RAAM passes through many communities. It is expected that all crews and riders comport themselves in a civil and respectful manner. Do not leave trash anywhere except in trash receptacles. Do not ride through neighborhoods playing music loud, especially at night. Treat businesses respectfully and do not leave any of their facilities worse than you found them. Treat the public and all business employees respectfully. Most businesses are happy for your business as long as you don't violate the basic rules of civility. Follow all directions of law enforcement, road construction workers, and any other officials you encounter on the route. 

There are certain elements of the route that everyone needs to be aware of. Please take a moment to look over this information to avoid common mistakes and dangers.

Tribal Lands and Police

You will be passing through and right by several Native American reservations, including the largest reservation in North America, the Navajo Reservation. Be aware that you are on sovereign tribal lands. Be courteous and respectful. It is rude to take pictures of residents or cultural events without asking. Do not defile their lands or leave trash on the side of the roads. Do not point at people as this is also considered rude. 

Tribal Police are law enforcement, and they can ticket and arrest you just like any other law enforcement organization in the US. The laws on tribal lands may not be the same as those of the state. Always be respectful. After the tribal authorities, the next law enforcement you will deal with would be the FBI. 

Tribal lands often do not have fences. Wildlife and livestock move freely across roads. Watch for potential dangers.

It is expected that you follow all instructions and regulations while you are on Tribal lands, and please understand that as sovereign nations, they do not necessarily follow the rules set by states. Tribes have been disproportionally impacted by COVID, especially the Navajo Nation. You are expected to be sensitive to this fact, and if masks are required in certain places, please comply. To be clear, not following regulations anywhere on the route at any time is unacceptable. 

Watch for Dangers on Tribal Lands

There usually are no fences on the Reservation. Be prepared for livestock, especially sheep, right on the side of the road or in it. Sheep herds mean working dogs. These dogs are trained to guard the flocks - even from you. Stay away from livestock. You need to understand that these sheep and all livestock may represent a family's entire form of income, so be careful. 

There are also wild dog packs on the Reservation. These dogs will attack a rider.  Do not leave your rider alone.

You will likely also encounter herds of wild horses and many other animals. 

There are many cattle grates in the road, so be careful. They will take down a rider. You can encounter them anywhere, especially near the edges of the Reservation.

Summer is the time of the hard rains and thunderstorms on the Reservation. Be attentive to the weather and aware of potential flash flooding. 

Wind is a serious factor on the Navajo Reservation as it is wide and open. Plan for it and pay attention to weather reports before you enter the nation. You will find little cellular service between towns on the reservation so check the weather before you leave for the next TimeStation. 

Extreme Heat

Heat is always a factor for RAAM, and the first you will face will be in Arizona. Expect daytime temps to range from 100F/37C to 115F/46C (and that is only the air temperature. It doesn't take into account the heat of the asphalt you are riding on. Make sure you are paying attention to the condition of your rider. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Heat-related illnesses will end your race.

• Never go into the desert without plenty of water and hydrating liquids on hand, including for your vehicle radiator. 

• Do not park cars on the side of roads in dead grass. The heat of your engine will cause a wildfire which will consume your vehicle. To add to the situation, the State of AZ frowns on those who start fires. You will, at the very least, get a substantial ticket. Please keep it on dirt or pavement.  You should keep this in mind all the way across the nation. 

Overheating vs Heat stroke

• Recognize the signs and symptoms of heat illness. Early symptoms include things such as headache, thirst, and muscle cramps. Serious symptoms include weakness, skin that is cool to the touch, fast but weak pulse, nausea, and fainting. Severe symptoms include hot and red dry skin, fast and strong pulse, sweating that has stopped, and unconsciousness. Untreated heat illness can lead to fatal heat stroke.  (National Weather Service)

• If you suspect your rider is in trouble, get medical attention immediately. 

Trains, Construction,  and other regular things that happen

RAAM and RAW run on public roads. It is expected that things will happen. You might be delayed by a train. You might run into construction. These are normal things that occur. If you are stopped by a train, you simply have to wait. Trains can be long and it is a good time to rehydrate. Construction is always present, and you need to follow the directions of the flag people directing traffic. In most cases, you will ride a short detour or you will simply wait your turn to go through it. Sometimes there is a parade in a small town or an oversized truck moving slowly. 

You have to understand that these are everyday things on RAAM/RAW, and everyone faces these events. It is luck of the draw. However, if there is a massive accident that will cause significant delay, as in hours, or a detour that is unrideable and you are told by officials you cannot ride it, then note the time and call or message HQ. Please know that if several riders have already ridden a construction area, then it is rideable. Gravel roads and dirt roads in places are also factors. You may have to ride on Gravel or Dirt. That is the nature of the race. 

Fires are another danger. If you are encountering smoke and fire then please call us. Always note the times you are stopped because we will ask if you get held up for a very long time. We will verify on your tracking device as well.