Running Mommy, I've already started the RAAM cheering squad!

The 2006 Race Across America began this morning in Oceanside at 9am. My mom-in-law (too be) and I rode down to the pier to join the send off ride. When we got to the pier, we discovered hundreds of cyclists lined up to cheer. The MC was annoucing all the riders' names. Many were from all over the world including Hungary and Sweden. What a way to tour a foreign country! A trumpet player played a lovely version of the National Anthem and then they were off! The riders all rode down the pier ramp while onlookers clapped and whistled. After the last rider got on their way, the parade of supporters followed. WHAT A SCENE! It was a huge train of bikers that stretched well over a mile long. Cars and people on the street just stopped and stared.

Apparently today's start was the "solo" rider start. On Tuesday, they do the "team" send off at 2pm. I figured that out after I got home and read up on the whole race. I really only found out about RAAM on Saturday night. Many of the team riders were already in town and participated in the "solo" send off. There was whole team in pink and a recumbent team in bright orange. I didn't catch any of the team names since they weren't announced.

The RAAM send off was a very touching sight. I was very glad to have had the opportunity to participate, as far as I could and as fast as I could. When they say race, they mean race. Woooh, those riders are fast.