RAAM elements

Riders are often asked about what the elements are to have a good experience in racing RAAM. I have been giving more serious thoughts lately as many have told me that riding solo is an entirely different animal from riding in a team. Besides elements involving training, I'd also focus on the elements that would cause a bad experience in racing RAAM or any other endurance sports. These elements are quite common yet often avoided:

1) Saddle Soars

2) Heat

3) Other Extreme Weather Patterns

4) Night Vision

We sometimes deal with these elements when they occur. Lack of preparation and/or recognition in itself can be a huge risk in having a good experience in executing a race plan like RAAM.

(Photo: Unexpected RAAM race course detour due to the flooding of the Mississippi River during RAAM 2008 -- Team Strong Heart 2008 riders and crew working on a plan B)