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Aerospoke Super Light Wheels and the
Race Across America
By Michael Frye
Published May 11, 2011
Aerospoke had the pleasure to speak with Steve Gerbig recently, who used our new Super Light Wheels to set a record at last year’s Race Across America. Commonly called RAAM, the Race Across America is one of the most respected and longest running endurance sports events in the world. It is a non-stop endurance race across the United States, starting in Oceanside, California and ending in a different location every year on the east coast.
Steve is an ultra marathon cyclist, taking part in numerous races around the country, and logs thousands of miles a year on his bike. For RAAM 2010 he was a part of a four-man team calling themselves The Hoosiers, and it was the second year he was in the race. With most racers making the 3,000 mile trip across 12 states in about 7.5 days, The Hoosiers managed to accomplish it in 6 days, 16 hours, and 4 minutes. What’s impressive about Steve and his team is they are all over 60-years-old! With the second place team coming in at 8 days, 8 hours, and the best team for the under 50 age class being 6 days and 2 hours, they had an absolutely spectacular race!
Steve contributes much of his success to using the Aerospoke Super Lights. To date, he has logged over 30,000 miles on them and couldn’t be happier. With over 30 years of riding he has experience with wheel companies like Zip, Reynolds, and Eastern, and knows you can spend thousands of dollars on a single wheel. He admitted, “Honestly, I can’t feel a difference between the $3,000 wheels and the Aerospoke Super Lights. The Super Lights are really fast, as good as the competition, and considering the price, a whole lot more affordable. I feel right at home on them.”
For RAAM 2011, Steve wants to race again and this time he wants to break the record for the 2-man team. Asking him why he does it, he explained that it’s difficult to explain. The breathtaking sights around the country, combined with the rush of flying down mountainsides, and hitting hairpin turns make it an unforgettable life experience. (Steve, we totally know where you’re coming from!)
He plans to depart California on June 18, and says he will of course be bringing along his Super Lights for the journey. We at Aerospoke wish Steve the best of luck and will be watching as he makes his way across the country! If you want to follow his ride and the rest of the competition, you can check it out www.raceacrossamerica.org.
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