Good writing interprets events, imparting meaning to the events. Bad writing merely describes events, and often should be reduced simply to reporting the box score.

RAAM riders often say that RAAM is a metaphor for life, romanticizing the event and giving it a mystical quality. For Thomas, RAAM '95 was more a microcosm of life, and he approached RAAM the same way he approached life: one hour, one pedal stroke, one breath at a time. Thomas uses RAAM as a framework through which he weaves his life story and examines his approach to living. The result is an eminently informative and readable book - much more than just the box score.

The book is not about the rider as hero, but is a realistic account of the race. Chapter One begins "I hate throwing up. I really hate throwing up." Thomas expresses the swing of emotions, from the high of catching another rider at the top of Wolf Creek pass, to the low of riding across the San Luis Valley in the rainy night. This book provides insight into the emotional problems, which are far greater than the physical challenges.

He also reveals his sense of humor. When he realized he was about to be caught by another racer, he sat up, got his electric razor from the crew and pretended he was just taking a short break to shave.

Thomas is open about the crew dynamics and the stress they created for him. At first, he tried to solve their problems for them. Finally, in a defining moment of the race, he knew that he had "to disconnect from the crew or the discord would eat me up." (p. 125) He'd learned while running cross-country in high school that he had two choices: quit or deal with it. This stood him well in RAAM, as it did in life.

In 1984 he was struck by an alleged drunk driver. At first, he just had mysterious dizzy spells. Then, in 1989 during a trip shortly after his honeymoon, he had severe seizures, so severe that he nearly drowned in his own vomit. He had epilepsy. He lost his job, his driver's license, his dignity.

An experimental drug helped to control his seizures. Fascinated by RAAM since 1982, he chose it as the forum to prove that he wasn't abnormal. He chose RAAM because he wasn't a great athlete - RAAM is something that everyman can do, given enough dedication and perseverance.

I first met Thomas in June, '95, when he rode my Pacific Crest Tour. He'd trained by teaching downhill skiing at Mt. Bachelor in Oregon. That first day in southern California he was the last to lunch, arriving dehydrated after everyone else had left. Not a good omen. I still remember him a week later, matching Steve Born pedal stroke for pedal stroke, racing up Mt. Rose, and both of them singing out loud, to show the other the he wasn't hurting! In addition to organizing the Race Across Oregon, and continuing to race himself, Thomas gives motivational speeches. "Mostly, my message is about improving quality of life. There are 2.1 million of us, and far too many see ourselves as victivms or are treated as such. I talk about possibilities and solutions and hope."

This book is about life. It's about meeting challenges directly. It's about problem-solving and persistence. It's about pain, suffering, and pride. "When every reasoned voice is telling you to quit and you can still keep going, it's an emotional peak that's difficult to hit in everyday life. If RAAM had been easy, it wouldn't have been an accomplishment. If everybody could do it, it wouldn't be special." (p. 146) It's about going the distance.

It's impossible to explain to a rookie how painful and emotionally difficult RAAM is, but this book comes close. The book has lessons for every aspiring ultra rider and crew and can inspire all of us as we meet life's challenges one breath at a time.