FINISHED!

What an exhiliarating few minutes!! Dr. Botha has finished the Furnace 508! This is an absolutely incredible accomplishment! WOW!

I asked Arlene to text me just before he crossed the finish line so that I could watch live on the website's webcam and it was incredible to see him finish! He walked over to the camera and waved. I was able to watch him get his medal. I could not be more proud! GO DAD!

Woooooooooooooooohoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!

Here are a couple of pics from the finish line courtesty of Chris Kostman and the Furnace Creek 508 website.

Finally at the Last Stage!

Dr. Botha is at the beginning of the final stage of the race! This is so very exciting! Thanks for all your support!

Stage Eight Around the Corner...

Although he's exhausted with an extremely sore rear end, there is no thought of stopping for Dr. Botha! He is nearing the end of Stage seven and the final stretch is (THANKFULLY) downhill! I've been sending his messages of support to Arlene via text message and she says they are helping his resolve. He has just had a big burst of energy. Whether it's the messages or the energy gel packs, we'll never know ;-)

Butterfly (also known as Andi Ramer) is still nearby and looking for her first 508 finish as a solo cyclist!

Both of you can do it!

In Stage Seven

Dr. Botha is now in Stage seven of the race! There are only eight stages in total! Lots of snakes are being reported on the road and the going is beyond tough, but he keeps going!

Still Going Strong...

Over half the riders have dropped out at this point but Dr. Botha is still going strong. It's going to be a loooong night!

Leg Six and a Phonecall!

Dr. Botha is into leg six and doing very well. I was able to talk to him for a few minutes and he sounds tired (obviously) but enthusiastic! I relayed all the messages of luck and strength from this blog and Facebook. He was very thankful!

At this point many people have dropped from the race, but he is still going strong. He has about 200 km left to go and Arlene says another racer with the Totem Butterfly has been keeping them company on the road. All the best to her and her team as well!!

The heat is sitting at close to 40 degrees Celcius and is making things difficult. Hopefully it will cool down soon. Keep Dr. Botha in your thoughts and prayers! Thanks!

In Stage Five!

Dr. Botha is in stage five of eight in this race! He is doing incredibly well and he is still feeling strong. The heat, however, is starting to climb. It is around 90 degrees (32 Celcius) and it's not even the afternoon yet! Keeping cool is going to be a major challenge.

Go Dr. Botha! Go Arno! Go DAD!