Chris Kostman's 508/RAAM Quilt, made by Shelby Kostman

1989: I had officiated in 1985 and 1986, then raced in 1987 and 1988, but in 1989 I had a brand new hat to wear at John Marino's invitation: Race Director! We had the first team division in 1989, featuring four riders relaying in and out of HPV bicycles (human-powered vehicles). They started five days after the solo racers. The idea was created by Bicycling Magazine to showcase bicycle technology and how it could be used meaningfully for bicycle commuting and covering long distances as a practical alternative to the car. I'm not sure if that was accomplished or not, but it was a heck of a race and easily the most insane experience of my life. In five days, my brother and I did not not once sit down for a meal, take a shower, sleep, or even change our clothes. With the HPVs cruising at up to 70 miles per hour, there was not a second to waste on the side of the road. We had to keep moving, or fall behind the racers, and we were in a convertible Rabbit!