Patrick Seely will be racing his road bike 3100 miles non-stop across the United States next June in the Race Across America (RAAM) beginning in Oceanside, California and ending in Annapolis, Maryland.  Racing solo (one racer racing one bicycle), his goal is to reach Annapolis in less than twelve days. In order to accomplish this goal, he will have to race an average of more than 250 miles per 24 hour period.

RAAM is one of the most respected endurance sports events in the world. Some call it the most grueling race of all sporting events. RAAM is seen as a pinnacle of athletic achievement not only in cycling circles but the greater sporting community as well.

RAAM has a rich and storied history. In 1982, four individuals raced from the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles to the Empire State Building in New York City. Covered by national television, the race captivated the public’s imagination. Teams were added in 1992 and quickly became the most popular and fastest growing segment of the race. The 2012 race will be the 31st edition of RAAM.

There is no other race in the world like RAAM. The Race inspires everyone who has been a part of it – racer, crew, staff and fans alike. RAAM is the true test of speed, endurance, strength and camaraderie, the ideal combination of work and fun! There is no race that matches the distance, terrain and weather; no other event that tests a team’s spirit from beginning to end.

Unlike the three great European Grand Tours (Tour de France, Vuelta a Espana and Giro de Italia), RAAM is not a stage race. RAAM is one continual stage, similar to a time trial. Once the clock starts it does not stop until the finish line. RAAM is about 30% longer than the Tour de France. Moreover, racers must complete the distance in roughly half the time allowed for the Tour.

Patrick is raising money and awareness for the Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern Nevada. His goal is to raise over $50,000 for this very worthy charity. The Ronald McDonald House helps families face the weight of illness together.  The House provides a home-away-from home for families with ill or injured children so they can stay close by their hospitalized child. When families stay at the House they find support, care, understanding and compassion from staff, volunteers and other families staying at the house. The House is built on the simple idea that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on healing their child – not where they can afford to stay, where they will get their next meal or where they will lay their head at night to rest.  The Northern Nevada Chapter also provides:

  • A Family Room in the Renown Children’s Hospital where families can rest and regroup just moments away from their sick child
  • The Care Mobile, a mobile outreach clinic which provides medical and dental care, health education and other services to children
  • A scholarship fund for Northern Nevada high school seniors encouraging students to continue their education with renewable scholarships
  • The Travel for Treatment program which gives parents assistance when a child’s medical treatment is not available locally
  • The Ronald McDonald House Charities Matching Grants Program which directly benefits local children’s health, education and well-being programs

The Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern Nevada creates and supports programs that directly improve the health, education and well-being of children and families.

Please join us in supporting this very worthwhile cause by clicking on the red Donate button.  We sincerely thank you!

To learn more about RAAM, please visit www.RaceAcrossAmerica.org