Alpine Club Talk

The Race Across America (RAAM) is a nonstop 3000-mile bike race. It goes coast to coast, from Oceanside, CA to Annapolis, MD, with more than 175,000 feet of elevation change and a time limit of 12 days. It is 50% longer than the Tour de France and it is completed in about half the time. RAAM racers have to cycle day and night to make the cutoff times, sleeping only 1-3 hours per day. RAAM has also been compared to climbing Mount Everest by Austrian adventurer Wolfgang Fasching, who has done both. He said that Everest is more dangerous but RAAM much harder. RAAM is considered to be the world's toughest bike race. But RAAM is more than a bike race, it is a life-changing experience.

In this talk, I will describe the hardships I had to endure to complete RAAM as a solo racer, from sleep deprivation and fatigue-induced hallucinations to debilitating tiredness and stabbing pain of open wounds caused by saddle sore. Against all of these odds, the resolve to keep going no matter what. This is the path that takes to dig deeper into oneself, discover hidden resources and ultimately takes to the development of a better self. The endurance, determination and self-reliance required to accomplish this endeavor are invaluable resources in everyday life and they are the secret to make dreams come true.

I will also describe the beauty of pedaling from the Pacific to the Atlantic, from the scorching heat of 120F through the Mohave and Sonoran deserts to the cold Rocky Mountains passes at 10,800 feet, from the endless plains of Kansas to the roller-coster of the Ozarks and, the crossing of the Mississippi which makes you fell you are almost there, while there are still 1000 miles to go. Nothing compares to the starry skies of the long desert nights, the thrill of crossing Monument Valley with Morricone's western soundtracks, conquering the Great Divide with snow-capped mountains and climbing the Appalachians with endless rainstorms, all at once.

Come to this talk and be part of the experience!

The talk will be followed by a reception with free refreshments.

Alpine Club Talks are co-sponsored by the Sierra Peaks section of the Sierra Club.