Race Across America Movies

[dekindy]

Bicycle Dreams was the first video that I purchased and I highly recommend this documentary if you want to get more information on the Race Across America.
http://bicycledreamsmovie.com/

Because I had purchased Bicycle Dreams, I recently received an e-mail that the previous documentary was being released on DVD.
http://raceacrossamericamovie.com/

I have found both these presentations to be informative and entertaining and recommend them if you have an interest in ultra long distance cycling or RAAM.

[gone]

I enjoyed Bicycle Dreams very much also but was much saddened seeing the footage about Bob Breedlove being killed. I "knew" him - encountered him once on a ride - and he was a nice guy and an awesome long distance cyclist.

[dekindy]

I enjoyed Bicycle Dreams very much also but was much saddened seeing the footage about Bob Breedlove being killed. I "knew" him - encountered him once on a ride - and he was a nice guy and an awesome long distance cyclist.

Apparently a cyclist was killed the year before the Race Across America documentary was filmed. RAAM says the race is safe on their website with no reference to fatalities. I am surprised someone has not been wrecked by an animal while riding at night, especially in the mountains.

[gone]

Apparently a cyclist was killed the year before the Race Across America documentary was filmed. RAAM says the race is safe on their website with no reference to fatalities. I am surprised someone has not been wrecked by an animal while riding at night, especially in the mountains.
After Breedlove's death the rules were changed so that a follow car is required to be with the riders at all times. I would guess the additional lighting from behind at night would make it somewhat safer. Also, having someone nearby in the event of an accident or health problem can only help.

[kenw]

I enjoyed Bicycle Dreams very much also but was much saddened seeing the footage about Bob Breedlove being killed. I "knew" him - encountered him once on a ride - and he was a nice guy and an awesome long distance cyclist.

I was on a Pac-Tour Northern Tier ride in early-90s, west to east. He joined the ride in mid-Minnesota, rode to the east coast, picked up a crew and rode to L.A., turned around and rode RAAM. So, 2-1/2 times xc in a few weeks. "Awesome" might not be a strong enough word.

[sn69]

You always have to be in the headlights of your follow vehicle, you have to have lights and reflective gear, you cannot backtrack on the course, etc. They learned a painful lesson.

As for animals, I was hit in the chest full-on by an owl in Ohio during Team RAAM 2006. I stayed upright, which I credit to the general rubbery, woozy state I was in by that time. Saw lots of foxes, coyotes, bunnies, etc. Still, nothing made contact except for that owl. Scared me awake, that's for sure.

Scott


Apparently a cyclist was killed the year before the Race Across America documentary was filmed. RAAM says the race is safe on their website with no reference to fatalities. I am surprised someone has not been wrecked by an animal while riding at night, especially in the mountains.

[dekindy]

I was on a Pac-Tour Northern Tier ride in early-90s, west to east. He joined the ride in mid-Minnesota, rode to the east coast, picked up a crew and rode to L.A., turned around and rode RAAM. So, 2-1/2 times xc in a few weeks. "Awesome" might not be a strong enough word.

This was before the year that Bob Breedlove was killed. BB was killed the year that Bicycle Dreams was made. A young cyclist from Colorado on a 4-man team was killed by a semi on a remote stretch that they said maybe had one vehicle an hour traffic. Brett Palin? I believe was his name.