Cobourg News Blog

For 36 years, Race across America (RAAM) has been “challenging ultracyclists from around the globe to push their physical and mental limits to the farthest reaches.”  It’s a 5,000 kilometer nonstop cycling race across America –  starting in Oceanside California and finishing in Annapolis, Maryland.  Contestants will climb 175,000 feet with only 9 days to complete the race!  RAAM is about 30% longer than the Tour de France, but must be completed in half the time. It attracts cyclists from around the globe and is truly the pinnacle of athletic achievement. This year, a team of four cyclists from Cobourg – they call themselves the Cantastic 4 – will be one of the only Canadian teams racing, and they chose Northumberland United Way as their charity of choice.

The Cantastic 4 – Gord Ley, Steve Allan, Brad West, Gord Treasure – and their team will start their race on June 15 and are looking for pledges. 100% of the money raised through pledges will go to support Northumberland United Way since all costs associated with the race are being funded by the riders and crew.

Open to amateur and professional racers, in solo, 2-, 4- and 8-person relay teams, there is no other race in the world comparable to RAAM. The Race has become a global icon, having had over 35 countries represented. Not only has RAAM proved to be one of the most challenging races in the world, but has become a huge platform for racers to raise awareness and money for charities of their choice.

Below is a video about the event:

Links

• Race Across America Web site
• United Way Pledge/Donation link
• Facebook page (Follow their journey)

Update – 29 June, 2019

The results are in, on June 22, Gord Ley’s team won their class beating out the US team by only 2 hours over 5,000 km.  More on the event at their Facebook page here.

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