Race Across America

anonymouscuban

Hey everyone...

In June I will be participating in this years Race Across America (RAAM). RAAM is a transcontinental bicycle race starting in Oceanside, CA and finishing in Annapolis, MD. I am volunterring on Team JDRF. Our team is representing the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Both myself and the race captain work for a leading Medical Device manufacturer in their diabetes division so we know and work with many people that have diabetes.

Although I won't actually be racing, I will be a crew member, which means I will be driving the pace car, navigating and helping the riders during the race. I am really excited about this. I'm gearing up to take a lot of photos during the race. I hope to be able to post them on the Dgrin during the actual coarse of the race as time allows.

The team website can be found here. If you can, please make a small donation to the JDRF or to our team. You can do so on the site and it is tax deductible. No worries if you can't or don't want to.

Here is a map of the race route:



I'm really excited about this guys and look forward to "blogging" during the race here on Dgrin. I will be seeing a lot of our beautiful country as you can see by the map. I anticipate there will be a lot of photographic opportunities along the way since we will be travelling 24 hours day. I am so stoked because I have never been through much of this part of the Country.

The race starts on June 17th so look out for my posts soon after that. You can see a list of the time stations here to get a better idea of the actual cities we will be travelling through. Who knows, maybe I will run into some of you all along the way.

Thanks,
Alex

kdog

Wow, that really is exciting. As a bicyclist myself, the RAAM has always intrigued me. Talk about elite athletes!

For those that don't know, the winners for individual riders are completing this 3,000 mile race in 8 or 9 days. Tandem riders are doing it in a week. Think about it -- that's more than 300 miles per day for solo riders, and over 400 miles/day for tandem teams! It simply boggles the mind.

Anyway, congrats on this 'Cuban. Bicycling in general doesn't get a whole lot of media attention, this race included. So, I can't wait to see your coverage of the event.

Regards,
-joel

Cygnus Studios

kdog wrote:

Think about it -- that's more than 300 miles per day for solo riders, and over 400 miles/day for tandem teams! It simply boggles the mind.

I have driven across this great land a few times and that takes a toll on the body and mind. Doing it on a bicycle is more than mind boggling.

anonymouscuban

Yeah... I am concerned about how I will fair physically during this race and I am not actually riding... I am just driving the pace car and such! And I'm in pretty good shape too.

My friend I work with who is the team captain and has competed in this race for last 7 years just turned 50 years old. You couldn't tell by looking at him though. It amazes me that he is able to do this at that age. Not to say he really old but I know countless 20 and 30 somethings that can barely walk up a flight of stairs without having to rest.

I really have a lot of respect for these guys. Most of all because they are doing this for the fun of it and for a good cause, Diabetes Research.

Travism82

anonymouscuban wrote:

Yeah... I am concerned about how I will fair physically during this race and I am not actually riding... I am just driving the pace car and such! And I'm in pretty good shape too.

My friend I work with who is the team captain and has competed in this race for last 7 years just turned 50 years old. You couldn't tell by looking at him though. It amazes me that he is able to do this at that age. Not to say he really old but I know countless 20 and 30 somethings that can barely walk up a flight of stairs without having to rest.

I really have a lot of respect for these guys. Most of all because they are doing this for the fun of it and for a good cause, Diabetes Research.

That's incredible, how long would a bike ride like this take?

anonymouscuban

Travism82 wrote:

That's incredible, how long would a bike ride like this take?

They ride about 450 miles per day. The race is just over 3000 miles so if I do the math correctly, that comes out to about 6-7 days from start to finish.

Chile Chef

Good luck anonymouscuban, I really hope you win.

anonymouscuban

Hey thanks Chile Chef. I just hope I survive.

-Alex

Adam Schallau

I wish you and your team the best. Although it will be long and grueling, I'm sure you will have the time of your lives.

I'll look for you as you come through Taos, New Mexico.

Ed911

I can't wait to see the pictures. Good luck, have fun, and be safe.

This is a nice thing that you are participating in. We need more like you. I have volunteered to shoot the MS bike ride here for the last couple of years and will do it again this year. Me and a few other photographers shoot the teams and then donate all of the images to the cause. It's a good feeling when you are able to lend a hand helping out the unfortunate. We sure need to inspire as many people around us as we can...we may need them, one day the unfortunate just might be us.

anonymouscuban

Less Than 20-days To Race Day!!!
We're getting close! 19-days, 20-hours till race day! Getting really pumped about this!! clapclap

anonymouscuban

Just under 8-days left guys. This is going to be awesome. I will be posting a link to a blog spot where, if all goes well, I will post pictures and updates during the race.

Stay tuned.

annnna8888

You're in for some great adventure! Here in Slovenia we get at least a bit of coverage as one of the favorites and a 4-time winner, Jure Robic, is Slovenian.
I'll make sure to follow your posts/blog.

Ana