GCC member Tom Fanning completed the Race Across AMerica in 10 days, 18 hours, and 14 minutes, taking fourth place in the grueling 2911 mile transcontinental race. Nineteen riders started the race on Friday, July 30, but only 5 were able to complete the course officially (within 48 hours of the winner). One rider, Bobbi Thoren of Sweden, was still on the course at the cutoff. Jerry Tatrai of Australia finally won a RAAM after third place finishes in the last two years. Rob Kish of Florida, the defending champ, was second.
Much of the high rate of attrition was attributable to the extreme weather conditions at the start of the race. The first two days of riding through the California and Nevada deserts saw temperatures regularly in the 100's, and at times over 120. Despite experiencing hamstring cramps 250 miles into the ride, Tom was well placed in the field until his first rest stop deep in Nevada. Lacking adequate shade, his body temperature soared to over 103, requiring an immediate motel stop and sleep period. By the time he rode his way out of the effects of this problem, he was well back in the field and 41 hours down to the leader. He then started to pick off riders one by one as they faltered and dropped out, and was briefly able to take third place, but that rider (Mike White) was better rested and was able to reestablish a two hour margin.
The morning after, Tom commented "I feel like I just finished a week long drinking binge." But other than a case of moderate saddle sores, he was up and about and eating like a horse. Tom and his crew wish to express their heartfelt thanks to the members of the Gainesville Cycling Club for their support in helping make this achievement possible.