The Trans-America Cycling Classic will hold its inaugural event next year, 2006.
It’s a self-supported race across America, done in stages of 150-250 miles with a 21-day time limit.
It’s a lot like the current RAAM but without two of the main criticisms of RAAM: there’s no fancy, expensive support crew allowed and there’s no sleep deprivation.
Taking those two drawbacks out of the bike racing formula opens up an event like a race across America to many more riders.
There are also no relay teams, but riders can race in groups and teams can enter, with all on the road at the same time.
I think that events like this will help boost US cycling and bike racing. Elite riders and teams can lead the event, but supertourists who are riding a much more reasonable pace can still participate affordably.
Bike racing is normally quite segregated: with top racers on the road and everyone else spectating. I think a format of including tourists on the road with the racers is a good one. The Tour de France used to be run like this.
It will also likely result in interesting and valuable equipment improvement. We’ll finally see racing bikes that are useful for all conditions and types of riding and camping equipment packages that are purpose-built for fast tours. We’ll finally see integrated racks, panniers, lighting and fenders. HPVs and Velomobiles will likely also enter such events—and adapt their design to hold all needed camping cargo inside their fairings. It should be fun!
Check out the Trans-Am website. It is hosted by Chris Kostman of Adventure CORPS. Chris is a supporter of the OYB Indy Biz initiative and an OYB advertiser. He also already puts on several major ultramarathons and is a racer himself. The Trans-Am should be a special event!
