Race Across America

Today Scott and I saw our friend from Germany, Michael Nehls, take off at the start line in the Race Across America (RAAM). It is the yearly bike race from the west coast to the east coast. To actually complete the race, the riders need to do it in 12 days! Michael is one of 28 soloists who are competing. It is harder than the Tour de France, and as grueling as climbing Mount Everest. It is one of the most extreme, difficult athletic challenges in the world. So far, no American has ever won it.

It started from Oceanside, CA today at noon and ends in Bethesda, Maryland on June 20th. The race is over 3,000 miles long, with a checkpoint every 60 miles. There is no drafting allowed, and no doping. Those who compete in it must cycle 250-300 miles a day, leaving them only about 4 hours a night to sleep. The athletes who actually win the race sleep about 90 minutes in 24 hours for the solid 10-12 days that it takes them. It is astounding to me that the first stop Michael will make is in Flagstaff, AZ. That is a day trip to drive, let alone to pedal.

Michael has a great support team to help him along the way. He has my friend, his wife Sabine, who is the main cook. He has a doctor, a physical therapist, other drivers/navigators, and a photographer in three vehicles who will follow and leap-frog him to give him all the support he needs. Michael is planning on writing a book about his adventure, hence the photographer. They rented a motor home, which will be Michael's kitchen and rest station, and two support vans. One van will closely follow him, with extra lights to shine on the road in the dark and a loud speaker to shout out directions.

RAAM is well-known in Europe, where bicycle racing is much more popular. I have told so many people about this race, that starts right in our very own county, and no one has heard of it. The media did not cover it at all. This is unbelievable to me.

I just checked the website (www.raceacrossamerica.org) and they are riding through the desert at night right now. The racers encountered strong headwinds during the day.

It is late, so I am going to bed. Micheal is probably still riding. He is still sitting on that minuscule bicycle seat, trying to keep a good pace as he pedals through the night, trying to stay awake, hoping he is on course and braving the night cold. I can't even imagine it. More on the race tomorrow...