My budget for RAAM is based on what I’ve read about other racers. I certainly want to thank everyone who has supported me thus far in my attempt at solo RAAM. Because of the huge price tag ($15-20,000), donations to the RAAM expense fund are welcomed and appreciated. It would be possible but very difficult to do RAAM for less. My plan will be to keep the team relatively small and leave off the non-essential items like RV’s. Some assumptions have still been made about what things will cost, but this is what I’m expecting:
RAAM entry fee: $2,495
Vehicle rentals: 2 vehicles rented one way from Oceanside to Annapolis: $2,400.
(maybe a possible 3rd vehicle)
Gasoline: 6,000 total miles driven (2 vehicles 3,000 miles one way. Expecting 20 mpg x $3.00/gallon: $900
Flights to and from race: 8 people one way to Oceanside and one way from Annapolis x $400: $3200
Hotels: 3 rooms before start x 3 days, 2 rooms/night during race x 12 days + 3 rooms at finish x 2 days = 39 rooms x $75/night= $2,925
Meals: 8 people x 14 days x $25/day: $2,800
Total: $14,720
This number is a bare bones budget that doesn’t take into account any unexpected expenses. For solo RAAM, I hope to have 7 crew members and 2-3 vehicles to follow me across the country. I believe that this will allow me the best chance for success. Any less would be risky – a vehicle breakdown or the loss of a crew member would put the race in jeopardy.
I hope to find ways to minimize expenses such as food and hotel rooms, but still know that miscellaneous expenses will add to the overall total. Fortunately, I have already accumulated some necessary gear through my participation in Ironman, but I am sure that I will need much more. While I have a good time trial bike, I probably will need to buy a road bike ($2-3000) for the mountains. I am aggressively attempting to save money to be prepared for RAAM.
Other expenses:
Road Bike: ~$2500
Qualifying race entry fee: $200
Travel expenses to qualifier: ~$500
Misc (bike shoes, tune-ups, bike parts, etc): ~$1000
Approximate total: $19,000.00
RAAM Expense Fund
To make a donation via PayPal, credit card, or e-check, please click the button below:
At present, you can reach me through e-mail:
matt@ohtheplacesillgo.com
or through snail mail at:
Matt Erbele
PO Box 911261
Saint George, UT 84791-1261
If you would like to show your support, but don’t feel comfortable giving me money, please consider making a charitable contribution. Any money that I collect above what I need will be donated there as well.
Thanks!!
Matt
