McBRAAM

There is an epic cycling race that has taken place for the past 36 years - Race Across America, otherwise known as RAAM.  It starts in Oceanside, under one of the longest piers in California, spans 3000 miles, climbs 175,000 feet, crosses 12 states and finishes at City Dock in Annapolis, Maryland.  I'm married to a cyclist who loves to ride and race but RAAM takes it to a level that he's not interested in.  Riding cross country, however, has been on his bucket list for a long time.  Which leads us to McBRAAM - The McElhaney Brothers' Bicycle Ride Across America.

Les and his older brother, Lance, will be embarking on an amazing journey this Saturday.  They will leave Southern California, with Savannah, Georgia on their minds.  Les' dad, Bill, affectionately known as Pops, will be driving the support vehicle.  The route looks something like this:

 

The two most common questions I have received:

1.  Are They Crazy??
Well, yes, a little.  Or maybe a lot.  However, this goal is not out of reach.  Les and Lance are both strong riders.  They will not be racing.  Pops will have water, fuel and tools in the van if (when) somethings goes wrong.  All three of them are very intelligent (it's actually kinda scary how smart they are) and they have spent months planning, researching, thinking, and planning some more.  The RAAM record is 7 days, 15 hours and 56 minutes.  These guys are planning on 25 days of riding across 28 days total.

2.  Are You Going With Them?
No.  Originally they had considered renting an RV and Les told me I was welcome to go along for part of the trip.  My response, "I'm not living in a rolling locker room for a month!"  This is a boys' only trip.  I am happy that they are doing this but I am happy to stay home.  I've got a to-do list that is growing and I hope to actually get it all done.  I will be flying to Atlanta during the final week to meet up with them and be in Savannah for the grand finale!

I'll be posting updates here from my perspective from time to time, but if you're interested they plan to blog daily at their own blog ~ McBRAAM.