BAA RAAM 2019 TEAM
BAA HITS 2019 RAAM - THE WORLDS TOUGHEST BICYCLE RACE
PROTECTING CYCLISTS SINCE 2006
LIVE TRACKING: Follow our race with LIVE VIDEO FEEDS and 24/7 LIVE TRACKING. See all of our live tracking links here: https://bikeaccidentat.wpenginepowered.com/links-and-tracking/
About RAAM: “RAAM is a race! But, unlike the three great Europeon Grand Tours (Tour de France, Vuelta a Espana and Giro de Italia), RAAM is not a stage race. RAAM is one continual stage, once the clock starts it does not stop until the finish line. It is the world’s longest time trial…the ultimate race of truth.
RAAM is about 30% longer than the Tour de France. Moreover, racers must complete the distance in roughly half the time, with no rest days.
RAAM is not limited to professional cyclists. RAAM is open to professional and amateur athletes alike. While solo racers must qualify to compete, anyone may organize a team and race.
Racers must cycle 3000 miles, across 12 states, and climb over 170,000 vertical feet. Team racers have a maximum of nine days but most finish in about seven and a half with the fastest in just over 5 days. Solo racers have a maximum of 12 days to complete the race, most finishing in 11 days with the fastest finishing in under 8 days.” (http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/about.html)
Who races RAAM and WHY would anyone do this? “Racers come from all over the world and all walks of life. Racers are both amateurs and professionals. The majority are ordinary people, with full time jobs and a passion for riding their bicycle. Racers range in age from 13 to 75. Approximately 50 % of the racers are from outside the US. About 18% of the racers are women.
Every year there are racers from at least 20 countries. Over 35 countries, from six continents, have been represented over the 35-year history of the race.
When asked why? Some might echo George Mallory’s sentiment about Mt. Everest, “Because it’s there!”
For most racers the why is not quite so simple. Reasons include raising money for a charitable cause, winning a division, setting a record, seeing the country, sharing an experience with friends, adding their name to the distinguished roster of finishers, etc. But, overwhelmingly most people race RAAM simply to have fun and challenge themselves.” (http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/about.html)
THE BICYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS NETWORK
BIKE ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS is both an Arizona bicycle crash law firm and a national network of the most incredible and independent bicycle accident attorneys in the country! Formallyfounded in January of 2013 by Bicycle Accident Lawyer Ben Dodge. Ben focuses his practice solely on representing cyclists. There are very few attorneys who only practice bicycle law. In 2015, Ben saw the need for more professional representation of cyclists throughout the country. His resolution resulted in founding and organizing a national network of independent lawyers focused on representing cyclists: the Bike Accident Attorneys Network, LLC.
Our national network of bicycle crash lawyers are first and foremost cyclists who understand that bicycle cases are NOT normal personal injury cases. The law, the legal system, and the insurance industry can be unforgiving and even biased against cyclists. With years of experience in bicycle specific cases, and personal cycling backgrounds, our attorneys are the cyclist’s best choice.
The laws and rules which regulate the bicycle community are in need of much help throughout the country. Our attorneys are proudly engaged in advocacy work to help improve these laws on behalf of cyclists throughout the country.
Our representation is focused on helping the cyclist in every way. We work with the investigation of the accident and the police to help identify what really happened and who is really at fault, we help you quickly get the real value for your bicycle so you can get out and ride again, we help you understand and navigate the medical treatment process and billing issues, we powerfully negotiate with the insurance companies and protect you from their attempts to undersell your claim, and ultimately we file a law suit if necessary and go to trial.
Our clients are not just clients – they are fellow cyclists. There is deep understanding, compassion, and great personal care taken by the attorneys on every bike crash case because our bicycle crash lawyers know and understand what its like to be a cyclist. They know your rights as a cyclist. They understand the frustrations cyclists have towards negligent drivers. The bike accident attorneys at this firm are still riding their bikes, still competing in bike races and triathlons. They are actively involved in the bicycle community locally and nationally to stay in tune with recent legal developments. We proudly stand up for cyclists through our sponsorship of non profit organizations dedicated to improving the safety of cyclists.
Our attorneys regularly provide pro-bono legal services to bicycle clubs and teams regarding all things insurance, organizational and business structure, bicycle safety, local advocacy, volunteer efforts and support for local races, and more. We often speak throughout the country at bike clubs, team meetings, advocacy summits, and more. If you would like us to visit your club, team, or advocacy group contact us today. We would be delighted to come visit with you and share our experience and knowledge. Our presentations are fun and engaging.
A little bit more about our founder:
Ben Dodge An 8 time Ironman competitor and endurance cyclist. Racing locally and nationally, Ben has seen much of America’s highways and roadways via his bicycle. In June of 2016 Ben was one of 9 finishers in the awesome 930.4 non stop bicycle race across the west (the Race Across the West). Finishing in approximately 86 hours he rode his bicycle non stop from Oceanside CA, to Durango, Co. This incredible experience has qualified him for the full 3,034 mile non stop race across America (the Race Across America). He has qualified to race RAAM as a soloist and plans to do so in 2020. Ben also raced in the first ever Race Across France in 2018. It is a 1500+ mile non stop bicycle race. It is the French version of RAAM. He and his teammate raced a two man team and finished in 3rd place. He literally knows what it is like to ride a bicycle. Ben also founded a national racing team to bring more cycling awareness to the streets. Competitive cyclists from across the country all license up and race under the Bike Accident Attorneys team in bright neon gear. It is hard to miss them! Every time a teammate rides in the team kits they bring more awareness to motorists about the presence of cyclists.
Ben made the decision in January of 2013 to take his personal injury experience and dedicate it solely to bicycle accident victims. He founded an entire law firm with one purpose: Representing Cyclists. His firm and this national network exists to aggressively and effectively represent injured cyclists in and throughout the United States. Headquartered in Arizona (great cycling weather all year long!), Ben affiliates with attorneys nationally to insure that cyclists across the U.S. have access to his knowledge and experience. With a firm entirely dedicated and focused on protecting the rights of cyclists and bicycle accident victims, Ben has turned his job into his passion.
Ben represents cyclists injured in bicycle accidents, at the police station, with insurance companies, and in the courts. He advocates for the rights of all cyclists, not just his clients. He teaches the police about bike laws and bike safety, he educates drivers about the rules of the road, and he trains cyclists and clubs to ride more safely.