'Toughest Endurance Bike Race' in U.S. Rolls Out of Oceanside Thursday

Teams of cyclists will take off from the Oceanside Pier on Thursday on their way to Annapolis, Maryland – in what many consider "the toughest endurance bike race in the country."

The 32nd annual "Race Across America" features about 45 relay teams and other solo cyclists riding non-stop more than 3,000 miles from coast to coast. 

“It runs non-stop from Oceanside, California to Annapolis, Maryland and crosses twelve states,” Rick Boethling, executive director of Race Across America told Fox 5. 

Among the 45 relay teams is an eight-man team comprised of Oceanside police officers, who are raising money for multiple sclerosis research. 

Boethling said that more than 90 percent of the riders raise money for various charities. He said he expects that more than 20 charities will be represented, and that about $2 million will be raised. 

Solo riders took off from the Oceanside Pier on Tuesday, and relay teams will follow suit on Thursday. Soloists have 12 days to compete the course. Relay teams must finish in nine days. 

“It really is one of the greatest American traditions in cycling,” Boethling told Fox 5. “It’s outlasted virtually any big race out there.”