Race Across the West
For 14 years, RAW has attracted ultra cyclists from around the globe to take on the finest terrain the western USA has to offer. Starting in Oceanside, CA and following the first 930 miles of the RAAM route, winding your way through four states, ending up in the cycling mecca of Durango, CO.
Traveling west to east from the sandy beaches of Oceanside, over the Sierra Mountains and into the scorching Mojave and Sonoran deserts and eventually ending up on the Animas River nestled in the Rocky Mountain town of Durango. The route offers the best of the wild west!
Open to all cyclists wishing to race solo, 2- or 4-person teams. RAW is one of the longest and most challenging of the domestic RAAM qualifying races and is a sizable challenge in its own right. It is quickly becoming a global race, having had over 10 countries represented.
Becoming a RAW finisher means you have successfully pushed yourself to the upper levels in ultracycling. Wearing the official finisher’s jersey means you have completed an adventure that few cyclists will ever attain. RAW will stand on its own as one of the crown jewels of ultracycling…don’t miss your opportunity to shine!
About the Race
Race Across the West (RAW) was started in 2008 to offer a race longer than 500 miles and to help bridge the mileage gap to RAAM. It has since evolved into an epic race in its own right. It is the second longest RAAM qualifier in the USA and draws racers from around the world.
RAW follows the first 930 miles of the RAAM course, from Oceanside, CA to Durango, CO and starts alongside the RAAM solo racers. Traversing some of the most beautiful country in the west, RAW leaves the beach in Oceanside, climbs the Coastal Range and drops into the scorching desert. After crossing the deserts of California and Arizona, racers begin a gradual climb into the mountains surrounding Flagstaff, AZ and eventually into the Rocky Mountains. The race finishes at Fort Lewis College in the cycling mecca of Durango, CO.
There is no other qualifier that crosses four states, offers the diversity in terrain and climate and races alongside the Solo RAAM racers. RAW is the perfect race to test your mettle or hone your skills for racing RAAM.
June 13th, 2023