Local Teams Gearing Up for Race Across America

Sacramento Press | Alejandra Gonzalez

For competitive cyclists, Race Across America (RAAM) is a cross-country race that separates the boys from the men. Our city’s paved trails and greater Sacramento’s hilly rural routes have served as a training ground for two local teams representing Sacramento, Team Sac PD and for first time, an all youth team, “Believe and Achieve.” On June 16, 2012, these local teams will compete in RAAM against 95 other teams from around the nation and world.

RAAM is the toughest bicycle race in the world. It is incomparable to the Tour de France; RAAM is a non-stop, 24 hours a day relay race. This 3,000 mile cross-country bike race starts at Oceanside, Calif. and ends in Annapolis, Md.

In the history of RAAM, Team Believe and Achieve is the first ever all-youth team to compete in the week-long race. Team members Alex Benton, Adam Sevy, Troy Knox, Michael Hahn, Savannah Ellison, Colin Cook, Scot Benton, Jasper Hodgson and Connor Ellison are fundraising for Team Donate Life (TDL), a non-profit organization promoting organ donation and transplantation.

Jared Ellison, their coach, has competed for the past three years; he now shares his training regimen with the youth team.

“My goal and my belief in training is to put them through every type of element possible so they’re not surprised or shocked. In RAAM you are going to experience all kinds of weather, fatigue and sleep deprivation, which are going to make most people want to quit. I have challenged them through everything.”
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