any reason, whereas I should have continued straight. The team which follows in the support van stops me and asks me why I turned. I didn’t have any idea. A little later, I see a Mac Donald restaurant, and I go straight to it, knowing that the last Time Station is a restaurant of this company. I stop in the parking lot and my team comes towards me, telling me that unfortunately it is not the good one. During a good part of these 50 miles, I didn’t stop telling my crew, through the 2-way radio, that we were lost, that we had already passed by there. They had hard time to convince me that we were on the right direction. Fortunately, in spite of my total incoherence and many stops, I was still able to ride at a good pace. Finally, after 2h49' of intense stress for my team, and of extreme confusion for me, we arrived at the access ramp of the highway which goes to Atlantic City, official place of the finish line of the Race Across AMerica 2007.

The relief at this moment is intense for everyone but is contained, because the stress of this last day was very important, and we don’t realize yet that it is over, that we succeeded. We will have to wait until the final banquet a few hours later, with the publication of the results by the RAAM officials, and the photograph of the entire team taken behind the banner indicating my time, to realize what we have just done. My official time will be thus 12 days 5 hours and 34' to ride the 3,042 miles from Oceanside, Ca to Atlantic City, NJ.

Even if I were alone to pedal, I could never have realized my dream without the devotion of my team. I would like here to thank from the bottom of my heart Rob, Jerome, Herve, Deb, Thierry, Fred, Christian, Sylvie, Anne-Cecile, Estelle and Damien. Those who gave me financial support to make this adventure a reality must also find here the recognition which is due: Axel Johnson, ISAC, Treestar, Coherent, Becton-Dickinson, Cytek, Wheelworks, Avis and the French Consulate in Boston. Moreover, it was a real honor to raise money on their behalf; May Partners In Health and Nashoba Learning Group find the means of their ambitions. I also thank John McClellan, whom I regard as my American brother, for his constant help and support over these 3 years. Lastly, nothing would have been possible without the support of my family, thank you very much, Anne-Cecile, Estelle and Damien.

Finally, a big thanks to you all who had supported me throughout these 3 years, and who has had the courage to read this race report until the end. But don’t go away now, because the next adventure is already planned! The next year will be the year where I will participate to the Ironman triathlon in Arizona in April, in order to try to qualify for the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii in October. And the RAAM in the solo division is planned again in 2009!!!

My very best regards to all,

Patrick

www.patrickautissier.org

PS: A first short video has been posted on the website, the pictures are posted on the website as well, and you will find here a summary in figures of my race.

Pps: The fundraising for Partners In Health and Nashoba Learning Group will finish December 31, 2007. So it is still time to give.

RAAM is over.....Thank god!

2007-07-09T09:35:00.001-05:00

YES! Patrick did it…..with only 10 minutes to spare. It’s called time calculation on a top level. Now he is one of only 153 men around the world to have officially finished solo RAAM since 1982. When you know that 2,249 climbers have summitted Everest, being a solo RAAM finisher sounds pretty cool, isn’t it?

In the next weeks, the website will be updated with photos, short video and Patrick’s summary of his race.

To conclude, Patrick was right in his welcome message on this homepage:

THE THIRD TIME IS THE CHARM!

Thank you all for your support

Jerome

http://www.patrickautissier.org/

ps: The fundraising is still going on, so please help Partners In Health and Nashoba Learning Group getting closer to their finish line…

Day 4 - Race Across America

2007-07-05T09:16:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, my dad went through the very challenging Wolf Creek Pass, whose summit is the highest point of RAAM. Patrick told me in an interview that he thought he was going to climb it in 2 hours. His guessing was off, he reached the summit in 1 hour 20 minutes! The crew was very surprised and delighted by this. At Wolf Creek Pass, we had the pleasure to meet Michelle Granges, a RAAM finisher in 1990, and who was named rookie of the year after finishing third overall. Everyone took pictures and got signed cards. After she and her husband left, Patrick started down Wolf Creek towards South Fork, Colorado. The plan was to go to Alamosa, the Time Station after South Fork, and get Patrick something hot to eat, like pasta or hot soup. But he got very cold and so we had to stop at South Fork to get him something to eat. The Time Station, a gas station, only had hot chocolate and hamburgers, not soup, so Patrick had to drink and eat what was there.

Estelle

Day 3- Race Across America

2007-07-05T09:15:00.001-05:00

The third day of the 2007 RAAM for Patrick has been a roller coaster of ups and downs. He slept only briefly on the side of the road outside of Flagstaff and headed out into the desert highlands invigorated and rested. The road between the Time Stations 9 and 11 was long and straight. There were two consecutive 70 mile stages that left him tired and worn down. With only 18 hours to go before the first cutoff in Cortez, CO, Patrick was battered and broken. He developed saddle sores from the constant chaffing of the bike seat. His legs were stiff and sore. His skin leathered from the brutal sun, and his mind beaten from the constant grinding of the pedals. With much encouragement from the crew and his daughter, Patrick started into a series of three mountainous stages that weaved through Monument Valley and the Four Corners area which would bring him to Cortez, CO and the first cutoff point.

The first of these stages was one of the most beautiful on the route. The isolated two lane road spanned out the vast desert of Monument Valley. Huge towers of rock and mesas jutted out of the stark landscape in all directions. At one point Patrick and Estelle posed for a photo with this month’s copy of The Improper Bostonian and the spectacular landscape in the background in the hopes of getting the photo published and bringing publicity to Patrick campaign. The beautiful landscape was tainted by the brutal condition of the road, which constantly wore on the worsening saddle sores. After reaching Mexican Hat, UT, Patrick rested briefly and began again to ride uphill into the mountains as the sun was setting. As the evening settled into the night, a brisk cold headwind picked up, making the long day seem endless. Patrick rode into Time Station 13 in Montezuma Creek, UT beaten and tired, but remained upbeat. Encourage by the crew and the news that two riders were just within an hour ahead of him; he braved the night and got back on his bike. Setting out at midnight, he rode off into the dark night to attempt to complete the final stage before the first quarter cutoff. The stage was only 49 miles, but mostly uphill. The cold headwind had died down and the dark Utah sky was illuminated with millions of visible stars. After 1 ½ hours, he crossed the boarder into Colorado. He was extremely tired and signals the follow vehicle that he wanted to sleep for a few hours on the side of the road. The follow vehicle crew was also extremely tired, but Patrick was encouraged to continue on to complete at least half the stage before sleeping. With the follow vehicle urging him onward with the help again of Phil Collins on the sound system, Patrick pushed on ahead, conquering several steep climbs. He gathered more energy and confidence as the next 30 miles passed. Ultimately passing three riders who had stopped along the road to sleep. As he pedaled into Time Station 14 in Cortez, he looked and felt as strong as he had the entire trip. He had also surpassed the cutoff time by 9hours!

Patrick had overcome on of the hardest days physically and mentally as anyone could imagine. He was transformed from exhausted and beaten to confident and motivated. It was truly an inspiration to the crew to see him be so strong after 3 days. This was truly the inspiration that he needed to believe that he can overcome the RAAM.

Patrick rides on today into the Rocky Mountain, where the most challenging climbs of the route are located. If he continues to ride strongly as he did yesterday, he will surely surpass this challenge. Please continue to follow online at www.racecarossamerica.org for updates.

Day 2 - Race Across America

2007-07-05T09:07:00.000-05:00

Day Two of The Race Across America for Patrick Autissier was a more typical day on the racecourse. Patrick and the team were riding high on the emotions and success of Day One; however the true challenges of the Race Across America became obvious.

Patrick rode out this morning from Time Station 6 in Congress, AZ into the vast stretches of Arizona desert. Fortunately, the weather was unusually overcast for this part of the country, leading to a more mild 95 degree day, rather than the usually 110+ blistering heat. The course was difficult through the desert with many steep climbs: the first of which was the monstrous Yarnell Grade, 5 miles of steep winding switchbacks immediately North of Congress, AZ. The course took a detour heading toward Prescott, AZ as there was fresh oil being laid on the traditional course. The riders had to pass through the isolated and desolated towns of Skull Valley and Kirkland AZ before climbing another punishing climb up 2000ft to the tiny town of Iron Springs, AZ.

As Patrick arrived at Time Station 7 in Prescott, AZ tremendously fatigued from lack of sleep and the grueling climbs. However he pushed on after sleeping for only five minutes at the checkpoint. Going North from Prescott, the course took the rider and crew into the Northern highlands of Arizona as the evening progressed into a cold night. Patrick stopped to sleep two more times as the night went on, once in Williams, AZ and again in Flagstaff, each time for only two hours. As the morning came on Day Three, Patrick, feeling more rested returned to his bike once again. He has lost some valuable time and distance on many of the riders, yet he remains in position to get back into the pack.

The challenge over the next 24 hours will be for Patrick to make the first quarter cutoff time in Cortez, CO. He must pass Time Station 14 in Cortez, CO before Wednesday June 13^TH at 14:00 EDT. The challenge for the crew will be to keep him positive, focused, and most importantly riding the bike onward.

Follow his progress online at www.raceacrossamerica.org and his own website www.patrickautissier.org. If possible, please contribute to his cause in the form of a donation.

RAAM departure

2007-06-12T15:47:00.000-05:00

The Race Across America for Patrick Autissier is here! After over a year of training, planning and fundraising that Patrick made it to the starting line in Oceanside Ca. He arrived on Friday June 8^th to begin the final preparations for the 3050 mile race to Atlantic City. The crew has also assembled in California to assist in the many facets of preparation and execution of the race. The crew consists of three members who have traveled from France: Thierry, Fred and Christian; Jerome from the French island of Guadeloupe, Herve, a Frenchman living in Boston, and two Americans: Rob from Boston and Patrick`s own daughter Estelle.

The first 24 hours of RAAM have been exciting for Patrick and the crew. The race left Oceanside at 9:00 on Sunday June 10th. The start line was just next to the beach in beautiful Southern California. Amidst great fanfare from the hundreds of spectators, the riders rode along the beach before turning east for the long journey. The first 13 miles were in "Parade" format, with all of the riders in the solo category and 24 Challenge riding together to the official starting line. From here the riders left in 30 second intervals, climbing into the desert mountains of San Diego County.

Patrick rode very strong through the grueling first day climbs in heat exceeding 100 degree F. Despite the heat and the hills, a smile never left his face. He passed through time station one in fours hours and did not stop for a rest. After another tedious climb into the mountains, a long downhill descending 3000 feet of elevation, launched him into Borrego Springs, CA, a tiny dessert oasis where he stopped for a brief rest and quick bite. After this short respite, he rode 30 miles of relatively flat, straight, blazing hot roads through Eastern CA farmland. Patrick gathered a tremendous amount of strength, as the afternoon progressed. As the sun set on the first afternoon, he reached a plateau of energy and excitement as he rode through the most beautiful winding canyons while Phil Collins was blasting on the support van overhead sound system.

The crew members were also energized by Patrick`s enthusiasm. Estelle filmed the beautiful landscape and interviewed the crew with the new digital video camera. Jerome, the Team Clown, kept everyone laughing with his imitation radio voice. All of the others participated in figuring the logistics and preparing the equipment. The biggest challenge facing the crew this early on, is the small amount of space: all seven members must fit into two vans; with all of the supplies, bikes, food, clothing and each other.

The night set in as Patrick rode into Time Station 3 in Chiriaco Summit. He stopped again briefly for a quick bite of freshly prepared Pasta Salad made with extra love by master chef and crew member Thierry. He rode throughout the night, stopping only to sleep briefly for 20 minutes in Blythe, CA and again for 10 minutes in the desolate desert town of Hope, AZ.

The sun rose on thankfully overcast Arizona summer day as Patrick climbed into the desert hills coming into Time Station 6. He has stopped now to take a brief rest after a total of 341 miles in the first 24 hours!

Patrick encourages everyone to keep him in their thoughts as he continues on in one of the most gruely events ever attempted. Follow his progress online at www.raceacrossamerica.org and his own website www.patrickautissier.org. If possible, please contribute to his cause in the form of a donation.

[RAAM '07 - Patrick Autissier] Day - 3

2007-06-07T14:12:00.001-05:00

In this last newsletter from Boston (and from me!), you will find:

Schedule for the last 2 days prior to the start
Thank you all
It’s time to donate
Coverage during the race

Schedule for the last 2 days prior to the start

Friday morning, I am leaving Boston, along with my daughter Estelle and Rob, my MD and crew Chief, for a one-way trip to Oceanside, CA. Jerome and Christian arrived Thursday afternoon, after driving 4 days the 2 vans fully loaded with bikes and equipments. 2 others crew members, Thierry and Fred, will arrive in San Diego Friday night from Paris, France. Finally, Herve, our Internet guru, will fly from Boston to San Diego on Saturday. During that busy day, we will set up the vans with an audio system and light system; we’ll put the logos of our sponsors, and make sure that everything inside of the vans is at the right place so that it won’t be a mess after day 1. Then, I am going to have an interview, a photo session and the bikes and vehicles inspection with the RAAM organization. In the evening, we will go to the start line celebration banquet in Oceanside where all the solo racers will be introduced to the crowd and a great buffet will follow. Finally, the day will be over and we will have a last and hopefully “good” sleep before the race begins on Sunday morning at 9:00 A.M. (PDT).

Thank you all

This project would not have been possible without the tremendous help and support of many people. I want here to thank them personally. First of all, thanks to the sponsors who provided the financial resources needed to participate to the RAAM; Michael Milligan from Axel Johnson Inc, Adam Treister from Treestar, Andrew Masters from Coherent Inc, a special thanks to Paul Robinson from ISAC, Steve Zyganti from Becton-Dickinson, Ray Lannigan from Cytek, Clint Paige from Wheelworks, Randy Ice from Spiz and Peter Daniel from Avis. I would like also to thank Mr. Francois Gauthier, Consul General of France in Boston for his constant support.

Before I drive them nuts, I would like to thank my crew members for their enthusiasm and support; Rob Miller, Deborah Luhrs, Jerome Pruneau, Christian Valentin, Herve Seux, Thierry St Léger, Frederic Ricol, Sylvie Gori, Estelle Autissier, Damien Autissier et Anne-Cecile Autissier. The next 2 weeks is going to be extremely intense for all of them and I can’t thank them enough for their support.

I would not even have started this RAAM thing 3 years ago if I didn’t have met John McClellan at the pasta party the day prior to Boston-Montreal-Boston, a 1200K bike randonnee, used as a RAAM qualifier. Since then, he has been incredibly supportive of my dream, we’ve created Athletes Racing for Charity last year, and we have a big plan for the future. I hope that everyone could meet someone like John in his or her life.

Finally, I want to thank my wife Anne-Cecile, and my children Estelle and Damien. I acknowledge that it can be tough to live with someone with big dreams, and it has been tough for them. However, I’m very pleased that this year Estelle will be part of the crew from the very beginning of the race, and Anne-Cecile and Damien will join us in St Louis, MO for the last 1,000 miles. Hopefully, they will see that RAAM is such a tremendous experience to live for everyone who takes part of it and together we will cross the finish line in Atlantic City, NJ.

It’s time to donate

As of today, $10,220 has been raised for Partners In Health and $620 for Nashoba Learning Group. It’s already fantastic but of course I would love to raise much more money for these 2 fantastic charities. I guess that, as I’m about to start this crazy race, it would be a good time for you to donate. Don’t forget that there is no small donation; it simply doesn’t exist for people in distress. Please go to make a donation on my website.

Coverage during the race

Our plan is to try to give you once every day as much information as possible during the race. However, depending on the availability of Internet connection, the free time of the crew and the race conditions, it might be difficult to do so. You will find all the updates directly on my website at http://www.patrickautissier.org/. The coverage will include newsletters written by Rob (posted on the homepage, and send via mass emails) and Estelle (on her webpage), pictures that you will find under Photos on my website, and hopefully small video clips posted on the homepage as well.

Most importantly for me, you will be able to send emails to either pautissi@bidmc.harvard.edu or Patrick@patrickautissier.org. Someone from the crew will read them to me through the PA system, probably at night when I would need to stay awake and fully energized.

Finally, a 24/24 live coverage (every 30 minutes!) will be available on the RAAM website at http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/. There, you will be able to follow my progress Time Station by Time Station.

Thank you all, and as would say my son Damien: “And now, let’s get the show on the road!”

Patrick

http://www.patrickautissier.org/

Becton-Dickinson Biosciences, new sponsor

2007-06-07T12:45:00.001-05:00

I’m very proud to get Becton-Dickinson Biosciences on board for the second time in a row. BDBiosciences is one of the world's leading businesses focused on bringing innovative tools to life science researchers and clinicians. BDBiosciences join four others flow-based companies on this project and that mean a lot to me.

[RAAM '07 - Patrick Autissier] Only 10 days before the start

2007-06-01T09:36:00.001-05:00

In this newsletter, you’ll find:

Cytek Development joins the pool of sponsored flow-based companies
More than $10,000 raised for Partners In Health
One-way ticket to Oceanside, CA

Cytek Development joins the pool of sponsored flow-based companies

Cytek Development, a company that develops and sells flow Cytometry product in support of the flow Cytometry community, has become sponsor of the project. With this kind support, Cytek Development joins 3 other flow-based companies and/or association, Coherent, Treestar and ISAC. I’m so proud of the involvement of the Flow Cytometry community in this project and fundraising, and so proud of course to be a member of this community (a.k.a FLOWers).

More than $10,000 raised for Partners In Health

As of today, $10,020 has been raised for Partners In Health. One could think that this amount of money won’t help a lot, in regard to the extreme poverty of millions of people around the world. However, do you know what Partners In Health can really do with $10,000? They can for example:

Cover the costs of treating malnutrition for 100 children.
Buy a year's supply of lifesaving antiretroviral drugs for 80 AIDS patients
Provides clean water for an entire village

It is literally the difference between life and death for these people. So, please donate here. There is no small donation for these people.

One-way ticket to Oceanside, CA

We’re only 10 days before the big event will start, exactly on Sunday, June 10^th at 12PM EST. We’re going to pick up the vehicles tomorrow, load them with my 2 bikes and all the equipments that we will need for a 10 to 12 days journey. 2 crew members, Jerome and Christian, will leave Boston Monday morning and drive the vans to Oceanside, CA. They should be there Thursday night. The rest of the team will fly out to San Diego, CA next Friday. We’ll have Saturday to set up everything, make sure that the bikes are pumpedJ, and then we’ll be ready to go the other way, 3,044 miles east, to Atlantic City, NJ.

Best regards to all,

Patrick

www.patrickautissier.org

Important: You have received this email because I’ve got somehow your email address in my contact list. If you don’t want to receive anymore emails related to this project, simply click on this link, and send it. I’ll remove immediately your email address from my contact list.

Cytek Development joins the pool of sponsored flow-based companies

2007-05-28T09:27:00.001-05:00

Cytek Development, a company that develops and sells flow Cytometry product in support of the flow Cytometry community, has become sponsor of the project. With this kind support, Cytek Development joins 3 other flow-based companies and/or association, Coherent, Treestar and ISAC. I’m so proud of the involvement of the Flow Cytometry community in this project and fundraising, and so proud of course to be a member of this community (a.k.a FLOWers).

[RAAM '07 - Patrick Autissier] Newsletter 05-22-07

2007-05-23T09:12:00.001-05:00

In this newsletter, you’ll find:

250 Miles in 14h30’
Treestar and Wheelworks new sponsors
A word from Pr. Robinson, ISAC President
Several documents have been added on the website

250 Miles in 14h30’

A week ago, I did my last big ride, a 250 miles which was part of the Boston Brevet Series run by Tracey Ingle, treasurer of Athletes Racing for Charity. The route went to Meredith, NH, and back to Boston. There was a lot of rolling hills, and the weather was nearly perfect. I had very good legs until the end, and I was able to complete the brevet in 14h30’. That time gives me a lot of information, because 250 miles is the minimum amount of miles to ride everyday (per 24h) to finish RAAM in less than 12 days. In other word, once completely rested, I should be able to ride much more than 250 miles in a 24 hour period. Of course, I don’t know what will happen after day 5 – day 6 during RAAM, but at least this brevet has given the confidence that I need, and also tells me that I’m on target to finish RAAM.

Treestar and Wheelworks new sponsors

Treestar, the company that created FlowJo, one of the most popular scientific analysis program designed for flow cytometric data, has become one of my main sponsor. They were supporting me last year when we finished second place in a 4 man-team division. I’m very proud and honored that Treestar, like Axel Johnson, Coherent, ISAC and Spiz, continue their support over the years.

Wheelworks, one of the largest bike stores in the U.S, will provide me with most of the bikes equipment that I will need. In addition, they will do a complete maintenance of my 2 bikes in several days.

Remember that one of these bikes could be yours, IF you make a donation to either PIH or NLG.

A word from Pr. Robinson, ISAC President

Below is an email sent out to the Cytometry list on May 11^th, 2007

Colleagues:

Patrick Autissier is going to ride his bike across the USA to raise funds for those less fortunate than you or I.

ISAC is a proud sponsor of this effort. Several major companies should be sponsoring this and I hope you encourage your leadership to support Patrick - and I note that Coherent Lasers are already supporters. That's fantastic.

Patrick's ride will support Partners in Health.....I have absolutely no doubt that what Patrick is going to do at tremendous cost and frankly danger to himself is a humanitarian effort that we must support.

As ISAC president, I implore you to go to Patrick's website and make a donation. If you do, please note you are an ISAC member. Let’s make sure we as an organization support those that represent us....

You can donate at the bottom of the page

http://www.patrickautissier.org/index_files/Page806.htm

Paul Robinson

- -

J. Paul Robinson

SVM Professor of Cytomics

Professor of Immunopharmacology & Biomedical Engineering Director, Purdue University Cytometry Laboratories President, International Society for Analytical Cytology

Several documents have been added on the website

Press Release
Sponsorship proposal
Flier (that you can post …..everywhere)

Best regards to all,

Patrick

www.patrickautissier.org

Wheelworks joins the team of sponsors

2007-05-21T21:23:00.001-05:00

Wheelwork is one of the largest bicycle retailers in the country. They will provide most of the bike equipments that I would need to ride across the country, and they will make sure that the 2 bikes are in top shape. They are located just across the street where I live. How cool is that!

Treestar becomes one of my major sponsor for the second year in a row

2007-05-16T11:09:00.001-05:00

I’m very proud to announce that once again, Treestar has become one of my major sponsors for this year’s race. I use their products all the time, and this sponsorship makes just a lot of sense. Welcome on board!

[RAAM '07-Patrick Autissier] HBS students raise $9,000 for PIH

2007-05-04T05:29:00.001-05:00

In this newsletter, you will find:

1. Harvard Business School students raise $9,000 for Partners In Health

2. Make a $20 donation and get a chance to win one of Patrick’s bikes (value: $1,500)

3. RAAM preparation is going very well

4. I am still in need of sponsorship

5. What it takes to win/participate to RAAM (fascinating article about J. Robic, 2 times solo RAAM winner.

1. Harvard Business School students raise $9,000 for Partners In Health:

HBS students section F had their annual charity auction last week at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge, MA. Among the items auctioned was a dinner with Mr. F. Gauthier, Consulate General of France in Boston. The event was a great success, as the students were able to raise a total of $28,000, to be distributed across the 3 charities selected a few months ago by the students. When all is said and done, Partners In Health should receive about $9,000. I would like to take this opportunity to thank deeply Pr. Nabil El-Hage, Jared Simon, Stephen Chan, and all the students from Section F for their commitment and support to my project.

2. Make a $20 donation and get a chance to win one of Patrick’s bikes (value: $1,500):

To boost the fundraising part of the project, I have decided to give away one of my 2 bikes that I will be using during the Race Across AMerica. This Decathlon bike is only 2 years old, in very good condition, and has a value of $1,500. In order to get a chance to win this bike, you’ll have to make a $20 donation to either Partners In Health or Nashoba Learning Group. But wait Patrick; what if I’m a 10 years old girl, I can’t possibly use your bike, right? OK, so below are the “options”:

a. You want to keep it because the size is just right for you, or you want to make a gift to a friend. I’ll take care of the shipping.

b. You don’t want to keep it, for whatever reasons. I’ll take care of selling it and you’ll receive at least $1,000.

Raffle information:

• $20 donation minimum to get 1 chance to win. Of course, $100 donation will give you 5 chances to win.

• You can donate to PIH and/or NLG.

• The deadline will be June 30th, 2007.

• The winner’s name will be drawn during the fall.

• There is a minimum of 250 $20 donations for the raffle to take place.

So now please donate here, because the money will go the charities and not in my pocket.

3. RAAM preparation is going very well

After RAAM in June 2006 (2nd place in a 4-man team division), I took a month off, and started my RAAM preparation in August last year. I went from 100 miles a week to 500 miles now. It means from riding 5 hours a week to about 30 hours a week. Of course, this time on the bike is in addition to my job at the lab, and spending some quality time with my family. With the winter finally over, I’d say that it’s a little easier to work this schedule. I basically ride now 3 times during weekdays from 3 AM to 6:30 AM, and I do 1 to 2 long rides during the weekend. Last weekend for example, I rode 220 miles in 13 hours (from 3 AM to 4 PM).

The other big component of the RAAM preparation is the sleep deprivation training. I went from 8 hours of sleep per night last August to 5 hours on average per night now. Some nights, I slept only 1 hour, do my training and goes to the lab.

All in all, my preparation is going very well. I haven’t been neither sick (except in my mind, but I think it’s too late to call a psychiatrist!) during the winter nor injured. I’m much more trained compared to 2005, and most importantly I know much more about RAAM, and what it takes to do it. So, we’ll see how it goes. The start is in 38 days, and counting…

4. I am still in need of sponsorship

I’m very proud to get once again Axel Johnson, Coherent, ISAC and Spiz on board for this project. However, my budget is not fully completed yet, and I’d love to get more companies and/or individuals committed to this wonderful project/fundraising. In addition to the intense RAAM coverage through their website (http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/) during the race and on mine as well, you can expect several articles in the general media in and around Boston (as in ’05 and ’06) as we are close to the start. Also a DVD of the race is planned and will be hopefully released during the winter.

You can contact me directly at 617-667-1562 or by email at Patrick@patrickautissier.org

5. What it takes to win/participate to RAAM

Daniel Coyle, contributing author of Outside magazine and author of the book Lance Armstrong’s war, has written a fascinating article in the New York Times in Feb ’06 about Jure Robic, a Slovene soldier who won solo RAAM 2 times. Read how Robic gets basically nuts during the race, because of lack of sleep mainly. FYI, Robic usually sleeps 9 hours in ….9 days of race.

That Which Does Not Kill Me Makes Me Stranger

Best regards,

Patrick

http://www.patrickautissier.org/

The Consulate General of France in Boston supports the project.

2007-03-28T00:11:00.000-05:00

Mr. Francois Gauthier, Consul General of France in Boston will once again support the project. He will help the HBS students raising money for Partners In Health at the charity auction being held in April.

Harvard Business School students will raise money for PIH

2007-03-19T23:04:00.001-05:00

Each year, HBS students of Section F organize a fundraising charity auction. After the presentation of different project/organizations 2 weeks ago to the HBS students, a selection process has taken place. Ultimately, my project has been one of the three chosen to receive funds raised in this year’s Section F Charity Auction. I’m very happy and I would like to thank the HBS students of Section F and Professor Nabil El-Hage for their support and kindness.

Physical exhaustion and immune system

2007-03-19T22:32:00.001-05:00

Stress, sleep deprivation, nutrition and exercise have all been shown to affect the immune system. Few studies, if any, have used RAAM, as a model to study the effect of physical exhaustion on the immune system. My goal is to measure all the different immune cells (T, B and NK cells subsets) before, during and after the race, by using the Flow Cytometry technique. This study won’t be cumbersome for me during the race, because only one blood drawn will be done per day and be shipped to my lab for processing. The data generated by this study can be very interesting, so I’m fine being a rat lab for once.

The French version is online

2007-03-19T22:31:00.001-05:00

The French version of the website is online. From now on, all the updates of the project will be posted both in French and English.

RE: RAAM '07 project,.....c'est parti!

2007-02-20T08:59:00.001-05:00

Dear all,

That’s it! After weeks of working hard on the new website, it’s finally online and available to all.

As for the past 2 years, this project is about a crazy guy (read: me!) who wants to ride 3,000 miles from coast to coast on his bike in less than 12 days, in order to raise money and awareness for 2 great charities: Partners In Health and Nashoba Learning Group.

But it’s also about a guy who just wants to realize his dream, and by doing so trying to help people who are not as lucky as he is.

This project is simply about passion, dreams, effort, love, compassion, solidarity.

The web address is http://www.patrickautissier.org/

Any comments and/or suggestions are appreciated.

Best regards,

Patrick Autissier

http://www.patrickautissier.org/

Solo RAAM

2006-12-11T08:28:00.000-05:00

Dear past, present or future RAAM lovers,

Let me first start by saying that I have a tremendous respect for the RAAM organizers, past and present, and all the RAAM volunteers. Since I'm neither the RAAM owner, nor a RAAM official, I will respect all the decisions made by them. However, after reading the new RAAM updates concerning the solo division, as a RAAM lover, I can't help but telling you guys how I feel about the direction that RAAM is taking.

Fact #1: RAAM is unfortunately not big enough to have 2 solo divisions.
I think we all agree on that. In 2006, there was only 16 traditionalists (37% DNF), and 13 Enduro (46% DNF). RAAM can't afford 2 small solo divisions, 2 price money, 2 ranks, etc...

Fact #2: By allowing more flexibility for the enduro riders to take their 40 hours (although a great idea) and more time to finish, and tougher for the traditionalists to officially finish RAAM ( the 48h rule was stopped by Lon I guess in 2000), I'm afraid that the traditional division will not live very long.

Fact #3: What makes RAAM RAAM (must be part of a song!), meaning a unique bike race in the world, IS the traditional division, a simple 3,000 miles time trial. Get rid of that division, and RAAM, as we all know since 25 years, is dead.

First being against the Enduro division, I think now that it's a great idea, simply because traditional RAAM is very scary (and I know what I'm talking about...). This Enduro division can and will attract more riders. However, the solution is not doing a traditional vs enduro kind of thing. As Sam said, the only solution is a merger of the 2 divisions in a big one.

Please, see below an email that I sent a month ago to John Hughes and Fred Boethling.

2. Another thought that I’ve got about RAAM is how to make the solo division clear and understandable for everybody (people and media), and very exciting and competitive.

We keep the Enduro and Traditional division like it is, meaning for the Enduro with 40 hours off the bike, and no required sleep for the traditionalist. However, the Enduro division will start the race 20 hours BEFORE the traditional division. There will be only one rank and the winner of the unique SOLO division (traditional and enduro) is the one who will cross the finish line first, very clear and simple. There are only advantages:

It’ll make finally solo RAAM a real competition, not only between riders of the same division, but riders from the 2 divisions.

It’ll keep interest very high through the ENTIRE race for the media, people and of course riders (no more guys like Robic or Larsen riding very hard the first 3 days and then basically the win is over). The competition for everybody will be much more open, and the winner won’t be known until the very end of the race.

There will be only one price money.

The rank will be based on the order of arrival of the riders, period!

20h is more or less the difference between the 2 divisions. Enduro has to stop 40 hours, the best solo usually sleep around 15h-20h

And you won’t get the question that we’ve had this year about who really won solo RAAM 2006, Boyer or Wiss. I think that was very embarrassing for RAAM.

And finally, based on this 20 hours earlier start for the Enduro, the rank for 2006 would have been:
1. Boyer: 9 days 5h
2. Wyss: 9 days 11h
3. Baloh: 9 days 13h
4. Valsesia: 9 days 16h
5. Biasolo: 9 days 20h
6. Haase: 9 days 22h
7. Juarez: 10 days 2h
8. Wallace: 10 days 4h
9. Souza: 10 days 9h
10. ….

To be honest, I think that’s what the rank for 2006 should have been. It looks great and reflects in my opinion who was the best riders.

The practical implications of the merger would be:
The first 10-15 TS will have to be staffed a little bit longer.

Maybe??? RAAM need to have the official (sheriff) agreement for starting the race on Saturday.

There will be another pasta party on Friday. It's always great to have this kind of part anyway before the start :-).

I'd love to hear your comments on that merger.

Patrick Autissier
Solo 2005 (DNF), 2nd place team RAAM 206, solo traditional 2007.

PS: my other idea is to have Boston as the finish line location, but that can be part of another discussion...

Athletes Racing for Charity - RAAM '07

2006-12-04T11:48:00.001-05:00

After finishing the Race Across America (http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/) at an incredible second place in a 4-man Team in 2006, I decided to try to finish what I’ve started in 2005, meaning crossing the finish line of RAAM as a solo rider in 2007. I know, it sounds crazy (if not stupid!) to punish himself that way by riding 3,100 miles with barely no sleep for 12 days. But at the same time, I have a huge unfinished business with RAAM, and I won’t get any rest until I get at least another try. Of course, we’ll do again a fundraising campaign.

Please, find below some details about the project ’07:

- The new website @ http://www.patrickautissier.org/ will be completely updated on January 2007
- The fundraising campaign will start in January 2007.
- The 2 beneficiaries will be Partners In Health (http://www.pih.org/), which provides health care to poor people around the world, and Nashoba Learning Group (http://www.nashobalearninggroup.org/), a school for children with autism.
- The start location of RAAM will be in Oceanside, CA, on June 10th, 2007
- The finish location is not yet finalized (would be great if Boston is the chosen one!).
- RAAM, the world’s toughest bike race, is a single stage race, meaning there is no stop required!
- 3,100 miles to ride in 12 days maximum!
- Amount of sleep per day: usually 3 hours.

The project 2007 is well underway, and I hope I’ll get all the details worked out by the end of the year. As of now, this is where I am:

- The crew team is almost complete: 7 people will be at the start, and 2 more will join us by the end of the first week.
- The training (bike and sleep deprivation) is going very well, since 3 months now.
- The sponsors already committed are: Axel Johnson (for the third year in a row!), Coherent (second year) and Spiz (second year as well). However, I still need to find some other sponsors…

An article about the “young” history of Athletes Racing for Charity has been published on September in the UltraCycling magazine. Here is the link to the article, and you’ll find it as well on my website (http://www.patrickautissier.org/) under News & Communications.

Finally, since we’re at the end of the tax year, please consider making a donation to PIH or NLG,…or both.

I wish you in advance a great holiday and you can expect to receive more news at the beginning of the year 2007.

Best regards,
Patrick Autissier
http://www.patrickautissier.org/