THE RACE ACROSS
AMERICA
The Race Across America is regarded as the world’s toughest cycle race.
Stretching from Oceanside California to Annapolis Maryland, RAAM is a gruelling race that demands physical and mental strength, determination, and pure grit.
The route pushes competitors to the very limit as they travel from the west to the east coasts of America, traversing three major mountain ranges (Sierra, Rocky and Appalacian), cross four of America’s longest rivers and the Great Plains, and race through iconic US landmarks including the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, Monument Valley, Great Plains and Gettysburg.
THIS ISN’T A CYCLE TOUR
Unlike the Tour de France which races in daily sections, RAAM is one continual stage – it’s the world’s longest time trial.
RAAM is about 30% longer than the Tour de France, and racers must complete the distance in roughly half the time… with no rest days.
RAAM STATS
Total distance: 3060 miles / 4850 km
Total climbing: 175,000 feet / 53,000 m
Number of states: 12
Solo time limit (<60 yr old): 12 days
In the 39 years that RAAM has been held, less than 300 solo racers have officially finished the race.
The lowest elevation is 170 feet below sea level, with the highest elevation at more than 10,000 feet above sea level.
STRATOSPHERIC
Putting the race distance itself to one side, the total climbing height is equivalent to reaching the upper level of the stratosphere…
… 4x the maximum cruising altitude of a Boeing 777, or climbing Mt Everest six times… in 8-12 days!
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