 |
What to Expect From RAW
RAW is a week-long, fully-supported camping tour produced for cyclists, by cyclists. The RAW Committee is proud of the variety and beauty of cycling routes in Washington State. Some parts will be challenging, but it is all very doable by almost any cyclist who has properly trained. Who rides RAW? Well, mostly folks just like you! RAW has entertained tandem stokers as young as 8, and solo cyclists as young as 10. The oldest RAW to ride last year, (and he’s been on several RAW rides), was pushing 80! There are also fast, racer types who tend to get back to camp early, and more casual riders who prefer a more leisurely approach to the day's ride. Riders with decades of experience enjoy RAW, as do true novice cyclists. Every year, a few to several cyclists come from the Midwest and the East Coast, and about fifty percent each year have ridden RAW before.
You need to be aware that you are riding as part of a large group, and that, as such, you must be able to make the start and cut off times; to leave camp and get back into camp by certain stated times. This is to ensure both your safety and the safety of our hard-working, volunteer support crew. On a typical day, the route opens at 6:30 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m., giving everyone plenty of time to finish their ride. However, if you are a slower rider you should leave camp early or you might be asked to ride in the sag wagon.
The 2011 Raw Ride Guide has all you need to train and arrive prepared for RAW. It will be available to download in December 2010
Some of the things you should expect on RAW:
- Pre-arranged, safe camping venues.
- Hardy, hot breakfasts and suppers, and prepared lunches to be given out on the road provided by Event Corp. Vegetarian fare provided if requested. Vegans may take what they can, but are advised to pack their own victuals; refrigeration will be provided for marked containers. Every year, we revise the menu to reflect healthier menu choices including a fabulous new lunch menu.
- OK’s also provides the best hot (or cold if you like) showers you’re likely to ever have on a bike tour. No long lines on RAW.
- A professional on-road support team providing outstanding support during the ride. This year we will be offering new mid-morning and mid afternoon snack stops in additional to the lunch stop.
- Mechanical support is provided. The labor is free, parts are at retail.
- Your baggage is transported for you, waiting to be picked up when you arrive at the next venue. Note: You must load your own bag each morning
- Cool morning clothing, warmers and jackets, can be jettisoned at water stops to be picked up in camp.
- The RAW peloton, limited to 250, affords the opportunity for you to meet someone who rides like you, as well as to get to know some who don’t. You won’t feel lost in a crowd and you'll make friendships that will last a lifetime. There is a reason we get over 50% returning riders every year on RAW.
- From afar? You can pre-pay through UPS and ship your bike to Cascade. Pre-paid/COD returns will be picked up. The RAW mechanic will put your bike together for you and help you pack it up to ship back, too.
- Optional transportation for you and your bike is available from Seattle to Eastern Washington and back on August 20 and 27, respectively. We need your reservation by July 1 for a guaranteed spot on the bus; after March 1, transportation is offered on a space-available basis.
RAW’s overnight venues are predominantly at County Parks, schools, fairgrounds and State Parks. Other venues and parks are used if they are located where needed and meet RAW’s needs.
Brief daily early-evening meetings will be held to discuss the following day’s route and any and all concerns. Committee members and RAW volunteers can be approached anytime with any question or concern you may have. RAW is a little better every year because of rider comments and suggestions. Don’t be shy.
Each evening riders are free to relax, “schmooze,” partake of offered activities or explore the local area. Expect fun nightly entertainment and theme events such as New Belgium Brewery Happy Hour, Wine Tasting's, Raw Limerick contest, decorate your helmet and other fun stuff. We also feature informative and entertaining talks by local presenters. On RAW’s penultimate night the annual “RAW Awards” will be given. You may find yourself recognized for something you didn’t even know you did. Don’t worry, though. Except for flats, only the positive is accentuated.
Hot showers at the end of a ride are a wonderful thing!
Event Corps mobile kitchen ready to serve up a fabulous dinner!
Hot showers at the end of a ride are a wonderful thing! |
OK Cascade mobile kitchen ready to serve up a fabulous dinner! |
|
