RAAM Bam Thank You Mam

Race Across America (RAAM) is a coast-to-coast international bike race covering over 3,000 miles of desert, mountains, hills, and plains. Backed by a crew of 13 men and women, four Australian women thoroughly plan and intensely train for the challenge of winning the coast to coast race in seven days. With a yellow blown-up kangaroo for a mascot, the Veloroos team begins the race in Los Angeles and they withstand the extreme heat of the desert before beginning the ascent into the Rocky Mountain foothills. Along the route, the women overtake other teams, changing riders following six hours of cycling. Bicycling through Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri, the women seem to enjoy the experience as well as the competition. The crew accompanies the bikers in an RV, daily checking the riders’ hydration and weight, and making sure that they eat and rest as they alternate cycling. By the halfway point, the Veloroos are ahead of other teams and focus on conserving their strength to finish the race. Viewers witness the scenery in director Anthony Gordon’s film through the eyes of the women, while a crew pilot provides overhead shots of the race and landscape. The team members say that they are just ordinary women—not pro athletes—who like to challenge themselves, have a sense of adventure and fun, and are willing to push themselves to their limits. A solid personal sports documentary, this is recommended. Aud: P. (T. Root)