The Race Across America, known as the “world’s toughest
bicycle race,” will set more than 250 competitors on a 3,000-mile
route stretching from the Pacific Coast to the Atlantic Coast.
Athletes race continuously day and night, on their own power
or sharing the challenge with a team, and a crew of eight to
15 people follows in support vehicles with food and supplies
for the race.
These courageous adventurers brave heat, wind,
thunderstorms, altitude, the dark of night, fatigue and sleep
deprivation, cross several major mountain ranges and raise
hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity.
“By racing
3,000 miles across America, our team hopes to raise at
least $100,000 for the medical treatment, research and
rehabilitation of patients who experience spinal cord a
nd brain injuries,” said team captain Saul Raisin, a
world-renowned cyclist and former Shepherd Center patient.
The toughest endurance event in the world, RAAM offers
long-distance cyclists the opportunity to challenge themselves
to the height of their abilities. More than 1,750 cyclists have completed RAAM
since its first race in 1982. Solo winners complete the course in
about nine days, and winning teams complete the journey in six days.