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2015 Race Across America Crew -The Crazy Train

Veronica Beagan - Crew Chief

Veronica Beagan

We met Veronica when we rode the 2014 Ridge Of The Rockies PAC Tour. She has a wealth of experience crewing at PAC Tours, and is a veteran RAAM crewperson.

She has completed a number of of ultra-distance runs and rides, including the notoriously difficult Susitna 100, where she has been on the podium both times she has raced.

A piece of obscure/interesting trivia about yourself?

My current goal is to fill all the pages in my two year old passport. I had the extra pages added and need to justify thier use. I have 5 pages down and am working on the others. I have 8 years to go.

Photo: One hour before running the 2015 Boston Marathon

Veronica lives in Anchorage, Alaska.


Jamaica Lambie - Assistant Crew Chief

Jamaica Lambie

Jamaica responded when Joan posted on Ultracycling Facebook group. He crewed for a two-person RAAM team in 2014 (Bill and Debbie Albers), and is back for more this year!

He works as a bike mechanic at Mike's Velo City in Winters, CA.

What part of the RAAM course or RAAM in general are you most dreading? Why?

That road in Missouri, that stunk of dead possums and had angry dogs.

Photo: Having fun!

Jamaica currently lives in Woodland, California with his wife and kids.


Sandy Earl - Remote Overlord

Sandy Early

While Sandy cannot return as crew chief (she chiefed for Joan at 2010 Race Across Oregon and 2011 Race Across The West), she has agreed to be on call to assist the crew as needed. She has crewed and raced in more ultra-cycling events than any sane person would ever dream of. She is the perfect crew chief because of her dedication to the sport of ultra-cycling, her organizational skill, and the ability to keep Jason's gummy bears off the floor of the support van.

She currently resides in Arcata, CA with her boyfriend Bill and is busy plotting her revenge on RAAM.

Do you have a nick name? How'd you get it?

"Overlord". Everyone on Joan's 2011 RAW crew got an official nickname. As crew chief, I got tagged with "Overlord", which you've got to admit is kinda memorable. To this day, if I'm out of town overnight, Bill texts "Sweet Dreams, Overlord" to me.

Photo: at the Davis 24-Hour Challenge

http://tailwindscycling.blogspot.com


Carson Grant

Casrson Grant

Joan's younger brother crewed for her on her first ultra-cycling endeavor, the 2008 Furnace Creek 508. He has a fondness for discussing everything from the mundane nature of existance to whether CS Lewis knew what he was talking about. Or perhaps he just likes to argue with his brother...

He is currently working as a veterinarian in Red Deer, Alberta. He enjoys riding his bike when it's not -30 outside...

If you could have one super hero power, what would it be?

In-flight flight. Its the power to fly, but only while inside an airplane that is already flying. That way if you need more peanut-free snacks, you can just fly to the back and grab some.

Photo: Hanging around in Muir Woods National Monument, April 2013

Casrson currently lives in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta.


Chai Velhal

Chai Velhal

Chai comes to us under recommendation from another ultra-cycling friend. He has qualified for RAAM, and wants to see what it's all about before he comes back to ride.

Chai leads spin classes (indoor cycling) at MultiFit in Pune, India

A piece of obscure/interesting trivia about yourself?

I can chug down a Pint of Beer in 2.8 seconds.

Photo: Riding!

Chai lives in Pune, India.


Jim Kern

Jim Kern

We first met Jim at the Furnace Creek 508 thanks to having all sorts of mutual friends. He has ridden multiple 500 mile races, and has done 100 mile runs, and crewed and officiated at Race Across America.

What are your hobbies?

As to hobbies outside of biking/running, I like most anything that doesn't involve TV.

Photo: Peeking into Joan's follow van while officiating RAAM 2014.

Jim currently lives in Sunnyvale, California.


Lindsay King

Lindsay King

We became acquainted with Lindsay through Joan's involvement with the Vanderkitten VIP program. Her hobbies are cycling, soccer, hiking and weaving. She was our token Canadian crew member in 2014, eh?, and she's back for more!

Where's your favorite place that you've been? It could be an exotic location, or somewhere local that you just love to hang out at.

Love Costa Rica - but the lakes of Northern Ontario are stellar.

Photo: Along the Chilkoot Trail (which starts in Dyea, Alaska and ends in Bennett, British Columbia).

Lindsay currently lives in Burlington, Ontario with her boyfriend Nate and their two cats Willoughby and Bean.


Maria Vazquez

Maria Vazquez

We met Maria through ultracycling (Joan met her before RAAM in 2014, where she was crewing for Fuzzy's Friends). She has finished the Furnace Creek 508 solo, and was the first Puerto Rican woman to finish Paris-Brest-Paris.

If you could travel back in time to witness any event in history, what/where would it be?

I will have to say it will be to witness any time women 'did/had' a 'first at anything'...when they were pioneers (first woman who voted, rode a bike, went to college, flew an airplane, etc).

Photo: Crushing the competition on the bike.

Maria currently lives in Naples, Florida with her three boys.



Melissa Rosen

Melissa Rosen

Joan connected with Melissa through a mutal friend who also lives in Richmond, VA (Sara Hayden Rennie, who crewed for Michele Santilhano at RAAM).

Where's your favorite place that you've been? It could be an exotic location, or somewhere local that you just love to hang out at.

Italy was awesome. Cinque Terre was SO BEAUTIFUL. Florence was amazing.

Photo: After the finish of a triathlon.

Melissa lives in Richmond, VA with her husband and their two cats.


Mike Deitchman

Mike Deitchman

Joan's husband Mike has crewed for her on all but one of her solo ultra races (he was also racing at the 2010 Furnace Creek 508). This will be his third crossing during Race Across America. He has a number of ultra-distance races under his belt: HooDoo 500 solo in 2008, Furnace Creek 508 solo in 2011, American River 50 Mile Run, Ultraman Canada, Ultraman World Championships, a long-run PR of 63 miles, and three Iron-distance triathlons.

He runs a consignment business, selling mostly through Ebay.

What part of the RAAM course are you most looking forward to seeing? Why?

My favorite part of the RAAM course is the Colorado Rockies. But I'm really looking forward to the interactions with local people along the course. They are what makes this race most special to me. I really look forward to getting some fudge from the Fudge Lady at Mt Blanca Fudge Company (Mt Blanca, CO).

Photo: Enjoying a liter at the Hofbrauhaus in Munich, Germany (July 2013).

Mike lives in Cupertino, California.


Rob DeCou

Rob DeCou

We met Rob at the RAAM Challenge Oregon race in 2014, where he was also racing on his recumbent bike.

A piece of obscure/interesting trivia about yourself?

I was a Rotary Exchange Student to India when I was in high school and during that time I completed a 50 hour non-stop aerobics competition with 15 others for a world record.

Rob lives in Los Angeles, CA with his wife Kristin


Rohitash Jamwal

Rohitash Jamwal

Rohitash responded to a post on Facebook seeking crewmembers for RAAM 2015. When not riding his bike or running, he is busy pursuing his PhD in Pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics at the University of Rhode Island.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I belong to a countryside village back in India and am the first one from family to ever come to USA and to pursue a PhD. I feel being here at this moment has been my biggest accomplishment.

Photo: Riding his bike.

Rohitash lives in West Kingston, Rhode Island


Sonya Weiser Souza -Massage Therapist

Sonya Weiser Souza

Sonya is a returning crewmember from the 2014 crew. She and Lindsay form an unstoppable team that will be keeping Joan entertained and awake on the night shift. We became acquainted with Sonya through a referral from a fellow Vanderkitten VIP. She runs her own massage practice, works as a sales specialist in a bike shop, and helps coach a women's triathlon and fitness group. Before moving to Hawaii and becoming the massage therapist for the University of Hawaii Swim and Dive teams, she worked in Alaska at the Denali Park Lodge.

Favorite book?

A Pony Called Lightning by Mirium E. Mason about a pony that wants to run as fast as lighting...and always believes he can and will and does! AND The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams...you could almost use this as a guide to RAAM, always, always, always, bring your towel.

Photo: A cold ride in Hawaii.

Sonya lives in Honolulu, Hawaii with her husband Fred and her three bikes (Astra Sparklerump, Dynamene, and Bluebird of Happiness.).


Steve Browne

Steve Browne

Steve is a long time friend of Joan's brother Carson, and was very intrigued when he learned about RAAM. And now he gets to join a crew supporting a solo rider.

What part of the RAAM course or RAAM in general are you most looking forward to seeing? Why?

The desert. Never been.

Photo: Just a bit of peak bagging...

Rob lives in Edmonton, Alberta; where he works for the city as an equipment operator and truck driver.


Past Crew

2014 Race Across America Crew -The A Team

Mike Deitchman - Crew Chief

Mike Deitchman

Joan's husband Mike has crewed for her on all but one of her solo ultra races (he was also racing at the 2010 Furnace Creek 508). This will be his second crossing during Race Across America, and the first as Crew Chief.

He has a number of ultra-distance races under his belt: HooDoo 500 solo in 2008, Furnace Creek 508 solo in 2011, American River 50 Mile Run, Ultraman Canada, Ultraman World Championships, a long-run PR of 63 miles, and two Iron-distance triathlons.

Where's your favorite place that you've been?

For cool factor, I think I'd go with watching a stage of the Tour de France on the slopes of Alp d'Huez (July 2013). For the scenery, I think I'll still go with the Everest Region of Nepal, which I traveled to in 2003, though some of the places we saw in the Alps last summer weren't bad either!

Photo: Enjoying a liter at the Hofbrauhaus in Munich, Germany. July 2013

Mike lives in Cupertino, CA.


Joni Tooke

Joni Tooke

Dex's wife, Joni, has crewed for him at numerous ultra races and has been on four RAAM crews (including as crew chief for Dex).

She's an art teacher in a public elementary school who is retiring this year.

What part of the RAAM course are you most looking forward to seeing? Why?

My favorite part of the RAAM course was Monument Valley. I love the southwest desert.

Photo: Crewing RAAM

Joni lives in Del Rio, Texas.


Jeff Faillers - Mechanic/Medical

Jeff Faillers

Jeff came to us via a referral by Doug (mechanic for 2012 RAAM). He crewed for Joan and Mike at the Furnace Creek 508 in 2012.

His "day" job is as a paramedic, and he has also worked for the REI Outdoor school. He spectated the 1984 RAAM near Sirocco Summit in the Mojave Desert of Southern California.

If you could travel back in time to witness any event in history, what/where would it be?

Fausto Coppi's 1949 Tour de France win

Photo:

Jeff currently lives in El Dorado, California with his wife, Lisa.


Dex Tooke

Dex Tooke

Joni's husband, Dex, is a very experienced ultra-cyclist. He completed solo RAAM in 2011, and wrote a book about the experience, Unfinished Business. He also holds the north to south cross-state record for Texas.

He is a retired 911/Trauma Center operator and he is an author and motivational speaker.

A piece of obscure/interesting trivia about yourself?

I am a herpetologist. Back in the 1970's I was on the board of directors for the Dallas Herpetological Society. I have been bitten by a rattlesnake and chased down a narrow hallway by a 10 foot King Cobra.

Photo: Crewing RAAM

Dex lives in Del Rio, Texas with his wife Joni.


Ingrid Hillhouse

Ingrid Hillhouse

We first met Ingrid at Ultraman Canada in 2011, when she was going back and forth with Mike during the bike on Day Two. She raced with Mike at the 2013 Furnace Creek 508 (2X Unicornfish) and crewed for him at the 2014 Rocky Raccoon 100 Mile Run.

She works as a Reservoir Engineering Business Development Manager for an oil company based in Houston. She's currently plotting a return to The 508 for a solo race.

What part of the RAAM course are you most looking forward to seeing? Why?

I am interested in the ENTIRE THING!!! Really. I wish I didn’t have to sleep and it was daylight 24 hours a day!!

Photo: 2011 Ultraman Canada

Ingrid currently lives in Houston, Texas.


Kati Bak

Kati Bak

We became acquainted with Kati through Joan's involvement with the Vanderkitten VIP program. She works as a Reading/Special Education Teacher for Kindergarten through Second Grade students and is mom to her four kids.

She is an avid cyclist, motorcyclist and camper. She served in the Air National Gaurd for 23 years.

If you could travel back in time to witness any event in history, what/where would it be?

One event in history I would like to witness would have to be the liberation of the concentration camps.

Photo: With her husband Dave.

Kati currently lives in Merrill, Iowa with her husband and two younger children.


Lindsay King

Lindsay King

We became acquainted with Lindsay through Joan's involvement with the Vanderkitten VIP program. Her hobbies are cycling, soccer, hiking and weaving. She's our token Canadian crew member, eh?!

She works as a recreation/development planner and is looking forward to RAAM as an adventure.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I raised $3000 for cancer research via my ride to conquer cancer effort in the name of my grampa who died of cancer.

Photo:

Lindsay currently lives in Burlington, Ontario with her boyfriend Nate and their two cats Willoughby and Bean.


Tammy Cronin

Tammy Cronin

We became acquainted with Tammy through Joan's involvement with the Vanderkitten VIP program. She's a professional artist and designer and teaches art and LEGO engineering for students in grades Kindergarten through 3rd grade. She's an avid cyclist who once quit her job with the intention of riding throughout Italy and finding a job there. It didn't work out the way she intended, but the sense of adventure remains.

If you could travel back in time to witness any event in history, what/where would it be?

It's a toss up between the American Revolution, such ambition and courage! -- and The Italian Renaissance, with all of that talent and genius and skill -- art, architecture, and prose -- all converging all at once! Tough to decide. My super hero powers would have to help me with that one.

Photo: Pan Massachusetts Challenge 2013

Tammy currently lives in Swampscott, Massachusetts with her husband Mike and her sons Will and Chip, and their dog Rigby.


Sonya Weiser Souza - Massage Therapist

Sonya Weiser Souza

We became acquainted with Sonya through a referral from a fellow Vanderkitten VIP. She runs her own massage practice, works as a sales specialist in a bike shop, and helps coach a women's triathlon and fitness group. Before moving to Hawaii and becoming the massage therapist for the University of Hawaii Swim and Dive teams, she worked in Alaska at the Denali Park Lodge.

What part of the RAAM course are you most looking forward to seeing?

ALL OF IT!!! I've lived on an island for 14 years and this will be the longest road trip I've been on since my drive from Chicago to AK in 2000...whoohooo! ROAD TRIP!...please remind me of these words somewhere in the middle of nowhere...

Photo: Finish of her 2nd Ironman 70.3 Hawaii in 2012.

Sonya currently lives in Honolulu, Hawaii with her husband Fred


Bill Osborn - 2013 HooDoo 500

Bill Osborn

We first met Bill when he was officiating at Hoodoo 500 in 2008 when Mike raced solo. Since then we've gotten to know him through various other ultra races including RAAM where he has crewed many times. Bill enjoys cycling both on and off road, and is also an accomplished sand artist.

Bill lives in Escondido with wife Kathryn and several dogs and horses.

Kathryn Osborn - 2013 HooDoo 500

Kathryn Osborn

We first met Kathryn when she was officiating at Hoodoo 500 in 2008 when Mike raced solo. Since then we've gotten to know her through various other ultra races including RAAM where she has crewed many times. Kathryn enjoys cycling and running, especially in her pink tutu supporting Girls on the Run!

Kathryn lives in Escondido with husband Bill and several dogs and horses.

Jackson Lam - 2013 HooDoo 500

Jackson Lam

We first met Jackson during RAAM in 2012 when he was on Janet Christiansen's crew. Jackson brings a lot of energy to any crew, and a great sense of humor, which is so key to crewing at ultra cycling events!

Jackson lives in Los Angeles.

Brooke Alexander - 2013 HooDoo 500

Brooke Alexander

Brooke was referred to us by friend of a friend who has crew chiefed at Race Across America and who teaches massage (Brooke was one of her students). Brooke flew out from Virgina to crew for Joan at the 2013 HooDoo 500.

She is a certified massage therapist, and especially loves to go on adventures with her husband and friends.

Photo: With her wiener dog, Emma.

Brooke lives in Los Angeles.

Isabelle Drake - RAAM 2012

Isabelle Drake

Isabelle has taken on the role of crew chief for Race Across America. She brings her vast experience in ultra-cycling, experience as a nurse and a sense of humor that can handle the mental degeneration of the crew after the second night...

She is a Furnace Creek 508 Hall Of Famer (5 finishes, including one solo); has done Paris-Brest-Paris and was part of the record-setting 4X women's team Raw Milk Cats at the 2011 Race Across America.

If you could travel back in time to witness any event in history, what/where would it be?

Cairo, Egypt to see the construction of the Pyramid at Giza and the Sphinx.

Photo: Riding her bike, of course!

She currently lives in Laguna Beach, CA.


Tracey McQuair - Phsyiotherapist, Assistant Crew Chief (RAAM 2012)

Tracey McQuair

Tracey is the only crew member who I've not met, however she comes HIGHLY recommended by several people we know, including Wayne & Charlie. When I spoke with Tracey on the phone I knew almost instantly that she would be a fantastic addition to the crew!

As a physical therapist, one of her responsibilities will be to figure out how to keep my body functioning when it really doesn't want to anymore. Tracey is an extremely accomplished ultra athlete as well, having won the 2010 UltraMan Canada, and 2011 UltraMan United Kingdom races! She also aspires to do RAAM one day, so hopefully crewing will be both inspiring and informative.

Like Wayne & Charlie, she lives in Penticton, British Columbia, and she also has an Alberta connection, having attended the University of Alberta. I'm thrilled to have her onboard, and am looking forward to meeting her and getting to know her!

If you could only listen to one song, what would it be? What wouldn't it be?

Eminem, One Shot - I listen to it before every race...it motivates me. Anything R&B.

Photo: run portion at 2011 Ultraman Wales


Sandy Earl - Remote Overlord (RAAM 2012)

Sandy Earl

While Sandy cannot return as crew chief (she chiefed for Joan at 2010 Race Across Oregon and 2011 Race Across The West), she has agreed to be on call to assist the crew as needed. She has crewed and raced in more ultra-cycling events than any sane person would ever dream of. She is the perfect crew chief because of her dedication to the sport of ultra-cycling, her organizational skill, and the ability to keep Jason's gummy bears off the floor of the support van.

She currently resides in Arcata, CA with her boyfriend Bill and Cog The Dog; and is busy plotting her revenge on RAAM.

Favorite Food:

York Peppermint Patties

Photo: at the Davis 24-Hour Challenge

http://tailwindscycling.blogspot.com


Mike Deitchman - Web/Photography (RAAM 2012)

Mike Deitchman

Joan's husband Mike has crewed for her on all of her ultracycling adventures except for the 2010 Furnace Creek 508, when he was attempting it solo himself. His background in ultra-endurance sports includes Ultraman Canada 2011, 2011 American River 50 Mile Run, two Ironman Triathlons, a finish at the 2008 HooDoo 500, two attempts and one finish at The Furnace Creek 508 (2009 and 2010; finished in 2011), 17 double centuries and one triple century.

All of this while doing freelance web design work and studying Web Design at The Art Institute of Sunnyvale (on track to graduate in September 2012).

Where is your favorite place that you've been?

The top of Lembert Dome (in Yosemite National Park next to Tuolumne Meadows). I always liked it for the view. It now holds sentimental attachment since it is where I proposed to Joan.

Photo: With cycling legends Jim Ochowicz and Davis Phinney

http://www.deitchman.net


Katie Grant (RAAM 2012)

Katie Grant

Joan's younger sister crewed for her at the 2009 Race Across Oregon. Her sense of humor went a long way when Joan was suffering on day two of that race. She's a specialist at making ham & cheese rollups.

She loves to travel, and has been to the summit of Kilimanjaro (highest point in Africa) among other exotic places. She is currently attending school in Edmonton, Alberta pursuing a degree in Nursing.

If you could travel back in time to witness any event in history, what/where would it be?

Trickier, history is endless...to the time of Noah to secure a berth for the unicorns.

Photo: In the woods, along the Avenue Of The Giants (northern California Redwoods)


Doug Marsh - Mechanic (Durango to Finish -RAAM 2012)

Doug Marsh

Mike met Doug when they both started working at REI-Cupertino way back in August of 1995. They have rock climbed and trekked in Nepal together over the years.

Doug is the head mechanic at the REI store in Folsom, CA; and brings many years of experience working on bikes and tinkering. How many people do you know who have built their own skis? He also has the ability to stay calm in a crisis, a very worthy trait to have in a crew person.

He lives in Cameron Park, CA with his wife Allyn.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

I was a Base Camp Manager for the 2000 Everest Environmental Expedition that completed the largest environmental cleanup ever on Mount Everest. Over a period of 6 weeks, our climbing team members hauled tons of trash off of the mountain and recovered more than 600 discarded oxygen bottles from as high as 26,000 feet.

Photo: Going out for a spin on a pennyfarthing...


Dawn Chuck (RAAM 2012)

Dawn Chuck

While Dawn has not crewed for Joan before, she comes highly recommended by people she has crewed for in the past. And she must have the heart of a saint: she put up with Bob and Jay of team Spike The Wonder Dog at the 2010 and 2011 Furnace Creek 508.

She was also on the four person team Spike The Wonder Dog in 2009 at The 508.

If you could have one super hero power, what would it be?

Since I love to travel, but hate to fly--I wish I had the super hero power to teletransport myself places!

Photo: At an aid station during RAGBRAI.

She currently lives in Los Altos, CA.


Wayne Llewellyn (RAAM 2012)

Wayne Llewellyn

We met Wayne and his wife Charlie at Ultraman Canada in 2011. He has completed nine Ironman triathlons as well as Ultraman Canada. He has a great sense of humor, and should make a fine addition to the crew.

He recently relocated to Penticton, British Columbia from his native Alberta.

Obscure/Interesting Personal Trivia

My last guitar gig was July 23 at the Banff Center and I have two more planned - one in Jasper on April 21 and another at the Wine Summit in Lake Louise on May 23.

Photo: Finish at Ironman Canada


Charlie Llewellyn (RAAM 2012)

Charlie Llewellyn

We met Charlie and her husband Wayne at Ultraman Canada in 2011. She has done numerous Ironman triathlons, and edged out Wayne at Ultraman for family bragging rights.

She lives in Penticton, British Columbia; the endurance sports mecca of Canada.

If you could have one super hero power, what would it be?

Not a super hero, but always wanted to be like Samantha Stevens in Bewitched.

Photo: At Ultraman Canada check-in 2011.


Alan Bell (RAAM 2012)

Alan Bell

I know Alan through Integrate Performance Fitness - the studio where I do strength training and spin classes. Without Alan, I'm not sure who Al (the instructor and dictator supreme) would pick on! ; )

Alan is very thoughtful and sincere, and although he's generally quiet, if you can get him to open up he has some pretty cool stories/ experiences to share! For example he's built his own computer, has his name on about 20 patents, has navigated at all day car rallies, and has completed all 5 passes of the Death Ride! Given all this expertise, we'll be looking to Alan to help out with electronics and navigation.

Alan resides in Los Altos, CA, and I'm looking forward to having him join us and be the electronics/power guru!

Day Job

Scientist/Engineer at Palo Alto Research Center


Donna Walker (RAAM 2012)

Donna Walker

Donna is the latest addition to my crew, and I’m thrilled that she was able to commit on such short notice! I’ve not met Donna, but she’s a friend of Charlie & Wayne’s from Calgary, and came highly recommended! She’s a triathlete and mountaineer, and a fellow Albertan. I’m looking forward to meeting Donna and welcoming her to our band of misfits! ;)

Donna resides in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and I'm looking forward to having her join us for this adventure!

Favorite Place Visited

Nepal and diving in Bali


Justin Burstein (Durango to Finish -RAAM 2012)

Justin Burstein

We met Justin through Erin. They were teammates together on the Stanford University triathlon team, and he crewed for Erin at Ultraman Canada in 2011.

Justin possesses the all-important traits in a RAAM crewmember: boundless enthusiasm and a sharp wit.

He lives in Austin, Texas with his girlfriend Aileen.

If you could only listen to one song, what would it be? What wouldn't it be?

Something long would be the one song to listen to. Can I count the Wagner Ring Cycle as one song? That might be pushing it. Maybe more modest would be the Ralph Vaughn Williams Tuba Concerto. I'm pretty sure that'd be at least one person's do-not-want song. One song not to listen to...anything dubstep. Pandora keeps trying to play that for me.

Photo: Halloween, perhaps...


Willy Nevin (to Durango -RAAM 2012)

Willy Nevin

Another crewmember with tons of ultra-cycling experience. We first met Willy at the 2009 Furnace Creek 508 when he was racing solo as Long-Eared Jerboa. He has finished the Furnace Creek 508 three times, including one solo.

He also has ridden Paris-Brest-Paris where he met crew chief Isabelle Drake and crewed for her team at Race Across America in 2011.

He has a masters degree in tax, and works as a Tax CPA. He and his wife Jennifer live in Pacifica, CA.

Proudest Accomplishment

I went back to college later in life. I managed to get my BS in Accounting and a Masters in Tax from SDSU which led me to my wife which led me up to the Bay Area and three great girls. So if you want to live in a great area for cycling, go back to school : )

Photo: racing cyclocross


Carson Grant - 2008 Furnace Creek 508

Carson Grant

Joan's younger brother crewed for her on her first ultra-cycling endeavor, the 2008 Furnace Creek 508. He has a fondness for discussing everything from the mundane nature of existance to whether CS Lewis knew what he was talking about. Or perhaps he just likes to argue with his brother...

He is currently studying Veterinary Medicine at the University Of Calgary. He enjoys riding his bike when it's not -30 outside...

Photo: In Yosemite Valley, March 2010


Donna Nice - 2009 Race Across Oregon

Donna Nice

Donna crewed for Joan at the 2009 Race Across Oregon. She has the kind of boundless energy that makes for a good crewmember. She also had no problem suggesting to Mike that he put shoes on when his feet were getting a bit ripe in the 100+ degree weather on day two...

She has made her own foray into ultracycling, with a valiant effort at the 2009 Furnace Creek 508. The winds that year are the stuff of legend. That she made it as far as she did speaks well of her tenacity and endurance.

Photo: 2009 Race Across Oregon


Jeff Deslich - 2009 HooDoo 500

Jeff Deslich

Diana's fiance is equally adept at finding humor in anything. Whether riding National Forest signs or dancing on the side of a deserted highway, he knows how to get the rider thinking of anything but how much it hurts to be on the bike. He's pretty handy at fixing electrical things, which is good when your lights stop working at mile 400! He crewed for Joan at the 2009 HooDoo 500.

He hangs his hat in Palo Alto, CA and is training for several 50 mile runs, and hopes to get into the Western States 100 some time soon.

Photo: During the 2009 HooDoo 500


Lee "Fuzzy" Mitchell - 2010 RAO

Lee Mitchell

If you have done any cycling event in northern California over 100 miles, you've undoubtedly met Lee. He's the guy driving SAG who has every model of wheel conceivable on the roof of his van. Just in case. It was an honor to have him on the crew for Race Across Oregon in 2010.

Lee has been part of several team RAAM records, the most recent of which was the Great Grand PAC Masters 4X team in 2009. The average age of the four members was 75!

Photo: 2010 Race Across Oregon


Elise Ross - 2010 Furnace Creek 508

Elise Ross

Elise stepped in at the last minute to crew at the 2010 Furnace Creek 508, and proved herself to be a worthy crew person. She was able to stay awake and alert for 45 hours straight, and was an expert Lanacane applier! At the Davis 24 Hour event in 2010 while crewing for Sandy she was able to inspire other riders by handing out enormous strawberries!

She lives in Oregon and has crewed at several ultra cycling events, including Race Across America. She's also an avid cyclist herself.

Photo: Holding a kitty...


Louise McCracken - 2010 FC 508

Louise McCracken

Louise was crew chief at the 2010 Furnace Creek 508 where she was put to the test with what turned out to be a much more elongated and grueling event than what was anticipated! Having raced the 508 on both 2 person and 4 person teams the two previous years, Louise knew the course well and was able to provide strong leadership and organizational skills.

When Louise is not cycling herself, she can be found on the dance floor where she'll knock your socks off with her impressive dance moves!

Photo: Death Valley Spring Double?


Paul Duren - 2010 FC 508

Paul Duren

Paul has crewed for other 508 riders in the past, but typically much faster riders (eg. David Holt), so crewing at the 2010 Furnace Creek 508 for Nanook was a bit of a different experience in that it utilized much of the allotted time! Being a gadget guy he was able to stay on top of the technology side of the race and provide updates throughout.

Paul has ridden numerous double century rides and brevets, up to and including Paris-Brest-Paris, the grand-daddy of ultra-cycling events.

Photo: 2007 Paris-Brest-Paris

Diana Garbarino - 2011 Race Across The West, 2009 HooDoo 500

Diana Garbarino

Diana has a knack for finding ways to motivate tired and grumpy cyclists at 4:00 AM on night two of a race. She understands that humor is often what it takes. This of course makes her the perfect crewperson. That and a willingness to sing karaoke over the loudspeaker... She crewed for Joan at the 2009 HooDoo 500.

She lives in Palo Alto, CA and completed Ironman Cozumel and plenty of other crazy races in 2011...

Photo: During the 2009 HooDoo 500


Jason Pierce - 2011 Race Across The West

Jason Pierce

Jason is the kind of guy you want on your crew for an ultra. Not only is he pretty handy with the bike tools; he has a great sense of humor. The kind of humor you want to throw out of the van at 2:30 AM on the second night of a race. Which makes him perfect. Everyone else is batty too! Jason crewed for Joan at the 2010 Race Across Oregon.

Aside from his techy "real job", Jason works part-time at Stone's Cyclery in Alameda, CA. He lives in Oakland with his cats, guitars and bikes. He finished the 2011 Furnace Creek 508 solo on only four of his bikes!

Photo: Death Valley Spring Double Century


Peter Grant - 2011 Race Across the West, 2008 Furnace Creek 508

Peter Grant

Joan's younger brother crewed for her on her first ultracycling endeavour, the 2008 Furnace Creek 508, and again at Race Across the West in 2011. He is legendary for his ability to drive for nearly 30 hours straight. You know who got the late night shift!

Peter has a fondness for travel, and wants to see as much of the world as possible. So crewing is an excuse for him to see new parts of the continent. Peter currently lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia with his fiance Louise and enjoys classical music and acting.

Photo: During the 2008 Furnace Creek 508


Sheila Stevens - 2011 Race Across the West

Sheila Stevens

Sheila proved herself an outstanding crew mom at Race Across The West in 2011, keeping the crew "sane" at least most of the way to Durango! Outside of crewing she's known for her fabulous pie crusts and pizza dough, her bowling prowess, beating Jason at board games, and being part of one of the strongest and fastest tandem duos out there with her husband Russ.

Photo: At the pre-race meeting for the 2010 HooDoo 500 with Russ