Raven Rock Ramble 2008

Why ride? Observations from the director

1. Why am I directing this ride?
2. Why should you be interested in participating?

I've ridden many, many centuries. For example, see my write-ups and photos of the 1997 Assault on Mt. Mitchell and 1998 Bridge-to-Bridge rides. I've also directed enough centuries (such as the 1997 NCBC Spring Rally) that I have some well-formed opinions about what constitutes a good cycling event.

Thus, I've chosen to organize a century ride, make it a first-class affair, and direct the proceeds to the NKF.

"Fine," you say, "but why should I ride?"

Because I think you'll really enjoy it. Remember those well-formed opinions I mentioned? Here's the top ten reasons why I think the Raven Rock Ramble will be a ride you'll want to do:

1. The route. We've got a really good route, on roads that will be new to most area cyclists. The century and metric century routes run west of the Cape Fear River. The first half of both routes is hilly enough to be challenging, and the second half is flat enough to make for a strong finish. All routes are through scenic, rural countryside, and you'll visit such places as Bunn Level, Barbecue, and Broadway, NC.  There are also 31-mile and 10-mile routes for folks who would prefer a shorter distance.  There are also "shortcut" routes of 86 and 43 miles.
2. The facilities. We've got a good start/finish point, with large covered shelters to meet with riders both before and after the ride, ample parking, restrooms, and plenty of entertainment opportunities should you have family with you.
3. The t-shirt. What makes a good shirt? To me, one that has good graphic design, goes well with blue jeans (not white!), is a high-quality shirt (we'll use Hanes Beefy-T), and is clearly a cycling event shirt (so you can impress folks that you're an endurance athlete, of course).  See the Artwork page for this year's and prior year's designs.  I'm hoping it will be a shirt you'll enjoy wearing for years to come.  
4. The food. You don't have to ride for long to realize that a big part of a good ride is good food. We'll have good food. We'll have ample Le Bleu water and sports drink at all sag stops and at Harris Park. We'll have bagels from Panera Bread, bananas, cookies, fig newtons, Little Debbie snacks, soft drinks, and more. Plus, we'll have sandwiches from Schlotzsky's Deli and pizza from Rudino's at the finish (while they last).
5. The date. I have purposely picked the first Sunday in May. It's when lots of riders are gearing up for the season and training for rides such as Mount Mitchell. The weather should be warm enough but not oppressively hot, and there are few other established rides on that date.
6. Not a conventional fundraiser. I don't know about you, but I'm uncomfortable about asking folks to pay money for me to ride. It would be like my wife asking to be paid to eat chocolate. Instead, we'll simply charge a fair price and donate the proceeds. If you wish to donate anything extra, you are of course welcome to do so, but you don't need to ask others to donate.
7. Not that expensive. OK, it's 30 bucks, but, you'll get a receipt for the charitable part of your entry fee (around $20) and you get the aforementioned t-shirt, food, and perhaps other freebies. I like to think that you'll find the ride to be very worthwhile.
8. Maps and cue sheets. Admittedly, not really a reason to ride but a spoiler if it's done poorly. The route will be marked so you can't possibly get lost. The cue sheet will be detailed with road names, numbers, and comments, and the location of sag stops and stores will be clearly marked. The maps and cue sheets are posted on the Routes page so you can ride the route again at a later time if you so choose.
9. A worthy cause. I hope that neither you nor your loved ones should ever be confronted with end-stage renal disease. You should take comfort, however, that there are groups such as the National Kidney Foundation that are there to help.
10. A special offer. In order to increase awareness of the importance of organ donation (one of my objectives), I have a special offer for folks who have agreed to be organ donors (indicated by a heart on your driver's license) or who sign a donor card at the event.

US Transplant Games

The US Transplant Games are all about showing how successful organ transplants can be and about raising awareness on the importance of organ donation. The North Carolina chapter of the NKF hopes to send 50-70 athletes to the games, held every other year, and the Raven Rock Ramble helps support this effort.

I participated in the two cycling events in the 2002 Transplant Games (winning silver and bronze medals) and won gold medals in both events in 2004 and 2006.  I hope to participate in the 2008 Games in Pittsburgh.

Riding the time trial in 2006	On the podium with my sister and donor

My personal story

My sister Laura agreed to be my donor, and we underwent surgery on March 7, 2001, just before I otherwise would have had to have started dialysis. I had some of the ups and downs associated with transplants (rejection, infection, etc), but by Memorial Day weekend I was back on my bike and managed an 8-mile ride.

I never expected I'd recover my speed and conditioning so quickly. I was riding metric centuries by July and full centuries by September, and without the first quiver of leg cramps. I began to remember why I enjoyed cycling so much, and would ride for the simple joy of feeling my body move and the bike respond. God, it's great!  

The average transplant lasts only 10 years. I'm hoping for more, but I realize my time to enjoy cycling may be limited. My response is to make the most of it, ride when I can, and savor every moment. I encourage, indeed urge, you to do the same.

-DLC