Hoodoo FAQs

Is the Hoodoo 500 a UMCA sanctioned RAAM Qualifier?

Yes. Solo* and tandem racers may qualify for RAAM at the Hoodoo 500.

The qualifying standards are determined by the UMCA. The UMCA website states:

"Qualifying standard
A rider must finish within the specified time based on the first rider not currently qualified for RAAM.

	Men	Women
18-49 years old	115%	115%
50-59 years old	125%	125%
60-69 years old	135%	135%

For example, Rider A finishes sixth overall in 35 hours. Rider A is not currently qualified to race in RAAM. Rider B, 55-year old man, must finish within 125% of Rider A's time, i.e., 43 hours 45 minutes. Rider C, a woman, wins the womens division in 30 hours. Rider C is not currently qualified for RAAM. Rider D, a 45-year old woman, must finish within 115% of the Rider C's time, i.e., or 34 hours 30 minutes."

Relay Team Racers do not have to qualify for RAAM.

*Solo includes Voyager racers; however, please note that Voyager racers will be racing against supported solos for the purpose of qualifying. The UMCA will not treat Voyagers differently even though solos have a huge advantage by racing with crew.

Does the Hoodoo 500 count towards the Planet Ultra Grand Slam?

Riders completing the solo, tandem, or two-person team divisions will earn Grand Slam credit.

What qualifications are necessary to race the Voyager Division?

You must submit a written resume, via email or snail mail. At the minimum, we expect to see a brevet series of 200, 300 400 and 600k within the past two years. A recent 1200k would pretty much guarantee a spot.

Finishing a 500-mile race with support would be a useful experience. 24-hour races are good. Double century riding alone will probably not be enough.

The Hoodoo 500 is a super tough race through fairly remote areas. You absolutely must be willing to put a rack and bag on your bike, as well as carry a camelbak. You absolutely must be willing to carry everything you could possibly need to make it through a long, dark and cold night (and most likely the better part of the second night).

Your resume should include details about how you plan to get through the race - what you'll bring, you general strategy, etc. What we're looking for is a rider with significant experience in distance, self-supported riding, and who is willing and able to take very seriously the planning for this challenge.