The Race Across the West is a non-stop, non-drafting 1,037 mile bike race from Oceanside, California to the mountains of Taos, New Mexico. The race starts June 8th and riders have 4 days to cross the finish line to be considered official finishers. This is the first year this event will be run and it has been added to RAAM to fill the void between the traditional 500 mile races and the full challenge of RAAM. There are few races in the world of this distance, and this will be the first in the US.

The race route encompasses some of the most spectacular scenery the southwest has to offer, as well as presenting some daunting challenges. The race climbs up from the Pacific coast and across the coastal mountains where riders will face their first challenging climbs. The route then continues west crossing the Californian and Arizonian deserts where temperatures can hit well over 110F, testing the riders conditioning and stamina.

The route passes through Blyth California and then through the towns of Prescott and Flagstaff, Arizona. The long climb up to Flagstaff will tax already very tired legs. The route then moves northward through the spectacular Monument Valley and then passes through Montezuma Creek, Utah before moving into Colorado and crossing the Rockies. This will be one of the most daunting sections of the route with several high mountain passes to cross. The route then turns southward down to the resort town of Taos New Mexico.