James Burger

Who, above all, are your greatest sporting inspirations? Richard Kondzielaski, because I watched him pedal a bicycle for almost eleven days straight; Major Taylor, because he’s Major Taylor; Miguel Indurain, because I used to subscribe to Velo News; Paul O’Neil, because I have a tangential relationship to him and he generously helped me with a project when I asked; Pele, but only because I met him when I was a child.

What preparations have you employed for RAAM ‘04?
RAAM ‘00 and RAO ‘03; bought a bigger camera bag.

Ultimate RAAM ‘04 goal?
To win safely and undeniably and, afterwards, to welcome as many other finishers as possible before fainting, finally, from exhaustion.

Obstacles to reaching this goal?
CA, AZ, NM, TX, OK, KS, MO, IL, IN, OH, WV, MD, PA, & NJ; headwinds

What challenges you the most about RAAM?
Retaining the ability to stay alert with such a singular mission for such an extended period of time.

What attracts you the most about RAAM?
It’s unique, positive, and inspiring. George and Terri make a pretty attractive couple, too, I think. (Also, see above.)

Favorite quotes, either famous or not, that fuel your ambition?
“The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it.”—Moliere

“In Dreams Begin Responsibilities”—Delmore Schwartz (story title, actually)

“There is no perfect time; there is only now.”—?

“Perception breeds reality.”—me (as far as I know)