World's toughest bike race

The Race Across America: 3000 miles non-stop

The world's most toughest bike race is just a few weeks away, and like previous years, all eyes are on the soloists - the men and women who will ride 3,000 miles across the U.S. non-stop.

Since it began in 1982, the Race Across America (RAAM) is one of the most respected and longest-running annual endurance events in the world.

This year, teams and soloists start the race in Oceanside, California, between June 16th and 20th and finish in Annapolis, Maryland between June 26th and 29th.

Unlike other bike races such as the Tour de France, RAAM is not a stage race. Once the clock starts on the west coast, the clock doesn't stop until each competitor reaches the finish line on the east coast. It is also 30% longer than the Tour de France and solo racers finish in half the time with no rest days.

The ultimate challenge is the solo race where individuals complete the 3,000 mile route, passing through or touching 14 states and a cumulative climb total of around 100,000 feet. Solo racers typically finish in 9 to 12 days, averaging 250 to 350 miles per day.

For more information, visit www.raceacrossamerica.org