Recumbent Cyclist Leads Solo Women in Race Across America

CLIFTON, N.J. - June 20, 2013 - PRLog -- World record-holding cyclist Maria Parker has overcome an early setback in the Race Across America (RAAM), and is now holding a confident lead among solo female riders. The cross-country cycling event is nearing its finish with the 50 year old giving a stellar rookie performance now being called “the greatest ride in RAAM history” by the event organizers.
A driver, who was reportedly texting behind the wheel, smashed into one of Parker’s support vehicle in Arizona. It threatened to force her withdrawal from the race, but race organizers forgave a time station check in and her crew rallied to locate another vehicle.

Her determination to finish can only be drawn to one fact. She is riding for a cause near to her heart. Parker entered the race to raise money for research to find a cure for brain cancer – since her own sister, Jenny Mulligan, was diagnosed with terminal Stage IV glioblastoma in October of 2012. Parker's initiative, named 3000 Miles to a Cure, has chosen to donate all their proceeds to Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure (ABC2). Founded in 2001 in honor and celebration of Dan Case, ABC2 partners with leading entrepreneurs, scientists and researchers to find a cure for brain cancer.

Current fundraising numbers are creeping up, but more donations are still needed.

"Other initiatives have made a difference in cancer research. For example, breast cancer isn't necessarily the death sentence that it used to be, thanks in part to Susan G. Komen for the Cure," says Parker. "We want to do the same thing for brain cancer through 3000 Miles to a Cure."

Interested race fans can keep up with her location and other details of the race at http://www.3000milestoacure.com/.

Race Across America (RAAM), is one of the most highly respected endurance sports events in the world. Outdoor Magazine calls RAAM the “world’s toughest sporting event”. Parker will begin the race in Oceanside, California, and will climb over 170,000 vertical feet and ride over 3,000 miles to Annapolis, Maryland, over the course of about 10 days. RAAM is 1000 miles longer than the Tour de France, has 50% more climbing, and the top racers finish in about half the time. Since 1982, only 31 women have finished the race.

Contact:
Carly Redfearn
redfearnc@3000milestoacure.com
Ph: (910) 734-1016 (tel:%28910%29%20734-1016)