The Fireweed 400 started today at noon. The 50, 100, and 200 mile races are tomorrow. There are 733 on the start list between all the different distances. 15 are doing the solo 400 mile RAAM qualifier. The Anchorage Daily News had an article today.
I’ve qualified for RAAM at the Furnace Creek 508, Fireweed 400, Race Across Oregon and the Adironack 540. The Fireweed 400 is still my favorite RAAM qualifier. The scenery is so amazing and it’s really only dark for a couple hours.
The ADN article mentions that the Fireweed 400 is tough because there’s a lot more climbing in the 2nd half of the race. The race uses an out and back course. The race starts around 2800 feet and then drops to sea level at the turn around in Valdez. Racers then have to climb back up in the 2nd half. The course profile has never look right to me on the website. I have a big version from my computer download on my Fireweed 400 page that I’ve never finished up.
Having the 2nd half harder ended up working well for me since I didn’t feel the best during the first half and felt good the 2nd half. I rode the 2nd half faster than the winner. I think I was in 5th at the turn around and finished 2nd.
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Tags: Alaska, Fireweed 400, RAAM, ultra cycling
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