Have you heard of the Race across America? It is one of the greatest challenges in the cycling world. To me it is all the more extraordinary as it is not a race just for professionals but a race to be entered professionally by amateurs as well. Let me tell you about it....
Race Across America (RAAM) is one the most respected and longest running endurance sports events in the world. It 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. The 2011 race will be the 30th 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.It begins in Oceanside, California and Finishes in Annapolis, Maryland covering 3000 miles and170,000 feet of climbing it crosses 12 states, passes through 88 counties and 350 communities
This Ain’t No Tour
RAAM is a race! But unlike the three great European 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. 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.
Fancy it? If you do I would imagine you have some miles in your legs already or a plan to prepare. Wirral Mamils for example have a number of goals this season. Complete the circle of hope 100 sportive climbing to the highest village in Wales being one of them, a coast to coast ride another. This is in preparation for a Lands End o John O'Groats next year. Very specific goals intended to build strength, stamina and speed.
Imagine my shock then when I watched a program this week end about a 53 year old musician who decided to compete in the RAAM. Why the shock? He hated riding a bike and only started riding four months before. (Although he was reasonably fit). He was lucky to train with and try to win a place with the RAF team, winners of the RAAM team competition twice. He was,at the time, completing 10 mile time trials in 33 minutes but on a closed road. There was no doubting his commitment 5 hours a day on a turbo trainer at 25mph. The problem as many will know, the turbo ain't the road and it doesn't teach you bike handling skills.
What happened in the end? Well, if you have watched x factor, Britain/America's got talent you will know the early programs have two types of contestants, the one's who deserve to go through and those who are deluded, yes they are funny and make great entertainment, but someone needs to tell them 'you will never be a star, get real'. That's what should have happened with this man. Get real and work your way up to such a race. In the end he went to America with the RAF but was averaging 12-14 mph and falling off at least twice a day in training (see riding a bike isn't as easy as riding a bike). He was dropped from the team in the end and the program ended with him claiming he could have completed the race and laughing at the RAF for ONLY coming third and averaging 20 mph, pretty good to my mind. Well done the RAF and I suggest the rock star sticks to music or goes for a 100 sportive! Makes me wonder about the goal for 2012.......... anyone fancy a team entry?
On another note did you see the helmet cameras being used by cyclists to record traffic in case of an accident. Great idea but I must add it could make some great mountain bike footage or perhaps even some of your own race recording, available from Argos apparently for a good price, if you get one can I borrow it please?
