Cyclists hailing from various corners of the globe are riding their way through sections of Missouri, such as Jefferson City, as they participate in the Race Across America, an event that traverses 13 different states.
Caption: The first wave of solo riders participating in the over 3,000-mile race passed through the Lake of the Ozarks on Sunday night and Monday afternoon. (KRCG)
The initial group of individual riders taking part in the more than 3,000-mile race went through the Lake of the Ozarks late Sunday evening and mid-Monday afternoon.
“Racing across the United States and encountering numerous fantastic locations and wonderful people makes this an incredible experience,” stated Kurt Matzler, who held the fourth position among Solos as they passed through Camdenton.
Matzler hails from Austria and is sixty-two years old.
Although the idea of cycling 3000 miles might seem intimidating to most people, Matzler is well-acquainted with participating in the continent’s longest two-wheeled competition.
Last year, Matzler secured the third position in the male 50-59 age group, finishing the race in 11 days, 5 hours, and 50 minutes.
“Typically, an individual spends around five years preparing for this event, covering approximately 15 thousand miles each year,” Matzler elaborated.
Matzler has been traveling almost 300 miles each day.
“From a weather perspective, it has been somewhat simpler. There wasn’t much hardship in the desert; it experienced lesser winds and hasn’t seen any rainfall yet,” stated Matzler.
Similar to numerous other competitors, Matzler aims to reach the finish line, yet his incentive for joining the race carries a much more profound significance.
Matzler competes for the Rotary squad, with the objective of raising money to increase awareness about polio.
We integrate it into a charity initiative aimed at raising funds to eliminate polio.
The volunteers stationed at the Camdenton time trial checkpoint at Signal Gas alongside Highway 54 express joy over welcoming racing events into their town.
Possibilities include bottled water, pickle juice chugs, Powerade, popsicles, chunks of frozen watermelon, a make-shift shower setup, a misting fan, and cots for those who wish to take a nap. Various additional supplies will also be provided to assist them throughout their journey,” explained Natalie Couch, a dedicated volunteer.
Although the initial part of the race went smoothly for Matzler, he mentions that the distance is now starting to take its toll.
He mentions that starting from Sunday, he has been experiencing Shermer’s Neck, which leads to muscle exhaustion and failure in the neck area, along with losing his voice.
“I require additional break times. I need extra massage sessions too. Currently, we’re working on developing an apparatus to support my head. This endeavor has been quite encouraging; however, it’s challenging since I feel physically robust,” Matzler stated.
Once the riders reach the lake, they will resume their journey towards the next timing checkpoint located along Jefferson Street near the former Truman Hotel in Jefferson City.
Competitors will make their way to St. Louis prior to concluding the race in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
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