Why RAAM? by Kevin Bespolka

Why race RAAM?  It’s a question I get asked on a regular basis, usually accompanied by an incredulous look.  Riding across America is something that I have always wanted to do and actually almost made the trip about 30 years ago, but didn’t much to my regret.  Then, over dinner a year ago with Nicky Szapary, I brought up the idea and he immediately and enthusiastically signed up and so the project began.  I must confess to having underestimated the commitment RAAM involves.  First, getting my body into condition for this ride has been hard, but with firm encouragement (my daughter Sienna: ‘Daddy, you look gross in those cycling shorts.  Go change right away!’) and perseverance I have gotten there.  The second challenge has been the immense logistics involved in the ride, but with a lot of help from everybody, especially Corinne and Sharon, our superb crew chief, I feel we are ready to go.

But most important reason for undertaking this race, is that I am doing it in Cameron’s memory.  We have brought together a team of people who are all working for a common cause, completing the race to raise support and awareness of the Cameron Bespolka Trust and everything that is being done in his memory.  I feel that this race is something he would have liked.  A naturally gifted runner, with a big engine who was already leaving me behind on the hills on our runs, I feel he would have become a keen cyclist, albeit one with binoculars around his neck to look for birds.

I'm excited to start the race.  Two weeks to go now and then all the work and training that has been done over the last year becomes reaiity.  Please follow us during the race on our webpage.  We will be streaming live coverage as well so please check back for that, starting June 17th at Noon California time.


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