RUPERT GUINNESS & THE RACE ACROSS AMERICA (RAAM) EVENT

 

I am a 61 year-old Australian sports journalist, author and ultra-endurance road cyclist. In June, 2023 I will be racing as a solo entrant in the 2023 Race Across America (RAAM), the world's toughest bicycle race.

 

This will be my second attempt at RAAM. My first was in 2022 in which was cut short due to injury. That first attempt came after three years of delays due to the Covid pandemic. I now have an opportunity to race RAAM again with a superb and dedicated support crew. To get us the last step of the way, my team and I are looking for funds to help provide financial support for this both physically and mentally challenging event.

 

For 39 years RAAM has challenged ultra-cyclists from around the globe to push their physical and mental limits to the farthest reaches. The race commences in Oceanside, Los Angeles, USA on the 13th June 2022 and I have 12 days to cycle 5,000kms across the country with my support team - an average of 400kms per day - and will finish on the East Coast of USA in Annapolis, Maryland.

 

I am racing in the RAAM to heighten awareness about mental health and the far-reaching challenges it is for many people. I also want to show that while set backs in life are hard, it is how we respond to them and put into practice what we learn from them that matters.

 

In my years I have experienced a lot of highs, wonderful moments and connected with so many inspirational people but with the highs come a lot of lows, struggles and challenges in many forms.

 

Mental health is an area that I have experienced first-hand, in confronting my own issues with self-esteem and body image that stemmed from my childhood days and the eating disorder bulimia and I still wrestle with these today. I have written about my challenges with mental health in one of my books, Overlander – One Man’s Epic Race to Cross Australia. It is a first-hand account of my experiences riding in the 2017 and 2018 Indian Pacific Wheel Race, a 5,471km solo and unsupported bicycle ride from Fremantle, WA to the Opera House in Sydney.

 

This is a tough time for everyone. However, we are in need of financial support to help us get to the US to race RAAM, and as a result use the even as a platform to promote awareness for mental health and well being.

 

The total estimated cost of the project is $80,000 AUD to ensure a successful journey and completion of RAAM. We are on our way to achieving that target, but require help to get us the last step of the way.

Funds will help finance flights, accommodation, food, vehicle hire, fuel, equipment, visa and insurance costs.

 

Any help you can give will make a difference in how well and effective we are in both RAAM and our campaign to heighten awareness of mental health and well being.

 

Thanks so much for considering this project.

All the very best.

Cheers

 

Rupert Guinness