I noticed that few of them rode aerodynamic bikes or even wheels. Lots of box section.
Any idea why? Is there a rule? It would seem to be the perfect time to try to save a few seconds per mile, as there are three thousand of them. Also, there is rolling support, so durability is not much of a concern.
Could it be a comfort issue?
Do they have to use the same frame for the whole ride? You could have a climbing bike and a flatland bike as well. Maybe two different helmets for coolness vs. aero.
If anyone calls what you do nuts, jsut point to these guys.
I know they are allowed to use different bikes in some ultra events. Don’t know about RAAM specifically. I wouldn’t use a disk for comfort reasons though - oh and the noise!
Yeah well that may be Kenny Sousa. But that doesn’t look anything close to Kenny Souza of the 80’s. Whose leg are you trying to pull? That can’t be HIM, can it?
They can use multiple bikes, most of the top solo people have two, one super light weight for moutains, and one with aerobars for flatland. They don’t get down too far in aero though, most have extentions for the aerobars so they just lean over a little bit. Can’t imagine doing 3000 miles on my tri bike…my back would be killing me!
I looked into the bike rules on the site. There doesn’t seem to be any reason not to ride an aero frame on the flats and a lightweight on the hills.
They must be really dialed in on position, but they could get a custom anything with aerotubing to match the position they like. And that doesn’t begin to answer why they wouldn’t have a few sets of wheels for different conditions.
Strange.
If it wasn’t for my total and complete lack of fitness and desire to race for nine days in a row and maybe my lack of natural ability I would take this knowledge and kick all of thier asses next year.
“1. Bicycles must be propelled solely by human force.
2. Maximum length is 200 cm (79in), (300 cm for tandems); maximum width, 75cm (30in). The intent of this paragraph is that all riders compete with bicycles of equal specification. The specifications as stated in the UCI rules for time trial equipment is the general guide used for equipment approval. In addition, the current versions (up to 2005) of Trek Y-foil, Softride and Titanflex bicycles are approved for use in the standard bicycle division/categories of RAAM… Other deviations from the UCI rules need to be approved prior to starting the race by a Race Official in writing. If you have any doubt about a modified piece of equipment being acceptable, contact the Race Director for a ruling whose decision will be final.
3. Any number of bicycles or replacement parts may be used during the race.
4. Windscreens, fairing, and airfoils are prohibited. “Aerobars” and their accessories are allowed. A “wind scoop” under or around the handlebars or aerobars is prohibited because it is too close to being a fairing.
5. Disk wheels, composite spoke wheels, and wheel covers are allowed.
6. RAAM reserves the right to disallow, either before the race or when observed in use during the race, any bicycle or component that the Race Director determines to be unacceptable for use in RAAM competition. It is the obligation of the competitor to bring any non-standard or custom equipment to the attention of the Race Director before the race for an acceptability determination.
7. Special categories/divisions may be created for a specific race to allow modified equipment to be used within that category/division”
That’s Kenny and yes, you can use multiple bikes!! The solo woman rider is kicking some serious butt!! Mike Trevino is my personal favorite!! GO MIKE!!
OK OK if you say so. It was pretty cool to check everybody’s picture out. I found myself saying: “I can kick this guy’s ass”, or “Dunno, this dude looks pretty tough”… when in reality I wouldn’t make 200 miles.
Trevino just moved into 2nd!! I watched the show they did on this race last year, it’s frightening how the solo riders look towards the end! One guy had to have hid head rigged to a board and bungy corded up, because his neck was so tweaked he couldn’t hold it up anymore!!
I always thought, why don’t they use the bungee head holders near the beginning or towards the middle of the race? That way they avoid the pain the in the first place. I Figure the more comforable you are, the faster you can go.
One thing about Race Across America, and especially the tv show that covered the race last year. They failed to mention who won the race and who was the fastest. The four man relay team was not the first or the fastest to finish. Lighting cycle was first and fastest. You might laugh at recumbents… but you catch hell trying to catch one!
Interesting input, Francois…and I am by no means discounting those particular guys’ talents when I say…I’m just not so sure…PROBABLY…but I’d have to have a bit more data first…maybe times/results from some RAAM qualifiers…these guys are total studs and hardmen over a one day race, and anything approaching 200 miles…but I’ve been following Robic for a couple of years…he’s of the same mental cloth…
Some years, various folks rig up a pole that attaches to their back, and a rope that attaches from the pole to their helmet, basically holding their head up. Nuts.
I’ve seen that already. But I noticed they tend to use it when it really starts hurting and they can’t hold their heads up. What I was trying to say was, Why can’t they us them before the pain and fatigue sets in. That way they can be more comfortable in the long run.
