Saturday, June 27, 2009

Home Sweet Annapolis



Thirty-nine miles from the official finish of the race, we have been declared penalty free. That in itself is an enormous accomplisment. We will set the record because we are 13 hours ahead of pace. Annapolis is just two bikes rides away.

Here's the deal with the finish ... I would like to say that I'd love nothing more than to come post a report and photo from the finish, but the truth is, I will love it more to revel in our accomplishment with our teammates. I can't wait to get sweaty hugs from everybody.

But I will do this: We'll Twitter remotely, so check our Twitter page (the link is over on the right) and let you know we have crossed. We will post photos and video if we have it tomorrow. Charlie's wife Julie will provide those.

After Charlie finishes the officially timed portion of the race, Richard will be allowed to join him to ride a four-mile parade zone to the ceremonial finish line. Crew is allowed to join them in two support vehicles behind. We came across the country that way and we will cross the finish line that way.

I promise to tell you all about it tomorrow. I'm sorry you guys can't all actually be here because you've been with us all the way, and we sincerely thank you for that.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey Uncle Richard,

Mom just clued me into the race/the blog, all that jazz , so I'm watching at the very end from Cairo. Good luck for your finish!

-Elisabeth Page

Anonymous said...

just a follow up- looks like (using the helpful "Live RAAM coverage" Link you provided) that you guys finished - congrats!

-Elisabeth

Brooke said...

Welcome "home"! What an amazing job you all did. Thank you SOOOOO much for the blogging and the opportunity to experience a little corner of your miraculous accomplishment.

Now get yourselves some real food and enjoy some quality sleep. And I'll figure out how I am gonna exist without reading blogs about you all everyday!! ; )

Awesome amazing job everybody! ~Brooke

Chris said...

What an amazing job. Charlie, Richard, all of the crew. Congratulations!

Can't wait for the Yorkshire folks come home, and hear even more of the stories.

Unknown said...

Thank you for bringing a lot of excitement into a rather ordinary summer. It has been a thrill to read of and see pictures of your odyssey--and that's how I think of it.

You are an inspiring group. The conviction, strength, skill, persistence, and gumption of the riders are unbelievable. The care, concern, consistency, work ethic, and sportsmanship of the crew are beyond description.

There have been a lot of lyrics here. I hope nobody pukes when I say:

You light up my life!!!!!

Caroline K

Anonymous said...

Your sister Crystal Says...

YIPPEE!
WAY TO GO!
YOU ROCK!
CONGRATULATIONS!

Judy said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! To Richard and Charlie and the crew. I am so happy you made it safely and can finally get some much needed rest. I look forward to some pictures of the finish and some thoughts from Richard and Charlie. Thank you Jeannie for the informative blogs and letting us feel we were there with you. I look forward to Charlie and Lary coming home and hearing more about the trip. Take care and enjoy the celebrations.

Brooke said...

If TRH had a party in Cleveland and invited me to it, I'm guessing I would probably come. (Hint, hint)

Hope you are all having sweet dreams. ~Brooke

amy said...

Congratulations! You made it to the finish line in record time. What an accomplishment!

Great work Team Reaching Heights!!

Amy

Anonymous said...

Richard
I told your old Sunday mourning group about your RAAM ride. Most everyone can't imagine averging 17 mph for 3000 miles. I enjoyed reading about your ride and the team as I know four of you. What a great experience (very positive) you have all had.

Congradualations
Walt CHapman

Katie said...

Congratulations!!

You did it. You guys rock. Get some rest and revel in the reality of what you have accomplished. Thanks for letting us ride along via the blog. Jeannie, excellent job documenting the journey. Now get some rest and we'll be waiting for more reading when you're ready!

Congratulatory hugs to all!

Katie & Colleen

barbw3x said...

Holy Cow! Congratulations, Richard and Charlie, on an awesome accomplishment. I was feeling all cocky having walked 18 miles today, but when I reflect on what YOU'VE done, I'm humbled beyond description. Jeannie, your blog has been wonderful to follow; it's given me a much greater appreciation of what big and bigger units have done, as well as all the crew. You guys are amazing. Bet you can't wait to see Lily, Richard!

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to say congratulations on getting there. Love you, Claire

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Richard and Charlie!! From two big fans. Love, Cathy and Eric