RAAM - Help Kevin Win

In just over one day’s time, a local hero is going to try and accomplish the impossible in the name of stopping cancer in its tracks. Kevin Wallace of Mississauga, is undertaking not only to win the Race Across America, he is setting out to beat the previous record finishing time. His challenge? Check out these stats on the race… 

total miles (3,043)
number of days (8-10)
vertical feet climbed (110,000)
average speed (12 mph –15 mph)
top speed (70 mph)
highest temperature (120 degrees)
lowest temperature (below zero)
average speed decay (7 mph)
calories consumed (10-15000 per day)
hours slept (2hrs per day)
time zones crossed (4)
number of states crossed (14)
attrition % (50%).

– via TeamRace.com

The RAAM is widely regarded as being the most punishing feat of endurance on the planet. It stands out as being more grueling than the Iditarod Dog Sled Race, more challenging than the US Army “Best Ranger” competition, and ten times more difficult than the Hawaii Iron Man Triathlon.

1. Race Across America
2. Vendee Globe Around-the-World Sailing Race
3. Iditarod Sled Dog Race
4. U.S. Army’s Best Ranger Competition
5. Raid Gauloises Wilderness Competition
6. La Traversee Internationale
7. Badwater 146-Mile Cross Country Run
8. Hawaii Ironman Triathlon

...in 2004 with his good friend Jeff Rushton, [Kevin] slashed more than 11 hours off the previous record finishing in 6 days 14 hours and 7 minutes. While many competitors finish physically ruined, Wallace and Rushton stunned onlookers as they literally leapt on stage to receive their medals.

– via Willson

Kevin is also one of the co-founders of Gears Bike Shop in Mississauga. I bought my newest set of wheels from them in the fall at the Toronto Bike Show, and when I took it in for a fitting earlier this spring, Kevin played the part of “my bike tech” and made sure that my new purchase was properly adjusted and fitted to my body. He was quite generous with his riding tips and pretty cool to work with. I didn’t find out until afterwards that Kevin the Bike Tech was actually Kevin the Superhuman RAAM Winner.

Kevin has been very active in raising money for cancer charities. He and Jeff organize the Tour for Kids that I’ll be riding in later this summer, and he also puts on the 24 Hour Spin, an annual spinning marathon that has raised almost $3 million over the years.

In 1986, Pete Penseyres set the current RAAM solo record with a coast-to-coast time of 8:09:47. Twenty years later, Kevin is looking to set a new record, and raise $250,000 for cancer research in the process.

Donations seem to be slow coming in. I would sincerely appreciate anything you can do to support this worthy cause. Donations can be made at the Team Race website. Also, don’t forget that I will be hitting you up for donations soon for the upcoming Tour For Kids.

There is a ton of interesting information about the race and Kevin’s preparations at the Team Race website. You will also be able to track his progress as the race unfolds.