By Mike Wilson

Watching the 2011 Texas Hill Country 600k from my computer was torture.  I was busy preparing for the Heart of the South 500, so I knew there was no practical way… (read more at Ultra Race News)

Hill Country 600 and Double Century This weekend!

By John Foote on Mar 09, 2012 with Comments 0

by Terri Gooch

Looks like it’s going to be a wet and chilly weekend but we have some great cyclists taking on the weather and beautiful Hill Country routes.  As always, we try to be innovative with this event and this year we’re doing our best to keep you close to the action.  Go to the Race Across Oregon Facebook page for a live pre-race podcast with interviews from all of our competitors.  This will take place 6:30PM Central Time on Over The Top Radio.  Live race update at 7PM CST Saturday from Junction, TX (halfway point) and a live post race wrap up 7PM CDT Sunday evening from Helotes, TX.  We’ll also be posting video updates from Time Stations as well as video interviews with racers on course.  Of course the Race Across Oregon website will maintain results as will written blog updates from the race course!

UltraRaceNews asked Race Director George Thomas to preview some of the major contenders at this year’s Texas Hill Country, and here’s what he had to say: 

“Joel Sothern (Thousand Oaks, CA) is definitely one of the favorites, but Mike Wilson (San Diego, CA) is totally fit for RAAM and will certainly be a contender.  John Caton (Eugene, OR) is in the best shape he’s been in for quite awhile, and coming from Oregon, the weather is really going to suit him.  Jerry Arnold from Valentine, Nebraska won men’s 50+ at RAO 2011.  Those are some of the top guys.  Carol Pope looks super fit – she wanted to do a double 600k – and ride the first Hill Country 1200k.  Sharon Stevens (Dallas, TX) is back for Hill Country number 4 in a row.” 

As Terri mentioned, the Texas Hill Country staff are doing some very innovative things to help fans follow the race, so be sure to tune in via the highlighted text links listed above for all the race coverage.  Good Luck Racers! 

At first glance, you might not understand why a roofing company would sponsor a rider in the Race Across America (RAAM).  But once you learn that the owner of La Rocque Better Roofs, Inc., Guy La Rocque, has completed 16 Ironmen, 24 marathons, 21 70.3 Ironmen and several adventure races including the ECO Challenge, it starts to make sense. 
 
In fact, Guy has a long history of not just competing in, but also supporting long-distance racing.  Back in the 90s, Guy founded the Vegas Challenge, an event that combines 265 mile ride with a 13.1 mile run, and is now in its 22nd year.  La Rocque is also a regular sponsor of the Tour de Foothills, one of the Inland Empire’s premiere cycling events. 
 
If you’re looking for a roofing company anywhere in San Diego, Orange County, the Inland Empire or the Coachella Valley, you couldn’t do better than giving La Rocque Better Roofs a call at 1(800) 697-7663.  I’m thrilled to have them in my corner for the RAAM. 

Stay tuned for details on a La Rocque Training Ride next Sunday, March 4!

When I found an advertising agency that religiously observes Mountain Bike Wednesdays, I knew I’d found the right one.  I’ve been working with Echo-Factory for the past 4 years, and it’s been a great partnership. 

Echo-Factory is a full service ad agency that delivers on everything from branding and strategy all the way through websites and media placement.  Beyond the Mountain Bike Wednesdays, the reason you should think about calling Echo-Factory is that they work with their clients as a true partner, an agency that will help take your brand exactly where you want it to go.  Check them out online at www.echo-factory.com - or give them a call at (909) 758-5171. 

The best kept secret in North Park San Diego is 360 Degree Fitness! Fred Fusilier created this specialized fitness studio which caters to everyone from S.E.A.L.S to seniors and elite athletes; Fred’s team of trainers also specialize in rehabilitation from injury.

360 Degree Fitness has been my secret weapon to balancing on the bike training with off the bike strength, flexibility and agility. Fred offer’s Yoga Stretching and Yoga Strength classes each week (with a specialty focus on cyclists needs). As a former Army Ranger, I can assure you his one-on-one training sessions are as tough as the Race Across America can be. Check out their location at 3959 30th Street (#102) or call 619-564-7316!

Literally can’t wait for this season to get started! The fine folks over at Road Bike Action Magazine have offered up the chance to author a “Why I Ride” piece on training for the solo Race Across America. Really looking forward to putting pen to paper and talking about the love and lunacy of long distance racing, especially while trying to keep a job and a life. Never easy but wouldn’t trade it for anything! Huge thanks for your RAAM support to ROAD BIKE ACTION! Pick up a copy today and keep your eyes peeled for RAAM training exploits!

Pretty straight forward. Every double century or ultra I’ve ever completed has been powered by Hammer Nutrition. Whether its Hammer Gel, Perpetuem, Endurolytes or Race Caps; the complete family of products deliver what you need, when you need it. Thanks Hammer!

Think all tires look the same? Look a little closer and you’ll see that Kenda Tires consistently push the limits of durability and performance. For the past 50 years, Kenda has been building a better tire for life’s most demanding activities. Actually, they overbuild them to ensure you can get the job done safely in everything you do, but that’s just my opinion!

Supporting the Race Across America isn’t a new thing for Kenda, they’ve been putting the rubber on the road with RAAM racers for years. I’m so happy to join the family of Kenda supporters and follow in the footsteps of racers like Tinker Juarez and Team Type 1. Thanks KENDA! We couldn’t do it without you!