The Race Across America, or RAAM, is an ultra-endurance bicycle race across the U.S. that began in 1982 as the Great American Bike Race.  It is the best-known and longest annual marathon cycling event in the world.  The exact course of the race has varied substantially during its history varies, but always travels from the West Coast to East Coast, running approximately 4800 km.  Unlike most multi-day bicycle races, RAAM has no stages or designated rest periods.  Instead, the clock runs continuously from start to finish.  The race is held in several divisions, including men’s and women’s individual and two and four-person teams. The winner of the two-person team race usually finishes in sic to seven days, with each team member riding approximately 12 hours per day.  Each team has a crew that follows in one or more vehicles to provide food, water, and other supplies.  A crew vehicle fitted with flashing lights is required to follow closely behind the rider at all times to ensure they are visible.