RACE ACROSS AMERICA
In 2003 a "coalition of willing" R2R members competed in the inaugural year of the Corporate Challenge Division of Race Across America (RAAM), the race Outside Magazine named the world’s toughest athletic event. Eight riders and a support crew of 10 pedaled from San Diego to Atlantic City, some 2922 miles with over 82,000 feet of climb in 6 days 19 hours and 20 minutes, finishing 5th overall and 2nd in the Corporate Challenge division. The effort raised over $15,000 for the Milford Scholarship.
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In 2004, three of the 2003 R2R RAAM riders and five new members decided to accept Team Insight’s (winner of the Corporate Challenge division in 2003) challenge in the 23rd iteration of RAAM. The course was longer at 2959 miles with over 103,000 feet of climb. Inspired by Team Insight’s taunting to "Remember to Ride", the team trained for some eight months. On race day, June 21st, R2R showed their mettle. Jumping out to 15 minute lead by the 1st time station, the team, rechristened Team R2R-Kaiser Permanente, never looked back. By the time they arrived in Atlantic City 6 days 5 hours and 7 minutes after they began, they were 2 hours 22 minutes ahead of their closest competitor, the now-humbled Team Insight.
With that performance, Team R2R-Kaiser Permanente captured the Corporate Challenge division of the 2004 Race Across America, and again finished 5th among the bicycle teams participating in the race.
