RAAM 2011 FINAL OFFICIAL FINISHER: Geoff Brunner

RAAM 2011 FINAL OFFICIAL FINISHER: Geoff Brunner

“Never underestimate the value of a good tailwind!’

Vic Armijo / City Dock, Annapolis, Maryland
June 27, 2011

To be an official finisher RAAM Racers have exactly 12 days to cover the distance from Oceanside, California to Annapolis, Maryland. Many riders over the years have encountered delays and difficulties along the way, causing them to come in beyond the cut-off and not be eligible for an official finish that puts them in the record book and entitles them to a finisher’s medal.

Geoff Brunner came in today right on the cut-off. One more minute and he’d forever regret that time in Kansas when he spent some extra time brushing his teeth, or that red light that he got behind in Ohio “If only I’d pedaled a little harder when it was yellow!” But none of that matters now. He made it.

While the official finish line is a few miles back, there’s a ceremonial finish at City Dock where the spectators gather and the awards are presented. Brunner’s young son sat waiting for him there, seated next to Geoff’s grandmother. Geoff stopped short of the line and called his son to join him—together they walked across the line. Amid the cheering of congratulations and the marveling at his making it so close, Geoff quipped, “Never underestimate the value of a good tailwind!’ Indeed Geoff. In RAAM as in life the most valued results are sometimes the ones that you fought for and almost didn’t get. And sometimes just a little bit of extra help is appreciated. Congratulations!