Motocross Champions Compete In Race Across America

Motocross Champions Compete In Race Across America

The Race Across America, or RAAM, is a rare form of torture and possibly the toughest bicycle race in the world. Starting on the beach in Oceanside, California, RAAM spans 3000 miles, climbs 175,000 feet, crosses 12 states and finishes in Annapolis, Maryland. The event is challenged by both professional and amateur riders who compete solo or in 2-, 4- or 8-rider relay teams.

This year, four very well-known, former motocross champions are competing under the name Legends of the Road. The riders are David Bailey, Micky Dymond, Doug Henry, and Jeff Ward. While Micky and Jeff are competing on conventional bicycles, David and Doug are using Dan-Gurney-designed recumbent bikes that are propelled using the rider’s arms.

The race will finish later this week and you can track the Legends of the Road progress by clicking here.  If you are close to where the riders will be passing, go cheer them on. A little encouragement goes a long way.

Jeff Ward getting ready to take a pull from Micky Dymond. Riding with a 4-person team does not allow a rider to pace himself. Every on-bike effort has to be at full throttle.
Micky Dymond’s pull through the Anza Borrego area of California was on pavement that easily topped 115 degrees. Heat is any athlete’s worst enemy.
Doug Henry’s speed through the town of Yarnell in Arizona was so fast that I would have got a speeding ticket on my motorcycle if I tried to stay with him. I had to leap-frog him outside of the city limits.
It takes a serious amount of support just to get a team to the start. These are the sponsors who helped make it happen.
Racers like David Bailey get stoked to hear a little encouragement during a long, lonely pull. The Dan-Gurney-designed recumbents are like little Formula 1 cars.
The Legends are fortunate to have a great support system behind their hard efforts.
Moto