How do I enter the VRAAM events?
The first thing you need is the FulGaz app. If you haven't installed it already, please go here. Once you've got FulGaz installed and you've created your FulGaz account, you'll be able to go here to enter. If you've done that already, welcome!
Do I need to have a FulGaz subscription?
While you can get started o na free trial to make sure everything is working OK and you have compatible equipment, you will need to have a valid FulGaz subscription for the entire event, either a monthly or annual subscription. Get one here: https://members.fulgaz.com
How VRAAM and VRAW will work
When the event opens, you will see a category of rides relevant for your event. FulGaz will make sure you can only ride the applicable stage so you don't accidentally "go off course". As you ride, FulGaz will be uploading how far you have travelled to it's server once every minute. Every metre you travel gets added to your total distance and moves you along the virtual map. You have finished the race when you have completed all the stages.
What are the distances?
VRAAM - 3,000 miles (4,828kms). Classic dot watching. Each mile ridden will bring you closer to completing the race. There are no mandatory rests, sleep periods nor maximum distances per day. It is entirely up to you when you rest and how far you ride.
VRAW (Race Across the West) - 925 miles (1,488kms). Per the ‘long’ VRAAM, no limits. The good news is that after just about 1000 miles it is over!
the60 - is a series of approximately one-hour rides (depending on your speed!) held over each of the 12 days. There will be daily results with a General Classification overall leaderboard.
What are the courses?
We're not covering the actual RAAM and RAW course, we're picking iconic and interesting rides from the USA, then adding up their distance to be the same as the "real" RAAM and RAW. We refer to each of these rides as "Stages" Some of these stages are still being filmed, so we can't announce the whole course yet. We will keep you updated as more rides arrive. Often the same ride will be ridden more than once during the event. For example, "Pacific Highway Cruise" could be Stage 4, 12, and 17.
We're not covering the actual RAAM and RAW course, we're picking iconic and interesting rides from the USA, then adding up their distance to be the same as the "real" RAAM and RAW. We refer to each of these rides as "Stages" Some of these stages are still being filmed, so we can't announce the whole course yet. We will keep you updated as more rides arrive. Often the same ride will be ridden more than once during the event. For example, "Pacific Highway Cruise" could be Stage 4, 12, and 17.
How can I track my progress in the VRAAM and VRAW events?
There will be an online map with your own "dot" on it. As you ride, FulGaz will be uploading how far you have travelled to it's server once every minute. Every metre you travel gets added to your total distance and moves you along the virtual map.
How can I track my progress in the the60?
the60 takes on a more traditional "Stage Race" format, with a leaderboard that functions in the same way as a stage race like the Tour de France. The winner is the person who completes all the stages in the lowest overall time. The leaderboard will show results that can be broken down by Gender and Age Group
What are the VRAAM Test events and when are they going to be held?
We will be running test events open to all entrants of the full VRAAM, VRAW and the60 events. During these events, all the in-app functionality and leaderboard functionality will be exactly as it will appear in the real event, but the test event will just include some of the actual stages you will be competing in during the real event. These events are designed to get you familure with how your event will work and allow us to test the race systems ahead of the actual races.
They will be open from 10:AM Monday the 1st of June to 5PM Tuesday June 2nd (Australian Eastern Standard time).
How do I enter the test events?
If you've entered the main VRAAM, VRAW or the60 events, you will receive automatic access to the VRAAM test event relevant to you.
What is the best video resolution for me?
Normally we suggest the highest video quality you can use. For this event, things will run much more smoothly if you stick to 720P. 720P is roughly one eighth the size of 4K, so you can fit 8 times as many rides on your device, or stream easily.
We advise that a backup device is also advisable as well as a backup internet access method. The VRAAM endurance races (VRAAM and VRAW) rely on a steady internet connection to update your position every 60 seconds. In the event of a failure, you will only lose 60 seconds, but you might need to swap to your alternate device and possibly also internet connection device. We advise rehearsing and practising such a scenario. You would practice changing tyres for the RAAM, so practice the things that can go wrong for the VRAAM.
Ideal setup
There will be an online map with your own "dot" on it. As you ride, FulGaz will be uploading how far you have travelled to it's server once every minute. Every metre you travel gets added to your total distance and moves you along the virtual map.
How can I track my progress in the the60?
the60 takes on a more traditional "Stage Race" format, with a leaderboard that functions in the same way as a stage race like the Tour de France. The winner is the person who completes all the stages in the lowest overall time. The leaderboard will show results that can be broken down by Gender and Age Group
What are the VRAAM Test events and when are they going to be held?
We will be running test events open to all entrants of the full VRAAM, VRAW and the60 events. During these events, all the in-app functionality and leaderboard functionality will be exactly as it will appear in the real event, but the test event will just include some of the actual stages you will be competing in during the real event. These events are designed to get you familure with how your event will work and allow us to test the race systems ahead of the actual races.
They will be open from 10:AM Monday the 1st of June to 5PM Tuesday June 2nd (Australian Eastern Standard time).
How do I enter the test events?
If you've entered the main VRAAM, VRAW or the60 events, you will receive automatic access to the VRAAM test event relevant to you.
What is the best video resolution for me?
Normally we suggest the highest video quality you can use. For this event, things will run much more smoothly if you stick to 720P. 720P is roughly one eighth the size of 4K, so you can fit 8 times as many rides on your device, or stream easily.
How fit do I need to be?
If you are planning on having a go at the60, then you can be moderately fit and indeed use it as part of a fitness building program.
But if you are going for the VRAW and full VRAAM, then you need to be as fit as you have ever been! You will have to certify that there are no health-related reasons or problems which preclude your participation in this activity. It is not for the faint of heart!
If you are planning on having a go at the60, then you can be moderately fit and indeed use it as part of a fitness building program.
But if you are going for the VRAW and full VRAAM, then you need to be as fit as you have ever been! You will have to certify that there are no health-related reasons or problems which preclude your participation in this activity. It is not for the faint of heart!
Do I need a smart trainer?
While you do not have to have a smart trainer, the easiest, simplest and most reliable methodology to compete in any of the categories will be via a modern smart trainer. Those entering with a non-smart trainer using a speed sensor to calculate power may not be counted in the overall results if their power numbers are deemed to be reading too high by the race organisers.
While you do not have to have a smart trainer, the easiest, simplest and most reliable methodology to compete in any of the categories will be via a modern smart trainer. Those entering with a non-smart trainer using a speed sensor to calculate power may not be counted in the overall results if their power numbers are deemed to be reading too high by the race organisers.
What is the best FulGaz setup?
Like any software product, from time to time, bugs and unexpected things can happen.
We advise that no matter what system you run with, you train on it and test it extensively. If your first time using your setup is race day, then you are setting yourself up for issues.
We advise that no matter what system you run with, you train on it and test it extensively. If your first time using your setup is race day, then you are setting yourself up for issues.
We advise that a backup device is also advisable as well as a backup internet access method. The VRAAM endurance races (VRAAM and VRAW) rely on a steady internet connection to update your position every 60 seconds. In the event of a failure, you will only lose 60 seconds, but you might need to swap to your alternate device and possibly also internet connection device. We advise rehearsing and practising such a scenario. You would practice changing tyres for the RAAM, so practice the things that can go wrong for the VRAAM.
Ideal setup
Apple TV 64 gig. The extra storage will be a godsend. Apple TV’s offer a reliable and easy to navigate method to use FulGaz, with the lowest entry price for any user.
Any TV or computer monitor with HDMI inputs, to a wall projector
Alternatively an iPad, or an iPhone connected to a TV via an Apple Lightening to AV adaptor
A brand name smart trainer, Ray Maker has reviewed them here: https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2019/10/the-smart-trainer-recommendations-guide-winter-2019-2020.html
Nearly any bike, but fitted to your shape and cycling needs
A saddle so comfortable you give it a pet name.
A backup device such as a mobile-enabled phone or tablet in case your connection goes down. Setup the connection from your primary app device to the backup internet device so if your internet goes down you can be up and going in a minute. You do not want to be messing about with wifi passwords and so on at 5am!
What about Windows and Android?
FulGaz for Windows and Android is much newer code than our Apple versions, so do a thorough test for compatibility first.
Downloading rides vs streaming
Downloading rides vs streaming
We 100% recommend downloading all needed rides ahead of time, every time. While your connection might be great, streaming can have issues and you do not want to be troubleshooting a connection slow-down when you could be racing! When racing, you do not need fast connection as we only send and receive a small amount of data.
The best time to download your nest day/s and ‘sort’ your device out is after you finish your session for the day. It is permitted to have someone do this for you while you rest. Simply delete rides that have been done and load the new ones. Devices with near-unlimited storage (large tablets and laptops) could download nearly the entire race ahead of the event.
The best time to download your nest day/s and ‘sort’ your device out is after you finish your session for the day. It is permitted to have someone do this for you while you rest. Simply delete rides that have been done and load the new ones. Devices with near-unlimited storage (large tablets and laptops) could download nearly the entire race ahead of the event.
How do you stop people cheating?
Most of the "normal" FulGaz settings are locked down to event-specific defaults during events to prevent deliberate or accidental cheating.
How will you police results?
We will be monitoring every rider, every 60 seconds during every stage. Whenever your distance is uploaded, we also capture your power and other key metrics. We also know what trainer you're using. Beyond this, the organisers reserve the right to ask for more information from any entrant regarding their trainer and app setup as well as request more data about the entrant. We also monitor your power and other data in real-time.
We will be monitoring every rider, every 60 seconds during every stage. Whenever your distance is uploaded, we also capture your power and other key metrics. We also know what trainer you're using. Beyond this, the organisers reserve the right to ask for more information from any entrant regarding their trainer and app setup as well as request more data about the entrant. We also monitor your power and other data in real-time.
How will I know what ride I am doing that day/next/now?
Only the rides in the VRAAM folder will count towards your result. The next course you will do is highlighted and the ones you have completed will be unavailable but visible. You can download videos ahead of time, but you will only be able to ride the stages in the correct order.
Only the rides in the VRAAM folder will count towards your result. The next course you will do is highlighted and the ones you have completed will be unavailable but visible. You can download videos ahead of time, but you will only be able to ride the stages in the correct order.
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