Last Chance To Register For - “The Toughest 48 Hours In Sport"

Almost time to race!

Now is the time to toss your hat into the ring for the 40th anniversary of the  "Original RAAM Qualifier". Registration closes September 1, so don't wait to get in the mix. Race against some of the best and earn your Totem.

This year's teams include many veteran racers like Ryan Kunz's (2021 Hall of Famer) team Krank'n Koala alongside other veteran teams such as Super Tabby, White Owl and Great Basin Ichthyosaur lead by Great Basin Bicycle Shop owner, Rich Staley. Roehl Caragao returns the the two-person division for his 16th 508. Or, perhaps the name Glen Plake's name rings a bell. Plake is one of the greatest extreme skiers of all time and half of team Snipe.

The solo division features record holder - Danny Westergaard (Wiener Dog), RAAM veteran - Marshall Nord (Borderline Collie), WTTC Age Group Winner - Christopher Greene (Cheshire Kitten) and many more. Two racers to watch will be Tyler Pearce (Space Bear) and Christie Tracy (Rising Phoenix), as both will be looking for wins.

We look forward to seeing some great racing out in Reno this year, we would love for you to join in the action as racers will travel 508 miles of "the lonliest road in America"!

More About The 508 … https://www.the508.net/

Registration Ends September 1!

Register Here: https://www.the508.net/registration-1

Race Across the West (RAW) started in 2008 with the original concept being to make it the perfect gateway to RAAM. There were no Qualifying races in the US that were over 500 miles. The course was approximately 1000 miles from Oceanside, CA to Taos, NM. In 2010 the finish line was moved to Durango, CO where it still resides. The current course is approximately 925 miles. We felt that having a longer qualifier that followed the exact course as RAAM was the perfect stepping stone for solo racers to see if they were prepared. It pushed racers and crew into riding through a second night giving them a better feel for what it was going to be like crossing the country in the days ahead.

Since 2008 many solo racers have used RAW as a testing ground to get to solo RAAM. It has given them a preview of the first third of the RAAM course and they were racing alongside the RAAM solo racers. Racers and crew get to experience first-hand the process of checking-in, the camaraderie and nervous energy at the start. It gives crew insight into how to use the route book, navigation and what might be needed for a full length RAAM attempt. It also allowed racers to get a feeling for the terrain, weather and the roads. Even veteran RAAM racers have used RAW as a bridge event between RAAM attempts, and many RAAM team racers have moved on to solo RAW. There is no doubt that RAW has achieved its goal of paving the way to a successful RAAM.

While often it sounds like RAW is merely a path to RAAM, do not take it lightly! RAW is an exceptionally difficult race, Over the past 15 years RAW has developed its own reputation and identity as an international race and has grown far beyond the concept of a stepping stone. For many racers RAW is the ultimate goal. There is no question it is one of the toughest qualifying races in the world combining both the distance and the elements. The finish rate for solo and team racers is similar to that of RAAM. At roughly double the distance of any other US qualifying race, RAW presents its own challenges for racers and crew to overcome – from training, organization, preparation and logistics, etc. If racers don’t feel that RAAM – solo or team - is within their scope, RAW fills everything that you could want as an ultimate ultra-racing goal!

The discussion around RAW has been focused on solo racing but all of the same analysis applies to teams, if not even more so. Teams are not required to qualify for RAAM, however racing RAAM qualifying races is the absolute best place to practice, practice, practice. It is a great idea to do race simulations on your own as a team to nail down exchanges, crew and racer responsibilities, maximize efficiency, etc. but there is nothing that can replicate doing it in an actual race. Being in “race mode” adds another layer of urgency, rules, time constraints, etc. Actual races are also a great place to interact with other racers, officials and race organizers. This forum will allow you to see how others are approaching the race and to ask questions to better understand the “best” way to do things. For all of the reasons it RAW is the ultimate testing ground and/or goal for solo racers, it hold equally true for teams.

To answer the original question, Race Across the West is absolutely both a stepping stone to RAAM but it is also without a doubt an ambitious ultimate goal for any racer. The best way to get good at racing is to race!

Natchez Trace 444

Nashville, TN - September 30, 2022

The Natchez Trace 444 - often referred to as simply "The 444" - runs the length of the Natchez Trace Parkway, 444 miles from Nashville, TN to Natchez, MS. That’s 444 miles on one road, with no turns, no traffic lights, no stop signs, no driveways, no dogs, no Walmarts. The event is organized by George Thomas, member of both the RAAM and RAW Hall of Fame.

The Natchez Trace lies entirely within The Natchez Trace National Park. As such there are special rules which apply to this event. The 444 is not a “race” although it is timed - the event is considered a “personal challenge”. All solo riders finishing within 44 hours will qualify for Solo Race Across America.

Over the 444-mile length of the route, riders will drop from roughly 900ft just outside Nashville to roughly 100’ in Natchez on the Mississippi River. The first 100 miles – through Tennessee and Alabama – offers up steep rolling hills. The terrain flattens out as riders enter Mississippi. Along the way, riders will encounter great pavement, beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife - armadillos, wild turkeys, white tail deer and, possibly, javelina. Event Director, George Thomas, considers the Natchez Trace Parkway one of the most beautiful roads in the USA.

This is generally considered an “easy” RAAM Qualifier. It’s not nearly as difficult as Race Across Oregon, Hoodoo 500 or Silver State 508. But, don’t be fooled, it’s plenty challenging. The last 55 miles take a toll as no one is expecting the continuous long rollers from a course that has an overall elevation drop. That said, this is a great event for someone looking to get into ultra-cycling. The event attracts RAAM veterans as well as first-time riders looking for their next big challenge.

The 444 is an extremely popular event. This year’s event is sold out, but if you are interested, ask to have your name placed on the wait list. And make sure to register early for the 2023 event. Registration will open 12:01 AM Pacific Time Halloween morning. The event usually sells out by 6:00 AM that morning!

For more information … https://www.raceacrossoregon.com/nt444.html

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