Race Across Oregon was founded in 1998 when the cancellation of Alaska’s Midnight Sun 600k left a gap in founder George Thomas’s racing calendar. The “race” became a fundraiser for the Epilepsy Foundation of Oregon and made the front page of The Oregonian newspaper. When a reporter asked the name of the event, the first thing that came to mind “Race Across Oregon.” It has since raised a lot of money for the foundation and was made an annual event.
With an extensive background competing in Race Across America, George thinks it is important that racers interested in RAAM can participate in an event that provided some of the difficulties one faces during a 12-day coast-to-coast race.
Race Across Oregon features hot and dry weather and almost 42,000 feet of climbing over the 522 mile course. The RAO route follows roads that escapes Willamette Valley rain and completes many epic training rides.