Thursday, June 21, 2007

Alas...

After a final sleepy day through WV, PA, MD, PA, MD, PA, DE (and many more state line crossings that I have no room to type) Jeff pushed himself until 4am to cross the Delaware Memorial Bridge into NJ before sleeping until daylight for the final 64 miles into Atlantic City. He arrived around 10:30am with a police escort for the final 5 miles and down about 300 yards of the boardwalk. Not too many people were on the boardwalk that time of morning, but those around gathered for the spectacle of interviewing a severely sleep deprived cyclist.
We then went to lunch were Jeff fell asleep reading the menu and intermittently throughout the meal (and entire day really). While waiting on the boardwalk for another cyclist (Oyler) to come in, Jeff took another nap and blended quite well with some of the local bums doing the same. Here's a photo of him at the finish. I hope he's awake enough to share some of his own reflections tomorrow.


An article on Jeff by VeloNews that appeared on the RAAM website: http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/jeff-oatley-top-american-raam-07-vic-armijo

7 comments:

Rob said...

Jeff and all the crew: Excellent effort. Many more people than you knew were watching the computer and cheering for you. A lifelong accomplishment. Now quit dozing in your food. And don't operate any motor vehicles......
Rob Sampson

Emily & Luke said...

great job everyone. Can't wait to hear all the stories when you get back to Fairbanks.

E

Whit said...

Jeff,

Great to see you cross the finish line today, Tom and I were on the phone together living your moment with you. Many congratulations to you and your awesome crew! I can't wait to hear more about your experience. Tom and I will manage your career so rest assured. How soon can we get you on Leno? What about that Regis guy? Do you prefer Letterman? The Today Show?

J. Ahern said...

whoo hoo! Amazing!! can't wait to see you guys in a week.

Unknown said...

Awesome! Congrats to Jeff and the whole crew. Enjoy those all-you-can-eat buffets and SLEEP!

Jill Homer said...

Congratulations. Incredible ride.

mjo said...

Great ride! And great crewing, too. You guys rock.