This is for all of you that are going to PBP and have an urge to go
fast.

Remember you can use PBP as a RAAM Qualifier, so if you think you can
even come close you'll need to join the UMCA and send them an email
letting them know you are using PBP as a RAAM Qualification attempt.

You don't have to do RAAM but you get a nice plaque for your wall, a
medal and of course a few extra bragging rights.

On the http://ultracycling.com/events/raam_qualified.php site you can
search for those that are qualified.
As of Dec 2006 the total is 994, GA has 22, NC has 8, SC has 4 Last
year I put together a list from the old info and had a couple more
listed.

With the larger packs it should be easier at PBP than the other 1200
K's, so think about it.

Have a good trip either way!
Tony G

Below is from http://ultracycling.com/events/raamqualifiers.html

> RAAM qualifying races also serve other purposes:
> • Qualifying solo racers to race in RAAM and receiving the coveted
> invitation to race in RAAM.
> • Earning the RAAM Qualified plaque, awarded by the UMCA to each
> rider who qualifies.
> • Earning points in the John Marino Competition to determine the
> ultra racers of the season.
> • Demonstrating outstanding performance for the UltraCyclist of
> Distinction award, the highest honor an ultracyclist can earn.
> • Training to race in RAAM. Relay teams are encouraged to race the
> qualifiers. The most experienced solo and relay team riders usually do
> the best in RAAM.
>
> Other Qualifying Opportunities
> In addition the UMCA recognizes other opportunities to qualify for
> RAAM:
>
> 4) 1200km randonnées
> 1200km randonnées sanctioned by the Randonneurs Mondiaux (RM) or
> Audax Club Parisien (ACP) are drafting events with time limits, rather
> than non-drafting races. As such, they are neither sanctioned by nor
> supported by the UMCA. However, a 1200K randonnée is a significant
> test of a rider's fitness and a rider may use an RM/ACP-sanctioned
> 1200K to qualify for RAAM under the following conditions:
> 1 the rider is a current, annual member of the UMCA, and
> 2 the rider informs the UMCA by letter or e-mail before the 1200K
> that the rider intends to use the 1200K to attempt to qualify for
> RAAM, and
> 3 the rider meets the qualifying standard for a division:
> Qualifying Standard
>
> 18-49 years old
> Men under 65 hours
> Women under 70 hours
>  
> 50-59
> Men under 70 hours
> Women under 75 hours
>  
> 60-69
> Men under 75 hours
> Women under 80 hours

Have a good trip either way!
Tony G