Race Across America

The Race Across America, or RAAM is a ultra marathon bicycle race across the USA that started in 1982 as the Great American Bike Race. RAAM is the best-known and longest annual endurance cycling event in the world.

Related Topics:
Bicycle race - USA - 1982

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The exact course of the race has has varied substantially during its history, but has always been from the West Coast to East Coast of the United States, approximately 3,000 miles (4800 km). In 2005, the course was from San Diego, California, to Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Related Topics:
West Coast - East Coast - 3,000 miles - San Diego - California - Atlantic City - New Jersey

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Unlike most multi-day bicycle races, RAAM has no stages or designated rest periods. Instead, the clock runs continuously from start to finish. The winner of the race usually finishes in eight to nine days, after riding approximately 22 hours per day through the varied terrain of the US. Each racer has a crew that follows in one or more vehicles to provide food, water, and other supplies. At night, a crew vehicle fitted with flashing lights is required to follow closely behind the rider at all times to ensure they are visible.

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Race is held in several divisions. In 2004 those were:

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• Men's Solo
• Two Person Male
• Two Person Mixed
• Four Person Male
• Four Person Male HPV
• Four Person Female
• Four Person Mixed
• Corporate Challenge
 
Race Across America: Records ►