Raam 2008

[ladyjai]

thought I'd start a new thread here so we don't hijack those watching this years RAAM.

I'm in. For the pedaling part. I don't think I could do support. You gals who can are my heroes!

[ladyjai]

Riders:
RunningMommy
Ladyjai

Support:
-mtkitchn
-MomOnBike
-TsPoet
-Lifesgreat

[crazycanuck]

This is a very tempting vacation idea..I could wait until 2008 to visit home...

I could be in for support but i need to visit the website & see the route...

Hmmm...i'll keep the idea in mind..

c

[Running Mommy]

All I have to say is if NANCI doesn't put herself down as a rider I WILL!!!!
I would love to do 07, but I need all of those two years to get ready I think. This is going to mean some SERIOUS training for me!! After IMAZ next year my focus will be bike focused with just base running/swimming..
This year I'm working on body composition (LOSING THE FLAB) and swim and bike speed. Post IMAZ 07 I'll work more on serious enduance cycling as well as dedicated speed work on the bike. And yeah, the mining century will be MANDATORY as a training ride. That is some serious climbing. And from the looks of the course this year- I'll need it!!! That and maybe I'll go visit c-mac to get some good NM wind training in!!
Hmmm... I guess I'd better dig out that long distance cycling book Nanci turned me on to... Oh- and turn to the chapter "ultra long events"!!!!

Ok, so speak up... Who else is in? We can do an 8 person team or 4.

[Lifesgreat]

A few online resources for "supporters to be" (and riders too)

http://www.ultracycling.com/events/crew_tips.html

http://www.ultracycling.com/index.html

http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/Default.aspx?tabid=61

[maillotpois]

If you guys are really serious about this, I suggest you start with a longer team event like the Furnace Creek 508 or the Heart of the South 500. These can be done as team events and will give you a taste of what is involved in the logistics, planning, riding through the night, etc.

But it's just a tast of what RAAM would be like. The expenses and logistics of doing RAAM are mind boggling. I have talked a lot to Robo as we drove down to the Solvang Double back in March about the planning and preparation. It's pretty amazing.

I don't want to burst anyone's balloon here, but I do suggest you start with one of the shorter races (FC 508 is a great one) and see how that goes.

[caligurl]

actually.... i don't think it's a matter of you "should" do furnace creek or some other long ride... don't you HAVE to do one (or more) as a qualifier? i believe you can't just say "i'm gonna do RAAM" and go.... you have to do a certain... or certain rides prior too.... so deciding for 2007 at this late date is probably noe feasible! (i.e. tinker did furnace creek 508 last year as a qualifier.... i also think i remember the guys talking about him doing other rides... but not sure!)

also.... EVERYTHING that i've read... suggest working on the crew before you even attempt to ride either the furnace creek or RAAM... apparently it's quite the learning experience!

here's the link from RAAM's site about qualifiers

[jobob]

Apparently relay team racers do not have to qualify in order to race in RAAM.

http://www.ultracycling.com/events/raamqualifiers.html

Apart from that - what MP and Cali said.

[maillotpois]

I don't think you have to qualify as a team, but I could be wrong. Regardless, doing one of these races would be critical on many levels. I may be doing the 508 this year, but that is still up in the air. Even the logistics for that are tough!

[jobob]

MP, did you find a new teammate, or would you ride it solo?