| Everyone has heard of the Tour de France, one | | | | teams, and usually ride for the benefit of a |
| of the world's premier extreme road races | | | | charity. |
| (approximately 2,000 miles over the course of 21 | | | | The solo racers cross the continent in 10-12 days |
| days). Although the riders are only in the saddle | | | | of long, long days in the saddle (20-22 hours per |
| for 4-6 hours per day, the speeds they carry are | | | | day). Duo teams takes approximately 7-9 days to |
| incomprehensible to most cyclists - nearly 30 mph | | | | finish. In duo, the racers alternate riding and |
| on flats (consistently); nearly 15 mph on very | | | | resting; each rider is in the saddle 12 hours every |
| steep climbs; sometimes 60+ mph on Alpine | | | | day. The four-person is by far the fastest, |
| descents; and an unbelievable 40-45 mph in the | | | | crossing the country in about 5 days. This |
| sprints! | | | | category is all about speed. Each rider takes short |
| There are other races, though - in particular, the | | | | turns of approximately one hour (with a 3-hour |
| Race Across America, which is arguably the most | | | | rest); and their shift is ridden time-trial style which |
| difficult road race in the world. Racers ride from | | | | is much, much faster than the endurance pace |
| the west coast to the east coast of the USA, | | | | held by the solo or duo riders. |
| following a prescribed, closely monitored route. | | | | Considering that the USA is approximately 3,000 |
| Racers can do the race as solo competitors, as a | | | | miles wide, the Race Across America is an |
| two-person, a four-person or an eight-person | | | | incredible accomplishment, no matter the category |
| team. The 8-person teams are generally "fun" | | | | a rider participates in! |