patrickautissier.org

SPONSORS 2007

Oceanside, June 12th

 

 

The Race Across America for Patrick Autissier is here! After over a year of training, planning and fundraising that Patrick made it to the starting line in Oceanside Ca. He arrived on Friday June 8th to begin the final preparations for the 3050 mile race to Atlantic City. The crew has also assembled in California to assist in the many facets of preparation and execution of the race. The crew consists of three members who have traveled from France: Thierry, Fred and Christian; Jerome from the French island of Guadeloupe, Herve, a Frenchman living in Boston, and two Americans: Rob from Boston and Patrick`s own daughter Estelle.

The first 24 hours of RAAM have been exciting for Patrick and the crew. The race left Oceanside at 9:00 on Sunday June 10th. The start line was just next to the beach in beautiful Southern California. Amidst great fanfare from the hundreds of spectators, the riders rode along the beach before turning east for the long journey. The first 13 miles were in "Parade" format, with all of the riders in the solo category and 24 Challenge riding together to the official starting line. From here the riders left in 30 second intervals, climbing into the desert mountains of San Diego County.

Patrick rode very strong through the grueling first day climbs in heat exceeding 100 degree F. Despite the heat and the hills, a smile never left his face. He passed through time station one in fours hours and did not stop for a rest. After another tedious climb into the mountains, a long downhill descending 3000 feet of elevation, launched him into Borrego Springs, CA, a tiny dessert oasis where he stopped for a brief rest and quick bite. After this short respite, he rode 30 miles of relatively flat, straight, blazing hot roads through Eastern CA farmland. Patrick gathered a tremendous amount of strength, as the afternoon progressed. As the sun set on the first afternoon, he reached a plateau of energy and excitement as he rode through the most beautiful winding canyons while Phil Collins was blasting on the support van overhead sound system.

The crew members were also energized by Patrick`s enthusiasm. Estelle filmed the beautiful landscape and interviewed the crew with the new digital video camera. Jerome, the Team Clown, kept everyone laughing with his imitation radio voice. All of the others participated in figuring the logistics and preparing the equipment. The biggest challenge facing the crew this early on, is the small amount of space: all seven members must fit into two vans; with all of the supplies, bikes, food, clothing and each other.

The night set in as Patrick rode into Time Station 3 in Chiriaco Summit. He stopped again briefly for a quick bite of freshly prepared Pasta Salad made with extra love by master chef and crew member Thierry. He rode throughout the night, stopping only to sleep briefly for 20 minutes in Blythe, CA and again for 10 minutes in the desolate desert town of Hope, AZ.

The sun rose on thankfully overcast Arizona summer day as Patrick climbed into the desert hills coming into Time Station 6. He has stopped now to take a brief rest after a total of 341 miles in the first 24 hours!

Patrick encourages everyone to keep him in their thoughts as he continues on in one of the most gruely events ever attempted. Follow his progress online at www.raceacrossamerica.org and his own website www.patrickautissier.org. If possible, please contribute to his cause in the form of a donation.

 

Rob