After officiating the Race Across America, I'm more convinced than ever attempting a UMCA record is the optimal way to prepare for RAAM. This year there were 19 solo riders and 18 teams - some well prepared, others not. RAAM is no place to begin to bring it all together. You've got to come to the big show prepared.

In this column I'll assume the rider attempting a UMCA record has been training and is knowledgeable regarding fuel and hydration. UltraCycling is rich with informative articles on these subjects. I'll focus on the other elements of a record attempt: the route, official(s) and crew, support vehicle(s) and bicycle(s).

Preparation begins well in advance of the record attempt. Familiarize yourself with the UMCA rules for records. They're designed to maximize safety and promote fairness. UMCA rules and RAAM rules are essentially the same. Violating these rules can result in time penalties or disqualification.

Once you've chosen the record you'll attempt, line up the UMCA official(s) and your crew - the earlier the better. The ideal crew should have experience driving a pace van, navigating, feeding the rider and, perhaps, bicycle mechanics. Most importantly, they should have a positive attitude, get along well together and be dually focused on rider safety and success.

Whether you're trying to break an existing record or set a new one, the route you select is critical. A computer with mapping software provides maximum flexibility. I use DeLorme Topo USA as it provides both road and topographic data. It gives me both mileage and elevation data for every route I plot. I can choose a route that suits me best.

Check the US Naval Observatory website for sunrise, sunset and twilight data and AccuWeather for weather information. Other websites can provide weather historical data.

Use the route, topo and weather information to develop a ride plan. Based on experience, I know how fast I climb on various grades under various weather conditions. I use all of this information to establish time checks. With time checks I can optimize my time on the bike, plan breaks, measure my progress and know whether to push harder or ease back a bit.

After developing a plan, get your vehicle(s) and bike(s) ready. The follow vehicle(s) must be equipped with flashing amber lights on the roof, a reflective slow-moving vehicle triangle and "BICYCLES AHEAD" sign on the rear. The flashing amber roof lights must be turned off and the triangle removed when not following the rider. Roof lights can be either mechanical or strobe, mounted on a roof rack or attached to the roof with a magnet and connected via a cigarette lighter or hard-wired (with a cut-off switch). The lights and triangle can be obtained at auto parts or hardware stores. Have a print shop print and laminate your signage. Altogether, it should cost less than $100 per vehicle.

Rider and crew can communicate using hand signals, loudspeaker or headset. Various methods are used in RAAM. A record attempt allows you to determine which works best for you.

If your record attempt involves night riding, your bicycle must have front and rear lights. There should be reflective tape on the seat stays, front forks, cranks/pedals, rims and wheels. In addition, a helmet lamp is useful in monitoring your computer and during nighttime hand-offs. Bring extra batteries and lights. Bring extra wheels. If you flat, change the wheel and let your crew fix the flat while you're riding. It's also best to have more than one bike.

Design a food and hydration plan that suits you. Plan ahead, don't be looking for coolers and shopping for food the day before your ride. Make yourself a checklist - get your tools, duct tape, flashlight, etc. ready to go well before your ride. Mentally go through the ride - try to anticipate everything you'll need.

I was amazed at how many riders/crews showed up at RAAM unprepared - scrambling the day of inspections, trying to find things they should have known were essential. To risk months or years of training on a failed inspection or malfunctioning equipment doesn't make sense.

Whether or not you're doing a record ride for fun or as training for RAAM, you'll be much richer for the experience. Go for it!

Locating an Official and the responsibilities of the official.

Download Lee Mitchell's recommended equipment and crew tips and get a UMCA membership for your crew for only $20 - they'll get Lee "Fuzzy" Mitchell's complete crewing manual.

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