Iron Butt Rally Day 8 - the leader suffers a setback. After riding over 7,700 miles (12,400 km) of riding, and rising from 8th to 1st place after 2 legs, the leader, Eric Jewell had some troubles at the start of the third and last leg. Read more here: We have just learned that at approximately 1:00 p.m. PDT this afternoon Eric Jewell was involved in a single-vehicle accident as he entered the Golden Gate Park on Park Presidio Drive in San Francisco, California. He suffered an injury to one of his ankles in the high-side accident. He at first thought his front wheel might have run across a patch of oil or anti-freeze but the police who investigated the incident were unable to find any material on the roadbed that would have caused or contributed to Eric’s fall. It is uncertain at this writing whether he will be able to continue in the rally. He hopes at a minimum that he will be able to make it to the finish in Pennsylvania by Friday morning. In ...seven previous tries he has never once failed to complete the event. The rally staff and Eric’s many friends unite in wishing this incredibly accomplished competitor a quick return to the saddle of his bike. This is truly sad, shocking news. We also report the withdrawal of Keith Keating this morning. He was still suffering the residual effects of severe dehydration from crossing the desert in the past two days. Mark Crane also withdrew this morning, so far down in the standings that any hope of a competitive finish for him was not to be. Nahum Sloan also found the going not worth further effort and has abandoned the rally. This is the Iron Butt. There are days like this. We hope that tomorrow will bring better weather, tail winds, and clear highways. Sometimes it doesn’t, but we press on anyway. It’s what we do.
Posted on: Wed, 10 Jul 2013 10:33:05 +0000
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