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UltraMarathon Cycling Association, Inc.
Programs
The UMCA accomplishes its purposes through the following programs:
Race Across AMerica
In 1982 four riders competed in the Great American Bike Race, from the Santa Monica Pier to the Empire State Building. Lon Haldeman won the 2,968 mile race in 9 days 20 hours 2 minutes. Renamed the Race Across AMerica (RAAM) in 1983, the UMCA has sanctioned this prestigious event each year since. Outside magazine, in a 1993 survey of super-endurance sporting events, called RAAM "the toughest race in the world." Anyone who has attempted it will tell you the same. Race Across AMerica
RAAM Qualifiers
The UMCA sanctions regional qualifiers for RAAM in Europe and South America, as well as North America. The qualifying ultra races are not just for bike racers who wish to qualify to race in RAAM. Qualifying for RAAM is one of the highest achievements of ultra cycling. Many riders who do not plan to ride RAAM still race to qualify and earn the coveted RAAM Qualified plaque. Many cyclists ride RAAM qualifiers as part of the Ultracycling Cup Competition of ultra races.
The most experienced riders usually do the best in RAAM. Solo riders and relay teams are encouraged to race the qualifiers as part of their preparation for RAAM. RAAM Qualifiers
Mileage Challenge
UMCA members participate in the UMCA Mileage Challenge, a year-long mileage competition designed toshowcase consistent performance in ultra-distance cycling throughout the season. Riders score mileage points for the distances they ride in either sanctioned events or personally designed long-distance rides. Each spring the top riders are recognized in UltraCycling, and awarded plaques for their accomplishments. UMCA Mileage Challenge
Ultracycling Cup Competition
The Ultracycling Cup Competition is a yearly competition wherein ultra racers compete in a series of double centuries, 12- and 24- hour races, RAAM qualifiers and the Race Across America to determine the best ultra riders of the season. The top finisher in each age and gender division is recognized in UltraCycling and receives a plaque. Prizes are awarded by lottery to riders who earn at least five difficulty points. Ultracycling Cup Competition
Records
The UMCA recognizes numerous long-distance bicycling records, including state crossings, various point-to-point records, and timed records (6-, 12-, and 24-hour road and track records). Any UMCA member is eligible to challenge an existing record, or establish a new border-to-border state record. Setting a record is a significant achievement for an ultra cyclist. Record-setting cyclists receive a UMCA plaque and are recognized in UltraCycling magazine. Bicycling Records
UltraCycling Magazine
All members of the UMCA receive the bi-monthly publication UltraCycling. The editors of UltraCycling contribute expert articles on training, equipment, sports nutrition and strategy for finishing events. Numerous other articles are first-person accounts by riders themselves. Each spring, the full calendar of races and ultra rides is published. UltraCycling
Ride Calendar
The UMCA provides on-line a calendar of brevets, double centuries and multi-day tours. We also list HUB rides, low-key rides lead by UMCA members in different cities.
Ride calendar
Community
The UMCA is a friendly community of endurance cyclists. Attend one of the UMCA-sanctioned events, and you will see this very clearly. While the riders can be very competitive, you will often find them willing to help other riders who have mechanical or other problems. More than anything, it is the family atmosphere of the UMCA that sets it apart from other organizations. There is a strong sense of camaraderie that reassures riders that they do indeed belong. The UMCA is open to all interested riders. Join the UMCA