Rapha Race Photos on Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradsauber/sets/72157622382031814/

Above is a link to photos of one of the greatest cycling adventures of our lives.

What follows are three "race reports" from Chris Hobbs, Tom Jankoski and Todd Cristafulli, friends and clients of Studio Velo who stepped up and joined Chris and myselt for Rapha Gentlemen's Race in Portland, OR. Each story is unique to the writer and to the reader. But they all share one thing in common: the ups and downs, the highs and lows of personal and shared challenges of this one day race sponsored by Rapha.

The Rapha Gentlemen's Race (RGR) is a one-day race from point to point. There are no rules or regulations. It is a unsanctioned and unmarshalled race with teams of 6 rides, all of whom must stay together and finish together throughout the entire race. In our race, there were 24 teams, including the Rapha racing and Rapha continental teams. Each six-person team had to follow a perscribed route of 137 miles, pass though two checks points and support themselves entirely along the way. That means no supoort vehicles, no water bottle hand outs and no neutral wheels. Entry is by invitation only and the races start is staggered, with each time starting 5 mintues apart. In a sense it is a handicapped race. The winners receive some killer Rapha sway, second place gets all the beer (24 cases in all).

The above photos depict the morning of the race, race preparation, the race itself, the glory of food and beer at the finish and the recovery ride the day after, lead by our fearless guide Brad Sauber, Bicycling Adventure guide and our 6th racer.

A special thanks to Slate Olson, GM North America, who, along with his colleagues, coordinated this amazing, truly unforgettlbe race. Thank you all.