About the race
Race Across America, or RAAM, is an ultra-distance road race across the United States from the west coast to the east coast. The organiser calls it the world's toughest bicycle race. Its site currently gives the route as Oceanside, California to Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Status for 2027
The organiser's home page carries a notice that the race is paused for 2027, with a statement linked from the page. No 2027 date is shown, so check the organiser before making plans.
History
RAAM began in 1982 as the Great American Bike Race, organised by John Marino. Four men took part: Marino, John Howard, Michael Shermer and Lon Haldeman. They rode from Santa Monica, California to the Empire State Building in New York, and Haldeman won in just under ten days. After that first year the event took its present name and moved from invitation to qualification. Historically the race has been held in June.
The course
Routes have changed over the years, but the course has always run from the west coast to the east, around 3,000 miles (4,800 km). It is a nonstop individual or team time trial, which means the clock never stops even though solo riders rest from time to time. Wikipedia says the fastest solo riders need under eight days, a pace that bears little resemblance to the Tour de France, which is a stage race of about 2,200 miles over 23 days.
Distances and format
Wikipedia describes RAAM as a transcontinental time trial for individuals and for teams. The organiser's site has separate sections for crew seminars, route and GPS information, and race documents.
Entry basics
Every entrant must first prove their ability by finishing one of several qualifying events within a set time, and the organiser's menu has pages on how to qualify, the list of qualifying races and how to become a race qualifier.
Where to watch
The organiser lists staffed time stations and finish-line volunteer roles, and offers a roster, live tracking and race coverage for followers who cannot be on the road.
Weather
The route crosses deserts, mountain ranges, plains and humid eastern states in a few days, so riders can meet great heat and cold nights in one race. This is general background, not a forecast.