The story of the Michigan North to South record attempt started a few weeks ago when the crew had to be assembled. The UMCA requires two officials for any record over 24 hours. Since I was not sure I would be able to finish in less than that, I invited Bill and Debbie Kulwicki to act as officials. Kevin Koval, an official from last years attempt, now was free to act soley as a coach. Once again Jerry Clum agreed to the exciting job of driving the follow vehicle between 15 and 20 miles per hour behind me. Of course, the crew chief was again Linda who shared driving responsibilities with Jerry.
So the paperwork was filed the required 21 days prior to the attempt, and the waivers were signed and on my desk to be mailed in by one day prior. The strategy sheet was developed complete with rest stops for crew changes. During endurance exercise, we can only absorb approximately 275-320 calories and about 20-30 oz water per hour. Even the calorie and fluid requirements were calculated and added to the sheets. We had two crews consisting of a driver and an official (to keep the official log and make sure the racer doesn’t cheat!): female (Linda and Debbie) and male (Jerry and Bill). The crews alternated between the follow vehicle and the RV at each rest point. Kevin’s duties were to monitor and encourage Wendell, and mix the appropriate energy drinks.
There was a paperwork panic which deprived me of an hour or two of sleep on Thursday night. On Thursday morning, I discovered that I had forgotten to mail in the waivers. The attempt started on Friday evening, so the waivers had to be in Colorado by Thursday! Believe it or not, FedEx provides same day service from Niles to Colorado. After “misplacing” the package, it did arrive, and the Records Chairman of the UMCA graciously accepted it the next morning.
We traveled up to Cadillac, MI, where we picked up Jerry Clum at Mike Dolack’s house. Mike is a good friend who always has something up his sleeve. He did not disappoint! On our arrival, there was a reporter from the Cadillac Evening News for an interview and pictures. The next day, there was an article and picture.
The Crew is Assembled: Debbie Bill Linda Wendell Kevin Jerry
We arrived in Sault Ste Marie at about 4pm, and after a brief nap, proceeded to the Visitor Center for the Soo Locks, the official starting point for the attempt. The starting and ending points are established by the original record setter, in this case Jeff Stephens back in 1996. The weather was less than ideal, quite windy and some rain. Nonetheless, I started out at 5:54pm and headed south on Mackinaw trail for St. Ignace. The winds were mostly cross winds and it was cloudy, a bit rainy and cool, in the high 50’s. I rode strong and arrived at the Straights of Mackinaw averaging well over 18 miles per hour, a strong start. After the (mandatory) ride across Mighty Mack in the RV getting a few minutes rest.
After attaching the lights to the bike, and warm weather clothing to me, I headed south from Mackinaw City on US 31, around Petosky on back roads to the next stop. It was getting seriously cold, with temperatures in the low 40’s and even down to 37 at one point. I rode on to Kalkaska, still maintaining an easy pace of about 18mph. As I pulled into the McDonalds there, I really didn’t realize how cold I was. My system was gearing more toward keeping warm than pedaling, and more importantly, toward absorbing calories from the GI tract. I spent almost 2 hours warming back up, and after the gentle urging of my wonderful coach, once again set forth, this time for Lake City, the half way point.
I still was able to ride reasonably strong, but the strength was waning, and the stomach was in rebellion once again. After 171 miles of the 368, I decided that enough was enough. Not being far from Cadillac, Mike Dolack was called and had his whirlpool ready full of nice warm water. I was asleep in less than a minute.
It was another disappointment, but still, a very strong ride for me, and encouraging for the future. Looking back, it was hypothermia and its demands on my system which was the culprit this time. It was beyond my control. It took well over 24 hours more before my system saw anything close to recovery.
If you will notice, the race schedule and totals have been updated, both for Balltown and this record attempt, even though I did not finish. I prorated the difficulty points to reflect the miles ridden, and thus calculated my point totals, and sponsorship funds raised.
Many thanks go to the crew which was to the last man and woman, extremely supportive. My wife, Linda, likely suffered more than I did. I love you, Babes. Most of all I thank the LORD for keeping me safe and free from serious harm or injury.
