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 RAAM Weather Forecastby Dave Speelman, Meteorologist KAMR NBC Channel 4, Amarillo TX Possible thunderstorms in the mountains of eastern Arizona, with highs of about 70. On into New Mexico, highs will reach the upper-90s as riders drop down to Las Cruces.
 Day 2 of the 1998 Ensure Race Across AMerica brought riders into Arizona, a state with sizzling deserts, steep mountains, and cactus everywhere. Much of the day was spent wiping one's brow from the intense humidity, while riding through several forests of statuesque saguaro cacti, most of which appeared to be waving to the riders in their droopy style. Once again, temperatures were reasonable, with the thermometer not exceeding 100 degrees. It was 90-degrees in Yuma at 1am local time, but had dropped to the high-70s near Gila Bend by daybreak. The gradual drop in the mercury was welcome to the riders who were more wide awake and alert at 3am than they were during the middle of the previous afternoon. Riders began to settle into their routines, with fewer changes in position occurring once daylight returned. During the night and early morning Team Gustavo RMO Franca, the two-man team from Brazil, pulled away from the indefatigable Gerry Tatrai, the one-man show from Australia who rides with the energy of several. But since the Brazilians are in their own division, the lead remained in the hands of Tatrai, who, in spite of being over an hour behind the two-man team by dinner time, was enjoying an equally long split over second-place Seana Hogan.
 During Night #1, riders enjoyed what seemed like an endless run of flat land, wityh nary a hill for nearly 300 miles. Andrew Bohannon, in his first RAAM, was bright and chipper during the wee hours, and was willing to ham it up for the camera. He rode strongly through the night.
 Harold Trease, of Jemez Springs NM, was equally ecstatic during the night. In his first RAAM also, Trease was slowly moving up through the ranks under the stars.
 Tom Buckley is riding a very impressive race. In his first RAAM in 1996, he wisely rode conservatively, paying his dues and learning as he went along. But this time he's out to make a statement...that's he's capable of a top-three finish.
 Steve Born got the monkey off his back, and got out of California. Seemingly jinxed in two previous RAAMs, Born just needed to get to another state...any state...and as Arizona approached, he hammered incessantly.
 But it was Tatrai who stole the show the first night, slowly padding lead over Hogan, seemingly riding without effort much of the night. He gave the Brazilians a run for the money all night long, before they finally pulled away at dawn.
 As the sun was coming over the horizon, Tatrai decided to clean up while still on the bike. "I was feeling lousy 10 minutes ago, but then remembered I still had on yesterday's sunscreen. So I toweled off, and now feel great," Tatrai remarked.
 It was "thumbs up" for Ricardo Arabi, one-half of the Brazilian team. As the morning sky brightened, they put the hammer down and started setting their sights on New Mexico.
 Tatrai's crew must be credited for a stroke of genius, for they rigged up a spray system from their pace vehicle that can mist Gerry while he rides. It consists of a steel mast welded under the front bumber, with a horizontal beam extending forward of the van about 15 feet. Attached to it is a hose with a spray nozzle. Back in the van is a 55-gallon container with a pump. All Gerry has to do is ride, while the crew keeps him nice and cool.
   Gerry continued to look great throughout the day, even as climbing ensued from Florence Junction up to Superior and Globe. Tatrai donned his desert outfit, consisting of a white mesh long-sleeve jersey and white stockings under his cycling shorts. He frequently doused himself with water, as did his crew (no daytime "shadowing" is permitted in Arizona, by decree of the State Police).
  Seana Hogan also looked to be in great shape. In her characteristic style, she turned a huge gear at about 40 rpm. It looked like she was only riding about 12, but in reality was doing more like 20. Her steadiness on the bike is a result of years of experience in RAAM and ultra cycling.
 And finally...the volunteers and fans at Time Station #8 in Superior AZ had a little fun today, with Clint Eastwood making a "guest appearance." It's the little things like this that make RAAM the adventure it is...people helping people reach what seems to be an insurmountable goal. Some stats as of late afternoon (these are incomplete--please check the Date Bank for complete results):
Rider, last Time Station # in (), and time (military EDT)
Use the menu below to check the updates posted each night during the race!
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