From The Drivers Seat: Serindipity in a Frosty Mug of Root Beer

The greatest thing about traveling with RAAM, is that the route is almost entirely on non-interstate roads across the country. While passing through the small towns across the country, you make some great discoveries, cool architecture, interesting shops and restaurants, and some amazing people with great stories.


While passing through Robinson, Illinois late one afternoon following RAAM racers, I spotted the Dog N Suds drive in. This was a very serendipitous moment for me. When I was a little guy, we had a Dog n Suds in my home town of Lebanon, Mo. To say I loved Dog n Suds is an understatement. I had adorned my tricycle with Dog n Suds stickers, and I even had a Dog n Suds mug; the only way to get me to drink my milk was to put it in my Dog N Suds mug.

 Fortunately, for me and ultimately the media crew, it was close to our dinner time, so we made a U turn and went back for a bite to eat.

I quickly located the owner, Mr Mark Mathews, and we shared some Dog N Suds stories, and I found out how he came to be the owner of this once great drive in chain. At one time, there were over 700 Dog N Suds around the mid-west, sadly, only 17 still exist today.

Proud Owner: Mark Matthews

The HQ Media Crew awaiting there Root Beers and Coney Dogs

Mark proudly informed me, they still make there Coney Sauce using the original recipe, and there root beer is still made in house to strict Dog N Suds standards. We were not disappointed when our food arrived, and had the best meal of our 3,000 mile journey.

Almost everyone I talked with on the race crews, all commented on how they loved to see the "Real America" while on their RAAM journey. You just don't see this kind of stuff from the freeway, nor do you get to meet people like the great folks at Dog N Suds in Robinson,Ill.

On your next trip, slow down a bit, get off of the interstate and take some back roads. Who knows what kind of discoveries you might find, perhaps you will find the "Dog N Suds" from your childhood memories.

More Information On Dog N Suds Drive In"s: http://www.dog-n-suds.com/

From the Drivers Seat : The Unsung Heroes

In every aspect of life, there are the people behind the scenes. If it were not for the camera man, there would be no movie star, if the grounds keepers didn't do their jobs, the football player wouldn't have a well groomed end-zone to celebrate their touchdowns.

RAAM is no different. The Race Officials are the unsung heroes of RAAM. Some of the officials have been doing this since the early days of the race. For some, this is their “Rookie” year as an official. Regardless of how long they have been doing it, they are all here for the same reason, they believe in RAAM.

                                          RAAM Veteran Race Officials: 
                                                        Rob Warren, Mike Roarke, Cindy Roarke, Jim Harnes

Cindy Roarke, honored with the title “RAAM Mom,” has been officiating for RAAM with her husband Mike Roarke, for 27 years. When I asked Cindy to describe her job as an official, she quickly responded, "We try to keep the riders and the crews safe.”

Cassie Schumacher, was training and planning to ride the RAAM this year, however, too many logistical difficulties prevented her from participating. Wanting to find a way to still be apart of RAAM, she signed on as a Race Official.

                                                                Cassie Schumacher, Mike Roarke

Jody Stange, is an aspiring RAAM racer, and has ridden the route independently, as well as having been a crew member for a RAAM racing team. Still unable to manage the logistical hurdles of entering the race himself, he decided to be an official this year, so he could continue to be apart of this great event.

                                                                          Jody Stange

All of the Race Officials have great stories of how they have become involved with this race. As you follow the race and cheer for the riders please try and remember there are some really awesome people behind the scenes, keeping the riders on the bike, keeping the route safe, and making sure the race will continue.

Keep your rubber side down

RB

From the Drivers Seat

I am sitting here in Oceanside at the Super duper 8 hotel enjoying the last beer I will have for the next 14 days, and recovering from my first official day as the driver for the Headquarters Van of the RAAM Media Crew. We spent most of the day gathering necessary supplies (Inverters, Extension Cords, Tape etc.) to convert the rental vans into Mobile Media Stations of Never Ending RAAM Information or MMSNERAAMI....okay, it's a work in progress.

 We were not the only ones scurrying around the parking lot "Pimping" our rides. The crew from Austria supporting Gerhard Gulewicz were also busy decking out there SAG Wagon and their R.V. They we gracious enough to let me on board of their R.V. to have a look around, and I talked with the Team Nurse, as he inventoried and organized the medical supplies (hopefully not) necessary for the race. The team informed me they have at least 4 designated drivers for the race, and will be driving in shifts depending on who is the most rested.

On the other side of the parking lot, there was a row of vehicles, that will be driven by the Race Officials. I talked briefly with Hans, as he placed stickers on his ride. Hans is a native of Austria, and he has supported RAAM as a race official for the last 5 years, this is his idea of a Vacation. All of the Race Officials are volunteers, and only receive per-diem for expenses.

Tomorrow, we will be spending time down at the beach, talking with the teams, as everyone gears up for the race.
Keep your Rubber Side Down.
RB