The solo Race Across America racers started this morning for Oceanside. It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since I lined up there. The temperatures shouldn’t have been too bad for the first few house since the route climbs up into the hills. Then it drops down a great decent into the desert. Last year it was like dropping into an oven. Even though it was still in the 90s when I rode by the Salton Sea, there was a cooler breeze blowing off it that made it not seem so bad. Still I was happy when it got dark and the temperatures dropped.
It should be a great race this year with three former winners racing. There is last year’s winner Daniel Wyss from Switzerland, 2 time winner Jure Robic from Slovenia who dropped out last year with pnuemonia and 3 time winner Wolfgang Fasching from Austria. Currently Robic is in the lead with Wyss in 2nd and Fasching in 4th. At this point it’s all about pacing, staying hydrated and fueled for the long days ahead.
This year also has 5 women entered which is the most since 1993. Patty Riddle is attempting to become the oldest women finisher.
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Tags: cycling, RAAM, Race Across America, ultra cycling
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I’m watching the progress of Jeff Oatley, an Ultrasport veteran from Fairbanks, Alaska. I met him once on a plane, so I can loosely say I “know” someone in this year’s RAAM. Seems to be a good field this year. Probably tough to watch it unfold when you really want to be out there racing it.
Rob anybody tt the route unsupported solo?
Jill, it is hard watching the race. Maybe it’s a good thing I’m so fat and out of shape. At least I know that in the shape I’m in, I would have done good to make it through the first 200 miles. It certainly is bringing back a lot of memories and I can picture where eacer racer is.
Dave, to actually race your required to have a follow vehicle and at leat 3 crew members. Chris Kostman that puts on the Furnace Creek 508 was trying to organize a self supported race that would have used a course similar to one of the early RAAMs. He decided he had too many other things going on to put on another race.
kicking around the idea of doing the route solo self supported in 08,09 also another time of year not with the hoopla of ramm going on at the same time =)