It just looks like a 2012 RAAM for me is out of reach. Mostly on the financial side. To do it right would take at least $25,000 for the event, and realistically probably quitting my job to be able to have the time to adequately train. I'm just not sure I'm ready to commit that much to a bike ride at this time. With RAAM, anything less than 100% commitment will leave you hanging short.
I am thinking about the possibility of competing in The Race Across the West in 2012. It starts in Oceanside, CA at the same time with RAAM and follows the same course. It just ends a mere 860 miles down the road in Durango, CO instead of going all the way across the country.
RAW is probably a much more realistic goal.
Stay tuned
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Exploratory Committee
Politicians setup Exploratory Committees to determine if a run for a particular office has adequate support. I'm not much of a politician, and I don't have a committee, but after several years of saying I had no interest in subjecting myself to the sacrifices required or the pain inflicted by participation in RAAM, I'm beginning to think it might just be the next adventure.
At the same time I was telling people I had no interest I kept saying I felt like I was in that little swirl of water that sucks everything into the drain of the bathtub. I felt the draw to this ultimate bike adventure.
I suppose I made the first step toward this epic undertaking last evening when I sent an email to a friend who has competed in two RAAMs. I had a few questions on what worked, what didn't, tips, suggestions... and what to expect as far as expenses.
Nothing came back that was new to me. I think the biggest hurdle will be the financial aspect. No matter a person's financial resources the commitment to participate in RAAM is significant. As with most things in life, choices will have to be made. Where best to expend effort and assets?
An event with the stature of RAAM draws attention. Many find that association with a participant is beneficial. Maybe I can convince some related businesses that supporting my effort would be good use of their advertising budget. ;-)
We shall see what happens between now and when the registration deadline for 2012 RAAM looms. If I can overcome this hurdle the rest is known. I know what it takes to ride my bike. :-)
At the same time I was telling people I had no interest I kept saying I felt like I was in that little swirl of water that sucks everything into the drain of the bathtub. I felt the draw to this ultimate bike adventure.
I suppose I made the first step toward this epic undertaking last evening when I sent an email to a friend who has competed in two RAAMs. I had a few questions on what worked, what didn't, tips, suggestions... and what to expect as far as expenses.
Nothing came back that was new to me. I think the biggest hurdle will be the financial aspect. No matter a person's financial resources the commitment to participate in RAAM is significant. As with most things in life, choices will have to be made. Where best to expend effort and assets?
An event with the stature of RAAM draws attention. Many find that association with a participant is beneficial. Maybe I can convince some related businesses that supporting my effort would be good use of their advertising budget. ;-)
We shall see what happens between now and when the registration deadline for 2012 RAAM looms. If I can overcome this hurdle the rest is known. I know what it takes to ride my bike. :-)
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