The Official Website of Ultra Distance Cyclist Mark Metcalfe
What is RAW/RAAM?
The 3rd annual Race Across the West (RAW) begins at Noon on June 9, 2010 in Oceanside, CA and finishes 860 miles later in Durango, CO. Race Across the West is brought to you by the same promoters of the Race Across America (RAAM) and is run concurrently and along the same course as RAAM. RAW was developed to provide an ultra-endurance challenge for competitors of all levels, and it covers what is considered to be the toughest part of RAAMas the course makes it way from the serene beaches of California, through the heat of the deserts and canyons of Arizona and Utah to its finish in the Colorado Rockies. RAW offers endurance cyclists an opportunity to compete simultaneously with the world’s elite ultra-endurance cyclists on the RAAM course. Yet, provides racers with a challenge that is much more “life-manageable” and realistic for many participants. However, RAW has proven to be a demanding race in its first two years and becoming an official finisher is both demanding and rewarding. For those new to the sport, endurance-cycling races have no stages. The clock never stops—solo riders continue until sleep becomes a necessity, while team participants alternate riders relay-style round the clock. RAW race divisions include: Solo, 2-person and 4-person relay teams. Divisions are further classified by age, gender and bike type. Unlike other famous races, such as the Tour de France, RAW has no stages, drafting is not allowed and since it is a “single-stage” race, the first one to the finish wins. As a solo endeavor, RAW, the second longest endurance cycling event in the U.S., is a worthy challenge that for most who finish, is the accomplishment of a lifetime!
RAW climbing chart and satellite view.
RAAM satellite view
The Race Across America (RAAM) has established itself as a dramatic American tradition, respected worldwide for the sheer magnitude of its challenge. RAAM is the most-recognized and longest annual endurance cycling event in the world today. Solo Racers must travel over 3,000 miles in 9 days to be competitive. They do so by racing more than 20 hours a day over mountains, across deserts and through the manifestation of pain and doubt the likes of which are unparalleled in almost any other athletic endeavor. As a solo endeavor, RAAM is the longest endurance cycling event in the world and for those who finish will remember it as an epic adventure!
So, Why Do We Do It?
To experience the endless roads before you. And I mean endless!
To push yourself farther than you thought you could go.
The closeness and camaraderie of the crew! Maybe too close in one van! Air freshener please!
To travel through terrain you could have never imagined.
To climb and climb,
and climb some more!
But, somehow, at the finish, it all seems worthwhile!