FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE ROLF PRIMA RAAM TEAM

With training and logistics getting the final attention they need, Race Across America (RAAM) is getting closer and closer every day. Under 100 days, not that we’re counting. From the start in Oceanside, CA to the finish in Annapolis, MD; we will cross over 12 states, pass through 88 counties and 350 communities. While we continue hammering out the details for this massive undertaking, here are five little tidbits we thought you’d find fun to know about the team.

IT’S A SPRINTER VAN PARTY

When preparing for RAAM people try to figure out the logistics of follow vans, a leap van and an RV for sleeping and eating. They weight the benefits of having a big vehicle for sleeping and changing against the downside that it’s a big vehicle. In a move to simplify this process we’ve decided to use two Sprinter Vans for our follow vans and a minivan for our leap van. This way the riders and crew will be able to more easily sleep and rest, while still being able to have any vehicle move into another role as needed.

FINISH IN XX DAYS?!

Every team has their goal and our Rolf Prima team is no different. Though some aim to finish, we are not going out there aiming for second place. So we have set ourselves a time goal. The only thing is… we’re not telling.

WHEELS

There are a lot of topography changes throughout the country and at first when we were planning I was thinking “man, it’s nice to have a wheel company because we are going to bring an arsenal”. The reality is that our wheels are pretty versatile and we don’t really need an arsenal. Here is what we are thinking:

1. Bring two bikes: one TT bike and road bike. Plus a spare to part out if things get dire.

2. TT bike: We plan to have an Ares6 (or Ares4) front and Disc rear which we will use everywhere we can. I know from my long course triathlon background that a TT set up is fastest wherever you can use it. It won’t excel in the mountains but in the plains and rolling terrain, it will be the way to go.

3. Road bike:  The primary will be Eos3 wheels. When we are not in full TT mode, these will be our workhorses. Great for climbing because they are feathery light but also great aerodynamics for the windy, rolling descents.

4. In the Quiver: Vigor’s. I don’t know that we will use these but because they are such a great all conditions, all-terrain wheelset, we have to bring them. These are the wheels we train with so they can ride shotgun and be ready to go.

THE LEGO GUYS WILL BE JOINING THE ADVENTURE

Through the thick and thin of training and figuring out logistics the Lego dudes have been there – so much so that they are starting to look like us. It would feel like a part of the family was missing if we didn’t bring them along. I mean if Legos can be a part of the Jupiter Probe with NASA and fly all the way to Jupiter, surely they can make the 3,000 + mile cross country endurance ride with us. Mike has already claimed the one with the helmet and Carrie the one with the blond hair so I guess I just get the good looking one.

LEANING INTO THE CRAZY WITH A SMILE!

People who do endurance events understand the race. However, friends and family who don’t, just don’t get it. My parents talk about the “tour” I am doing this summer.  I figure it will be a “tour” just like the dictionary is a page-turner. We have done other things to know that we should be able suffer well; from Ironman’s, the Cape Epic, climbing expeditions in the Himalaya, to Leadville, to other sufferfests. This should be an added layer of sleep deprivation suffering and we are trying to keep a focus on keeping a good attitude. My wife’s heroine, Chrissie Wellington, powered through gutty Ironman wins with a smile – that is our goal.