RAAM Bam Thank You Mam

Gr 5 Up—Known as the Velaroos, four Australian women—Julie-Anne Hazlett, Sarah Matthews, Nicole Stanners, and Natasha Home—attempt to break a 20-year-old record for the Ride Across America (RAAM), which covers 5000 km (3106 miles) from Oceanside, CA, to Annapolis, MD. Biking across 12 states makes this a physical and mental challenge. Interviews and video focus on the riders and crew, and viewers will appreciate the rigors of this event as participants deal with equipment failure, darkness, and the possibility of inclement weather as they forge ahead toward their goal. While those who have ever attempted an endurance event will understand the requirements of this feat and the sacrifice the women have made, the film fails to help viewers understand how hard it truly is as these women are juggling not only cycling but also full-time jobs. The footage is similar and not enough of their sacrifice is displayed. However, high school physical education teachers or coaches could show snippets of this program to demonstrate effective teamwork as the team relays across America.