Race Across America comes to Annapolis

Local team to raise money for skin cancer prevention

One of cycling’s crown jewels is coming to Annapolis! The Race Across America will take bike riders over a grueling 3000 mile route as they race non-stop from Oceanside, California to the finish line at city dock in Annapolis. Created in 1982, the Race Across America (RAAM) is now the longest running ultra-distance bicycle endurance competition in the world. “This year’s event drew nearly 70 teams and soloists from around the globe, some professionals but mainly inspired men and women of all ages, who spend a year out of their mostly ordinary lives training for the monumental challenge of pedaling across the United States to test the utmost limits of their physical strength, mental spirit, resilience and commitment to a worthy cause.” say RAAM organizers. The race receives nationwide television coverage and will be a great way to showcase the city.

“After scouting several cities over the past few months, we are excited to announce that Annapolis will host the finish line for our 2008 race. RAAM will be racing into history as Annapolis celebrates its 300th anniversary” says RAAM’s new management team that spent several months scouting cities along the east coast. Mayor, Ellen Moyer’s, interest in support of environmental friendly activities was one of the deciding factors to bring the event to our town. “We expect a warm welcome and strong partnership with Annapolis in 2008 and beyond.” they said.

“Annapolis sits within a region that has a large cycling presence. Washington, DC, and Baltimore boast two of the largest bike clubs in the US with several thousand members each. Thank you to Parker Jones of Capital Bicycle in Annapolis for serving as a RAAMbassador during our negotiations with Annapolis. Larry Black of Mt Airy Bicycles will be hosting one of the many time stations at his shop.” quoted the RAAM team.

The racers are expected to trickle into the city over a 3-4 day, midweek period in early June. There will be no road closures and there should be no disruption to traffic. “Over the course of 7-10 days and 3000 miles, teams will be widely spread out.” says Parker Jones. “While this is a large event and a cycling jewel, it will have minimal impact on the city and its residents” he says. Tents will be set up at Susan B. Campbell Park welcoming the riders to the city.

Annapolis with have a hometown team to cheer for, Team Ride4Melanoma, headed by Ken Shuart of Galesville is racing to save lives. Melanoma, the deadly form of skin cancer, is now the #1 cancer in young white women and #4 among teenagers. “Our campaign is raising funds to underwrite the distribution of program tools to teachers and nurses around the country designed to teach SunAWAREness to school aged kids and teens. “I feel the Race Across America gives us a wonderful platform from which to drive this campaign. We will be riding through cities and towns across the nation and promoting sun safety and skin cancer prevention along the way.” exclaims Ken.

Mr. Shuart has a long history of skin cancer and a recent family member touched by melanoma. “With melanoma now part of the family history, the stakes have been raised. That was my call to action, time to go on the offensive against skin cancer” he recently said at the Dermatology Nurses Association conference in New York. “I have had a history of skin cancer and know that it is very likely in my future as well”. Not in the medical profession he said, “The best use of my energy is to help those who are on the front line dealing with skin cancer issues on a daily basis. Putting educational materials in the hands of children and teens can have a positive impact on a group that is now most at risk for future skin cancer.” exclaims Ken. He and his teammates hope to make a significant contribution to the SunAware program and establish a yearly Ride4Melanoma event in the Annapolis area. To find out more about the race and our local team, go to www.ride4melanoma.com.

This is a first in a series or articles that will follow along with the city and Team Ride4Melanoma as they prepare for the Race Across America slated to start in early June.