RAAM 1: Pre-race

We are loading up and getting ready for the start.  The first of the two-man teams leaves at 12 PST (15:00 Race time--3pm EST).  The 2 and 4 man teams leave before the 8 man teams.  They employ a TT start with each team leaving on 1 minute intervals.  Since we are the 16th of 18 8 man teams, we are leaving cloaser to 1.  Roger and Chris will ride the first 23 miles together as these miles are unsupported and if one has a mechanical the other can continue on.  Jon and I are starting in the leap-frog vehicle and we have our pulls starting then.  My first leg will be as part of the climb over the first of the three major mountainranges we need to climb--the Coastal Range.  We'll pretty quickly gain 4200 feet of elevation and then we'll descend the "Glass Elevator" to the Anza Borrego Desert and the Imperial Valley--we expect temperatures to be well above 100 degrees this afternoon.

We'll then travel around the south side of the Salton Sea where we will be 235 feet below sea level and we'll travel through irrigated farm lands and desert sand until we reach Brawley, CA some 145 miles into the race.  At that point "Team B" will take over and we'll jump in the RV for showers and some sleep time.

I'll post from the road!  Here we go!