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RAAM Team Rules

Team Competition Guidelines

Race Across America team categories offer a unique relay-style ultra-endurance challenge. Teams must work together to cover 3,000+ miles as quickly as possible while adhering to strict safety protocols and race regulations.

Success requires not just strong riders, but exceptional logistics, communication, and crew coordination. The clock never stops, making every exchange and strategic decision crucial.

Team Formats & Time Limits

2-Person Team

Riders: 2Time Limit: 9 daysRotation: Flexible

Partners alternate riding duties with no minimum/maximum time requirements

4-Person Team

Riders: 4Time Limit: 7 daysRotation: Flexible

Teams can use any rotation strategy, typically 6-8 hour shifts

8-Person Team

Riders: 8Time Limit: 5.5 daysRotation: Rapid

Fast rotations common, often 15-30 minute pulls for maximum speed

Rider Exchange Rules

🤝Direct Exchange

Riders must physically exchange a baton or make contact during transitions

📍Exchange Zones

Transitions can occur anywhere except prohibited areas (cities, dangerous sections)

🚐Vehicle Leapfrogging

Support vehicles advance to next exchange point while rider is on course

🌙Night Exchanges

Extra caution required during darkness, proper lighting mandatory

⚠️ Important Exchange Restrictions

  • • No exchanges within city limits or designated no-exchange zones
  • • Exchanges must be completed safely off the racing line
  • • Active rider must carry GPS tracker at all times
  • • All exchanges must be witnessed by crew member

Support Vehicle Requirements

Follow Vehicle

REQUIRED

Direct support with emergency flashers, "CAUTION BICYCLES" sign

Equipment:

  • • Amber flashing lights
  • • Reflective triangle
  • • First aid kit
  • • Spare bikes

RV/Sleep Vehicle

OPTIONAL

Crew rest, meal preparation, equipment storage

Equipment:

  • • Sleeping quarters
  • • Kitchen facilities
  • • Bike storage
  • • Shower (optional)

Advance Vehicle

OPTIONAL

Scout ahead for exchange points, arrange logistics

Equipment:

  • • GPS navigation
  • • Communication devices
  • • Route maps
  • • Supplies

Race Strategy by Terrain

PhaseChallengeStrategy
Western MountainsClimbing & altitudeUse strongest climbers, longer rotations to maintain rhythm
Desert CrossingHeat & isolationShorter rotations during day heat, hydration focus, night riding advantage
Great PlainsWind & monotonyStrong time trialists, mental preparation, maintain high pace
Eastern MountainsRolling terrain & fatigueBalanced rotation, energy management, sprint for finish

Communication & Tracking

Race Radio

Mandatory

Monitor race frequency for official communications

Team Communication

Essential

Two-way radios or phones between all vehicles

GPS Tracking

Mandatory

Official tracker must be carried by active rider

Time Station Updates

Mandatory

Report to all 54 time stations, receive official time splits

Crew Responsibilities

Crew Chief

  • • Overall race strategy and decisions
  • • Communication with race officials
  • • Crew coordination and scheduling
  • • Emergency response planning

Support Crew

  • • Vehicle driving (follow car protocol)
  • • Nutrition and hydration management
  • • Bike maintenance and repairs
  • • Navigation and route guidance

Penalty System

Violations can result in time penalties or disqualification. All teams must understand:

Drafting

High

15 minutes first offense, disqualification for repeated

Route deviation

High

Must return to point of deviation

Missing time station

High

Time penalty or disqualification

Safety violations

Variable

Warning to disqualification

Crew misconduct

Variable

Time penalty to team disqualification

Safety Protocols

Mandatory Equipment

  • • CPSC approved helmets
  • • Front white light (400+ lumens)
  • • Rear red light (visible 500 feet)
  • • Reflective vest/jersey
  • • Reflective ankle bands

Night Riding Rules

  • • Follow vehicle required after sunset
  • • Maximum 50 feet separation
  • • Amber flashers activated
  • • Reflective triangle displayed
  • • Extra vigilance in low visibility

Nutrition & Recovery

Successful teams maintain strict nutrition and recovery protocols:

During Riding

  • • 200-300 calories/hour
  • • 20-24 oz fluid/hour
  • • Electrolyte replacement
  • • Real food when possible

Off-Bike Recovery

  • • Immediate protein intake
  • • Compression gear
  • • Sleep when possible
  • • Stretching/massage

Crew Wellness

  • • Scheduled rest periods
  • • Driver rotation every 2-4 hours
  • • Proper hydration
  • • Regular meals

Team Success Factors

Pre-Race Preparation

  • ✓ Practice exchanges and transitions
  • ✓ Test all equipment and vehicles
  • ✓ Establish communication protocols
  • ✓ Create detailed race plan with contingencies

During Race Execution

  • ✓ Maintain consistent pace strategy
  • ✓ Quick, efficient exchanges
  • ✓ Proactive problem solving
  • ✓ Positive team communication
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