Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Tony O'Keeffe's CF RAAM 2009 BLOG

Dear friends and family,

I am writing to you a little earlier than expected. The team and I withdrew from the race yesterday, after almost 1600 miles of great racing. We have been competing extremely well, and I feel great otherwise. I developed a debilitating condition known in ultra cycling as “Shermer’s Neck” where I could no longer hold my head up. The condition only worsens with time, and a mechanical brace is required if one chooses to continue. With 1400 miles remaining I felt I could no longer continue in a safe manner, and so we withdrew from RAAM 2009.

The good news is that we were racing well and making a move on the race field. My legs were strong, nutrition and hydration were on, and morale was high. The team was working well, and our presence was well known as we progressed. Despite our obvious disappointment, we are all doing well and this experience has been outstanding. RAAM is hard, and the biggest hurdle is getting to the start line. Everything after that is an experience.

We look forward to getting home and enjoying summer with friends and family. Thank you for your support,

Tony O’Keeffe

170 comments:

Anonymous said...

Have a great ride.

Anonymous said...

All the best to this year CF 2009 RAAM Team. Soldier On

Anonymous said...

Hello there, I would like to wish you the best of luck in the upcoming race and also to congratulate you on your associated charity, I sure wish these programs where in place when I was in the military, they would have gone a long way.

Thanks for representing Canada and its soldiers, may you cross the finish line in good health, Ride hard and pass em all.

Ex Soldier Boy

Anonymous said...

Good Day Team; we are starting to get online donations in support of your efforts. Have a safe ride to the start and have fun. Andrew/Soldier On

Anonymous said...

Good day team; just got an email from Maj Duckworth updating us on the fundraising and they have now hit the 40,000 mark thanks to an Ottawa man donating 10% of the 36,000 raised. We continue to get online donations as well for your efforts. Safe driving and get your rest Tony...and crew.
Soldier On
Andrew

Unknown said...

Hey buddy - got myself situated on your blog now: all eyes are on you! Go Go Go!

SnowLeopard

Anonymous said...

Hi Tony, It was great to be able to talk with you before you headed off to start another RAAM adventure. Couldn't believe it when I turned around during the course of the Shawnigan Lake Half Iron and there was Ultraman Dan - phone at the ready. Sorry I couldn't stay too long for a chat but with athletes flying in all around me I had to make some noise. Truly hope all will go superbly well for you and the amazing team you have gathered together. May the Force be with you and may the less-than-ecstatic moments be held at bay by the 'Soldier On' mantra. Take care my friend - we will be following the event on-line and of course vicariously living through you, so eat whatever Jackie is kind enough to cook up for you. Happy Wife Happy Life - Happy rider she's behind ya! TRI to keep FIT, Steve & Jean King

Anonymous said...

Hi Tony, It was a big surprise to be at the Shawnigan Lake Half Iron and suddenly get a tap on the shoulder from Ultraman Dan and then to have you on the other end of the line while the race is on and triathletes heading in all directions. Sorry I couldn't talk for too long but our thoughts are with you and the great team you've assembled. We'll be following you on the blog and will live and ride vicariously with you. May the Force be with you and in those less-than-pleasant times, may you Soldier On. Remember to eat whatever Jackie cooks up for you. Happy Wife Happy Life, Happy Rider she's behind ya! TRI to keep FIT.

Anonymous said...

Thanks very much to Dan Proulx for managing this site. The Blog is up and working, and the team appreciates your words of encouragement, and support of Soldier On. The team will keep the site updated with photo's and anecdotes as we race across the US. I look forward to hearing your messages over the loudspeaker, keep 'em coming! It has been a tremendous journey to get to this point, and I am excited to get going. More to follow

Tony O'Keeffe

MOMO said...

Long time no see Tony O. I thought by now you'd be riding a walker down the hallways of an old folks home but I see you are crazier than ever.
Pedal like hell, take no prisoner and bring back some hardware.
Manon says Hi!

MOMO said...

pmoris7@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

Webmaster, the dates and days of the week do not jive on the Race Progress site:

http://cfraam2009.donmacpherson.com/report/report.htm

CF RAAM 2009 said...

Thank you anonymous

Anonymous said...

Tony,
Make this quick, the DD is already making me work weekends!
Giddy-Up!!!
B

Unknown said...

Well done support team! Looks like you are ready to cross the continent all over again! Go luck to everyone - we'll be supporting you all the way through!

Snowleopard

Anonymous said...

Tone Babes, you're a machine maybe even a god have a good RAAM my friend

Rick Monaghan said...

CF Team

Best of luck -- twice is the charm.

Rick M

Anonymous said...

Good to see that all the team has arrived.
Fast and happy race vibes coming from Kingston.

Joanne

Anonymous said...

Toneman, Billy Burke here with Julie, Lauren, and Elisabeth wishing you all the best -- safe journey and kick some arse brother! We will track your progress daily and send you the best MOJO possible from Memphis throughout the race! Keep smilin' and take good care of the UNIT!

Anonymous said...

Hey Big Tone, Take care on the road, there are a lot of hogs out there. I know you will have all your Phil Collins music to keep you company. Tuck in your leg warmers 'cause you don't want to get them caught in the chain. Try to smile every now and then, we know that that will be harder for you than bicycling across America. Don't forget to ring your bell when approaching pedestrian crossings. We'll keep in touch you big goofball. The best of Irish luck my friend.

Sean and Emer

Anonymous said...

Give'r hell. Show em' what's up!! K-town style!

Love,
RMC Hockey

Anonymous said...

Race day! I wish you fair weather and gentle winds at your back. Have a great race!
Mrs. Chief!

Anonymous said...

Today is the day, Tony! You are a very strong and determined athlete, and will finish this race with flying colors. Stay focuss and let the road be your friend. We will be with you all the way.

Team

Anonymous said...

Hey sir,
Nothing has burned down yet and I'm enjoying the parking spot. Good luck today; our thoughts are with you.
H

Anonymous said...

Hi Son - sitting at my desk 10.a.m.Thursday thinking of the start line...will be with you in spirit all the way, and praying for the safety of you and all the team. Looking forward to following your progress - more sleepless nights!!!
Tons of love from Mom

Anonymous said...

Steve, The whole fitness department at the base want to know "How the
Health Are Ya"?? We miss you here, and to Tony and the rest of the team
stay focused, stay strong and SMILE!!!
Lots of Love,
All the Fitness Instructors at CFB Kingston

Rob MacEwen said...

Am looking forward to following your progress. Lets see CFRAAM send out updates on twitter!

Anonymous said...

Since you have some spare time to think about all the great people who work for you back at the college while cycling across the States, I thought I'd take the time to let you know a little about me. I know your day is pretty busy but I'll let you know how my day goes so you can focus on something other than burning calf muscles.

Last night I asked my wife "Where do you want to go for our anniversary?"
It warmed my heart to see her face melt in sweet appreciation.
"Somewhere I haven't been in a long time!" she said.
So I suggested, "How about the kitchen?"

... and that's how the fight started.

Day 1 hasn't been too good for me so far. I'll keep you posted.

In The Doghouse

Anonymous said...

Have been watching the minutes tick down and it's now start time - 1 minute. I can almost feel the excitement from here! Sending you all my warmest wishes for a safe and amazing journey ahead of you. Can't wait to be reading all about it. Happy trails Tony and a special hug for that Dwyre guy:)

Jacquie B

Anonymous said...

Hi Tony and Team. I remember RAAM 2006 and I know that you guys are going to do even better. Love the site and Autumn and I are looking forward to watching and supporting you guys all the way. Hey Tony, I'm going to do an Ironman in 2012...any advice..lol? Autumn has a message for Mark...I Love You Daddy. See you soon.

Angela and Autumn

Unknown said...

Couldnt wait to check the site this morning to see the night's results... LOOKING GOOD! I will play Tony's favorite ABBA tunes in honour of Day 1 results! Too bad we can't get video of Tony racing with an ABBA background... it would get Mikey all teary eyed! Tell Tony we love him and its OK with us if he goes faster, stronger, longer than Dom with a remote control watching The Unit!

Anonymous said...

Hi sir, nice to see that you are already kicking ass!! Your the talk of the College and I'll pass on your great progress at coffee today. The CI said that he's a big ABBA fan too; you guys should get together. Keep on keepin on!
H

Anonymous said...

Well, another huge day for you and I hope it was a memorable one. We are all cheering for you up here and have been thinking about the race lots. Everytime my buddy and I do a race and it gets hard we always think back to when you said "that is where the old man is...all the time!" and fight through it. You are an inspiration. I will be following the race closely...show them what you can do!
-Scott

Anonymous said...

Great race, I'm enjoying watching the bike go across the map. Fit the bike with a GPS next year so we can follow you live!

As for me, I managed to smooth things over with the wife after the kitchen remark incident yesterday, but had a run in with the mother-in-law. Last year I decided to buy her a cemetery plot as birthday gift. It's her birthday today and I didn't buy her a gift. She noticed the lack of a present and asked me why. "Well", I said, "You still haven't used the gift I bought you last year"!

...and that's how the fight started

In The Doghouse

Anonymous said...

Go for it Sir!

Sending you positive vibes from myself and the whole RMC Taekwondo team!

Joel

Anonymous said...

Your resolve is hardened STEEL. Your heart is GOLD. Your spirit is PLATINUM. Enough Chemistry for now! Get here soonest. We miss you. kommyF (+Beverly).

Anonymous said...

Antoine! It seems to be a hot day overthere... Think about swimming in the lake at RMC: that will cool you down! And things could be worst: you could be taking French right now. How is that for motivational words! ;-) I'm sending you loads of positive vibes. And too your team too! You rock!
S.

Anonymous said...

Oups! I meant "to your team"

Anonymous said...

Watching your progress - would appear that everything is going well with you and the team - you are an inspiration to so many. Bev.

Anonymous said...

Sir,
Two penguins walk into a bar, one penguin says to the other penguin "Hey, can you pass the salt?" The other penguin looks at him puzzled and says "What do you think I am, a type-writer???"
Hugo

Anonymous said...

Great work Team, keep it up and Soldier On.

Andrew

Anonymous said...

DCdts,

Find the zone and let the miles fly by. All the best to you and your team and safe and happy return to all. I'll keep checking your progress and sending support out your way.

Rob

GlennVentoux said...

Tony ...

Sage thought: When in doubt, just take the next small step.

May you not have to consider this.

With you all the way.

Unknown said...

C'mon Tony, it's only fun when it gets tough and from what I can read, the plains are a lot of fun! Stay focused!!! If anyone can do this, it's you. You've shown your courage before at the all-nighter dancethon at the Sarajevo Millenium (Don't worry, its our secret brother!).

Anonymous said...

Hi Tony,

We will be with you all the way. At times I wish I was with you to hear your stories...again...but then I wake up in a cold sweat.
Audrey still thinks you're nuts.

"You can put your weeeed in it" Anon

Anonymous said...

Atta Boy Tony - I am following you all the way - its 1 a.m. here in Montreal - I had to take a look before I go back to sleep - we are all proud of you and following with interest your progress - love to you and Jackie from Mom

Anonymous said...

and when she says she's been watching, trust me.....she's been watchin !!

go Team !!!

Big J.

Anonymous said...

DCdts,

"Success in life [and sport] is a matter not so much of talent or opportunity as of concentration and perseverance." You truely are an inspiration. Good luck to you and your team for the rest of the race, I'll be watching your progress.

Give 'er!

Emma

Anonymous said...

Tony I can see you have been using your 25 giggle-jewel helmet and your support crew is keeping you in fine form! stay strong my friends, you are all noble people racing for a noble cause!

Benny

Anonymous said...

Most of DTE (except Dave, of course) is following online. Wish we could be there to cheer you all on.

Rick M.

Anonymous said...

Hi Tony,
Watching your progress and wishing you all the very best.
Lots of love,
Margo and John xx

Anonymous said...

Have a nice ride and keep it up
Michel

Anonymous said...

All your hard work is paying off, you are making great progress. It is awesome to see. Hope all is well with you and the team. Keep hauling, every stroke of the pedal counts!

-Scott

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

almost half way there, its all downhill and wind at your back after that

Anonymous said...

Well you must be either approaching or past 1000 Kms by now... impressive. I hope your spirits are high. Keep those wheels turning... and turning fast!

So that gift I got the mother-in-law last year, the one mentioned earlier in this blog, regrettably she still hasn't used it. I know, it's nothing like the pain you're feeling right now but it's painful none the less. So to ease the pain, I decided to turn my thoughts to sex since that's always a good distraction (I'm sure I have your attention now!).

Last night my wife and I were watching "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" while we were in bed. I turned to her and said, "Do you want to have sex"? "No", she quickly answered. I then said, "Is that your final answer"? She didn't even look at me this time, simply saying "Yes". So I said, "Then I'd like to phone a friend".

... and that's how the fight started

In The Doghouse

Hazel said...

It's Friday, TB, and you know what that means. Peddle like hell to get to the Smarties line-up before the girls! Keep safe, you crazy man.
Love HazelNxo

Anonymous said...

A few years ago Mike Neill told me some words that his coach (umm...your coach too!) said to him that immediately became one of my mantras.

"No Doubts. No Fears. No Limits"

Sending positive energy to you and all your team.

Joanne

Anonymous said...

Run Train through and over those Rockies! Choo Choo baby!

The boyz from the Train Station

Unknown said...

Tony, it's amazing to see you eating up those miles; what an awesome adventure and I bet you're facing it with a grin on your face and an awesome attitude - a fabulous inspiration for us all! Following your progress is a major highlight of my day, and it's amazing to know that your journey will be benefiting so many. Wishing you and your team safe travels. Dwyre: hugs and love from home.

Jacquie B

Anonymous said...

Tony,

Fantastic work brother! Sounds like Tony the Tiger needs to EAT SOME GRUB -- choke down some calories and power through the night my friend :)) Lots of love to you and the crew! Have Jackie email me with contact info -- fjburke11@gmail.com. I'd like to rendezvous again if possible along the course. Proud of you as always -- may I suggest some Korn, Foo Fighters, BuckCherry, Nickelback, and Linkin Park for the next 100 miles! Cheers! Bill Burke

Unknown said...

Hi Tony, I thought that you might enjoy a happy thought when your mind takes a break from the road... so here it is: remember what you looked like singing Xmas carols in the Embassador's living room! A lot of love and perspiration! So if you ever need to pump up your support team, just break into your repertoire of Xmas songs!!!

Randy Allen said...

Good Day, Eh! It's Randy in Sarajevo. You're looking good,an incredible performance! Everyone from here says hey, go for it! V and I got some ice cream to make Moose Milk for Canada Day today. Stay strong out there Brother

Unknown said...

OMG - Randy is online fm Sarajevo! I won't be able to tell any good American, German or Italian stories to Tony without risking international diplomatic incidents!!! Hey Randy - don't be shy - show the Balkans what kind of man Canada produces and pass on Tony's updates to everyone! And don't forget to put Tony's name up for a COIN!

Snowleopard, aka Your Favorite J6 fm Canada (now I got you guessing!)

Anonymous said...

Keep up the great work Tony. Soldier On
Andrew

Hazel said...

Hi TonyB: So how's the old guy doing today? Bet your ride is nothing compared to your first ride out to Seeley's Bay from RMC. At least you got to eat a large home-made apple pie [not made by me, of course] after that trip, and then, feeling full, proceeded to have everyone rolling in the aisles with some of your wonderful stories. Can't wait to hear about this trip on your return home. Bet you'll have many good yarns to tell. Thinking of you constantly and eagerly following your progress, You're doing such a great job, TB. Love to you & Jackie. Hazelxo

GlennVentoux said...

When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

Same for hills.

Climb with good taste ... Think Chocolate!

Anonymous said...

Watching your progress from here in Ireland.
Love and best wishes
John and Margo and gang

Anonymous said...

DCdts:

Keep on truckin'. We've got your web site posted on the College's Intranet home page. I'll ensure Hugo and Bruce don't harm each other!

Cheers
COS

Anonymous said...

Hi Tony. You're awesome & we're all very proud of you back in Kingston!!

David Howes

Steve Wilson said...

Hope to see you on the road tomorrow. Send your route for Sunday and Monday and I'll try to make the intercept.

Unknown said...

Tony - way to go! I find my self cheering wildly at my computer everytime I log on and see where you're at (I'm sure the neighbours think I'm nuts:)). Congrats to you and your team for your incredible journey so far and best wishes for a great day ahead. Bonjour Dwyre!

Jacquie B

Anonymous said...

Hey Dad,

Happy Father's Day! bet you wish we were all sitting at the brew pub having some brunch, but alas, the race goes on... Wanted to say that i'm very proud of you and what your team is doing. There were rows of dropped jaws when I told my workmates what "my dad was doing for father's day", haha...wish I could be there. Keep grinding it out - the beer at the end will taste that much better.
Lots of love,

Cale

Anonymous said...

All the gang in Ireland watching out for you.
Love from us all.

Anonymous said...

Hello my check shirt-wearing, Don Mclean-listening, bud lite-drinking friend. As you might say yourself... 'It is what it is' We're with you man.

Sean and Emer.

Hazel said...

Hey TonyB; Do you know what day it is? It's Sunday - a day of rest. Not only that it's Father's Day, and while you're out there pedalling like there's no tomorrow, all your pals are living it up in countless All You Can Eat Buffet Bars. Does that add a little steam to your engine? Make you want to get to the finish line even faster? Keep on truckin' as only you can do. You're a bloody inspiration to us all. Take care, and change those thongs frequently! Big hugs.
Hazelxo

Anonymous said...

I think you should be rolling into Kansas soon. So I decided I would wear my awesome "Dorothy of Oz" red patent shoes today...just for you.
I understand Zab has stopped shaving until you and the team get to the finish. I suspect this will be a powerful motivator to cycle fast...cuz I suspect Zab is gettin uglier by the hour.

Anonymous said...

Antoine,

You're out there free as a breeze and here I am doing language studies homework without my last-year classmate alongside. How is that fair?

You're the talk of the College these days and we're all watching the little bike-man scoot across the continent.

Sorry to say I had to fire Hugo and put Helen into his office. Working pretty well so far.

Have something to eat for Father's Day, my friend.

Shadow

Anonymous said...

Hey Tony,

We're tired of hearing the whining about the weather...too hot, too cold. Don't worry, if you get cold again you can borrow Kareem's cardigan.

We haven't burned your house down yet, but Adam's been eyeballing your motorcycle.

By the way, how come the only beer in your fridge is ours? Your wine coolers don't count.

Kick some ass, and don't forget about the "little guy".

Cathy & Courtney

Anonymous said...

Alex says "Tony, thank you for my monkey". She is keeping him up to date with your progress. She also says " GO GET 'EM TAYGER!!!".
Ray and T say keep rolling through the field...
Keep going - Good luck!
Alex will be watching for you on the street when you get home!

Anonymous said...

Happy Father's day little brother. We are thinking about you constantly and are incredibly proud. To the rest of the team - you guys rock. Tony is lucky to have such an inspirational group of clowns pushing him along....

Keep on rolling......
Susan & Larry xoxoxo

GlennVentoux said...

More sage.

Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

Guess you'll want to be keepin' your bikes.

Ride on!

Anonymous said...

Tony O' keep the hammer down buddy you're ripping it up! We're following the team's progress closely here in Charlottetown.

Jenn, Holly and James-Boy

Anonymous said...

Sir,
You've made a lot of mistakes at work since leaving!!! DD keeps screwing up and you know the saying "his mistakes are your mistakes....." and boy HAVE YOU MADE SOME MISTAKES!!!!
CI

PS Is the roof of Sauvé suppose to be on fire?

Anonymous said...

We are all agog watching how well things are going - what a group you all are - great performance Tony, great backup from all your team - all watching you including the family in Ireland - tons of love to you and Jackie from Mom

GM Dave sends: said...

GM Dave sends:
You guys are looking great!

It thrills me to no end to see "constant steady improvement" since the race's start because it is key to "overcoming, prevailing and success!!!"

I'll call Jacquie early this week.

You're in my thoughts constantly.

cheers

dmng

Stephen Wilson said...

Hey Speedy, you blew through my window tp see you. Here is a virtual wave. Wave. Good luck with the rest of the race..
Steve

Unknown said...

Tony - Can't believe how fast you're going! Just keep turning those pedals over and visualize the finish line - it will be there very soon. I'll keep my fingers crossed the wind is blowing the right way in Kansas (and the rest of the way too) Keep smiling, talk soon.
Randy

Anonymous said...

Tony,

Happy Father's Day! With those shapely legs, you probably look GREAT in high heels my friend! LOL! Lots of love from Memphis, TN! Bill, Julie, Lauren, Elisabeth

Unknown said...

So far so good ol'friend! I couldn't wait to get off the aircraft yesterday and head to the nearest Hotspot to get my online kick of RAAM progress!!! You are pumped and keeping us thrilled! Way to go!!! Adapt and overcome!!!

Team: We are all sending you the best vibes ever! Keep up that great spirit!!! We are 110% behind you! You've already become legendary at my place of work as an example of team-work and mission-focus!

We wish you good winds and favorable weather!

Anonymous said...

Hi Tony,

Can I borrow your bike when you're finished.

Cal Faber
Currently in a Van,
Down by the River

Anonymous said...

Hey Sir,
The CI and I just finished a 6k at lunch and it was hot. Now I know how you must be feeling!!! Giddy-up.
DD

Anonymous said...

Hey sir,
You just keep getting stronger!!!! Just like a diesel!!!

PS: I have confiscated the CI's RMC computer since all he seems to do is watch your progress and make comments on my behalf. I told him to make himself useful and start working for a change (lazy bastard). I caught him sleeping on the floor in his office today. He was wearing Curious George pajamas!?!?

H.

Hazel said...

Don't you just hate Mondays, TonyB? Another start of the week with the same old, same old. Just think, you could be racing across America with not a care in the world, looking at all the lovely scenery and enjoying glorious mountain climbs. Ah well, you can but dream. Your team is doing just a great job of keeping you toeing the line and pandering to your every need. Have I ever told you that you really are a high maintenance guy? But a truly great one. Keep on eating up those miles, TonyB. Seeya. Love from Hazelx

Anonymous said...

Tony O' a truly impressive day of riding my friend! Keep those pedals turning its gonna get good now. I'm going to go ride some intervals and then stay up past bedtime to celebrate your trip through Kansas.

Positive vibes from here

James-Boy

Stephen Wilson said...

Tony say hi to Dorothy and Toto, watch for flying witches in Kansas

Unknown said...

Sir

Hopefully you get this during your ride.

Just remember no one else trained the way you have trained.

Keep pushing hard!

NCdt Oke

Anonymous said...

Way to go Tony. I was running my silly little race in the Falls yesterday and on the second run of the Du I was whining and thinking that maybe I should just walk for bit because damn my legs were hurting..but then I thought of you..and how would I feel if I stopped to walk the last few km when you were out there in the run, rain, sleet and hail...lol...anyway..I didn't stop. Thanks for the inspiration.
Happy Belated Father's Day to Marko. Love and Regards from Angela and Autumn.

Anonymous said...

TB your in the heart of the race the true grind of RAAM the "Mid-West". I hope the Gods of the Great American Plains grant you:

Clear skies
Cool days and,
Strong tail winds

Keep cranking it out!!!!

Shane-O

Anonymous said...

The RAAM website state that Tony is DNF. What's going on? Is Tony ok?

Anonymous said...

They had a severe weather alert for 105 degrees F heat in Kansas.

Anonymous said...

Strasser and Oyler are also DNF and they were racing in that same area.

Anonymous said...

Could the RAAM wesite be in error?

Unknown said...

RAAM website reports computer error... CF RAAM 2009 Team, if you read this, send us a note pls!! We send you good vibes and hope everything is ok!

Anonymous said...

I just saw a little note on the RAM site and it appears that Tony may have dropped out due to dehydration.

Sending good thoughts to him and the entire team.
Hope everything is okay.

Anonymous said...

Hey Tony and team, you are inspiring to say the least !
We're watching your progress and sending all our energy and best wishes....keep that diesel firing !

Murray T ( Joan and Connor too )

Anonymous said...

Hey Tony and team, you are inspiring to say the least !
We're watching your progress and sending all our energy and best wishes....keep that diesel firing !

Murray T ( Joan and Connor too )

Anonymous said...

Just noticed the comments...hoping Tony is OK - best wishes possible and standing by....
Murray T

Team Thompson (Erin, Ryan, and Libby) said...

7th place so far? ...Well done! Keep up the great work!

Rob MacEwen said...

Sad to see the DNF come up on the RAAM site as well as Oyler. Hope everything is ok.

Tremendous ride halfway across the continent!

Looking forward to reading a full overview of the experience.

Anonymous said...

Tony -- LOVE YOU MAN! ALL our thoughts and prayers are with you for a full recovery from the brutal conditions of the race. Regardless of the RAAM outcome, you are still our hero brother! Get well soon and keep smiling! Love, Bill, Julie, Lauren, and Elisabeth

Ryan, Erin and Libby said...

Hope all is well! Safe travels on your trip back to Canada. Outstanding showing for the 1576 miles!!

Rob said...

Boss, Sorry to hear of what happened but proud of the way you have represented the RMC team and CF. Your are still a force of nature. Safe return. Rob

GlennVentoux said...

Disappointed Tony?

None of your followers are. You have surpassed our expectations which are about the inputs, not the outcomes!

I look forward to the stories of your journey and collaborative decision.

More sage:

Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's ,we'd grab ours back.

No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

Safe return.

Anonymous said...

Sir, sorry to hear about the crash but glad that you are OK. We are all proud of you and what you've accomplished. We look forward to hearing the war stories. Well done to your team.
Hugo

Unknown said...

Tony and team -

I am so tremendously impressed with your stellar race, as race it was regardless of the outcome. Amazing to hear your stories of working together, sharing the pain and the joys, and above all the sheer determination to do your best. I'm pretty damn proud to know you! Have a safe trip home,

Jacquie B

Trish said...

TB

I just read through all these comments - you are one lucky man...many many fans and even more good martial advice. I am proud to be your favorite sister. See you soon, love to Jackie and your amazing crew (not Dan) but especially the Chief

Trish
xxx

Anonymous said...

Dan - never mind about Trish - I love you!! Seriously, what a great group you are and how thankful we are as a family to know that Tony and Jackie have such great support -keep safe on the journey home, you are all winners. Love to you all,
Mom/Ailish

Anonymous said...

Dear Tony,

I've known you for some time and as always you are the most amazing human being I've ever met.
By participating in this extraordinary challenge you are a winner even before you cross the start line. Take good care.
P.S. I'm sure Marty is proud too.
PD former Patron Triathlon

Jon Duckworth said...

So sorry to hear that you had to retire - the hardest part was getting to the start line and you can be assured that the endeavours of you and your team do you all credit - safe trip home - Soldier On!!
Jon Duckworth

Unknown said...

Best wishes for a quick recovery and a safe ride home. This has been a tremendous team effort and there is no doubt in my mind that the team will rise and shine again. We all learn and improve from adversity. If it was all easy, heroes wouldn't exist. You are a team of heroes. Thanks for the inspirational demonstration of team work and dedication!

Your devoted fan,
SnowLeopard

Anonymous said...

Damn it all to hell. How did you not know that the race was east to west and not the other way around? That was a major booboo, as Yogi might say. And Kansas of all places, what with the witches and the talking scarecrows and the more than a little camp lions, and the inclement weather. I know its your favourite movie O'Keeffe but jeepers. Clicking the heels of your red shoes whilst bicycling... NOT a good idea Dorothy!
Seriously Tony well done, here'e some words of encouragement from "The Underachievers Manifesto" By Ray Bennett MD(bet you dont get quotes from this one too often)
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TB and the RAAM team, that was a hell of race. You put it all out on the line. I know it was a gut wrenching decision to pull out of the race.
My congrats and heart goes out to the team for their stellar work.
The big picture TB, is you'll return home safe and sound and race another day.
Hey Danny Boy, you can get some sleep now.

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Helen said...

Wow, what an amazing ride - we followed this rollercoast marathan from pre-RAAM interviews, soldier-on fundraising, the team heading west to start day. Mom had every home she arrived at hooked up to the race, Susan and John kept us up to date with e-mail alerts, all the kids were busy twittering each other about "uncle Tony". The best part - this amazing ride ain't over ... not if I know my little bro - the best is yet to come
xoxoxo - can anyone say neeeext??

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TonyB - I just knew that the thought of that home-made apple pie would turn your wheels around. You are one super, duper hero, and it must have taken so much courage to realize [what we've all known] that you are a right royal pain in the neck!!! What a tremendous race you had, and what a bitter disappointment for you and your wonderful team. However, like the Phoenix you will arise from the ashes and continue to astound us all with your spectacular athletic prowess. You rock, man! With love and warm hugs. Hazelxo

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Tony,

It was a relief to read your message and Randy's report on his Iron Stride site and read that you're okay.
You amaze me. I thought Mike Neill was crazy but what you do makes him look like a slacker...LOL.
I hope I get to hear you talk about this grand adventure...you spoke at a KRAA meeting I attended a couple years ago and you inspired me.
Thanks for sharing this journey with us.

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Tony,
I saw this quote and it made me think of you ... “The size of your success is measured by the strength of your desire; the size of your dream; and how you handle disappointment along the way.” ...
Congrats to you and your team for what you have achieved ... you have inspired the rest of us to try harder and not sweat the little stuff.

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Unknown said...

Tony - So sorry to read of your crash and subsequent withdrawal. After such a tremendous performance, it must have been a disappointment to say the least! But you will recover, stronger, faster and ready to win. You only need to succeed the last time.
Look forward to seeing you before the end of the year. Great job!!!
Randy Allen

Barry Gander said...

Hi Tony:

You showed yourself a "gold medal" winner; injury can happen to anyone! Congrats to you and your team. Cheers!

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Congratulations to the CF RAAM Team. Victory is for the ones who have no thought of themselves.
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Soldier On
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Hi Tony and the RAAM crew, Just wanted to express our concern about what has happened and just so pleased you had that amazing team with you to take the best possible care of the situation and make the best decision with you. Please take good care and take whatever rest is necessary to fully recover and remember - we all know you will SOLDIER ON when the time is right. Our thoughts are with you. Your friends, Steve & Jean

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