My Race Across the West!

Mike is returning to do one of the most difficult Ultra-distance bicycle races in the world- Race Across the West. He has some unfinished business with the race. Mike attempted this race in 2021 and ran out of time 50 miles from the finish. He is going back this June 13, 2023 to conquer this challenge and then set his sights on Race Across America in 2024.

2021 was a brutally hot year with daily temperatures of 115-120+. of the 16 solo riders that started only 8 finished the race and Mike was so very close. He returns this year with more experience, better fitness and much stronger than in 2021

About the Race

Race Across the West (RAW) was started in 2008 to offer a race longer than 500 miles and to help bridge the mileage gap to RAAM. It has since evolved into an epic race in its own right. It is the second longest RAAM qualifier in the USA and draws racers from around the world.

RAW follows the first 930 miles of the RAAM course, from Oceanside, CA to Durango, CO and starts alongside the RAAM solo racers. Traversing some of the most beautiful country in the west, RAW leaves the beach in Oceanside, climbs the Coastal Range and the drops into the scorching desert. After crossing the deserts of California and Arizona, racers begin a gradual climb into the mountains surrounding Flagstaff, AZ and eventually into the Rocky Mountains. The race finishes at Fort Lewis College in the cycling mecca of Durango, CO.

There is no other qualifier that crosses four states, offers the diversity in terrain and climate and races alongside the Solo RAAM racers. RAW is the perfect race to test your mettle or hone your skills for racing RAAM.

Why I am racing

Mike is a 2-time cancer survivor (16 years now), he will be 61 years old this year, 11 years ago he was overweight, had high cholesterol, and was generally not very healthy. Riding bicycles has dramatically changed his health along with changing to a plant-based diet. He wants to inspire others to get up, get moving, eat better and lead a healthy life...no matter how young or old they are. He wants to share with others his story of change to help them find the courage to change and take positive steps toward a healthy life.

This year he is also racing in support of Tunnels to Towers organization that serves our first responders, military service men and women and Gold Star families who have been disabled or died in the service of our country by providing them with mortgage-free homes. I cannot express to you how much "home" means. It is a place of security, love and family. A place of healing and comfort.

What are the funds for

An event like RAW takes a team of people to achieve! It is often said, and it is true, that the rider has the easy part... all the rider has to do is pedal. A racer is completely dependent on their crew for safety, nutrition, and support throughout the race. The race is done on open roads and the timer doesn't stop for anything. A racer has 92 hours to complete the race. This requires riding the bike 21-22 hours a day for 3-4 days. Racers sleep only a couple of hours a day.

Mike's has a dedicated crew of volunteers that are graciously volunteering their time, and vacation time, to come to help him conquer this race. As you can imagine the costs add up to get the crew to the race and support them with food, hotels, car rental, travel etc... It takes a bigger team than just the 5 members who are joining Mike this year though and that is where you can help. We asking you to join the team of Prevail Racing to cross the finish line and help to bring awareness to the awesome work of T2T organization. All funds will go directly to support the team and any funds unused will be donated to Tunnels to Towers.

Business sponsorships are also welcome and you can contact me at [email redacted] for more information.

Thank you for your Support and please follow Prevail racing FB page @prevailracing1 or the website https://www.prevailracing.com/

Mike is so very grateful to be alive and to live a life that can help others on their journey.

Thank you so much for your support and welcome to the Team

Prevail Racing