Ultra marathon bicyclists will be marking next year's calendars for the Redmond-based Coup de Cascades on Aug. 14-15 after the Race Across America chose it as a qualifier this week.
Since the 2012 RAAM starts in Huntington Beach, Calif., on June 13, the Coup de Cascades will be one of the qualifying events for the 2013 RAAM.
The 425-mile loop around the Cascades launched in 2011 as a polio fund-raiser for the Redmond Rousers Rotary. The weekend event also featured a century and half-century ride for those not willing to spend 30 hours in the saddle.
The fact that RAAM organizers picked the Coup de Cascades as a qualifying race in only its second year is a real credit to the Redmond Rousers. And by drawing attention to the race in such a way, they'll surely be able to raise more funds to battle polio.
Changes
Redmond Rousers Rotary President Kelly Kyle said they'll be making some changes in 2012 from lessons learned this year.
Next year's Coup de Cascades will be scheduled a month earlier than this year's September ride to give competitors more daylight out on the course. Also, the century rides will be scheduled the second day of the event to give everyone a chance to finish more or less together.
Although solo riders will be welcome, Kelly said next year's qualifier will be focused on teams. She expects lots of camaraderie as the teams pull for the causes they represent.
This year's route may undergo some fine-tuning as well.
The winner of the inaugural race was Mick Walsh of Seattle, who rode his bicycle across the finish line in 30 hours-30 minutes. He was the only competitor in that division. A two-person team also rode, but did not finish.
We're looking forward to hearing more about this race and century rides in the coming months.
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