Monument Valley RAAM Photo

22
Feb
2012
By

This photo from last year’s Race Across America is one of my favorite cycling photos ever.  Not only did I have to share it with all of you, I wanted to let you know more about the photographer, location, and rider pictured in it as well.  In addition to all of that, I’m also going to give you a few details on the incredible “Cycling Landscape” Photo Contest we’ve got coming very soon.

Dex Tooke in Monument Valley RAAM 2011 – Photo by Dan Joder

Photo Details:

Date: June 17, 2011

Camera: Nikon D90, f/11, 1/125, ISO200, 70-300 Nikkor zoom at 100mm

Description of photo by Dan Joder:

This is a classic image of RAAM–the solo rider climbing a long grade in the spectacular Monument Valley.  Although there was almost no traffic in the area, there were two or three cars on the road in the far distance as Dex approached my lens–I had hoped to have a completely clear highway to emphasize the feeling of emptiness and space.  The clone tool in Photoshop took care of the motor vehicle problem and turned the image into what I felt and saw when I was there.  I also experimented with various versions of this image from B&W to different special effects as Dex was, at one time, considering the image for the cover of his book.

Dan Joder

Although Dan has spent the past 25 years of his life as a Cat 3 (and presently a Masters) bike racer, he doesn’t consider his photography to be focused on cycling.  Generally his photos are of nature, landscapes, and streets.  But when he crewed for his friend, Dex Tooke, in the 2011 Race Across America (RAAM) that all changed.

During last year’s RAAM, Dan’s official job was taking a shift as one of the “Navigators” in the follow van, but whenever his hands were free, he was shooting photos of Dex and the scenery around him.
Going coast to coast at 15mph is a great way to see the country!  If you don’t know much about RAAM though, rest assured, it is most certainly the Mt. Everest of competitive ultra cycling.  For these riders, the competition is much more an internal, psychological affair than a battle against one another.  All, from the fastest to the slowest, deal with fatigue, saddle sores, hallucinations, sleep deprivation, wind, hail, heat, traffic, crew conflicts, navigation errors, mechanical issues and more in their 3000-mile crossing of America.
If you get a chance to crew for a RAAM rider–DO IT! 
- Dan Joder

Dex Tooke:

Last year, Dex Tooke was on his second attempt to tame the Beast that is RAAM.  You could say he had some “unfinished business” (his slogan and the likely title of his upcoming book) because, in 2010, he was forced to withdraw just 180 miles short of the finish line in Annapolis.  In 2011, he was successful, crossing the finish less than three hours before the time cut-off.  By doing so, he became just the sixth rider over 60 years of age to complete the event.  To put this in even greater perspective, ten times more people have climbed Mt. Everest than have successfully finished RAAM as a solo racer.

Cycling Landscape Photo Contest

We’re not going to unleash too many details right now, but if I were you I would go locate the greatest photo you’ve ever seen (or taken) that includes a cyclist and an amazing landscape backdrop.  We’ll be back to give you more details for this contest on Friday.
Enjoy Your Ride
Pin It
  • Justin

    Can I purchase a print of this picture?  I’ve got the perfect place on my wall and it will serve as inspiration for me to complete the RAAM one day myself.

    • http://lovingthebike.com Darryl is Loving the Bike

      Hey Justin, yes you definitely can purchase a copy of the photo.  We’ve had a few people write in asking the same thing.  Send me a message at darryl@lovingthebike.com and I’ll let you know how you can purchase a print from Dan.

      • DanielJ

        Thanks for all the compliments about the image! After witnessing RAAM from the crew van I can only say that it is one incredible challenge and involves a whole lot of preparation–not just training on the bike. I’d highly recommend volunteering as a crew for a RAAM rider or team to get a taste of it before doing it yourself.  I actually get choked up thinking about what these solo riders suffer in pursuit of their dreams.  

  • Henry R

    I’m not sure what the details are with the contest you mentioned, but I’d have to say that this one is the winner.  I agree that it’s one of the best cycling pictures out there.

    • http://lovingthebike.com Darryl is Loving the Bike

      If it was up to me, this photo would win the contest we have coming out tomorrow for sure.  Be sure to tune in tomorrow for all the details and you’re definitely going to want to enter this one.

  • Eric Hutchins

    That monument valley picture is so incredibly cool. I desperately want to do that RAAM ride with Pamela one time while we  can still go reasonably fast. I hope things play out to make that possible…. What an awesome pic.

    • http://lovingthebike.com Darryl is Loving the Bike

      Hey Eric, I would love to do the RAAM as well.  I actually met a guy while in Bonaire who did the RAAM a few years ago….he’s from Dallas originally and has been living in Bonaire for the past 5 years.  It seems like I’m meeting more and more people who have done it or plan on doing it.  Maybe we can be like Dex and be one of the few people over 60 who have completed the RAAM.

  • Mpalileo@microsoft.com

    gorgeous shot indeed

  • Bethel

    I really would like to try this one day before I die.  Dip my tire in the West coast on the start and the East coast when I finish.
    I have a lot of cycling goals in my future.  Darryl, the info you post is absolutely the BEST!!!
    Please keep it up.

    • http://lovingthebike.com Darryl is Loving the Bike

      Thanks Bethel,  I really appreciate the positive feedback.  Yeah, doing the RAAM would be amazing and anyone who does it has some incredible memories that last a lifetime.

  • Bethel

    Very cool.

  • Sherrill

    I live in Central California and we have a RAAM team going out this year to bring awarness to organ donations in honor of Crystals Dream one of our own who died last year during a cycling ride. It’s amazing whatching our team prepare for this ride, and now looking at this awesome picture reminds me of the beauty they will see as they ride across our country.

    • http://lovingthebike.com Darryl is Loving the Bike

      Hi Sherrill, it’s so great that Crystals Dream team is taking part in this year’s RAAM.  It is one amazing event and I wish them all the best.

Blog Sponsors


ClifBar
Get Your LTB On

Blog Partners

Cycling 360 Podcast

bicycleradio
BicycleRadio.com
Listen to bikeschool on Bicycle Radio


Popular Threads

Powered by Disqus

Causes

Be Kind To Cyclists

People for Bikes

World Bicycle Relief

Join Team LIVESTRONG with me and fight cancer!



What’s the best fuel for an early morning ride?

Question: Out of habit, I’ve always eaten cereal (granola) before my morning ride.  For the last several weeks, I’ve been riding at 6am to avoid the heat, and eating at 5:30 am.  I haven’t had any stomach issues, but I am not sure that this is the best pre-ride meal strategy. My legs have felt heavy since starting to ride earlier.  My rides are 1.5-2 hours.  Should I eat less, something different, or nothing at all?  What do you think?

Kelli’s Answer: I think your pre-ride fuel strategy can be improved.  The issue with eating a moderately high fiber breakfast within 30 minutes of beginning a ride is that it will likely take too long to digest, absorb, and metabolize to provide any energy to your muscles at all.  And, what’s more, if the meal is setting in your stomach, you are increasing your risk of stomach cramps (but it sounds like you’ve been okay here) and a reduced bloodflow to your legs since your body is working at digesting.

Although many athletes feel like they need a full breakfast before a morning ride, I think you’ll have better result with less food, and ones that you can eat quickly and metabolize faster.

My first choice would be 2 Tablespoons organic honey + 0.5 – 1 Tbsp organic coconut oil (all straight off the spoon).  Why? These are fast-acting, quick-metabolizing energy foods.  The honey provides moderately fast carbs that act similarly to maltodextrin (moderately fast and longer lasting than glucose), natural enzymes to improve digestion, and antioxidants.  The organic coconut oil provides fast-acting medium chain triglycerides which are used directly by the mitochondria of cells (energy producers) without the need for bile or slow digestion.

Another option would be a sports food with a moderate amount of protein – something like a Clif bar. Or, a smoothie with 1/4 cup yogurt, 1/2 banana, 1 Tbsp honey, and water.  These foods will also digest quickly and provide energy during your ride.

And, don’t forget about 8 oz. of fluid.

During your ride, especially if high intensity and over 60 minutes, or moderate intensity and over 90 minutes, you’ll still need during-ride fuel as well.  With all rides in heat, you’ll want fluids and lytes!

Please send us your questions for our Expert Sports Nutritionist, Kelli Jennings to “Ask the Sports Nutritionist“. Kelli Jennings is a Registered Dietitian with a passion for healthy eating, wellness, & sports nutrition. For more information go to www.apexnutritionllc.com.
Nutrition Tips