Leaving the Rocky Mountains of Colorado behind, the Race Across America (RAAM) drops into the geographic section most feared by experienced ultra-cyclists: the Great Plains. Stretching across eastern Colorado, the entirety of Kansas, and into Missouri (Time Stations 20 to 35), this segment spans over 600 miles of flat to rolling terrain. Here, the physical challenge of alpine climbing is replaced by a grinding mental battle against monotony, relentless headwinds, and extreme sleep deprivation.
1. Kansas: The Land of Endless Horizons and Crosswinds
Entering Kansas through Ulysses (TS 23), Montezuma (TS 24), and Pratt (TS 25) introduces the rider to a stark, uniform landscape. The roads stretch straight to the horizon for hours, bordered only by endless fields of wheat and massive wind turbines.
The primary adversary in Kansas is the wind. Often blowing from the south or east, it presents a brutal headwind or crosswind that forces the cyclist to maintain a static aero-bar position for hours, putting intense strain on the neck, shoulders, and lower back.
The total lack of turns and visual landmarks, combined with the constant hum of tires on the pavement, can induce a trance-like state in both the rider and follow car drivers. Preventing micro-sleep is the number one safety priority here.
2. Missouri: The Deceptive Rolling Hills of the Ozarks
Riders often expect the flat terrain to continue through Missouri, but the state quickly surprises them. Past El Dorado Springs (TS 29), the route enters the Ozark region, characterized by relentless "rolling hills"—short, steep climbs followed immediately by quick descents.
This terrain breaks the steady rhythm developed in Kansas. Knees and joints are subject to intense strain due to constant gear shifts. Navigation also becomes more challenging as the route winds through dense forests and secondary roads near Camdenton (TS 30) and the state capital, Jefferson City (TS 31), where riders cross the wide Missouri River.
3. St. Charles & Crossing the Mississippi River
Passing the historic town of St. Charles (TS 34), racers reach Time Station 35 in Alton, crossing the Mississippi River into Illinois. This is a monumental psychological milestone: it marks the exit from the rural West and Midwest and the entry into the industrial East.
At this point, racers have covered over two-thirds of the total mileage, and the physical toll of the race is fully evident, with joint inflammation, saddle sores, and extreme sleep debt setting in.
4. Crew Strategies to Combat Boredom
Through the plains, the crew's main role is keeping the rider awake and focused. The vehicle PA system is an invaluable tool: crews use it to play upbeat music, read messages from supporters back home, or talk to the rider constantly to prevent hallucinations.
Driver rotations must be frequent (every 3 to 4 hours) to combat highway hypnosis. The rider's nutrition must also adapt to the high humidity of the Midwest plains, incorporating sodium-rich foods to prevent cramping and dehydration.