Submitted by Lopez Library
The Lopez Library presents its third program in its Beyond Limits series with RAAM (Race Across America) screening it’s stunning new documentary “3089 Miles Across America” for the Lopez community on Saturday, April 15, at 7 p.m. at Lopez Center for Community and the Arts.
The film features the world’s top cycling event, a race from the west coast to the east coast of the United States. The route crosses 12 states, climbs over 170,000 vertical feet, traverses four of America’s greatest rivers and passes countless American landmarks. It is one of the most respected and longest running endurance sports events in the world and unlike the three great European Grand Tours (Tour de France, Vuelta a Espana and Giro de Italia) RAAM is one continual stage; once the clock starts it does not stop until the finish line. Racers ride solo or on teams and the event is not limited to professional cyclists with amateur cyclists participating too. There is no prize money but the race is often a platform to raise money for charitable causes with collectively in excess of $2 million raised each year.
Competing and completing RAAM is seen as a pinnacle of athletic achievement not only in cycling circles but also within the greater sporting community. Considered more rugged than the Tour de France, the race is not just about cycling but about endurance, strength, camaraderie, the generosity of people along the race course and the beauty of our country’s varying landscape.
Shown on the big screen at the Lopez Center for Community and the Arts, this inspiring film is about cyclists but is for anyone who has a dream to pursue or aspires to see our country, coast to coast. The 41-minute film will be introduced by RAAM’s Director Rick Boethling with a discussion following and is a great prelude to the Tour de Lopez on April 29. Generously presented by Friends of Lopez Library and the Ramsey Shirk Fund. Co-sponsored by Village Cycles. For more information contact Jen Krajack at the Lopez Library and 360-468-2265.
