vance@mtxinu.UUCP (Vance Vaughan) (04/18/85)
I am forwarding the following information along in case your
company might be interested in advertising opportunities in
conjunction with the Race Across AMerica. It's obviously
primarily intended to raise money for Elaine Mariolle (I'm
her crew chief). However, I'm also interested in publiciz-
ing the RAAM itself and helping other riders, so please con-
tact me if you or your company has any interest in this sort
of thing.
I want to stress that this is a significant advertising
opportunity. The Wide World of Sports coverage reaches 5+
million homes and ads cost $45,000 for 30 seconds. You can
get your company name or product name onto a rider's cloth-
ing for a good deal less than this and have an excellent
chance of having it on TV for several minutes.
I also want to stress that RAAM is a serious financial com-
mitment for the riders. Elaine's budget for this year is
over $20,000 and that is typical of all the riders. Many
wind up spending their own money to compete. So, in addi-
tion to being good business, advertising with a rider is
also a good deed.
You can contact me by electronic mail at
...!ucbvax!mtxinu!vance
or by us mail at
Vance Vaughan
1721 Hopkins St
Berkeley
CA 94707
or by phone at
415-527-4354
And now, a word from our sponsors...
A GREAT ADVENTURE
RAAM - Race Across AMerica
3000 Plus Miles on a Bicycle
The coast-to-coast RAAM is a premier ultra-marathon
sports event. It has been likened to 36 consecutive
marathons or three-quarters of a million pushups.
In 10 Days
From the days when solo riders crossed the country in
18 days, crossings have evolved to where 23 riders
(including four women) competed in RAAM84. The winning
time was just over nine days, thirteen hours for an
average of 320 miles per day.
Non-Stop Competition
The clock never stops during RAAM, so stops for rest or
other comforts are held to a minimum. To sustain the
effort, each rider is accompanied by a crew of six or
more people and two or more vehicles. The crew pro-
vides the rider food and drink, clothing and equipment
changes. The 1984 winner averaged over 21 hours on the
bike each day.
Excellent TV Coverage
ABC Sports has covered the RAAM each year since its
inception in 1982. Their prime-time coverage on Wide
World of Sports is very popular and has won several
Emmys. ABC will cover RAAM again in 1985.
Elaine Mariolle
Competed in RAAM84
Elaine bought her first bike in 1983 and qualified to
ride RAAM in 1984. Out of 23 starters, she was one of
9 finishers, completing the 3047-mile course in 13
days, 23 hours, 36 minutes.
Enjoyed Very Good TV Coverage
She got 6 minutes of air time on ABCs TV coverage of
RAAM84. Her upbeat attitude gained her a trophy for
"Most Inspirational Rider".
Wants to Compete in RAAM85
She is already invited to ride and is training now.
Elaine is looking forward to RAAM85 and other ultra-
marathon events beyond.
Needs Support
RAAM could also be called an Expensive Adventure. Suf-
fice it to say that even with considerable support from
individuals and businesses last year, Elaine had to cut
corners and spend her own money to compete. To compete
properly in 1985, more support is necessary.
And You
You Can Participate in the Great Adventure of RAAM85
Peerhaps you're are a fan of bicycling, a public spir-
ited citizen, a business person looking for a unique
promotional opportunity, or any combination of the
preceding. If you, or someone you know, is interested
in sponsoring Elaine, please get in touch with us.
Personal donations in any amount are greatly appreci-
ated.
For businesses, excellent promotional opportunities are
available at modest cost.