The Race Across America is a non-stop, non-drafting 3,021 mile bike race from Oceanside, California to Annapolis, MD. Outsider Magazine has called RAAM the "Toughest Bike Race in the World" and it is rated as one of the hardest sporting events. The route covers 14 states, 4 time zones, and over 100,000 feet of climbing. Over 50% of the solo riders do not make the finish inside the official time limit of 12 days. To be competitive, solo riders need to spend over 20 hours each day in the saddle.

The race climbs up from the Pacific coast and across the coastal mountains where riders will face their first challenging climbs. The route crosses the Californian and Arizonian deserts where temperatures can hit well over 110F. The race then climbs up through Prescott and Flagstaff then northward through the spectacular Monument Valley and then into the Rockies where altitude becomes a factor. The route then drops down into the Plains of Kansas and into the heat and humidity of the Midwest. The rolling hills of Missouri come before crossing the Mississippi and the flatlands of Illinois and Indiana. It is then through Ohio and into the challenging climbs of West Virginnia before dropping down to the finish in Annapolis (to see a map click here).

Why RAAM? As someone who's professional and personal life is focused on physical activity, I am always looking for ways to test my physical and mental limits. RAAM presents the ultimate physical and mental challenge. I am still finalizing my race plans and strategy. My primary goal is be an official finisher, something not to be taken lightly given the magnitude of this race and the difficulties to be overcome. I am hopeful that if my training goes to plan I will be able to complete the race in sub 11 days.