slh1089
Pura Vida
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- Jan 6, 2010
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Until recently, the statistics were nearly one in four climbers dies attempting to reach the summit. Advancements in technology and experience have led to a better survival rate of climbers. Currently about 1,000 climbers a year attempt to reach the summit, and on average 15-20 perish. Expeditions are the primary source of income for Nepal, and licenses to ascend start at around $25,000. If you have lesser experience and want to ascend with an experienced group, several companies will lead you to the top with a team of sherpas for prices starting around $40,000 per person.
I would attempt it in a heartbeat but only if i had time to devote at least 5 years to training and gaining experience.
Alright already!!! I recant!! It's unbelievably difficult to climb Everest and only superhuman (rich) folks are able to do it!
Marathons are still a piece of cake though, provided you aren't worried about your time... Running sub 3 hour marathons is an entirely different discussion but actually finishing a marathon (even if it takes seven hours...)? No problemo.
RAAM is a race! But unlike the three great Europeon Grand Tours (Tour de France, Vuelta a Espana and Giro de Italia), RAAM is not a stage race. RAAM is one continual stage, similar to a time trial. Once the clock starts it does not stop until the finish line. RAAM is about 30% longer than the Tour de France. Moreover, racers must complete the distance in roughly half the time allowed for the Tour.
More importantly, RAAM is not limited to professional cyclists. RAAM is open to professional and amateur athletes alike. While solo racers must qualify to compete, anyone may organize a team and race.
Racers must traverse 3000 miles across 12 states and climb over 170,000 vertical feet.
Team racers have a maximum of nine days and most finish in about seven and a half days. Teams will ride 350-500 miles a day, racing non-stop. Solo racers have a maximum of 12 days to complete the race, with the fastest finishing in just over eight days. Solo racers will ride 250-350 miles a day, balancing speed and the need for sleep.