Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Starting to Feel it...

Bernie just checked in with me 1:45 CST. The usual excitement in Bernie's voice has been replaced by weariness. The Team just left Prescott and are on the TS 7-8 route. After a good start things have started to unravel a little bit. Bernie says that they made a typical rookie team mistake and started out too hot. Now they are starting to pay for it. This morning Bernie had to be taken to the Prescott hospital to get 2 liters of IV to treat dehydration. It has been extremely difficult to get enough food and drink. Bernie said that all 4 riders are probably running nutritional deficits. Neil has lost 4 pounds already, while Greg and Tim are maintaining. They're each burning approximately 6,000 calories a day, it's hard to consume that much. Sleeping has also been difficult. With the crew and riders all sleeping on the RV, it is difficult to get rest with the RV always on the go. The riders and the crew are all in sleep deprivation. They had to force Nuxie to get some rest. Bernie said he has probably slept a total of 3 hours so far. So while Bernie has been out, Neil, Tim and Greg have been forced to take turns riding. They have been taking hour and a half long pulls each. The route from TS 6-7 had a difficult climb to Prescott and Greg hammered it all by himself, while other teams were able to rotate the climb with more guys. Bernie said he is starting to feel better, he'll need to rest some more before he can get back out there and give the other 3 stalwarts some relief. They have concsciously backed off the pace as there is a lot of riding left.

Thanks to Laurel's comment post I found the pictures, here's a link to a team picture, when they were a little bit fresher. Till the next update, hang in there Team Strongheart!!!

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow, Team Strong Heart is doing terrific - keep it up your fans are pulling for you. Keep the faith and your goals will be reached. We're enjoying following along on the site and the blog here. Today our son got an email from a couple of fellow campers talking about how much they're looking forward to sharing the Camp Odayin experience this summer. You truly are doing something that will impact kids. We all truly appreciate the sacrifices the entire team is making on this journey.

Mark, father of a Camp Odayin Child

Erik said...

Ride your own race guys. We are proud of you for just taking this on!

Popper said...

Skibby -
Pass on my thoughts to the fellas - I've been following them online and sending "good carma"...tell them to stay strong! -benpopp

Frodnew said...

You guys have already won. What about eating and sleeping more, conserve and enjoy the ride? I know it would be nice to cross the line first but you still have quite a bit to go and we want you all safe and healthy. Is it me or does Neil look thinner now that he shaved his legs? LOL!

Hang in there guys!!

Frodnew said...

I think Neil's group should be called The Barn Owls and the other group, The Spirit Birds.

Neil would totally agree!

The Deuel Family said...

Keep up the hard work! We are cheering you on from Rockford, MI. What a great thing you are doing.

Laurel said...

I wonder how Belinda is taking all of this? And Tim's girlfriend? Angie...you're there...you see it. How are you holding up, my friend? I love you all so much that I sincerely hope that this experience gets better for all of you. Tessa, you said, "No Dying". Does that apply to "No killing the crew members due to lack of sleep"?!!!!!! I can't seem to pray for you all enough. I ask God to supernaturally infuse healing love and energy back into all of you. May God protect all of the bikes, the vehicles, the personalities, the patience, and the health of all 14 of you.
I'm heading out the door in two hours to take the kids to the airport to wait for you at the finish line. You can do it, guys! I know that you can make it. Even if you slip into last place, you can make it. Pull over and sleep for 4 or 5 hours if you have to, just to start over. NO PNEUMONIA IN THE MOUNTAINS, PLEASE!
Love, LOVE, LOVE, Laurel

Anonymous said...

Hey Bernie...hang in there. doug and I were checking your progress today and saw you weren't feeling well...and now it sounds like you are better!

See you soon!

Julie Carlson (JC)

Anonymous said...

Wow! this is exciting to read and watch - Team Strong Heart you are doing great! Stay consistent - that's how you'll staying strong. We're very proud of your accomplishment.
Larry and Pam at Trailhead

Anonymous said...

Thanks...

Canan Eoy
Health