Help Marko Baloh with your pledge to support his book on RAAM

As an ultra-cyclist you've probably heard of me before. I've had some good results in ultra-cycling races, had a victory here and there, even set a few World Records, but I am still missing the one that brought me to ultra-cycling - the victory at RAAM. I would like to write an autobiography telling the real story of my six participations at the World's hardest cycling race -- the Race across America (RAAM). The book's working title is "Marko Baloh's RAAM" and it will tell my story from my first RAAM qualification in 2000 until last year's RAAM 2011. The race was not always kind to me, but I didn't give up (still haven't!) and came back again and again. It will not be just a race recap, but a story of perseverance, hard work and relentless belief in a dream, my dream of winning the World's hardest race.

If you think this is a tale worth telling and you would like to read it, you can help me by pledging your support in exchange for one or more of the incentives listed on my project's website on PLEASEFUND.US -- www.pleasefund.us/projects/marko-balohs-raam-the-book. Of course, there are books (to pre-order), but also T-shirts, cycling jerseys, DVDs, posters and even a TT bike, the one with which I set one of my 24h World Records. The project only gets financed if it is funded in full, meaning you will get your money back if the budget isn't met. I hope that at least people who would like to read his book will participate and lend me a helping hand. Thank you. (23 Jan 12)

Congratulations to Vaune Davis and Nicole Hughes!  Thet are the 2012 receipients of the McSweeney Scholarship and will be attending PAC Tour AZ Camp.  Read more about Nicole on her blog. (27 Dec 2012)

Year-Rounder status: The "enhanced" Year-rounder reports are now available. You can see whether you've already earned your Year-Rounder and reached old/platinum status. It also tells you how many months you've ridden, to give you an idea how close you are to completing the Year-Rounder.

You can now see your submissions, all of them. (Click "details" in the standings). Until new submissions have been verified, they will show as "pending".

Note: We've entered all of the rides from the old manual system. Your ride submissions should reflect all of your rides. --21 Nov 2011

Looking for the articles on training, nutrition, and equipment? Until we finish revising and reformatting them, you can find the old versions in the website archives.

We've made the online ride submission forms for the Year-Rounder (and Indoor Competition) more secure. As a result of these changes, you now must sign into the site in order to submit rides.

• If you had an account for the indoor competition on the old site, you already have an account and can sign in now by clicking the "login" button (top right).

• Forgot your account information? We can send you a reminder.

• Never had an account (perhaps you're a new member)? You can create one.

• If you are a new member and have not received your UMCA membership number -- or just need some assistance -- please contact us at webmaster @ ultracycling.com. -- 8 Oct 2011

Congratulations to UMCA life member Michael Secrest on his new 100-mile world record! (26.52 mph!)	Read Bobby Leong's story about setting a record across New York  E-W (2011)	Read Cathy Cramer's story about setting a record across Oklahoma W-E (2010)

Welcome to the home of the UltraMarathon Cycling Association (UMCA), founded in 1980 by John Marino, Michael Shermer, and Lon Haldeman. The UMCA is the leading international organization dedicated to ultracycling. We offer a calendar of ultracycling events where riders can earn points toward placement in the UltraCycling Cup and the World Cup of UltraCycling, and mileage toward the UMCA 12- and 24-hour challenges.

The UMCA offers the Year-Rounder Mileage Challenge, which is a year-long bicycle mileage challenge that recognizes consistent performance in ultracycling throughout the season. Participants may earn mileage by riding in centuries, double centuries, 12-hour races, 24-hour races, UltraCycling Cup events, and other ultra rides.

The organization also sanctions UltraCycling Records, including national, state, timed and distance records. The UMCA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and welcomes donations and sponsorships to help fund our charitable programs.

The UMCA publishes UltraCycling, a quarterly magazine included with your membership. SAMPLE ISSUES