RAAM- The World’s longest time trial

In 1982 four men had a vision: to race in the shortest time from coast to coast of the USA on a racing bicycle. This was ultimately the birth of the Race Across America (RAAM).

Since then, RAAM has been the world’s longest time trial in bicycle racing. For the approximate 3,000 miles and accumulated altitude of over 100,000 feet the athletes have twelve days to stay in the required time limit. The clock never stops to tick, making the whole distance a single (!) stage race, which each athlete has to overcome on his/her own: drafting behind other riders or cars will lead to disqualification.

The fastest soloists have reached the finish line in less than nine days: i.e. over 300 miles a day. Over 120 degrees in hot deserts challenge the riders, as well as frosty passes well over 10,000 feet in the Rocky Mountains – always on their own against the wind.

The daily workload equals three stages of the Tour De France. No wonder, in 1993, Outside Magazine labeled RAAM the World’s toughest endurance event. An official group of experts ranked the world’s longest endurance events on the following criteria:

1. Length of the event.

2. Difficulty of the route.

3. Mental challenge.

4. The relation between costs and DNF (did-not-finish) rate.

The fastest riders reach the finish line in about 8 days and accumulate less than 8-10 hours of sleep. Many fail with this strategy: 50 percent of all starters do not finish the race and become a DNF-statistic. In my first participation (RAAM 2008), I rested a total of 91 hours, taking long sleep breaks – which allowed me to ride faster – I was never passed on the road.

After less than 11 days I reached the finish line in 7th place. Danny Chews’ comment: „Dr. Nehls appeared to be the happiest rider of all RAAM soloists.” RAAM is a tough challenge but it does not have to be cruel.

In fact, masochists would DNF quickly, as they do not listen to their bodies warning signals. I have shown in 2008 that a sport, even in such an extreme variant, can be a lot of fun. RAAM poses primarily a mental challenge. As a former manager, I see my mayor chances in detailed planning, concentration and focus on my goals, but primarily in the strong mental support I receive from my team with my family: Sabine and our three children.

At the RAAM 2010 I will combine my strategy with my experience of RAAM 2008 to create an improved tactic – without too much pressure and no pain, just having fun riding my bike through the terrific nature of North America – with my friends and my family beside me.