Ron Skelton - RAAM

Race Across America - Gisborne's Entrant

Race started on: 11th June 2019 - and Ron has now completed this event for the second time - Congratulations on an amazing feat of endurance Ron!

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Gisborne Entrant Ron Skelton has completed RAAM solo in 2011 + 2019

He has chosen to complete the 2019 RAAM race to raise awareness for Veteran Support Services offered by non-government agencies.

Race Across America (RAAM) is one of the most respected and longest running ultra-endurance events in the world. RAAM is seen as a pinnacle of athletic achievement not only in cycling circles but the greater sporting community as well.

RAAM is about 30% longer than the Tour de France. Moreover, racers must complete the distance in roughly half the time, with no rest days.

RAAM is a race! But, unlike the three great European Grand Tours (Tour de France, Vuelta a Espana and Giro de Italia), RAAM is not a stage race.

RAAM is one continual stage, once the clock starts it does not stop until the finish line. It is the world’s longest time trial…the ultimate race of truth.
Racers must cycle 3000 miles, across 12 states, and climb over 170,000 vertical feet. Team racers have a maximum of nine days but most finish in about seven and a half with the fastest in just over 5 days. Solo racers have a maximum of 12 days to complete the race, most finishing in 11 days with the fastest finishing in under 8 days.

Racers come from all over the world and all walks of life. Racers are both amateurs and professionals. The majority are ordinary people, with full time jobs and a passion for riding their bicycle.

Racers range in age from 13 to 75. Approximately 50% of the racers are from outside the US. About 18% of the racers are women. Every year there are racers from at least 20 countries. Over 35 countries, from six continents, have been represented over the 35-year history of the race.

	Kristine - Ron's  wife and number one supporter		Dan Dearman former - Avanti Maintrax Gisborne Mechanic
	Mike Conza - Auckland Ron's support crew		Geoff Mathews -Auckland Ron's support crew

Ron on the left with his support team from left to right:
Geoff Mathews - Auckland
Mike Conza - Auckland (and Tour de France - One Day Ahead rider)
Dan Dearman - Avanti Maintrax Gisborne Mechanic

 RON SKELTON - BIO

This is my second time competing in RAAM as a solo racer. I completed RAAM solo in 2011.

In March 2019:  I completed Ironman NZ for the 32nd time.

I have completed the Lake Taupo Enduro Cycle Challenge 11 times.

I have finished first 3 times in this 800-mile Taupo Enduro event.

I live in Gisborne on the East Coast of New Zealand with my wife Kristine & our three tabby cats.

I drive a logging truck for Pacific Haulage Limited and have been a professional truck driver for over 40 years.

I have served in the New Zealand Army Reserve for 36 years, and I am currently attached to the 5/7 Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. One of my deployments was to East Timor as a United Nations Peace Keeper.

I compete in endurance events as I enjoy the physical and mental challenge.

I am completing this RAAM to raise awareness for Veteran support services offered by non-government agencies. I feel that veterans are the best people to support other veterans. This is why I have chosen the team name: Team iRONman Veterans supporting Veterans.

How you can support Ron,

No Duff Charitable Trust or the Mental Health Foundation.

Thank you for supporting Ron Skelton

Team i RON man (NZ)
Veterans Supporting Veterans