Smithburg, WV to Grafton, WV

The route book says this section is endless rollers.  The first climb starts immediately after Time Station 45 in Smithburg.  Traffic started getting heavier as 4:00am and we are now in the fast morning rush hour traffic to Clarksburg.   The scenery is spectacular in the mountains with densely wooded hillsides, houses and little cemeteries tucked along the roads ducking off and down from the main highway.

We saw a couple of the RAAM team contestant with their vehicles along the road and watched one group ready itself for a change on the shoulder.

Mark had a tough job ahead of him through this section.  However, after a rest and a drink, he looked amazingly fresh as he reached Bridgeport just after Clarksburg (see photo).  More to come!

The skies to the east were cloud covered in the morning, but there was a fine tail wind.  Some hills starting.

When Mark left Time Station 46, he had completed 2,699 miles. Elevation was 800 - 1,300 ft.

Grafton, WV to Gormania, WV

This section is tough for the bike rider.  There are several climbs of 6-8% along the 44 miles of this Appalachian route.  The climbs are coupled with hair pin curves and steep descents.  Here, a lot of time can be made up by a rider with good climbing abilities and/or good descending abilities.  There are occasional little towns along the way as well as the highest point, 3,100 ft, in the Maryland road system.  Gormania is located after a steep descent to the North Branch Potomac River. 

At Time Station 47 after 44 miles of tough climbing and descent, Mark completed 2,743 miles.  Elevation ranged from 1,100 to 3,100 ft.

Gormania, WV to La Vale, MD

Mark started strongly out of Gormania up the first of the four climbs, ironically it is called Difficult Hill.  On cresting, there is a fast 7% descent to Difficult Creek and another ascent. Near Skyline is another hairpin 9% descent.  Mark was focused on completing this section well.

The terrain evens out after Keyser with a good shoulder.  The wind seems to be changing slightly.

Arrival at La Vale, MD for a quick breather

On leaving Time Station 48 in La Vale, Mark completed 2,790 miles.  Elevation ranged from 900 to 2,900 ft.

La Vale, MD to Hancock, MD

The four major climbs in this section are very challenging.  Mark left from La Vale and city-like traffic and began climbs along the Scenic Parkway.  The four climbs are 7-8% grades and there are smaller climbs in between.  It is dusk and soon night falls.

The RV left shortly before him and reached David Haase, a strong and experienced RAAMrider, along the course.  He was climbing well but slowly given the grades.

The RV stopped at the Time Station for a 3 hour sleep break, having missed yesterdays nap time, so as to be able to continue support as usual during the night should Mark wish to sleep.

When Mark left Time Station 49, he had completed 2,833 miles.  Elevations along this section varied from 1,800 to 500 ft.

Hancock, MD to Rouzerville, PA

This hilly section was completed in the dark.  Luckily both the Follow Vehicle and RV have GPS as the turns are many and the signage at times difficult to read.  Mark took a short nap along the way and passed both David Haase and the RV, both also having a short breather.

At night, Mark is riding in the circle of light created by the Follow Vehicle.  Along this section, some of the crests are so steep and followed by a curve that when Mark went over the top, he experiences a moment of darkness.

The road was often so sinuous that the RV was travelling at 20 miles an hour, using the yellow line for guidance.  There were many steep climbs.  The RV once again took a breather near Rouzerville while Mark went on ahead.

On leaving the Rouzerville Time Station 50, Mark had travelled 2,882 miles.

Elevations varied from 400 to 1,400 ft.

Rouzerville, PA to Hanover, PA

The two climbs at the start of this section are the last long sustained climbs of the race.  The first is a steep climb that curves left, narrow and climbs steeply for 2 miles.  Dawn broke as Mark went through Gettysburg National Historical Park.

Morning traffic is heavy.  Mark was sleepy in this stretch and stopped at the Hanover Time Station for a quick break and a change of clothes. The Follow Vehicle crew has been with Mark throughout the night providing encouragement and Jon massages Mark's legs during the rest break. Charlie and Richard refuel the vehicle quickly for the final miles into Annapolis.

Friends of his from London and New York have come along to the Time Station to cheer him on.  Their presence gave Mark and the crew a lift as we near the final Time Stations. 

Mike E, Johnny Bignose and Big Ted

At Time Station 51 in Hanover, Mark is very near to the end of his 3,014 mile journey.  He has completed 2,921 miles.  Elevations in this section were 400 to 1,300 ft.

Mark arriving at Hanover Time Station for a quick nap and massage

A welcome hug!

Gearing up for the final miles

Hanover, PA - Mount Airy, MD

Mark cycled out resolutely and in good spirits from the Hanover Time Station in the clear morning with temperatures just under 60 degrees.  This is rural gently rolling country, with increasing suburbs. Climbs on the route are graded for traffic and there are several 200 ft descents.  While less intense than the previous sections, it is still not an easy route.

The Mount Airy Bike Shop had an excellent Time Station!  They have a really interesting Bike Shop, and the  Travelling Bicycle Museum featuring antique bicycles dating from 1816 to present (bicyclemuseum@aol.com for those wanting a closer look) was there.  In addition, the RAAM riders who have received time penalties wait out their time here in the Penalty Box.  Many of Mark's crew were here and we rode out on the circular Bicycle Built for Seven to greet Mark.  We have a video of him going past us - not sure he thought we were an halucination or what!  It was a great laugh on a beautiful day. 

Mark posed for pictures and then rode off for the final 54 miles.

The RV had to leave Mark at this point as RV's may not accompany the racers.

On leaving Time Station 52, the scent of the ocean will be in the air.  Mark will have covered 2,959 miles of the 3,014 miles across the United States.   The elevation in this section is moderate, from 600 to 1,100 ft.

Mount Aliry, MD to Odenton, MD

This section will have little traffic on rural roads and then congestion will increase as the route crosses major arteries of the Washington to New York City northeast corridor.

When Mark leaves Time Station 53 in Odenton, he will have covered 2,999 miles.  Elevations are nearing sea level - 100 to 800 ft.

Odenton, MD to Annapolis, MD

Traffic may be congested and difficult along this section.  Racers will stop at mile 11 to be escorted by a Race Official into town.

Crossing the Finish Line

Mark's Dad, Rex,  happily taking picture of successful finish

Mark in the picture that says it all

A moment of reflection

The Team

A happy Mark and Crew Chief Charlie Coombs

Mark with parents and crew

Mark and 3rd Place Solo Finisher, David Haase, who road a great race finishing in 9 days 23 hours 19 minutes

Media Interviews

Celebratory Dinner in Annapolis

Time Station 54 in Annapolis ends the 3,014 mile journey from Oceanside, California.  Elevation: 100 - 20 ft.  From sea to sea.  Welcome