need advice for Race Across America - 2012

[evangundy]

Good information on the RAAM website page for race resources: http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/raa...N_webcat_id=13

It would also be good to read just about everything at this link: http://www.ultracycling.com/events/crew_tips.html
and then follow other links in those pages. I saved all the pdf's and notes onto my computer and read a few pages each day, when preparing to crew for RAW 2010. Lee Mitchell has been involved in Ultra Cycling for a lot of years and has lots of good advice. I thnk I read everything he has posted.

The crew seminars they put on are invaluable, especially to newcomers. They cover so much that you might never think about.

I wasn't involved in any sponsor stuff so can't help there.

You will either love the experience or hate it. Definitely you will never forget it :-) I hope to crew for someone doing RAAM someday - I've only crewed for RAW (the first 867 miles of RAAM), Sebring 24hr, Ring of Fire, and Race Across Oregon. I have no desire to race them (well, maybe a 12 hour someday) but I really enjoy being on a crew. It's almost harder work than riding, but very rewarding.

Edna

[carolp]

I crewed this year for RAAM and I would suggest you get in touch with other 8-person teams. I crewed for a four-person team and I think it would be different with that many racers. There are pros and cons to RVs. Some teams don't use them and they are a huge expense and could be something that could be done without.
You may try medical centers and medical device companies for sponsors if there are any that may be used post head trauma.
Sleep deprivation was a big issue for me. Some of my crew did not pull their weight and some of us had to step in and it was rough. You really have to be able to work on very little sleep. Even when I got an hour or so I felt a lot better.
Your crew chief needs to be someone really well organized and not afraid to make tough decisions.
It is seriously a huge undertaking, but that being said, my team, Team4hivhope, which is made up of HIV+ racers, is already planning next year.

[loopybunny]

You may try medical centers and medical device companies for sponsors if there are any that may be used post head trauma.

Actually, the idea is that the team raises money for the Shepherd Center which is a brain and spinal cord rehabilitation facility, therefore it wouldn't make much sense for them to fund the team. The people at Shepherd now have a marketing team working on finding financial sponsorship. My friend recently said it was going to cost half as much as he originally thought, but we didn't get into why that was. We'll see what happens!

[carolp]

I certainly didn't mean that you should ask the center for whom you are raising money-- but medical device companies might be a good way to go. For example, Medtronic makes Deep Brain Stimulation Devices that are used for people with Dystonia and Essential Tremor. There are companies out there, I'm sure, that manufacture titanium plates, etc. used in brain injury cases.

[evangundy]

No updates since last summer - and the time is nearing for 2012 RAAM - is the OP going to be crewing this year? If you are, I hope your team has a great race and finishes well.

Anyone else from TE forums going to be in Oceanside or Annapolis? Or somewhere along the route?

I will be crewing for http://teambacchettaraam.com/ - wish us luck!
Edna

[kacie tri-ing]

Hey!

SO, Pedal Wrench from the forum and I are BOTH on the Team Shepherd Team for RAAM!

Here is our FB page:
http://www.facebook.com/TeamShepherdAtlanta

and our blog that will be active during the race:
http://teamshepherd2012.wordpress.com/

Our bikes are in vans, and headed west!

[Possegal]

From the look at the map, it appears that the race goes by about 12 miles from my house. hmmmm. Is this something you can "watch", given that by the time you make it to MD, I'm guessing there's a good bit of gaps between riders.

Good luck to all crewing. That sounds fascinating and I can't wait to hear the stories!