Race Across America Expands Its Territory with the Inaugural Race Across the East

In the grand tapestry of endurance cycling, where pedal strokes are the threads weaving tales of grit and glory, Race Across America (RAAM) has announced its latest addition to the saga — the inaugural Race Across the East (RAE).

Scheduled to kick off on June 19, 2024, in the quaint town of Blanchester, Ohio, this new cycling odyssey is set to follow the hallowed route of Race Across America and culminate in the shimmering lights of Atlantic City, New Jersey. Clocking in at approximately 630 miles with an elevation gain that could make your calves weep — a whopping 40,000 feet — the RAE promises to be a challenge for even the hardiest of riders.

RAE, standing proud alongside its siblings, Race Across America (RAAM) and Race Across the West (RAW), is no mere sidekick. It’s a standalone event, a pedal-powered drama in its own right. But, here’s the twist — these races are not just individual tales. Together, RAE (630 miles), RAW (930 miles), and the colossal RAAM (3,000 miles) form a trilogy, a cycling epic, if you will.

Fred Boethling, the maestro behind the handlebars and the president of The Company, sheds light on the genesis of RAE, saying, “After we’d run RAW a couple of years, every year more riders would ask us, ‘Why don’t you do a Race Across the East?’ Well, it’s time.” And just like that, a new chapter is added to the annals of endurance cycling history.

Whether you’re a lone wolf seeking the thrill of solo glory or prefer the camaraderie of a 2 or 4-person team, RAE beckons. Accompanied by a dedicated support crew and armed with GPS trackers that turn riders into blips on the digital map, participants can expect a 630-mile journey that promises sweat, euphoria, and, undoubtedly, a fair share of chain grease.

In an era where everything is live-streamed, the RAE finish line in Atlantic City won’t be an exception. The Atlantic City finale will beam into living rooms, laptops, and probably even smartphones, bringing the drama and exhaustion of the road straight to your screens.

Aspiring to partake in the granddaddy of them all, the Race Across America? Well, RAE is your gateway. A RAAM Qualifier (RQ), this new addition ensures that the aspirants earn their stripes, or perhaps, earn their tire treads, before gunning for the 3,000-mile behemoth.

Come January 1, 2024, the gates to this cycling carnival swing open. Registration for the Race Across the East will commence, and if history is any guide, those spots are bound to be snatched up faster than you can say “peloton.” So, for any of yearning for a new challenge, the East awaits. The question is, are you ready to race?