by Jana Moseley
Opinion

Bicycle Dreams: The Race Across America

“Since 1982 long-distance cyclists have been defying the limits of human endurance in an obscure bicycle race called Race Across America.” These are the opening lines of Stephen Auerbach’s powerful documentary, “Bicycle Dreams: The Race Across America.” The film follows these ambitious cyclists through their highs and lows in the annual race’s 24th running.

The Race Across America (RAAM) is seen as the single most difficult challenge in the endurance cycling world. It is a testament to the human spirit and the pinnacle of physical limits. Of all who attempt, less than half will finish. For those who do complete the race it’s the accomplishment of a lifetime.

Photo by Bicycle Paper
Starting in San Diego, Calif., and ending in Atlantic City, New Jersey, the route is 3051.7 miles, goes through 14 states and climbs over 100,000 feet. It can be completed solo or in two-, four- or eight-person teams. A winning solo racer typically finishes in eight or nine days, covering more than 350 miles a day, and sleeping for only minutes at a time.

Many of the riders are seen as reckless or crazy. They see the race as the ultimate personal challenge, investing time and money into making it to the finish line. The minimum investment in the race is $20,000, but crossing the finish line is priceless.

The journey can all but break some participants, exhausting them to the point of hallucination, hospitalization and on a few occasions, death. Auerbach takes us along on this race across the U.S. We meet the athletes, we become a part of their crew, cheering them on, and pushing them forward in this grueling competition. In the end we come to respect these men and women who race, not just against each other, but against the land, and sometimes their own willpower.

Capturing emotional and physical breakdowns, personal triumphs and ultimate tragedy, Auerbach portrays these athletes wonderfully, allowing each to tell his or her own story and ultimately answering the question: “Why are you doing this?” Do they have to be a little crazy to compete in the RAAM? Probably. But they also have to be admired. “Bicycle Dreams” is a great film, winning several awards, and captures the heart of this odyssey.

For more details go to www.bicycledreamsmovie.com. You can purchase the film from the website for $19.99.

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