About RAAM
RAAM Facts:
The RAAM or Race Across America has been widely regarded as the worlds toughest race. Outsider Magazine rated it as no.1 in terms of worldwide sporting events for toughness. That was in front of the Vendee Globe Around-the-world Sailing Race and the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon, the Tour de France and Everest didn’t even get a look in!
So what's it about?
Well the race must be completed in a total of 12 days in order to be classed as an official finisher, and covers just over 3000 miles. In completing the RAAM riders will climb the equivalent of over 4 Mount Everests. By day 6-7 the distance covered equates to the complete Tour de France and all this is done going on about 3-4 hours of asleep in one 24 hour period.
Each rider will probably intake approximately 3-4 gallons of fluid and approximately 6000-8000 calories a day. Because of the time restrictions however this has all to be consumed on the bike while still cycling in order to make sure no time is lost from the race.
Unlike many other endurance events such as marathons, just filling in an application form and entering isn’t an option. The qualification standard for the RAAM for women is to complete one of the 24 hour bicycle races and cover an overall distance of 400 miles. Katie's qualification attempt will be as part of Team Inspiration’s 4 woman team in the 2008 RAAM.