The reasons:

12. You were rejected as a contestant by all reality TV shows.
11. You were "super embarrassed" at an office party and seek to redeem yourself.
10. You've been watching way too many replays of "Nipplegate".
9. You need an excuse to not shave for 10 days.
8. You got all "jacked up" watching Seabiscuit.
7. There just isn't enough pain in your life.
6. When its over you have legitimate cause to do nothing.
5. Air Marshals won't let you fly after that "silly putty" incident.
4. Where else can you get somebody to feed you for 3,000 miles?
3. You have never been to Pie Town, New Mexico.
2. Someone told you it would be fun.
1. It's just way too far to drive.

The real reasons:

12. You can ride as much as you want and nobody complains.
11. It's the toughest ultra-cycling race on earth.
10. Compete for your share of over $100,000 in prizes.
9. Race against the best ultra cyclists in the world.
8. Once you race RAAM, there is no turning back.
7. RAAM is the working man's Tour de France; an epic achievement.
6. You climb the highest mountains - over 80,000 feet of climbing
5. RAAM separates the weekend warriors from the big dogs.
4. Invite your friends, it is a team event (soloists still need crew).
3. You have never been to Pie Town, New Mexico.
2. Complete RAAM and you join an exclusive fraternity, smaller than that of those who have climbed Mt. Everest.
1. It's the greatest race on earth.

By pushing the rider's body and mind beyond barriers, the 2004 Insight Race Across America sets the standard for ultra marathon cycling events in the world today. It tests courage, determination and self-belief. It exposes weaknesses and vulnerabilities in real and intangible manners. It alters one's perception of time and distance and even the knowledge of one’s self. Riding becomes all that you know and after what seems like several eternities, you come to the finish line and wish you could start all over again. RAAM 2004 – Be there.

The search is on for the world’s toughest, fastest ultra marathon cyclists. On Sunday, June 20, 2004, the 23rd Annual Insight Race Across America begins in San Diego, California. Competitors climb over 82,000 feet while crossing 14 states in their 2,920-mile campaign to the finish line in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Divisions included in the race are Male/Female Soloist; Tandem; 2 or 4 Person Team; and Corporate Team (8 Person).

http://www.raceacrossamerica.org