Race Across America speeds through, stops in Warren County
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| Kevin Spradlin photo- Cathy Turman and her son, Ben, own and operate Scenic Cycles in Marthasville. The pair plan to be awake for at least 48 straight hours this weekend as Ride Across America cyclists pass through the area. |
Race Across America, or RAAM, is 3,000-plus miles of professional bicycle riding from the West Coast to the East Coast. Male and female cyclists compete as individuals or on two-, four- or eight-person teams.
RAAM, which started Sunday in Oceanside, Calif., is scheduled to pass through portions of Warren and St. Charles counties this weekend. Team riders could arrive in Marthasville from Jefferson City as early as Thursday night.There are no guest dinners to attend, no speeches to make and no comfortable hotel beds to rest in. The field is full of sleep-deprived racers vying to outdo one another hour after hour.
Cathy Turman, owner of Scenic Cycles on Boone Monument Road in Marthasville, is coordinating one of 57 time stations along the route. Scenic Cycles is a sales, repair and rental shop bordering Katy Trail State Park. Turman and her son, Ben, plan to prepare homemade food, erect welcome tents and have a warm smile to greet each rider.
"They called and asked us if we would do it," said Cathy Turman, recalling a phone call she received about five years ago. "Of course, we had no idea what to expect."
The race is a gritty test of endurance, gut and skill for the nearly 250 cyclists expected to participate in this year's RAAM, which finishes in Atlantic City, N.J. Turman is amazed at the intensity with which each athlete approaches the event.
"They've done some pedaling by the time they get here," Turman said. "It's just phenomenal to watch them and the effort they put forth. It's the coolest race. It's just really a neat experience. The teams are incredible. They go from California to Atlantic City in six days. I couldn't drive it that fast."
Cyclists will turn south onto Highway 47 and make a quick left onto Boone Monument Road. Less than one-fourth of a mile later, they will have access to showers, food and the Internet at Scenic Cycles.
They don't stay long. Some cyclists might have arranged for a quick massage or an energy-producing bite to eat. But all too soon it's back on the bike.
Riders will leave Marthasville and take Highway D toward New Melle. Cyclists then will take Highway Z to Wentzville and travel Pitman Avenue from Wentzville to O'Fallon, where the race will turn northward toward the Mississippi River, then east to Orchard Farm, Portage des Sioux and West Alton in northeastern St. Charles County.
In an effort to discourage use of performance-enhancing drugs, cyclists are disqualified if they are caught taking any type of pain medication. That rule sometimes can really hurt.
"One guy, when he was here, could hardly get off his bike," Turman said. "When he got to Florida, he found out he had fractured his pelvis. These people are just phenomenal. It is crazy in a way."
Looking back - the simple act of turning around while cycling to check on an opponent - already has cost one of this year's top riders a 45-minute time penalty.
As for dancing in the streets - well, that's up to the cyclist.
"Probably on the highway at night," race official Perry Stone suggested as the best time. "Most people shun that concept."
Race officials last year introduced a division of competition in which mandatory rest would be a rule. They figured that would open up the race to those who weren't inclined to be sleep-deprived, but the plan didn't work.
"This year, only one person signed up for that," Turman said. "They just want to go. It's crazy."
Kevin Spradlin can be contacted at kspradlin@yourjournal.com
To volunteer with Race Across America, call Cathy Turman of Scenic Cycles at (636) 433-2909. Visit www.raceacrossamerica.org to view updated race information.
