Raam 2008

[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?

[maillotpois]

I had decided not to do it because my teammate backed out - and I was thinking to do solo next year after completing a full brevet series plus an extra 600k. But now my teammate is back and wants to do it (long and very understandable story as to why she's flip flopping). So I am debating. Money is an issue as is time. And I feel a bit tired/overtrained right now as I have done 2 doubles and 3 very tough 100 milers in the last 5 - 6 weeks. So I'm probably not in the best place to decide right now.

Sorry for the thread hijack....

[Lifesgreat]

I cannot imagine the logistics of supporting a group of riders on a ride this long. That is why I want to learn as much about it as possible. It seems to me that in the ultra distance racing environment, every possible glitch is magnified to the nth degree due to fatigue, remoteness, limited resources, etc. I also think it would be an unforgettable experience.