RAAM 2011

This post is better late than never! Jesse and I had the extreme (exciting) privilege of traveling to and from Flagstaff, AZ to Page, AZ while the Race Across America was coming through! The first series of photos I took from the single riders followed by the relay team riders.

For those of you who have never heard of Race Across America, it's time for you to learn, and to respect this incredible world-extreme cycling event! The following is a blip from the RAAM website about it, with my (Kelly Hibbs) photos of the riders racing along Hwy 89 en route to Tuba City, AZ in 40+ mph winds and sand storms!

Race Across America (RAAM) is one the most respected and longest running endurance sports events in the world. RAAM is seen as a pinnacle of athletic achievement not only in cycling circles but the greater sporting community as well.

RAAM has a rich and storied history. In 1982 four individuals raced from the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles to the Empire State Building in New York City. Covered by national television, the race captivated the public’s imagination. Teams were added in 1994 and quickly became the most popular and fastest growing segment of the race. Relay team racing made the event accessible to any reasonably fit cyclist. The 2011 race will be the 30^th edition of RAAM.

There is no other race in the world like RAAM. The Race inspires every one who has been a part of it - racer, crew, staff and fans alike. RAAM is the true test of speed, endurance, strength and camaraderie, the ideal combination of work and fun! There is no race that matches the distance, terrain and weather, no other event that tests a team’s spirit from beginning to end.

2011 Race Information:

· Start: Oceanside, California – Oceanside Pier

o Solo Women/60+ Men – Tuesday June 14

o Solo Men - Wednesday June 15

o Relay Teams – Saturday June 18

· Finish: Annapolis, Maryland – City Dock June 24-27

· Route: 3000 miles, 170,000 feet of climbing

· Crosses 12 states, passes through 88 counties and 350 communities

· Format: Solo, 2-, 4- and 8-Person relay teams

This Ain’t No Tour

RAAM is a race! But unlike the three great Europeon Grand Tours (Tour de France, Vuelta a Espana and Giro de Italia), RAAM is not a stage race. RAAM is one continual stage, similar to a time trial. Once the clock starts it does not stop until the finish line. RAAM is about 30% longer than the Tour de France. Moreover, racers must complete the distance in roughly half the time allowed for the Tour.

More importantly, RAAM is not limited to professional cyclists. RAAM is open to professional and amateur athletes alike. While solo racers must qualify to compete, anyone may organize a team and race.

Racers must traverse 3000 miles across 12 states and climb over 170,000 vertical feet. Team racers have a maximum of nine days and most finish in about seven and a half days. Teams will ride 350-500 miles a day, racing non-stop. Solo racers have a maximum of 12 days to complete the race, with the fastest finishing in just over eight days. Solo racers will ride 250-350 miles a day, balancing speed and the need for sleep.

Team or Solo?

There are different divisions in which to race. There are 2-, 4- and 8-Person relay teams. The workload may be split up any way the teammates choose. On an 8-Person team, each racer will ride roughly three hours per day. Solo is just that - one person travels the entire distance. Whether team or solo you will have a support crew following you. The support crew handles all of the logistics – food, fluids, navigation, clothing changes, medical needs, bike repairs, etc. - so that racers can focus on racing.

Who Races RAAM?

Racers come from all over the world and all walks of life. Racers are both amateurs and professionals. But, the majority of racers are ordinary people with a passion for riding their bicycle. Racers range in age from 13 to 75. Every year there are racers from at least 15 countries. Over 25 countries have been represented over the 30-year history of the race. Approximately 40 % of the racers are from outside the US. About 15% of the racers are women.